by Wesley Hague

Well if anyone has been around me for any length of time has probably heard me refer to the word “Gundam.” Unless you have had previous experience with the show or other Japanese Animation (Anime for short) then you probably have no clue what I have been talking about.

Premise: The Setting for the two Seasons is sometime in the future on earth. It is set up between two groups of people who are at odds against each other. One group is the “Natural” plain ordinary humans who have existed since the dawn of time, and “Co-ordinators” Genetically enhanced humans from birth to be able to be stronger, faster, smarter than the “Naturals.” To top it off war is quite often trigger because of fear, racism.

Feature: The biggest feature of watching Gundam for most is the Combat. The characters fight, piloting huge Robotic Suits called Gundams from where the T.V. show takes its name. Combat can be quite intense, as you watch the character perform next to impossible feats, all animated in typical anime style. Yet despite how fun watching these sense are the show has more depth than that. There is a lot of character development. Characters struggle between right and wrong as they agonize over the choice they are making or are forced to make. One example is the Main character. Kiera is a “co-ordinator forced into a position to defend his “Natural” friends, unfortunately at the time one of his opponents is an old best friend “Athrun.” The feeling between these two combatants is intense. Both end up killing each other’s friends in battle, and both end up locked in combat determined to kill each other. Yet you watch both character suffer greatly because of these decisions.

Cons: The show is and can be quite violent yet not that graphic Some of the scenes can stick in your head, because of their both being somewhat graphic and the emotion behind those scenes. There are some images of a mature nature in this show. There are quite a few images of a graphic nature sprinkled throughout the show. Viewer discretion is advised.

Pros: Gudam Seed stirs up a lot of thought as any person thinking through what they watch will begin to think about the topics covered. Is War ever okay? What about fighting in a war as self defense? Can you actually fight for peace? When, if at all, is it okay to stand up and fight? Or should we just let ourselves be bullied and then forced to fight? A lot of thought is put into this show and it reflects it.

Recommendations: If you like Anime and or are not offended by the rarely occasional mature images and the intense combat. Then give the show a try, you may actually like it and it may actually make you think.