Build, Watch, Learn: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Gundam and Gunpla
Posted on: 2025-01-05 | at: 03:54:40
Beginner’s Guide to Gundam: Dive into the Story, Vocabulary, and Gunpla Fun!
Gundam is more than just giant robots fighting in space—it's an epic story of war, humanity, and hope that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Whether you're curious about its deep storylines or excited to build your own Mobile Suits, this guide will help you understand Gundam and join the community.
What Is Gundam?
Gundam is a Japanese anime and multimedia franchise that debuted in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam. The series revolutionized the "giant robot" genre by introducing a more realistic take on warfare and mecha (machines). At its heart, Gundam is about humanity's struggles during interstellar wars, where powerful piloted robots—called Mobile Suits—take center stage.
Understanding the Story
Most fans start with the Universal Century (UC) timeline, which features the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. Here’s a quick summary of the core plot:
- Setting: Humanity has colonized space. Tensions rise between Earth and the colonies, leading to war.
- Conflict: The Earth Federation faces off against the Principality of Zeon, a colony declaring independence.
- Hero’s Journey: Amuro Ray, a young civilian, discovers and pilots the Federation’s prototype Mobile Suit, the RX-78-2 Gundam, becoming a key figure in the war.
The themes explore the horrors of war, political intrigue, and the evolution of humanity.
Essential Gundam Vocabulary
Get familiar with these key terms to enhance your Gundam experience:
| Japanese Term | Romaji | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| モビルスーツ | Mobiru Sūtsu | Mobile Suit (the piloted robots) |
| ニュータイプ | Nyūtaipu | Newtype (enhanced humans) |
| 地球連邦 | Chikyū Renpō | Earth Federation |
| ジオン公国 | Jion Kōkoku | Principality of Zeon |
| ガンダム | Gandamu | Gundam (specific advanced suits) |
| 宇宙世紀 | Uchū Seiki | Universal Century (main timeline) |
Famous Mobile Suits and Pilots
Gundam is known for its incredible characters and iconic Mobile Suits. Here are some you’ll encounter:
| Pilot Name | Mobile Suit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amuro Ray | RX-78-2 Gundam | The original Gundam pilot; a civilian-turned-hero. |
| Char Aznable | MS-06S Zaku II | A charismatic Zeon ace with a mysterious mask. |
| Kamille Bidan | Zeta Gundam | Protagonist of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. |
| Banagher Links | Unicorn Gundam | Pilot of a powerful, transforming suit. |
| Setsuna F. Seiei | Gundam Exia | Protagonist of Mobile Suit Gundam 00. |
Where to Start Watching
Gundam has many series, but these are great entry points for beginners:
| Series | Timeline | Why Watch? |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam | Universal Century | The original series that started it all. |
| Gundam Wing | After Colony | A self-contained story popular in the West. |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin | Universal Century | A modern prequel with stunning visuals. |
| Iron-Blooded Orphans | Post-Disaster | A darker, emotional story with strong characters. |
What Is Gunpla?
Gunpla (Gundam Plastic Models) is a huge part of the Gundam experience. These model kits allow fans to build and customize their favorite Mobile Suits. It’s a fun, creative hobby that connects fans to the series in a hands-on way.
Gunpla Grades
Gunpla kits come in different "grades" based on detail and complexity:
| Grade | Description | Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Grade (HG) | Beginner-friendly, 1/144 scale. | Easy | ~$10-$30 |
| Real Grade (RG) | Compact but highly detailed, 1/144 scale. | Moderate | ~$30-$60 |
| Master Grade (MG) | Larger scale, detailed interiors, 1/100. | Moderate to Hard | ~$40-$80 |
| Perfect Grade (PG) | Ultimate detail, 1/60 scale. | Advanced | ~$100-$300 |
Why Should You Watch Gundam?
- Epic Stories: Gundam blends action, drama, and deep themes.
- Stunning Designs: The Mobile Suits are works of art.
- Accessible to All: From anime to Gunpla, there’s something for everyone.
Your First Steps
- Watch a Series: Start with Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) or The Origin.
- Build a Gunpla: Pick a High Grade RX-78-2 Gundam for a beginner-friendly experience.
- Learn as You Go: Use the vocabulary above to immerse yourself in the Gundam universe.
Gundam is more than just a franchise—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re watching epic space battles or building your favorite Mobile Suits, there’s no better time to jump in.
Ready to pilot your first Gundam?
