The appeal and evaluation of Mobile Suit Gundam -The Witch of Mercury- [PROLOGUE]

Detailed review and recommendation of Mobile Suit Gundam -The Witch of Mercury- [PROLOGUE]

Overview

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury [PROLOGUE] is an original anime work released on September 4, 2022, and has attracted attention as a new chapter in the Gundam series. This prologue introduces the background of the story and the main characters, presenting viewers with a new view of the Gundam world. It was distributed on many platforms, including Bandai Channel, Gundam Fan Club, Hulu, ABEMA, U-NEXT, d Anime Store, TELASA, J:COM On Demand Mega Pack, milplus, WOWOW On Demand, Prime Video, Hikari TV, Anime Unlimited, and Furatto Video. Although it is a short episode of 24 minutes, with only one episode, the content is very dense and left a strong impression on viewers.

story

The Front, Volkvang, was built on an asteroid. In the Vanadis Organization's laboratory, operational tests of the Gundam Lubris were being conducted. Test pilot Elnora Samaya was growing increasingly impatient with the Lubris not being able to meet the conditions imposed by the Council. It was her daughter, Ericto's, fourth birthday. This prologue depicts Elnora's daily life with her family and the pressures she is under, while skillfully expressing the tension surrounding the development of the Gundam Lubris.

character

The main characters are as follows.

• Erikt Samaya : A 4-year-old girl who lives with her family in Folkvang. Daughter of Elnora and Nadim. She is innocent and curious to the point that her parents sometimes have a hard time dealing with her. Her voice actress, Kana Ichinose, skillfully expresses her childishness and innocence.
• Elnora Samaya : A researcher at the Vanadis Institute and a test pilot for the Gundam Rubris. The mother of the Samaya family, who loves her family. Voiced by Mamiko Noto, she perfectly portrays both the kindness of a mother and the strength of a pilot.
• Nadim Samaya : Development manager of Gundam Lubris. Seconded from Ox Earth Corporation to the Vanadis Agency. Father of the Samaya family. Voiced by Dai Tsuchida, he exudes love for his family and a sense of responsibility for his work.
• Cardo Nabo : A researcher who serves as the head of the Vanadis Organization. He is respected by other researchers as a leading authority on the theory of the "GUND Format." Voiced by Miyuki Ichijo, he impresses with his knowledge and dignity.
• Naira Bertrand : A researcher at the Vanadis Institute. She serves as an operator and is involved in testing the Gundam Lubris. Voiced by Sachiko Kojima, she exudes a professional attitude and friendship.
• Wendy Orent : A researcher at the Vanadis Institute. As a test pilot, she is a junior to Elnora. She is close to Nyla. Her voice is provided by Daichiha, giving her a sense of youth and potential for growth.
• Delling Rembrandt : An executive at Grasley Defense Systems and a direct subordinate to CEO Sarius. A former military man with extraordinary ambition, he devises a plan. Voiced by Naoya Uchida, he exudes ambition and ruthlessness.
• Sarius Zeneri : The experienced and powerful CEO of Grasley Corporation. One of the authorities that make up the Mobile Suit Development Council. Voiced by Atsushi Ono, he exudes power and wisdom.
• Vim Jetark : A member of the Mobile Suit Development Council and the son and subordinate of the CEO of Jetark Corporation. A candidate for the company's next CEO. Voiced by Tetsuo Kanao, he exudes youth and ambition.
• Kenanji Avery : A pilot of the Dominicos Squad, a special unit of the Mobile Suit Development Council. He pilots the Grasley mobile suit, the Begilbeu, and demonstrates his skills. Voiced by Youji Ueda, he exudes the dignity of a combat professional.

staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of this work.

• Director : Hiroshi Kobayashi
• Series composition and script : Ichiro Okouchi
• Original character design : Mogumo
• Character design : Marie Tagashira, Juri Toida, Hirotoshi Takaya
• Mechanical design : JNTHED, Kanetake Ebikawa, Wataru Inada, Ippei Katabe, Kenji Teraoka, Takayuki Yanase
• Chief mecha animators : Shinya Kusumegi, Kanta Suzuki, Kiyoaki Maeda
• Assistant Director : Ryo Ando
• Setting research : Seiichi Shirato
• SF research : Yuya Takashima
• Mechanical Coordinator : Ryoji Kansai
• Setting cooperation : HISADAKE
• Prop design : PETER (drawing), Estio
• Concept art : Hayashi Kenben
• Technical Director : Yohei Miyahara
• Art design : Ariaki Okada, Kenichi Morioka, Kazushige Kanehira, Junichiro Tamamori, Yasuyoshi Kamizu
• Art director : Ayumi Sato
• Color design : Kazuko Kikuchi
• 3DCG Director : Shinichi Miyakaze
• Monitor graphics : Kaori Seki
• Director of photography : Shota Kodera
• Edited by : Kengo Shigemura
• Sound Director : Aketagawa Jin
• Music : Takashi Omama
• Produced by : Bandai Namco Filmworks, Sotsu, MBS

Main Robot Items

The following mobile suits will appear in this prologue:

• Gundam Lubris : A prototype developed by Ox Earth Corporation. It is one of the "GUND-ARM" mobile suits that uses the revolutionary technology of the GUND format, and is equipped with a shield made up of a group weapon system called the Gambit. Its model number is XGF-02, its height is 18.0m, and its weight is 49.3t.
• Gundam Lubris Mass Production Prototype : A mass production version of Gundam Lubris manufactured by Ox Corporation. Equipped with a large launcher that stores the Gambit on its back. Model number is XGF-01, height at head is 18.0m, weight is 49.1t.
• Begilbeu : A mobile suit developed by Grasley Defense Systems. It is a high-performance machine equipped with the latest technology in every area, and was deployed to the Dominicos Unit, a special forces unit of the Mobile Suit Development Council. Its model number is CEK-040, its height is 18.3m, and its weight is 55.1t.
• Haingla : A mass-produced mobile suit manufactured by Grasley. It is used by the Dominicos Squadron as an escort for the Begilbeu. Its model number is CCP-068, its height is 18.6m, and its weight is 54.7t.

Related Titles

This prologue is related to the following works:

• Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury Season 1
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury Season 2

Evaluation

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury [PROLOGUE] is an important work that marks a new development in the Gundam series. Although it is a short episode, it skillfully depicts the background of the story and the relationships between the characters, leaving a strong impression on viewers. In particular, the way it contrasts Elnora's daily life with her family with the pressures of her work stirs emotions in viewers. In addition, the design of the Gundam Rubris and the battle scenes are visually very appealing, making it an element that Gundam fans cannot miss.

The voice actors for the characters are also excellent, especially Noto Mamiko as Elnora and Ichinose Kana as Erico, whose performances convey a deep sense of the relationship between mother and daughter. Tsuchida Dai as Nadim also perfectly expresses the love for his family and the sense of responsibility for his work, drawing out the viewer's sympathy. In addition, Ichijo Miyuki as Cardo Nabo and Uchida Naoya as Deling Rembrandt also leave a strong impression of the individuality of their characters.

The technical skills of the staff are also highly commendable. Director Kobayashi Hiroshi has succeeded in drawing viewers in with his skillful portrayal of the tension and family warmth of the story. Series composer and screenwriter Okochi Ichiro has respected the traditions of the Gundam series while introducing new elements to provide fresh surprises for viewers. The character and mechanical designs are also visually very appealing, enriching the worldview of the Gundam series.

Recommendation

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury [PROLOGUE] is highly recommended not only for fans of the Gundam series, but also for those interested in anime and science fiction works. In particular, the relationship between Elnora and Elect will resonate with those who like stories that depict family ties and personal growth. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the designs and battle scenes of new mobile suits such as Gundam Rubris and Begilbeu.

This prologue also serves as an introduction to the sequels Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury Season 1 and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury Season 2, introducing viewers to a new worldview of Gundam. If you want to enjoy the story development and character growth, start watching with this prologue. It will be a great opportunity to experience a new chapter in the Gundam series.

Another attractive feature of this work is that it is available on many distribution platforms, making it easy to watch. You can watch it on your favorite platform, such as Bandai Channel, Gundam Fan Club, Hulu, ABEMA, U-NEXT, d Anime Store, TELASA, J:COM On Demand Mega Pack, milplus, WOWOW On Demand, Prime Video, Hikari TV, Animehodai, and Furatto Video. Please take this opportunity to watch "Mobile Suit Gundam -The Witch of Mercury- [PROLOGUE]" and experience the new world of Gundam.