Tag: Mecha

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower – A Gritty Symphony of War and Redemption

If you’re a fan of the Gundam franchise, you already know it’s not just about flashy mecha battles—it’s about the human cost of war, the psychological scars it leaves, and the thin line between heroism and villainy. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower (2017), the sequel to December Sky, cranks up the intensity with its brutal action, haunting soundtrack, and morally ambiguous characters. Directed by Kō Matsuo and produced by Sunrise, this film compiles the second season of the Thunderbolt ONA series, delivering a cinematic experience that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally devastating.

The Story So Far

Set during the One Year War, Bandit Flower picks up eight months after the events of December Sky. The Earth Federation is still locked in a deadly conflict with the Principality of Zeon, and the Thunderbolt Sector—a debris-filled battlefield—remains a graveyard for both soldiers and machines. The film follows two central figures: Io Fleming, a reckless Federation pilot with a death wish, and Daryl Lorenz, a Zeon sniper who lost his limbs in battle and now pilots the Psycho Zaku.

The plot revolves around the Federation’s mission to retrieve the Psycho Zaku from the South Seas Alliance, a Zeon remnant group that worships the machine as a divine relic. Meanwhile, Io, now a prisoner of war, is forced to confront his own demons while Daryl struggles with his loyalty to a cause that has already cost him everything.

What Fans Are Saying

Diving into discussions on MyAnimeList and other forums, it’s clear that Bandit Flower has left a lasting impression. Here’s what stands out:

1. The Animation and Soundtrack Are Next-Level
   Fans can’t stop raving about the film’s animation quality. The mecha battles are fluid, detailed, and packed with kinetic energy, making every clash feel like a life-or-death struggle. The jazz-infused soundtrack, a signature of the Thunderbolt series, adds a surreal, almost hypnotic layer to the chaos. One fan described it as “a war movie scored by a jazz band in hell”—and honestly, that’s spot-on.

2. The Characters Are Flawed and Fascinating
   Unlike traditional Gundam protagonists, Io and Daryl aren’t clear-cut heroes or villains. Io’s arrogance and self-destructive tendencies make him hard to root for, yet his vulnerability humanizes him. Daryl, on the other hand, is a tragic figure—a man who has lost everything but still clings to his duty. Fans appreciate how the film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of war, where neither side is truly “right.”

3. The Pacing Feels Rushed
   Some viewers felt that Bandit Flower suffers from being a compilation film. While the action is top-notch, the narrative sometimes feels condensed, leaving little room for character development outside the main duo. A few fans wished the story had been given more time to breathe, especially when it comes to the South Seas Alliance, which feels underdeveloped.

4. The Ending Leaves You Wanting More
   Without spoiling anything, the film’s conclusion is open-ended, hinting at future conflicts. While some fans loved the ambiguity, others were frustrated by the lack of closure. Still, most agree that it’s a fitting ending for a series that thrives on moral complexity.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Gundam Fans

Bandit Flower isn’t just another mecha flick—it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the toll war takes on the human soul. The animation is breathtaking, the soundtrack is unforgettable, and the characters are some of the most compelling in the Gundam universe. If you’re looking for a story that challenges your perceptions of heroism and sacrifice, this film delivers in spades.

That said, it’s not perfect. The pacing can be uneven, and some plot threads feel rushed. But for fans of the franchise—or anyone who loves dark, character-driven sci-fi—Bandit Flower is a gripping ride from start to finish.

So, grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and prepare for a mecha battle like no other. Just don’t expect to walk away unscathed. War, after all, is hell—and Gundam Thunderbolt makes sure you never forget it.

A Nostalgic Yet Polarizing Ride: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 2 Review

If you’re a Gundam fan, you’ve probably been waiting for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX to drop its second episode with bated breath. And boy, did it deliver—though not without stirring up some heated debates among fans. Produced by Sunrise and Studio Khara, this sixteenth installment in the Gundam franchise takes a bold step by blending nostalgia with a fresh alternate timeline. Episode 2, titled Char’s Gambit, dives headfirst into the lore, leaving some viewers exhilarated and others scratching their heads.

A Blast from the Past

The episode opens with a bang, reintroducing Char Aznable, the iconic Gundam antagonist, in a scenario where he successfully captures the Earth Federation’s latest mobile suit, the Gundam. This alternate history twist is a love letter to longtime fans, packed with callbacks to the original 1979 series. From the retro soundtrack to the classic sound effects, the episode oozes nostalgia. One fan on MyAnimeList gushed, “The OST, the OG Gundam sounds—I don’t mean to be all member berries, but even that aside, the dummy thicc Zakus were all excellent!”

However, not everyone was sold. Some newcomers felt lost, with one user admitting, “As someone who hasn’t seen any UC, I have no idea who Char is, but he seems cool (I have no idea what the heck is happening).” This divide highlights the episode’s biggest strength and weakness: it’s a treat for veterans but risks alienating new viewers.

The Char Conundrum

Char’s portrayal was a major talking point. His new voice actor (VA) sparked debates, with some fans missing Shuichi Ikeda’s legendary performance. “Not to say the new VA is bad, but I wonder why they didn’t go with Ikeda Shuuichi for Char, considering he’s still active,” one fan mused. Others, however, praised the fresh take, arguing that the new VA nailed Char’s charisma and intensity.

The episode also showcased Char’s tactical brilliance, with one battle scene earning rave reviews for its animation. “The sakuga was incredible—humans will no longer be held down by Earth’s gravity!” a fan exclaimed. Yet, some felt the pacing was rushed, especially compared to the movie version of the same events. “They cut out a LOT from this episode compared to the movie,” lamented another viewer, referencing missing scenes that added depth to Char’s arc.

A Tale of Two Tones

One of the most polarizing aspects was the episode’s tonal shift from the series premiere. Episode 1 introduced Amate Yuzuriha, a high-school student drawn into the world of mobile suits, while Episode 2 abruptly pivoted to Char’s backstory. “Starting with an episode introducing the new cast, then ignoring them entirely in the second episode for a backstory featuring an entirely different cast of characters is just a bizarre choice,” criticized one fan.

This structural oddity left some viewers confused about the show’s direction. Was this a standalone flashback, or would the two narratives eventually merge? “I enjoyed this episode but it felt rushed and I kept feeling reminded this is VERY different tone from what I watched last week,” admitted another.

Technical Triumphs

Despite the narrative hiccups, the episode’s technical achievements were universally praised. The animation, particularly the mobile suit battles, was lauded for its weight and realism. “The thing I noticed most is how they keep showing how heavy the MS are—I absolutely love Gundam doing it, and it’s so easy to just not do it with CGI,” noted a fan.

The sound design also earned accolades, with the original series’ sound effects and music seamlessly integrated into the modern aesthetic. “Hearing the new Char doesn’t feel the same, but the references and appreciation towards the original Gundam were spot-on,” commented another viewer.

Final Verdict: A Love Letter or a Misstep?

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 2 is a rollercoaster of emotions. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic feast, packed with Easter eggs and a fresh take on Char’s legacy. For newcomers, it’s a confusing detour that might leave them yearning for more of Amate’s story.

As one fan perfectly summarized, “It’s a strange decision to have the opening episode be a punk, stylized show for a new generation; and then the second episode be nostalgia bait for the original series. Maybe it meshed together better in the movie, but I’m worried trying to be two different shows is gonna end up pleasing no one.”

Whether you loved it or hated it, one thing’s for sure: Gundam is back, and it’s not afraid to take risks. Here’s hoping Episode 3 finds a way to bridge the gap between old and new.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but fascinating entry that’s bound to spark debates for weeks to come.

What did you think of Episode 2? Let us know in the comments!

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX – Season 1, Episode 2: A Nostalgic Yet Polarizing Dive into Alternate UC History

When Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX premiered, it introduced a fresh cast and a modern twist on the Gundam formula. But Episode 2, titled “The White Gundam,” took a sharp left turn—delivering a full-blown alternate history of the Universal Century (UC) timeline, complete with Char Aznable, retro soundtracks, and a Zeon victory in the One Year War. The result? A love letter to longtime fans and a confusing detour for newcomers.

A Flashback That Feels Like Home (or Alienating, Depending on Who You Ask)

The episode opens with Char, the legendary Zeon ace, stealing the Federation’s Gundam—a pivotal moment that reshapes the war’s outcome. For UC veterans, this was pure nostalgia: the classic sound effects, the 1979-esque score, and even the eyecatches screamed old-school Gundam. One fan on MyAnimeList gushed, “They completely nailed Char! The episode was fun and a great character showcase.” Another added, “Seeing Char in a Mobile Suit designed almost half a century after his first appearance is nothing short of magical.”

But for newcomers? The whiplash was real. A Reddit user admitted, “I have no idea who Char is, but he seems cool (I have no idea what the heck is happening).” The episode assumed prior knowledge, cramming decades of lore into 20 minutes. Some praised its efficiency (“It answers a lot of questions from Episode 1”), while others called it rushed (“Felt lost due to the pacing”).

The Char Conundrum: Voice Acting and Missing Scenes

One of the biggest debates? The recasting of Char. While the new voice actor delivered a solid performance, fans missed Shuichi Ikeda’s iconic take. “Not to say the new VA is bad, but I wonder why they didn’t go with Ikeda,” lamented a MyAnimeList commenter. Others defended the choice, arguing the new direction fit the alternate timeline.

Then there’s the elephant in the room: the missing scenes. Fans who watched the Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie noted glaring omissions, like Char’s final confrontation and disappearance. “People only watching the TV version are missing out,” one fan argued. The episode’s placement also drew criticism—many felt it should’ve been a prequel OVA or Episode 0.

The Mecha Love: Bulky, Heavy, and Beautiful

Amid the debates, one thing united fans: the mecha animation. The Mobile Suits moved with weight, their weapons realistically cumbersome. “I absolutely love Gundam showing how heavy the MS are,” raved a fan. The attention to detail—like ammo for the head vulcans—was a nod to realism that hardcore fans adored.

The Verdict: A Bold Swing That Didn’t Fully Connect

Episode 2 was a gamble. For some, it was “the best episode ever,” blending nostalgia with modern animation. For others, it was “abhorrent,” a jarring shift from Episode 1’s new-gen vibe. The divide highlights a core challenge: balancing legacy appeal with fresh storytelling.

As one fan wisely put it: “Trying to be two different shows might end up pleasing no one.” Still, the episode succeeded in one key area—it got people talking. Whether you loved it or hated it, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is proving it’s not afraid to take risks. And in a franchise as storied as Gundam, that’s something to celebrate.

Final Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but fascinating dive into UC’s what-ifs. Now, bring back the main cast before the tonal whiplash becomes permanent.

Gravion Season 1: A Nostalgic Mecha Ride with Mixed Reactions

If you’re a fan of classic mecha anime, Gravion (2002) might be a name you’ve stumbled upon. Produced by Gonzo and directed by Masami Ōbari, this 13-episode series throws us into a futuristic world where humanity is under siege by the robotic Zeravire. Enter Klein Sandman, a flamboyant millionaire with a penchant for theatrics and a mecha named Gravion, piloted by a group of young, reluctant heroes. The premise sounds exciting, but how does it hold up today? Let’s dive into the show’s strengths, weaknesses, and what fans are saying.

The Premise: Classic Mecha with a Twist

Gravion doesn’t stray far from the mecha formula: giant robots, alien threats, and a ragtag team of pilots. However, it adds a layer of eccentricity with Klein Sandman, whose over-the-top personality and wealth-driven solutions give the show a unique flavor. The first episode sets the stage quickly—Zeravire attacks, the Gravion is unveiled, and the pilots are thrust into action. It’s fast-paced, but some fans argue it’s too fast, leaving little room for character development early on.

One Reddit user pointed out, “The show feels like it’s trying to balance serious mecha action with Sandman’s ridiculousness, and it doesn’t always land.” This duality is a recurring theme in discussions—some love the campy charm, while others find it jarring.

The Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

The pilots of Gravion are a mixed bag. Eiji, the protagonist, is your typical reluctant hero, but his backstory is teased rather than explored in depth. The female pilots, including the fiery Mizuki and the mysterious Raven, have potential but often fall into tropes. A MyAnimeList reviewer noted, “The characters are fun but feel like they’re stuck in 2002—lots of clichés and not enough depth.”

That said, Klein Sandman steals the show. His theatrics and unpredictable nature make him a standout, even if he overshadows the rest of the cast. “Sandman is the only reason I kept watching,” admits one fan. “He’s so extra, and I live for it.”

The Action: Hits and Misses

As a mecha anime, Gravion delivers on the robot battles. The animation, while dated by today’s standards, has a nostalgic charm. The Gravion’s transformations and attacks are flashy, and the Zeravire designs are creatively menacing. However, some fights feel repetitive, with the same tactics used repeatedly. “The action is cool at first, but by episode 10, you’re like, ‘Okay, we get it,’” commented a viewer on Crunchyroll.

The show also introduces a mysterious subplot about the Zeravire’s origins, but it’s barely touched in Season 1. This frustrated some fans, who felt the narrative lacked payoff. “It’s like they forgot to write an ending,” joked one Redditor.

The Soundtrack and Style

One aspect universally praised is the soundtrack. The opening theme, “Gravion ~Over the Galaxy~”, is an absolute banger, blending orchestral and rock elements perfectly. The show’s aesthetic—glossy mecha designs and dramatic lighting—also holds up well. “The music and visuals carry the show hard,” noted a MyAnimeList user.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Throwback

Gravion is a product of its time—a mecha anime with all the tropes and quirks of early 2000s anime. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining if you’re in the mood for something unapologetically flashy. The characters could use more depth, and the plot feels incomplete without Gravion Zwei, but the action and Sandman’s antics make it a guilty pleasure for many.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s cheesy, it’s ridiculous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” If that sounds like your vibe, give Gravion a shot. Just don’t expect a masterpiece—expect a wild, nostalgic ride.