Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is a Gundam franchise series produced by Sunrise. First aired in 2002, the series is one of the most well-known in the Gundam franchise. Set in a fictional world separate from previous Gundam series, Gundam SEED presents a complex conflict between two major human factions, the Earth Alliance and ZAFT, engaged in a war known as the "Valentine War." 

Its story highlights themes such as war, friendship, and moral dilemmas, while introducing complex characters and iconic mecha designs. Gundam SEED is also known for its appealing character designs and stunning animation, garnering a large fanbase worldwide. The series has spawned several sequels, spin-offs, and other media adaptations, making it one of the most successful and influential Gundam franchises.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Synopsis

In the tumultuous year 70 C.E., the conflict between PLANT and the Earth Alliance reached unprecedented levels of intensity with the devastating nuclear attack on the Junius Seven agricultural plant. Despite the Alliance's numerical advantage, the war stagnated for eleven long months, caught in a brutal stalemate.

Amidst this backdrop, Kira Yamato, a young engineering student and Coordinator, resides peacefully in the neutral colony of Heliopolis within the nation of Orb. However, tranquility shatters when the Alliance secretly develops advanced mobile suits and a new battleship within Heliopolis. Learning of this, ZAFT's Le Creuset Team launches a daring operation to seize these assets, plunging Kira into the heart of conflict. As the colony transforms into a battleground, Kira finds himself piloting the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam against his childhood friend Athrun Zala, now his adversary.

Yet, beneath the surface of this conflict lies a web of intrigue and manipulation, with forces far more sinister than either side could imagine.

Cast

Featuring an ensemble cast of talented voice actors, including Akira Ishida, Samuel Vincent, and Louie Paraboles, each character brings depth and emotion to their roles, captivating audiences worldwide.

Soundtrack

The evocative soundtrack of Gundam SEED, composed by Toshihiko Sahashi, remains a masterpiece in anime music history. From the stirring openings by T.M.Revolution and Nami Tamaki to the poignant endings by See-Saw and Mika Nakashima, each song enriches the series' narrative and emotional resonance.

Phases

With each episode, or "Phase," Mobile Suit Gundam SEED unfolds its gripping storyline, captivating viewers with its blend of intense action, political intrigue, and profound character development. From "False Peace" to "To a Future that Never Ends," each Phase contributes to the series' epic narrative arc.

Production

Under the visionary direction of Mitsuo Fukuda, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED brought together a team of talented animators and writers, led by the late Chiaki Morosawa. Their collaboration birthed a series that transcended the boundaries of traditional mecha anime, exploring themes of war, friendship, and the human condition.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny

"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny" (機動戦士ガンダムSEED Destiny Kidō Senshi Gandamu Shīdo Desuteini) is a 2004 anime television series directed by Mitsuo Fukuda. It serves as a sequel set two years after the events of "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED," marking the second Gundam series within the Cosmic Era timeline.

Premiere and Specials

The series premiered in Japan on October 9, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. on the JNN TV stations. Additionally, two television specials were released: "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny EDITED," exhibited between episodes 15 and 16, and "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Final Plus: The Chosen Future," which aired on December 25, 2005.

Plot Overview

Set in C.E. 73, the story revolves around the hijacking of advanced mobile suits by the Earth Alliance special task force, Phantom Pain, leading to escalating conflicts and the outbreak of another war. Despite its success in ratings, "Gundam SEED Destiny" couldn't surpass the popularity of its predecessor, "Gundam SEED."

Compilations and Spin-offs

Several compilations, known as "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Special Edition," were released, focusing on refining aspects of the series. Additionally, spin-offs like "Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER" and various manga adaptations further expanded the universe of "Gundam SEED Destiny."

Cast and Crew

The series boasts a diverse cast, including notable voice actors like Akira Ishida, Maaya Sakamoto, and Kenichi Suzumura. Mitsuo Fukuda directed the series, with Chiaki Morosawa as the series writer, and Hisashi Hirai as the character designer.

Music and Phases

Featuring iconic opening and ending themes, such as "Ignited" and "Wings of Words," the series also includes memorable insert songs like "Fields of Hope" and "Meteor." The storyline unfolds across 50 episodes, each with its own title and airdate.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Eclipse

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Eclipse (機動戦士ガンダムSEED ECLIPSE Kidō Senshi Gandamu Shīdo Ekuripusu) is a manga created by Atsushi Soga and SOW in 2021. Set in the Cosmic Era, it is currently serialized in the Gundam Ace magazine and released internationally by Gundam.Info as a motion-comic.

Synopsis

In C.E. 72, an era later dubbed the "two blank years," the fragile peace hangs in balance. This narrative unfolds during this interim period, amidst the calm before an impending storm. It follows the members of the Orb Disaster Relief Team (ODR) as they navigate the dangerous space between two major conflicts..

Characters

Orb Disaster Relief Team (ODR)

• Tatsumi Hori
• Miyabi Oto Kiou
• Ken Norland Suse
• Ernesto

Anti-factice

• Joel Jeanmaire-Giraud
• Vare

Mechanics

ODR

• MVF-X08 Eclipse Gundam
• MVF-X08+EW452HW Eclipse Gundam Maneuver Striker Pack Equipped
• MVF-X08+EW453R Eclipse Gundam Raijin Striker Pack Equipped
• MVF-X08R2 Eclipse Gundam Reactor 2
• TMF/A-802 BuCUE (Modified)

Anti-factice

• ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior
• GAT-X130 Aile Calamity Gundam
• ZGMF-1017GR GINN Gladiator

South American militants

• ZGMF-1017 GINN

Port of Singapore Labor Union

• ZGMF-1017 GINN
• AMF-101 DINN

Production

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Eclipse was announced on May 28, 2021, during the opening ceremony of the Life-size Freedom Gundam statue in Shanghai, as part of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED PROJECT ignited. It is set in C.E. 72, bridging the events of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Release

The series debuted in monthly serialization in Gundam Ace on July 26, 2021. Simultaneously, Gundam.Info began publishing the English translation as a motion-comic on their YouTube channel and website. Standalone volumes will commence publication on February 26, 2022[3].

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom 

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (機動戦士ガンダムSEED FREEDOM) is a Japanese animated film released on January 26, 2024. It marks the fourth animated installment of the SEED series, serving as a sequel to the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Synopsis

In C.E.75, amidst ongoing conflicts and independence movements, a global peace monitoring agency called COMPASS is established to address the turmoil. Lacus Clyne assumes the role of its first president, aiming to quell tensions. As members of COMPASS, Kira Yamato and his allies engage in various regional conflicts. A new nation called Foundation proposes a joint operation against a stronghold held by Blue Cosmos.

Characters

• COMPASS: Lacus Clyne, Kira Yamato, Shinn Asuka, Lunamaria Hawke, Agnes Giebenrath, Murrue Ramius, Mu La Flaga, Alexei Konoe, Albert Heinlein, Hilda Harken, Herbert Von Reinhard, Mars Simeon
• Foundation: Aura Maha Khyber, Orphee Lam Tao, Shura Serpentine, Ingrid Tradoll, Redelard Tradoll, Daniel Harper, Liu Shenqiang, Griffin Arbalest
• Orb Union: Cagalli Yula Athha, Toyah Mashima
• Terminal: Athrun Zala, Meyrin Hawke
• PLANT/ZAFT: Yzak Joule, Dearka Elsman
• Earth Alliance: Blue Cosmos
• Others: Birdy, Blue

Music

The film features songs such as "FREEDOM" by Takanori Nishikawa and Tetsuya Komuro, "Boukyou" by Mika Nakajima and Tetsuya Komuro, "Meteor" by T.M.Revolution, and "Sarigiwa no Romantics" by See-Saw.

Production

Originally announced in 2006 as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Movie at Sony Music Anime Fes' 06, it faced delays due to screenwriter Chiaki Morosawa's illness. In 2021, it was transferred to Mobile Suit Gundam SEED PROJECT ignited. The film, titled Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM, was officially unveiled on July 2, 2023. Various promotional videos and songs were released leading up to its premiere on January 26, 2024.

Release

The English-subtitled version premiered in Australian cinemas on March 14, 2024, with exclusive screenings in Sydney and Melbourne. It also premiered in New Zealand on the same date. The UK and Ireland premiere took place on March 23 and 24, with an exclusive early screening in London on March 17. Additionally, it was licensed in English-speaking Southeast Asian countries with screenings in Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Series Gunpla