Mobile Suit Gundam: A Guide to Starting and Watching

Find out where to start and what shows are worth watching in the Gundam franchise. Explore the Universal Century timeline and other standalone timelines. Discover the must-watch series and the ones that can be skipped. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Mobile Suit Gundam!

Mobile Suit Gundam: A Guide to Starting and Watching

If you’re not familiar with Gundam, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. With over 36 years of history and a complex timeline, it can be difficult to navigate the Gundam franchise. However, fear not! This guide will help you figure out where to begin and which shows are worth your time.

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The first timeline in the Gundam franchise is the Universal Century. It started with the original Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979 and is the most extensive timeline in the series. This timeline is characterized by the conflict between Earth and its rebel space colonies, with the Earth Federation portrayed as the good side and the Republic of Zeon as the villains. If you want to delve into the Universal Century, start with Mobile Suit Gundam, the show that kicked off the entire franchise.

Exploring the Universal Century Timeline

The Universal Century timeline is the heart and soul of the Gundam franchise. It offers a rich and complex narrative that spans multiple series and movies. To fully appreciate this timeline, here are some key shows worth watching:

Gundam: The Origin (UC 0068): This origin story provides more context to the political intrigue in Mobile Suit Gundam. Worth watching for a deeper understanding of the One Year War.
Mobile Suit Gundam (UC 0079): The basis of the Universal Century timeline, this show introduces the concept of the “mobile suit” weapon. It may be slow-paced for modern viewers, but it’s worth watching for its historical significance.
The 08th MS Team (UC 0079): This side story follows a single unit on the East Asian front, offering a different perspective on the war. A must-watch for fans of gritty war stories.
0080: War in the Pocket (UC 0079-80): This side story follows a child protagonist and depicts the horrors of war. It’s a poignant and emotional series that shouldn’t be missed.
Zeta Gundam (UC 0087): A direct sequel to Mobile Suit Gundam, this series introduces a new protagonist and continues the story with a fresh redemption arc for Char. A must-watch for any Gundam fan.
Gundam Unicorn (UC 0096): This visually stunning series serves as an origin story and a capstone to the Universal Century timeline. Its high production values make it a must-watch for any fan of the franchise.

These shows offer a comprehensive and immersive experience within the Universal Century timeline. They provide a deeper understanding of the conflicts, characters, and themes that define the Gundam franchise.

Exploring Other Timelines

Aside from the Universal Century, there are other timelines in the Gundam franchise that offer standalone stories and don’t require prior knowledge. Here are some notable timelines worth exploring:

After Colony: This timeline features the conflict between Earth and space colonies, with Gundam Wing as the starting point. However, this series has not aged well and is not recommended.
Cosmic Era: Set in a world where regular Earthlings clash with genetically modified “Coordinators,” Gundam Seed is the first series in this timeline. While it suffers from wooden dialogue, it’s worth watching for fans of the franchise.
Our Century: This unique timeline is set in the same universe as the viewer and revolves around people building and battling with Gundam models. Gundam Build Fighters is the starting point and is highly recommended for its compelling plot and engaging characters.

These standalone timelines offer fresh perspectives and unique stories within the Gundam universe. While they may not have the same historical significance as the Universal Century, they provide enjoyable and accessible entry points for new viewers.

One-Shot Centuries and Conclusion

In addition to the main timelines, there are several one-shot centuries in the Gundam franchise. These standalone series take place in their own unique settings and don’t require prior knowledge. They include After War, Future Century, Anno Domini, Advanced Generation, and Regild Century.

With such a vast and diverse franchise, it’s understandable that choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Whether you decide to explore the extensive Universal Century timeline or dive into one of the standalone timelines, there’s something for everyone in Gundam. So grab your mobile suit and start watching!