What is Gundam?
Mobile Suit Gundam is based on Japanese mecha anime series developed by Yoshiyuki Tomino and owned by Bandai Namco. Gundam is the most popular media in all Japan and considered a rival to Transformers. Therefore, Gundam is the highest grossing franchise of all time. Later on, spawned plastic models, video games and become cultural icon. In this article, I will be talking about what is the best Gundam series that I have watched. Recently, I have played Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2 on October, 4, 2025 at Twitch. Later on, there will be let’s play on my YouTube channel sharing my experience. Note: I am not a huge fan of the franchise but respect other who does. Fans speculate that Mobile Suit Gundam story is very convoluted. I understand a lot of people, don’t grasp the Gundam’s lore.
However, I have watch some Gundam anime series and thought about ranking them in this piece. Back in 1990s, during Toonami era, I got my exposure to Gundam. Afterwards, I started to watch other anime series from time to time. Mechas is now my go to anime genres but had watch Big O, Voltron and Gurren Laggan. I haven’t forgotten about good ol Code Geass, “all hail Lenouch”. Anyways, I will talk about past and present Gundam anime franchise that I watched. First Mobile Suit Gundam anime was released in 1979 and manage to watch some of it. Notable characters is Amuro Ray, Char Aznable and Sayla Mass, along with storyline that war between nations. Yes, Gundam is a military war story and has some tragic moments as well. Futhermore, let talk about very first Mobile Suit show that I have watch.
Gundam Wing (1995)
Gundam Wing is one of the first series that I watch during childhood. The plot is about five major characters Heeoro Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, Quatre Raberba Winner and Chang Wufei. Wing flushes out characters and give viewers what is going in their point of view. I remember Relena Peacecraft and her brother Zechs Merquise. Heero and Relana relationship was on and off because both live in different worlds. Storyline focus on “Operation Meteor” which scientists plan on talking down organization called OZ. As a Kid, I love watching giant robot fight but adulthood, I couldn’t get into it. Due to the success of Gundam Wing, there was a movie called “Endless Waltz” following video game. One of my favorite moments is Heero ripping Relena along with Relena awkward confessions. If you want to watch this series, be my guest but pacing is kind of off.
Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994)
G Gundam was released in 1994 and comes before Wing. The plot is about main character Domon Kasshu, who enters a fighting tournament called “Gundam Fight”. Gundam Fight is a competition between nations to settle their differences which takes place every four years. Winner of Gundam Fight will earn the right to govern over all colonies until the next tournament. Domon main objective is to win the tournament and find his missing older brother. In G Gundam, Domon fights different competitors in different nations and making friends along the way. Accompanied by his childhood friend Rain Mikamura, they travel the world to find clues of Kyoji Kasshu whereabouts. Domon meets Sai Sai Chi, George Desand and more. G Gundam stray away from traditional military format. I would say Mobile Fighter G Gundam is very straight forward with its story-telling. Feel free to check it out this series.
Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans
Gundam Iron- Blooded Orphans is personally my favorite series out of all. The main plot is about conflict called “Calamity War”, humans on mars wants freedom against government of earth. In Iron-Blood, the series focus on group Third Army Division led by Orga Itsuka. They hope is to rebel against Gjallarhorn and others who abandon them. Mikazuki Augus who acts as right-hand person for Orga and MC of the series. It’s been years, Iron-Blood has ended and love the characters as well. For example, Naze Turbine with his harem of wives . Also, love triangle between Kudelia, Mikazuki and Astra in the show. Iron-Blood tackles issues like child solders and neo-coloialism. Ending raises a lot of question that whether Mikazaki lived because of his son. I highly enjoy this one and feel free to check it out.
Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is currently I am watching right now. The plot is about conflict between Spacians and Earthians along with Gund being illegal. Main protagonist Suletta Mercury goes to academy and meets up with Miorine Rembran (later on becoming her fiance). Two major characters started a company called “Gund-Arms” which it use to save lives. In prologue, Suletta went by a different name called Eri but abandon it. During Suletta time at the academy, she wins duels and connecting with her mother as well. Suletta is labeled as a witch and about to be expelled from Asticassia School of Technology. This is the first Gundam to have LGBTQ female protagonists (I might be wrong), anyways I am loving this series. Miorine and Mercury chemistry ranging from arguing or annoying each other. This is a must-watch for Gundam fans and feel free to do so.
Other Mobile Suit Gundam Series
There are other series such as Unicorn, Seed and Origins that I came across. Personally, I couldn’t get into Seed due to storyline and pacing. What is the best one I have watch is The Witch of Mercury because every episode peaks my interest on what Miorine and Mercury going to do next. They did try to remake mention of same-sex marriage, which I don’t have a problem with. Despite, criticism on season one and two finale, I am seeing what happen next. Gundam can be hard to follow but you gotta love those space and ground battles. What is your favorite series so far? Let me know in the comments below and thank you for reading this blogpost. Tune into the next one from yours truly.
