1. List Of Pg Gundam Models
2. List Of Rg Gundam Models
3. Gundam Model Kit Grades

Gundam has spawned over 80 video games for arcade, computer and console platforms, some with characters not found in other Gundam media. Some of the games, in turn inspired spinoff novels and manga. Most Gundam video games, except Dynasty Warriors: Gundam, were released only in Japan. Gundam models. Gundam.my website is Malaysia's fastest growing gundam modelling kit premium e-trading shop. Our online shop website were aimed at providing passionate Malaysia modelling fan a platform to purchase gundam, sharing fans' gundam pictures and a information gateway for a better modelling skills too.

Gundam models are model kits depicting the vehicles and characters of the fictional Gundam multiverse by Bandai. These kits have become popular among mecha animefans and model enthusiasts in Japan and in other nearby Asian countries since the 1980s. Gundam modeling spread in the 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. Gundam models, as well as the hobby of assembling and painting them, is known in Japan as Gunpla (ガンプラGanpura), a portmanteau of 'Gundam plastic model', plastic being the most common material for the retail kits.

By 2002, Bandai had sold over 320million units worldwide.^[1] As of 2015, Bandai has sold an estimate 450million units, with nearly 2,000 different Gundam plastic models.^[2]

• 3Scales and grades
• 4Gundam FIX Figuration

History[edit]

Late 1970s–1980s

Mobile Suit Gundam debuted in 1979 and the first Gunpla kits came in 1980, following the show's cancellation. Nearly every mecha in the series was made into a model kit, from mobile suits to support aircraft and space battleships. Parts came in up to three different colored sprues. These kits lacked articulation and detail, and required glue and paint to build and finish.

Following the completion of the TV series line, Bandai introduced the MSV (Mobile Suit Variation) line, featuring alternate variants of the series' mobile suits. One of the highlights of the line was the PF-78-1 Perfect Gundam, which introduced System Injection (a process where one sprue—sometimes even one part—was molded in multiple colors), which minimized the need to paint the model.

Mid 1980s–1990s

Following a line of kits from the Round Vernian Vifam series, the 1985 Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam kit line incorporated the use of poly-caps (soft plastic, typically Polyethylene) as connectors for better articulation of joints. The 1987 Gundam Sentinel model line introduced the concept of snap-fit models, reducing the need to use glue. And starting from the 1988 Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack line, all Gunpla kits feature snap-fit assembly.

In 1990, Bandai introduced the High Grade (HG) line, which featured newer 1:144 scale versions of the RX-78-2 Gundam, the RX-178 Gundam Mk. II, the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam and the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam. Each kit boasted exceptional detail and articulation, as well as features normally found in their larger-scale versions such as the Gundam's Core Block System and the Zeta's transformation feature.

Beginning with Mobile Suit Victory Gundam in 1993, a unified set of poly-cap joints was created for smaller scale models that allowed easy mass production of models that all shared the same basic skeletal frame. This standardization allowed Bandai to release more models over a shorter period. As a result, the Gundam shows of the 1990s usually received sizable 1:144 model lines. These were all of similar quality, with some attention to colors molded in the right area, a reasonable level of detail for their price point, and mobility as such that all major joints had at least some degree of mobility.^{[citation needed]}

In 1995, the 1:100 Master Grade (MG) line was introduced. This line features more parts, better detail and improved articulation than past kits of the same scale.

Following the release of the Perfect Grade Evangelion, Bandai introduced the 1:60 Perfect Grade (PG) line to the Gundam series in 1998. This line features extensive detail and articulation, as well as working skeletal systems and light-up features. The PG line is the most expensive among all Gunpla kits, and only a select few mobile suits have been released in this line.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise in 1999, Bandai released 1:144 First Grade (FG) kits of mobile suits from the original series. Marketed as budget models, these snap-fit kits featured the simplicity of the original kits, but with more modern designs based upon the corresponding Perfect Grade kits.

2000s

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED introduced a new type of non-graded (NG) 1:144 model, with a completely different design plan. While these still feature snap-fit and color molding, they omit major joints, opting instead to only allow critical pieces to move—typically the neck, hips, shoulders, and feet. These are budget models, usually retailing much lower than other models; and this line was extensive, covering nearly every machine to be featured in the TV series. Gundam SEED also featured non graded 1:100 models, identical in quality to Bandai's High Grade offerings. It was also during this decade that the term 'Gunpla' was coined by Bandai.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam, Bandai released the MG RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0. While this model is closely designed after the anime art, it features radical improvements over the previous Gundam kits in terms of engineering and build quality.

2010s

In 2010, Bandai released the 1:48 Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam kit as part of the franchise's 30th anniversary campaign. This kit features many innovations that make it easy to assemble for first-time Gunpla collectors. For example, the parts are attached to sprue gates thin enough to break without the need to use of plastic cutters, and excess gate plastic can be removed from the parts without using a hobby knife. Some sprues have been designed to snap together for easy and quick removal of assembled parts.^[3] Also in the same year, Bandai introduced the 1:144 Real Grade (RG) line, which takes design elements from the MG line such as an inner skeletal frame. Both Mega Size Model and RG variants of the RX-78-2 Gundam were patterned after the 1/1 scale Gundam statue on display in Odaiba. Bandai also released Ecopla, a series of HGUC and SD kits molded in black and made entirely out of recycled sprues.

In 2011, Bandai released the Entry Grade (EG) line, a low-cost model series similar to the 1:144 NG and FG lines and is sold only in parts of Asia. Unlike other kits of the same scale, all EG kits are made in China. The series was discontinued after its first run. Back in Japan, Bandai introduced the Advanced Grade (AG) line for Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, a budget line that focuses more on the arrangement of colored parts; thus sacrificing more articulation than the previous budget lines. The AG line incorporates a microchip that enables collectors to use the kit in the Gage-ing arcade game.^[4]

In 2014, as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of Gundam, Bandai released the MG RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 3.0, which incorporates the engineering techniques used in the MG 2.0 and RG kits. Bandai introduced a sub-line of the HG line in mid-2015 called 'HG Revive', which consists of re-engineered 1:144 scale kits of the RX-78-2 Gundam and other classic mobile suit designs.

Plastic[edit]

Plastic Gundam model kits are manufactured in Japan or China by Bandai, which has an exclusive license in manufacturing and marketing them around the world. The models are typical of Plastic models; sprues of injection-moldedPolystyrene (PS) parts which must be cut out before assembly. The majority of post-1990 models have snap-fit parts, with models prior to that requiring an adhesive such as plastic cement. Plastic Gundam models kits are typically supplied with stickers and sometimes waterslide decals to apply extra colors and markings as seen in popular media such as TV shows, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower-grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance, due to color discrepancies.

The kits range in different scales with the most popular scales being: 1:550, 1:220, 1:144, 1:100 and 1:60, and more recently the 1:48 Mega Size Model and 1:35 (UC HardGraph) lines. Generally in real world terms, kits range from 4~5 inches for small-scale models, 6 to 8 inches for mid-scale models, and 12 inches for big-scale models, although these sizes vary from model to model. With a few exceptions, all currently produced kits bear grade ratings that give a good idea about their final quality. The following lists the most well-known and common categories with humanoid designs (very roughly) in their order of quality, from lowest to highest.

Scales and grades[edit]

Super Deformed[edit]

Not based on any particular scale, the super-deformed style features comically proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. Super Deformed Gundam kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited articulation and require paint and detailing to truly 'finish' the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi (or 'SD GUNDAM BB Warriors' in English). There are also separate product lines: for instance, Superior Defender Gundam Force and Ganso SD Gundam (discontinued in the 1990s). Most kits of this line are from the Musha Gundam series and the Knight Gundam series.

In 2015, Bandai introduced SD Build Fighters (SDBF) as a complement to the 1:144 scale High Grade Build Fighters line for Gundam Build Fighters Try. Another line called SD Gundam EX-Standard (SDEX) is also announced.

1:144 scale[edit]

The very first kits have been running for 30 years (starting with RX-78-2 Gundam) and are routinely re-released by Bandai. As these kits are limited in articulation and require glue (for the early kits) and paint to assemble, these have retroactively been categorized as No Grade (NG), to differentiate them from First Grade (FG).

During the mid- to late-1980s, the quality of molding improved and High Grade (HG) level kits were introduced in 1990, starting from the titular mobile suits of the first four TV series. These limited-run kits featured full snap-fit assembly, an 'internal frame' (for the first two kits, which provides better range of motion and were more poseable), and utilized the molding technique known as System Injection, wherein multiple colors would be cast on the same part. Since 1999, the High Grade series uses various names to separate them from line to line. High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) refers to units that appear from Mobile Suit Gundam to Mobile Suit Victory Gundam and the series that are released in between. In 2010, this was expanded to include other series, under the lines High Grade After Colony (HGAC), High Grade After War (HGAW), High Grade Future Century (HGFC), High Grade Correct Century (HGCC) and High Grade Cosmic Era (HGCE). Models from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED/Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, Gundam Reconguista in G, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin were released separately under the sub-lines High Grade Gundam SEED (HG Gundam SEED), High Grade Gundam 00 (HG Gundam 00), High Grade Gundam AGE (HG Gundam AGE), High Grade Reconguista in G (HG Reconguista in G), and High Grade The Origin (HG The Origin), respectively. In late 2013, two new lines were introduced: High Grade Build Fighters (HGBF) and High Grade Build Custom (HGBC) to celebrate the release of Gundam Build Fighters. The HGBC series is one of the first Gunpla-related material that allowed modelers to customize their Gunpla with various gear. In 2015, a new line called High Grade Iron Blooded Orphans (HGIBO) was announced to coincide with the release of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. In 2018, a new line called High Grade Build Divers (HGBD) was announced to coincide with the release of Gundam Build Divers.

In 2010, Real Grade (RG) surpassed High Grade as the top-end series of the 1:144 Gunpla line. These kits feature extensive detail and articulation, as well as a poseable skeletal frame comparable to the 1:100 Master Grade kits. The first RG kit was the 1:144 RX-78-2 Gundam, followed by the 1:144 MS-06S Char's Zaku II, GAT-X105 Aile Strike,^[5] MS-06F Zaku II (Green), ZGMF-X10A Freedom. In 2011, Bandai released the Entry Grade (EG) line in Southeast Asia. Manufactured in China, the EG line contained fewer parts than the FG kits, thus having very limited articulation. Only four Gundams were released in the line.

1:100 scale[edit]

Beginning with Victory Gundam in 1993, the High Grade line would shift to relatively well detailed larger scale kits in the 1:100 scale. There was little need for painting and detailing. This applied to the 1:100 scale models produced between 1993 and 1998, including Mobile Suit Victory Gundam, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, After War Gundam X, New Mobile Report: Gundam Wing Endless Waltz, and Turn A Gundam. Each TV series would receive on average between six and eight models in this scale and grade. The HG moniker reverted into the 1:144 scale line in the 2000s.

Just like the 1:144 scale model kits, these 1:100 scale kits started about the same time, again starting from RX-78-2 Gundam. 'Generic' 1:100 kits may also be called No-Grade (NG 1:100) to differentiate from other specific 1:100 kits. Later kits (from Gundam SEED onwards) are clearly inspired from the post-HG 1:100 kits and feature a similar or greater level of quality and detail. This line was discontinued in 2009 until the announcement of the 1:100 Gundam Barbatos in 2015.

Master Grade (MG) models were first introduced in the summer of 1995, designed and made to higher standards than most other models. These kits take much longer to construct and are often much more expensive than their lower-grade counterparts.^[6] More recent Master Grade plastic models typically feature a movable inner frame system which enables extensive movement and bending of joints. As well including standing and seating miniature figures of the pilots of each gundam model. The popularity of this line was so great that a lot of old and new mobile suits from non-graded series were remade as Master Grade models.

Though the name 'Master Grade' is widely known because of Gundam, it is not Gundam exclusive as a few Master Grade offerings have come from mechas in Patlabor and Dunbine. Bandai also released a line featuring a series of character figures from Dragon Ball Z, Kamen Rider, and Tiger & Bunny^[7] under the name of MG Figurerise.

Reborn One Hundred, or RE/100, was introduced by Bandai in 2015 to cover mobile suit designs that are either too obscure or too costly to receive the MG treatment. Much like later NG 1:100 kits, the RE kits feature detail and articulation equal to or greater than 1:144 HG kits.

1:60 scale[edit]

Bandai released the 1:60 scale versions of the main mecha of major TV series. These are Non-Grade or TV-Grade models, and are the main line of the 1:60 scale kits. Early 1:60 kits, like other scales, were simply larger versions of the smaller scales. In the early to mid 1990s, three High Grade EX models of V2 Gundam, Shining Gundam and God Gundam were released, featuring more details and gimmicks than their smaller counterparts.

Bandai has also created a much more detailed series of figures called Perfect Grade (PG). These kits come in standard 1:60 scale but are superbly detailed in terms of color and its inner frame, as well as normally possessing more points of articulation, such as hands that articulate at the knuckles. Perfect Grade kits were mainly used for developing new plastic model technologies, a function currently taken over by the Master Grade series, and typically need a few years to develop each kit.^[8]

1:48 scale[edit]

Bandai released the 1:48 Mega Size Model (MSM) line in 2009 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam. Available in four models - the RX-78-2 Gundam, the MS-06C Zaku II, the MS-06S Char's Zaku II, and the Gundam AGE-1 Normal, these kits are essentially larger versions of their 1:144 High Grade UC counterparts, but priced much lower than the 1:60 Perfect Grade line. Once assembled, these models stand 37.5 cm tall (about 15 inches).

Bandai developed these kits with ease of build in mind as they require no tools to build. The individual pieces are attached to the runner by a very thin piece of plastic so that they can be broken off by hand. The assembly process can be sped up even more as the runners have been developed in a way so that you can attach two together and break off the individual pieces that way. Bandai also include a 'Double Separator' tool to help with the new method of building.

1:35 scale[edit]

Universal CenturyHardGraph line does not primarily center around the Mobile Suits of the Gundam universe. Rather, it centers on military things on a more conventional scale such as land vehicles, tanks and troops. However, some kits do include detailed to-scale mecha parts which are particularly useful for the creation of dioramas. For instance, the Anti-MS Squad kit includes an articulated lower Gundam/GM arm.

Other/Mixed Scales[edit]

There are other less common scales such as the Speed Grade's 1:200.

A 1:400 scale model line is designed for large mobile armours and battle ships in the Gundam Collection line, which the line's ordinary mobile suits as figures, not models. Only extremely large units like Mobile Armours and Warships need assembly. These models are pre-coloured models, and the warships need minimal assembly. An earlier line of model, the High Grade Mechanics, with a scale of 1:550 held a similar function in introducing large mobile units, but the line only consist of 3 mobile units from 0083.

Another high-detail line is the EX model, in scales of 1:144 and 1:100 (non-humanoid units like aircraft) and 1:1600/1:1700 (spaceships), ranging from the Universal Century to Cosmic Era productions. This series is not Gundam-exclusive, having models from other series like some of the jet aircraft from Sentō Yōsei Yukikaze and at least one aircraft from Ace Combat 5.

Gundam FIX Figuration[edit]

Quality and Pricing Concerns[edit]

The Gundam FIX Figuration^[9] (aka G.F.F.) series of collectible figures was started based on the Gundam mechanical designs of Hajime Katoki and his 'Gundam FIX' illustration artbook and are released by Tamashii Nations, a Bandai's characters based toys line. These figures share similar features as those found in the MSiA series, but are considerably more detailed and often include more accessories. Changeable parts and variant models are often utilized throughout the line, offering the collector a wide variety of display abilities. The collectible figures use PVC (with some ABS plastic) for construction materials, and a recently introduced expansion to the line use metal in the skeleton of the figure. Gundam FIX figures are designed to be true to Hajime Katoki's vision, and as such often adopt design elements and styling found throughout his artwork. The Fix series caters to Gundam fans who enjoy the scale, possibility and durability of the MSiA line, but seek the extensive details and variations that can often only be found in the Master Grade Gundam model-kits.

The G.F.F. line does carry a higher price than the MSIA and MSIA Extended lines, which can represent a concern for some collectors. However, overall the G.F.F. represent a more 'high-end' line of collectibles, which often contain better detail, more accessories, and the option to build multiple variations in the same box.

As the series has progressed, G.F.F. collectibles have been improved. Changes include sharper-more precise part casting resulting in better detail, improved articulation, and improved durability.^{[citation needed]}

G.F.F.N.[edit]

The G.F.F.N. line up is a significantly better than the old G.F.F. series, though usually sporting a considerably higher price due to materials, production and shipping. The quality has improved thanks to a new durable plastic that is distinctively reminiscent to the Gundam Model plastic (HG, HGUC, MG, PG) thus replacing the resin that shrank while curing. There is also little, or no casting lines, professionally cast heads, and considerably less of the brittle gray-ish plastic that plagued the G.F.F. series, Rubber is now being used sparsely, often to be used for the hands to allow ease of swapping weapons or spare hands without breaking or warping the joint socket. Aside from price, there are very few toys in the line-up, with some costing between $70–$150 or more (essentially the price of a PG [Perfect Grade], or large MG [Master Grade.])

Bandai also created similar toy lines:

• G.F.F. Metal Composite - a spin-off of the G.F.F series utilizing injection-molded ABS plastic and die-cast metal.^[10]
• Zeonography - a spin-off of the G.F.F series that showcases mobile suits from the Zeon forces.^[11]
• Cosmic Region - high-quality line of mobile suits, similar to G.F.F., that appear in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.^[12]
• 00 (Double O) Region - high-quality line of mobile suits, similar to G.F.F., that appear in Mobile Suit Gundam 00.^[13]
• G.F.F.N - Gundam Fix Figuration Next, '004X' Series utilizing metallic parts, slightly larger scale, better quality paint job and markings. The first figure is a re-release of the #0030 MSZ-008 Zeta II, released March 2009.^[14]
• K.F.F (Keroro Fix Figuration) - a spinoff lines features characters in Sgt. Frog (which the series itself plays lots of parody towards Gundam series) with original mechas designed by Hajime Katoki. As being a parody, the boxart sticks as much what as the original G.F.F. is.

Special editions[edit]

Over the years, Bandai released special limited editions of various kits, usually as competition (such as the yearly Bandai Action Kits Asia (now Universal) Cup held in Hong Kong) prizes, or as an event-limited (such as Japanese toy expos, movie launch premieres) item, although sometimes these kits are sold as limited web-shop items or discreetly sold by Bandai. These kits usually come in clear plastic, metal-plated (certain kits are in so-called 24-k gold finish), 'gloss-finish', 'pearl-finish', 'titanium-finish', or any combination of these. Their prices are usually much higher than their regular-release counterparts.

Non-plastic[edit]

Bandai has also released some Gundam garage kit under their branch, B-Club. These models are composed of unpainted resin with no decals provided, often needing modification by the modeler due to the inherent properties of the manufacturing process. While comparably more expensive (some surpassing $400) compared to plastic kits, they offer an unparalleled level of detail for the dedicated and experienced model builder.

A few select kits have also appeared manufactured from metal. These kits are offered by several different manufacturers and most commonly will result in a finished model of about MG level.

These types of models (real detail) usually take days to build.

For display only[edit]

For trade shows and toy fairs, Bandai displays some extremely large models in 1:6 or 1:12 scale. True to the scaling, some of these models are well over 5 feet (1.50 m) tall. Although most of these are one off promotional models used for display purposes, Bandai has produced a few of these for commercial purposes under their HY2M line. Notably, these are MS-06S 'Zaku II Commander Type' (Char Aznable custom), which is now out of production, and the RX-78-2 'Gundam'. These generally retail for approximately $2,000 and are intended to be sold primarily to store owners as display fronts. As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Gundam series, the company officially announced a project on March 11, 2009 called Real-G planning to build a 1:1 real size scale Gundam in Japan, it was completed on June 9, 2009 and displayed in a Tokyo park.^[15][16] The 18-meter tall statue was later moved and reconstructed in Shizuoka City, where it stayed from July 2010 to March 2011^[17][18] when in August it was dismantled only to reopen in Odaiba, Tokyo on April 19, 2012.^[19][20] It now stands in Odaiba along with a gift shop called 'Gundam Front Tokyo.'

Chinese copy controversy[edit]

In April 2010, Bandai sued two Chinese toy manufacturers for manufacturing and selling counterfeit Gunpla kits. The lawsuit states that Bandai demands 3.69 million RMB (roughly US$540,000) compensation from the companies.^[21]

In popular culture[edit]

• Four Gundam Media series titles focus primarily on Gunpla kits: Plamo Kyo-Shiro (1982), Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G (2010), and Gundam Build Fighters (2013) and its sequel Gundam Build Fighters Try (2014) and later the spiritual successor Gundam Build Divers (2018).
• In the manga/anime series Sgt. Frog, an addiction to Gundam models is the only thing stopping Keroro from invading Earth, since he reasons that if the Keronians invade Earth, all of the Gundam models will be destroyed, and there will be no one to make new ones. He loves the models so much, if any harm comes to them, he will react violently (such as going Super Saiyan). He is prepared for such events, though, since he keeps spare kits in the Hinata family's attic.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^'Success for Power Rangers, Digimon, Gundam: FY 2001 Overseas Business 40.6 Billion Yen, up 120%'(PDF). Bandai. April 2002.
2. ^'Bandai celebrates 35 years of Gundam model kits'. Nikkei Asian Review. December 6, 2015.
3. ^HobbyLink Japan - 1/48 Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam
4. ^'Mobile Suit Gundam Age Advanced Grade Lineup'. Bandai. Retrieved 2013-12-11.
5. ^Ngee Khiong - Real Grade Zaku II
6. ^Can be sourced from an issue of Dengeki Hobby 2005, the 10th anniversary of MG
7. ^'Shizuoka Hobby Show 2010 at Ngee Khiong'. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
8. ^Source in various Dengeki Hobby magazine in 2010
9. ^http://tamashii.jp/item/category09.php
10. ^http://tamashii.jp/item/itemlist.php?pref=30
11. ^http://tamashii.jp/item/itemlist.php?pref=45
12. ^http://tamashii.jp/item/itemlist.php?pref=35
13. ^http://tamashii.jp/item/itemlist.php?pref=40
14. ^http://tamashii.jp/item/itemlist.php?pref=360
15. ^'Day in pictures'. BBC News. June 9, 2009. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
16. ^'1/1実物大ガンダム大地に立つ！]'. recommend.yahoo.co.jp. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
17. ^'Life-Size Gundam Statue Unveiled at New Shizuoka Home'. Anime News Network. 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2012-05-04.
18. ^'Life-Size Gundam Statue Returns to Tokyo .. in Parts'. Anime News Network. 2011-08-14. Retrieved 2012-05-04.
19. ^'Life-Size Gundam Rises Again at Tokyo's Odaiba in Video'. Anime News Network. 2012-04-22. Retrieved 2012-05-04.
20. ^'Giant 60-Foot 'Mobile Suit Gundam' Statue Presides Over DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (PHOTO)'. Huffington Post. 2012-05-01. Retrieved 2012-05-04.
21. ^CNFOL - Bandai Demands 4 Million Renminbi from Pirated Gunpla Manufacturer & Seller in China

External links[edit]

• Bandai Hobby Site(in Japanese)
• Bandai Hobby Site(in English)
• Bandai Action Kits Universal Cup (BAKUC) Online Competition(in English)
• Tamashii Web(in Japanese) - Official Gundam fix figuration series website.

You don't have to be a Gundam fan to get the most out of the latest Gundam series. Iron Blooded Orphans, the latest installment in the franchise, is entirely standalone, taking place in its own setting apart from the larger Gundam multiverse.

If Iron Blooded Orphans gets you on a Gundam kick, however, that's when things begin to get tricky. In 36 years, the Gundamfranchise has had plenty of time to craft a tangled timeline of history and mythos. Delve into the wrong show, and you might miss half the context.

You may have seen my article recently on building your first Gunpla, or maybe you've read my reviews of Iron-Blooded Orphans here on the site. I've been a huge Gundam fan for 15 years, beginning all the way back when Gundam Wing first ran on Toonami. This guide is composed of my personal recommendations for fans who want to see what all the Gundam fuss is about, but aren't sure where to start. I'll cover the many Gundam universes, the shows that take place in them, and whether they're worth your time.

Universal Century

What it is: Production-wise, this is the first timeline in the Gundamfranchise, kicking off with 1979's Mobile Suit Gundam, the very first Gundam show to air. As the oldest timeline, it has the largest cultural footprint and if you've seen Gundam parodies or imagery, they're likely from here. The bulk of Gundam series take place in the Universal Century timeline.

What it's about: The events or fallout of the One Year War, a conflict between Earth and its rebel space colonies. The Earth Federation is depicted as the good side, while the Republic of Zeon is unmistakably bad, utilizing both Nazi imagery and idealism. Universal Century shows are immediately recognizable by the iconic uniforms the “Feddies” and Zeon forces wear.

What should I watch first?Mobile Suit Gundam, which kicks off the entire franchise.

Shows in this timeline: Here's the complete list of shows in Universal Century (UC) order, with recommendations of which ones are worth your time.

Gundam: The Origin — UC 0068

What it is: An origin story for the One Year War, this original anime video begins when Char is still a child and details the political intrigue that creates the Republic of Zeon.
Worth watching? Yes.

Why: Establishes a fascinating and human face on the political mechanisms hinted at, but never fully explained, during Mobile Suit Gundam. As of this article, only one OAV has been released.

MS IGLOO — UC 0079

What it is: This 2004 three-part DVD release focuses on Zeon's engineering team and their rush to create technology the struggling army requires.

Worth watching? No.

Why: Provides some insight into why Zeon may have lost the war, but isn't required viewing. Its CGI animation makes it a bizarre experiment in the Gundamfranchise.

Mobile Suit Gundam — UC 0079

What it is: Starts in media res during the One Year War. Focuses on the rivalry between Amuro and Char, the respective ace mobile suit fighters for the Federation and Zeon.

Worth watching? Yes.

Why: it's not just the basis of the Universal Century, but the grandfather of every Gundam show, introducing the concept of the “mobile suit” weapon that every Gundam show has in common. At 43 episodes and ‘70s era animation, it can be a bit of a slog for modern viewers. Mobile Suit Gundam - The Movie Trilogy is a speedier compilation.

The 08th MS Team — UC 0079

What it is: A One Year War side story, featuring just one unit on the East Asian front.

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: A side-story with a lot of heart, 08th MS shares the story of ordinary soldiers. While Mobile Suit Gundamoutlines what the top brass and aces are doing, 08th MS shows how other people got on during the war.

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0080: War in the Pocket — UC 0079-80

What it is: A One Year War side story starring a child protagonist as the horrors of war come straight to his front door.

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: This series paints the realities of war without getting preachy about it. Just six episodes long, this powerful series is worth every minute.

0083: Stardust Memory — UC 0083

What it is: After the One Year War, the Feddies turn bad. What happened? Stardust Memory has the answers.

Worth Watching? Maybe.

Why: It's the precursor to Zeta Gundam, which sets up major plot points in the following series. At 13 episodes it's not required viewing and you will comprehend Zeta without it, but fans have received it well due to its powerful action sequences.

Zeta Gundam — UC 0087

What it is: Follows the events of Mobile Suit Gundam with a new protagonist, Kamille, and a new redemption storyline for Char.

List Of Pg Gundam Models

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: Its critique on the Federation's less-than-cool policies after the war, blurring the lines between good and evil in the process of presenting a complex multi-sided conflict.

Gundam ZZ— UC 0088

What it is: A show that takes place directly after Zeta Gundam.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: Poorly received due to the way it converts the dark drama of Zeta into hollow comedy in an effort to lighten the mood. Not available in outside of Japan, so it isn't a problem.

Char's Counterattack— UC 0093

What it is: A movie that redirects the focus back to Char and Amuro and completes their arc.

Worth Watching? Maybe.

Why: With an unlikeable protagonist who takes up valuable screen time, this is only a so-so movie on its own. Still, fans who are invested in the Gundamfranchise's most iconic rivalry will want to bear with it to see how the story ends.

Gundam Unicorn — UC 0096

What it is: Actually starts in UC 0001, as a sort of origin story. Follows the last scion of the Republic of Zeon, and serves as a capstone to the Universal Century.

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: With a super slow release schedule starting in 2010 and not concluding its 7 episodes until 2014, it has some of the highest production values in the Gundamfranchise.

Gundam F91 — UC 0123

What it is: Focuses on the frontier colonies as they rise up against invaders from Jupiter.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: Originally planned as a 50 episode TV show, then a 12 episode TV show, and finally released as a movie, the pacing is very poor. But if we ever get a Crossbone Gundam TV show in the West (fingers crossed), this will ramp itself up to required viewing, as it explains the origin of that particularly piratelike suit.

Victory Gundam — UC 0153

What it is: A 13-year-old must pilot the Victory Gundam in order to face off against the formidable Zanscare Empire.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: One of the major criticisms is that this show doesn't appear to fit into the Universal Century. We never hear about the Zanscare Empire before or after this and it occurs so far after the One Year War it doesn't seem related to anything else in this timeline.

G-Savior — UC 0223

What it is: Earth and the colonies battle over food shortages.

Worth Watching? A thousand times no.

Why: You don't want to watch this. This live-action movie with poor acting and a worse plot. Unfortunately it's not “so bad it's good” so it's better to just forget it happened. This isn't available in the West anyway (even though it was filmed in Canada) and that's for the best.

After Colony

What it is: This timeline launched in ‘95 in Japan and ‘00 in the U.S. Its position on the Cartoon NetworkToonami block helped to popularize mecha anime with a new generation of westerners.

What it's about: Like in the Universal Century, Earth is at war with her space colonies. However, this time it's the space colonies viewers sympathize with. Each space colony develops its own mobile suit (the better to sell more Gunpla). Combined with a masked adversary (a la Char), it's a heavily altered retelling of the Universal Century with similar themes. The title may include “after” but the colonies are alive and well—it refers to after the colonies’ creation.

What to watch first:Gundam Wing, if you must.

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Shows in this timeline:

Gundam Wing

What it is: Five male leads pilot unique mobile suits at the forefront of the colonies’ rebellion against a hostile Earth. As the series progresses, the pilots become allied with one another more so than any cause, and choose their own reasons to fight.

Worth Watching? It hurts me to say it, but no.

Why: Members of the Toonami generation may remember falling in love with Gundam Wing, but we didn't know any better. With poor pacing and a weak plot, the Gundam Wing older fans remember has not aged well.

Endless Waltz

What it is: A movie that follows the events of Gundam Wing while revealing souped-up suits and new details about the main pilots’ pasts.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: While certainly a better story than Gundam Wing itself, it's not a good standalone. You need to watch that series’ bloated 49 episodes before you can understand this one.

Cosmic Era

What it is: This timeline launched in ‘02 in Japan and ‘04 in the west. For the first time, Gundam featured characters with a more modern moe look, complete with enormous eyes, waifish figures, and likewise elegant mobile suits.

What it's about: “Naturals,” who are regular Earthlings, must battle for the right to survive against the genetically modified “Coordinators,” who live in space. Did I mention this one also has a mysterious masked adversary?

What to watch first:Gundam Seed, which comes first chronologically.

Shows in this timeline:

Gundam Seed

What it is: One young Coordinator chooses to ally himself with Earth instead of space. Follows the formula set up in Gundam Wing in which five attractive pilots generate a female audience.

Worth Watching? Maybe.

Why: SEED has many similarities to the original Mobile Suit Gundam, while bringing modern pacing to the table. However, it suffers from wooden dialogue and a failure to surpass the original. On the other hand, it boasts some of the best music in Gundam.

What it is: A dark follow-up to the events of Gundam Seed. It attempts to be the Zeta Gundamto SEED’s Mobile Suit Gundam, though neither of them really get there.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: Too dark, too light, and no balance.The curtain rises on an explosion, a bloody arm lying on the ground, a crying child nearby. Later: a hot spring on the warship. What? Why?

C.E. 73 Stargazer

What it is: Three episodes under 20 minutes all released on the Web. Focuses on the Phantom Pain—a group of side characters from Gundam Seed Destiny.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: Mostly irrelevant to the storyline, plus not available legally in English.

MSV: Astray

What it is: Two five-minute short films packed in with Stargazer.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: Not legal and not notable.

Our Century

What it is: This is the only group of Gundam shows said to take place in the same universe as the viewer. The characters are humans with generally normal abilities who happen to be Gundam fans.

What it's about: In the near future on Earth, people of all ages build Gunpla—plastic Gundam models—and use high-tech arenas to make them battle for fun and profit. Oh, and there's a mysterious masked adversary, but you guessed that already.

What to watch first:Gundam Build Fighters.

Shows in this timeline:

Gundam Build Fighters

What it is: The story of two friends teaming up to become the best Gundam Build Fighters in the world.

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: It's easy to write this off as a half-hour commercial for Gundam toys, but a compelling plot and engaging characters keep it interesting. There are lots of inside jokes, cameos, and references to other Gundam shows, so it's even better if it isn't your first.

What it is: This time, three friends team up to become the best Gundam Build Fighters etc. etc.

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: While certainly not as well received as its predecessor, Try is a show made by Gundam fans for Gundam fans, and the creators’ passion for the product shines through in every scene.

One-shot Centuries

What are they: Some Gundam shows take place in their own timeline totally unrelated to any other Gundam show—except for the whole giant-fighting-suit-and-masked-adversary thing. It's not necessary to grasp Gundam tropes to fully understand and enjoy these Gundam shows.

What to watch first: It doesn't matter. These all work alone! Check out the centuries and their one-shot series, in no particular order, below:

After War — Gundam X

What it is: On a post-apocalyptic Earth, a young thief only looks out for his own survival. But when he meets a mysterious girl, he decides to pilot a mobile suit to save her life.

Worth Watching? Maybe.

Why: This isn't legal yet, but with an upcoming English release and several Gundam Build Fighters nods to build up the hype, this could be one ‘90s relic that transcends its decade.

Future Century — Mobile FighterG-Gundam

What it is: The space colonies agree to hold organized “Gundam Fights” in place of war. The victor earns his or her colony the right to govern all of the colonies for the next four years. One young fighter represents Japan while on a global search to find his brother.

Worth Watching? Maybe.

Why: In most cases it'd be irresponsible to recommend an anime full of unrealistic, exaggerated characters and over-the-top cultural stereotypes (some of which border on uncomfortable). On the other hand, G-Gundam’s quick pace and intentional camp value—a horse Gundam piloted by a horse, for example—make it an unexpected fan favorite.

Anno Domini — Gundam 00

What it is: Three factions are at war over limited resources. In order to disrupt the balance of power, a fourth group called Celestial Being creates a massive superweapon—surprise, it's five Gundams.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: This show starts off with a lot of promise, but slowly decelerates into a confusing mass of unlikeable characters and Deus Ex Machina plot points. The first season is salvageable, only to propel you into the abysmal second season. Despite that, the show was successful enough to merit a movie, Awakening of Trailblazer, which also is not worth watching.

Advanced Generation — Gundam AGE

What it is: A story told in three time periods, following protagonist Flit as a child, as a man, and as a great-grandfather with increasingly crazy hair.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: This show was heavily anticipated by fans because of the involvement of videogame company Level 5. The character designs are expectedly great, but this was one show that didn't benefit from the addition of a game-like storyline.

Regild Century — Reconguista in G

What it is: Humanity has entered a time of universal peace based on an anti-tech religion. One young man decides to pilot a mobile suit of mysterious origin, and changes his life forever.

Worth Watching? No.

Why: The storytelling is so confusing, it may take the entire series for you to figure out what's going on. Allegiances are constantly swapped, and nobody seems to have a clear motive for their actions. This feels like the sequel to a story that doesn't exist.

Correct Century — Turn A Gundam

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What it is: Earth is a peaceful, if somewhat backwards, frontier until the high-tech moon colonists that everyone has forgotten about make a surprise homecoming.

Worth Watching? Yes.

Why: With music by Yoko Kanno and mecha designs by Syd Mead, the concept artist behind Blade Runner, Aliens, and Tron, this is one of the most unique visual and audio Gundam experiences in the franchise. On top of that, it's got an earnest, likeable protagonist and a plot that should resonate with everyone who's ever wanted to discover a new world.

I've shared my opinions, but there's no reason our tastes won't differ. If anything, I hope this guide has given you a starting point to plot your Gundam journey. With 28 shows and counting, there's something for everyone in Gundam.

What was your first Gundam show? If you could go back and start with any Gundam series, which would it be? Let us know in the comments!

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