K’~EXkurogane~’s Blog

Alright, the Anno Domini series is finally over, with rumours speculating that a potential movie on this series is coming out. Date is still unknown, in year 2010, but we’ll have to wait and see.

This review will cover almost every aspect of Anno Domini (Gundam 00) including characters, mechanics design, technology, plot, setting and an extra: short review in general on HG (High Grade) class model kits from this series, and as simple but informative as possible.

Character 

The characters in Gundam 00 are typical Gundam characters, not much special but their development cab be quite interesting. Setsuna F. Seiei, the protagonist, is a bit different compared to the predeccesor series-relationship development is not emphasized. Setsuna generally did not form any romantic relationships or has a crush on someone (although Nena Trinity, and possibly Feldt liked him). For some reason i personally disliked him compared to Lockon because when it somes to mobile suit combat, he relies more on his Gundam’s power (I’d say, 60%) than his skills. Lockon I (Neil Dylandy) ends up dead and replaced by his twin brother as Lockon II (Lyle Dylandy) and fortunately he is not a typical Shinn character when Anew died -hot headed till the end, a loser in piloting as well because thes heild bits on his suit is controlled by Haro, not him. Allelujah is dissapointing -less developed and his skills turned poor in season 2 (in fact, less focus). Tiera is the one that “replaces” Lockon to die in season 2, and what a “genderless” guy he is. He can easily imitate a gal with no problems (S2 episode 8). In fact almost all innovades are like that. I even thought he was a gal i the beginning. Saji and Loiuse’s relationship is a resemblance of Four Murasame and Kamille Bidan in Gundam Zeta, and Shinn Asuka and Stellar Loussier in SEED Destiny. Frankly Saji and Louise’s success in getting back together is an epic one, unlike the examples from the past series. RATING: 4 stars

Mechanical Design

The Gundams are decent. The Flags remind me of other mechas from other anime, but i can’t exactly remember which one. The Thrones are rather like a Super Robot Wars mecha, still okay but the Drei sucks. On Arche Gundam looked menacing, especially the huge sword. I never liked Gadessa, Garazzo, and Ahead. Ahead is famous for being the uglist Mobile Suit in the series; Gadessa and Garazzo is like a rip-off copycat from Super Robot Wars and a number of anime series. Masurao/Susanoo is like a knight Digimon, GNMA Regnant is like a robot Kerpymon evil type (Digimon Frontiers) if view from the front, and GN  Archer = GM II +Super Gundam +Civillian Astray. Ugly Mobile Armours are inevitable. RATING: 3.5 stars

Technology

This is tthe worst part of this series. GN Drives may be related to science fiction, but it serves no place in sense-making and logics. GNMA Regnant’s Mega cannon defies Physics laws -the beam can bend at sharp angles without any refracting equipments. Light does not travel in straight lines in Anno Domini. Refer my other page for full details, titled “Gundam 00: Cheat Mode”. Luckily it is not more ridiculous than Gundam G.   RATING: 2.5 stars.

Plot and Setting

In contrast to technologies, this is the best part (which is the primary factor why this series excels). Firstly, no Gundam jackings in the beginning (It did happen once when Ali seized Gundam Throne Zwei in season 1, and an attempt to steal 00 Gundam in season 2). Second, rather than joining a military faction and defect later, it focuses on armed interventions by a private paramilitary faction to prevent war. Season 2 is poor as Celestial Being is the one that is contantly being pursued and their battles are mostly for self-defence; and they just suddenly succeed by just seizing back Veda after locating it. A-LAWS is a Titans rip-off. RATING: 4.5 stars.

**Warning, spoilers may follow, do not read if you haven’t watched this series.**

Final Episode Combats: Season 1

The Duel between Exia and Alvatore was direct, Exia proceeds to thrash up Alvatote and the GN Arms got damaged/destroyed, which is expected since the same thing happens in SEED, Freedom’s Meteor Unit is destroyed while confronting Providence. Alvarron actually would have beaten Exia if not the Trans-Am system. After thrashing up Alvarron, a confrontation with Graham’s GN Flag. Both suits put up a copycat fight of Aegis and Strike from SEED, with Exia’s left shoulder ripped off and head stabbed even the same as Aegis before a mutual stabbing. RATING: 3.5 stars

Final Episode Combats: Season 2

I was expecting a similar end to season 1, and luckily not much, but still there is. You get to see Ribbons’ GNZ Reborn Gundam thrashing up 00 Gundam Raiser. I was laughing out loud Setsuna actually LOST to Ribbons even with Trans-Am, since his 00-Raiser is the first between the two to get disabled and shut down (one of the GN Drives on the 00 Gundam was damaged/cut off). Ribbons’ suit is of course rather heavily damaged but still operable. Ribbons steals a GN Drive and uses the abandoned O Gundam. Setsuna now uses dirty tactics again since he sucks big time, using a 3rd generation Gundam Exia to beat 1st generation O Gundam, with unnecessary damages done -another mutual stabbing as season 1. I’ve to wonder why Setsuna never uses his brains and he’d have easily beaten the RX-78 clone without inflicting damage on the Exia. RATING: 4 STARS

Model kits: High Grade 1/144 scale

The kits from this series are surprisingly astounding -cheaper and yet more poseable as well as features, less painting job needed and rather detailed. I am very pleased with the efforts Bandai put in to improve their kits, while at the same time i would like to say “Fuck You ONCE MORE” to Bandai for attempts in making remoulds to dig money out of Gunpla fans’ pockets with just extra equipments/weapon packs as in the case of 00 Gundam (maybe The other 3 as well). I am not that stupid as i am not like others who rush for a particular kit that is newly released. I’d prefer to wait a little longer just in case an “upgraded version” of that original kit is released, and my patience really paid off. The 1/100 version is even more detailed and comparable to a Master Grade (MG) kit in physical details, with only excluding the internal frame structures.

Conclusion

Nice series, except that the theory behind GN Drives that is way out of logic spoiled this series. This would have been one of the best Gundam series so far. Yes, i’ve complained about copycats from previous series still being rampant in this series but in almost every Gundam series, this phenomenon is almost inevitable, and for this reason i overlook that fact. I’ll rate this series 4 out of 5, and if the GN Drives weren’t that ridiculous, i’ll give 4.5/5.0 stars instead. This series is a bit different because it doesn’t emphasis much on character development although they do occur a bit. This is due  to rushed plots as there are only 25 episodes in each season. RATING: 4 out of 5 stars