anime
Gundam + Front Mission = Gundam 00
Anyone who’s played the Front Mission series of mech RPGs appreciates its realistic tactics and politics. Many recent Gundam pilots and politicians, on the other hand, tend to follow the rule of cool: insane tactical decisions and political systems are fine as long as they look and sound awesome.
Gundam 00 looks to buck that trend, introducing politicians in believable powerplays and pilots making smart decisions. The realism is enhanced by the show touching on conflicts raging today, from the Sri Lankan civil war to the IRA insurgency. The show is animated in HD, so it can look cool without resorting to over-the-top situations.
Some Gundam fans complain of a lack of early character development, but I’m glad the show’s waiting ’til episode five to actually get into anyone’s backstory. I’m enjoying the sensible awesomeness enough that the crazy angst can come later.
At least the lead Gundam still wears parade colors into battle. Some things just don’t have to make sense.
L’Arc~en~Ciel – Daybreak’s Bell
Gundam 00 is looking to become a stylish-yet-gritty war drama. The music video for the opening theme, Daybreak’s Bell by L’Arc~en~Ciel, reflects that direction. Listen to the English fandub here.
