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Fabric type :

Cotton 80%
Spandex 20

Origin :

made in USA
Closure type :

pull on
About this item :

lightweight, oversize, double-needle and bottom hem
Description :

 

In the Mobile Suit Gundam series, Gundam refers to a series of giant humanoid robots (called mobile suits) used in combat. The term “Gundam” is primarily associated with a specific type of highly advanced and powerful mobile suit, but it has become synonymous with the entire franchise, which features various Gundam mobile suits across different timelines, universes, and story arcs.

The first Gundam series, titled Mobile Suit Gundam (1979), created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, introduced the RX-78-2 Gundam, which became the central mobile suit and symbol of the franchise. Over the years, Gundam has expanded into multiple storylines, alternate universes, and media adaptations, but the core idea remains the same: the use of highly advanced, often experimental mobile suits in large-scale wars, often set in a futuristic or space-faring world.

The RX-78-2 Gundam (First Gundam)

The RX-78-2 Gundam is the most iconic Gundam and the mobile suit from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. It was created by the Earth Federation in response to the Zeon forces, who are the antagonists of the series. The RX-78-2 Gundam is piloted by Amuro Ray, the main protagonist of the original series.

The RX-78-2 Gundam stands out due to its superior technology, strength, and versatility compared to other mobile suits. It’s equipped with advanced weaponry, such as a beam rifle, beam sabers, and a shield, and is known for its durability, agility, and high performance in battle. As the protagonist's main mobile suit, it plays a central role in the series and has become an iconic symbol of the entire Gundam franchise.

The Legacy of Gundams

While the original RX-78-2 is often the most recognized, many other Gundam mobile suits have appeared throughout the Gundam franchise, and each has its own unique design, capabilities, and story. Some notable Gundams from various series include:

  • Gundam Wing (Gundam Wing): The Wing Gundam is the primary mobile suit piloted by Heero Yuy in the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing series. It features a high degree of mobility and advanced weaponry, including a buster rifle and twin buster rifles. Gundam Wing helped popularize the franchise outside of Japan.

  • Freedom Gundam (Gundam Seed): The Freedom Gundam, piloted by Kira Yamato in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, is another highly popular mobile suit. It is a high-performance unit known for its long-range weapons, including the railgun, beam cannons, and wings of light, and serves as one of the key mecha of the series.

  • Unicorn Gundam (Gundam Unicorn): The Unicorn Gundam, featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, is a powerful mobile suit that can transform into a more advanced mode known as NT-D (Newtype Destroyer). This Gundam is equipped with advanced psycho-frame technology that enhances its abilities for Newtypes (humans with heightened psychic powers).

  • Gundam 00 (Mobile Suit Gundam 00): The Gundam 00 (or Gundam Exia) is the central mobile suit in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, piloted by Setsuna F. Seiei. This series explores themes of global conflict and the use of mobile suits to bring about peace. The Gundam Exia is a versatile mobile suit with high-speed combat capabilities and specialized melee weapons.

Gundam in the Broader Franchise

The Mobile Suit Gundam series is one of the most influential and long-running franchises in anime and has expanded far beyond the original 1979 show. It includes:

  • Multiple TV series, such as Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Gundam SEED, Gundam 00, Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans, and many others.

  • Movies, including those adapted from TV series like Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, and new original movies like Gundam Hathaway.

  • Video games, manga, model kits (especially the popular Gunpla model kits), and novels. The Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) culture has become a massive part of the franchise, with fans worldwide building and customizing models of their favorite mobile suits.

The Concept of Gundams in the Series

Gundams are usually depicted as advanced mobile suits, often prototypes or special military units, that represent cutting-edge technology. They are typically more powerful than other mobile suits due to their superior weaponry, armor, agility, and advanced systems. Often, the Gundam is portrayed as a symbol of hope, strength, and the future in the fight against oppression, as seen with the various protagonists who pilot these suits.

However, despite their technological might, the Gundams in Mobile Suit Gundam are also shown to be symbols of the cost of war, often exploring themes of conflict, political intrigue, human emotions, and the impact of advanced weaponry on society. The franchise blends mecha action with complex social commentary and character-driven drama.

Conclusion

In short, a Gundam refers to a powerful and advanced mobile suit within the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. While it is most often associated with the RX-78-2 Gundam from the original series, the term has evolved to encompass many different mobile suits across various story arcs and timelines. Gundams are usually depicted as symbols of hope, strength, and technological superiority in the face of war, but their presence also often serves as a reflection on the destructive nature of conflict and the human cost of war.

 

What are you waiting for? Show your love for the Gundam series with this Gundam t-shirt!

Gundam

SKU: anime-13
$65.00 Regular Price
$45.50Sale Price
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