Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Platforms: PlayStation 3
- Developers: FromSoftware
- Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2012): A Timeless Masterpiece of Mecha Anime
Introduction
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn is a 2012 Japanese anime television series set in the Universal Century timeline of the Gundam franchise. The series was produced by Sunrise and directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, with character designs by Kumiko Takahashi and mechanical designs by Hajime Katoki. The series aired on MBS from April to December 2012, and was later released on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan and North America.
Gundam Unicorn is a side story to the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, and is set several years after the events of Char’s Counterattack. The series follows the story of Banagher Links, a young man who becomes the pilot of the titular Gundam Unicorn, a powerful mobile suit with the ability to transform into Destroy Mode. Banagher and the Unicorn become embroiled in a conflict between the Earth Federation and the Neo Zeon remnants, and must fight to prevent the outbreak of a new war.
Plot
The story of Gundam Unicorn begins in the year U.C. 0096, three years after the end of Char’s Counterattack. The Earth Federation has achieved a period of relative peace and prosperity, but tensions are still high between the Federation and the remnants of the Principality of Zeon.
Banagher Links is a young man who lives in the space colony of Industrial 7. He is a skilled pilot, and dreams of one day becoming a mobile suit pilot like his father. One day, Banagher encounters the Gundam Unicorn, a mysterious mobile suit that has been hidden away in the colony. Banagher is chosen by the Unicorn to be its pilot, and he soon finds himself caught up in a conflict between the Earth Federation and the Neo Zeon remnants.
The Neo Zeon remnants are led by Full Frontal, a charismatic leader who seeks to revive the Principality of Zeon and avenge the defeat of Char Aznable. Full Frontal possesses the Laplace’s Box, a mysterious artifact that contains the key to the secrets of the Universal Century. The Earth Federation is determined to prevent Full Frontal from obtaining the Laplace’s Box, and sends a task force to Industrial 7 to retrieve the Unicorn.
Banagher and the Unicorn must fight their way through the Earth Federation task force and the Neo Zeon remnants in order to protect the Laplace’s Box. Along the way, they learn more about the secrets of the Universal Century and the true nature of the Gundam Unicorn.
Characters
- Banagher Links: The protagonist of the series, Banagher is a young man who becomes the pilot of the Gundam Unicorn. He is a skilled pilot and a compassionate person, and he believes in the power of words to resolve conflict.
- Audrey Burne: A mysterious young woman who appears to be connected to the Laplace’s Box. She is a skilled pilot and a powerful Newtype, and she fights alongside Banagher against the Neo Zeon remnants.
- Full Frontal: The leader of the Neo Zeon remnants, Full Frontal is a charismatic and ruthless leader who seeks to revive the Principality of Zeon. He is a skilled pilot and a powerful Newtype, and he poses a major threat to the Earth Federation.
- Marida Cruz: A young woman who is a member of the Neo Zeon remnants. She is a skilled pilot and a powerful Newtype, and she is fiercely loyal to Full Frontal.
- Bright Noa: A veteran of the One Year War and the Gryps Conflict, Bright is the captain of the Earth Federation task force sent to Industrial 7. He is a wise and experienced leader, and he believes in the power of diplomacy to resolve conflict.
Themes
Gundam Unicorn explores a number of themes, including the nature of war, the power of words, and the importance of understanding the past. The series shows the devastating effects of war, and the importance of working together to build a better future. It also shows the power of words to resolve conflict, and the importance of understanding the past in order to avoid repeating it.
Legacy
Gundam Unicorn is considered to be one of the best Gundam anime series ever made. It has been praised for its stunning visuals, epic story, and memorable characters. The series has also been praised for its exploration of complex themes, such as the nature of war and the power of words.
Gundam Unicorn has had a lasting impact on the Gundam franchise. The series has spawned a number of spin-offs and sequels, including the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096 movie trilogy and the Mobile Suit Gundam NT anime film. The series has also been adapted into a number of video games, including the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn game for the PlayStation 3.
Conclusion
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn is a timeless masterpiece of mecha anime. The series has stunning visuals, an epic story, and memorable characters. It also explores complex themes, such as the nature of war and the power of words. Gundam Unicorn is a must-watch for any fan of the Gundam franchise, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Review Score
9/10