Mobile Suit Gundam AGE

[ImperialX]

To be honest, I'm quite sure the only people who would hate this show before it aired would be those who haven't seen any Gundams except SEED and 00.

How old was Amuro when he got into his first Mobile Suit? He was 15. How old is Uso, the protagonist of Victory Gundam (the darkest Gundam series in history)? That's right - he was 13. News flash - that means he was younger than Flit, the 'kiddie' protagonist of Gundam AGE - aged at 14. Just because the character designs are more oriented towards the younger demographic doesn't mean anything has changed.

Again - Gunam 00's Setsuna is a big exception - almost all Gundam series feature pre-teens such as there for the protagonist. The only thing that has changed are character designs. I'm just leaving this here so that the so-called 'Gundam fans' won't embarrass themselves.

1:

This is really a traditional Gundam archetype pilot episode, but there are some key differences. Some are for the better, and some are for the worse. For one, Flit is far more proactive than most of the pilots that precede him, and a tensai-shounen. He is totally up to date with current events, actually foresaw the attack of the UE. In addition, he is actually responsible for building his own Gundam. This skips the typical 'accidentally becomes a pilot' phase, which is totally welcome for me.

The episode itself was actually not very exciting, and pales in comparison to the three series before it (00, SEED and Wing). However, I actually see a lot of potential in this series because I'm already liking our protagonist more than half of the Gundam protagonists upon the viewing of the first episode of their respective series. Fighting aliens is the one thing I am slightly worried about (think back to the 00 film) but still, as long as it's Gundam I'll keep watching it. The first episode not being bad is an added bonus, and allows me to shove it harder into the haters' faces.

Oh, production values are top notch. As expected from Sunrise for Gundam.

[leokiko.]

I'm only worried about the character designs. They look VERY childish, which would make this Gundam aimed only for kids. That doesn't mean it won't be interesting, but it could turn down many viewers.

[ImperialX]

I'm only worried about the character designs. They look VERY childish, which would make this Gundam aimed only for kids. That doesn't mean it won't be interesting, but it could turn down many viewers.

The only people who would get turned down are people who aren't real Gundam fans in the first place, so this is a win-win situation for Sunrise. The number of fans they'll lose will doubtlessly be less than the new fans they'll gain from this new target audience.

Also, I'm laughing at how you think it's aimed ONLY for kids. In the very first scene we see Flit's mother stuck and burnt to a crisp under crushing debris in a sea of flames. Uhh...right. Only for kids.

[leokiko.]

I'm only worried about the character designs. They look VERY childish, which would make this Gundam aimed only for kids. That doesn't mean it won't be interesting, but it could turn down many viewers.

The only people who would get turned down are people who aren't real Gundam fans in the first place, so this is a win-win situation for Sunrise. The number of fans they'll lose will doubtlessly be less than the new fans they'll gain from this new target audience.

Also, I'm laughing at how you think it's aimed ONLY for kids. In the very first scene we see Flit's mother stuck and burnt to a crisp under crushing debris in a sea of flames. Uhh...right. Only for kids.

Yes, I think I didn't expressed myself well enough I didn't really mean ONLY for kids. Still, we have to wait for more episodes to confirm that. After watching the trailer and this chapter, the only scene I could see as even slighty ''violent'' or ''dark'' would be this one you mentioned. Well, I'm a gundam fan so I will watch it anyway, but I know many ppl that watched the PV's(including the scene you mentioned) and still had the same opinion about it.

But I agree with you, It's certainly an win-win situation, they will gain more than they will lose  . By the way, didn't they say before that this Gundam was more aimed for kids? I read that somewhere, that's why I said that.

[Flash Sword Irene]

The reason why people were flaming the hell out of this was because of the art being Beyblade-ish.  Or at least, that is pretty much the catalyst as to why all the hate was generated in the first place.  That is pretty much from what I can understand anyway.  In anycase, I have not seen the episode yet and I don't know what time Bandai does the simulcast for this.  (So sue me if I don't always have time for anime believe it or not despite Mymal list).  So, I will probably chime in on this later on tonight.

After skimming this a bit, people have to look no further then the one show they are most likely watching in Gundam Unicorn which is about as Gundam-tastic as it gets when it comes to the traditional things.  (I.E. Pre-teen/Teenage protagonists, war, etc.  You get the gist).  Same elements, different character designs, different shows.

[Shadowmage]

The most interseting thing I can see about this anime is the following tidbit about the 3 main characters:

Flit Asuno: Age 14, generic shounen lead from the OP.
Asemu Asuno: Age 16. Flit's son.
Kio Asuno: Age 13. Asemu's son.

My initial reaction was what.jpg. 

So, either we're going to get a 3 generations of storylines running concurrently or we're going to be watching 3 Gundam shows in rapid succession of each other.  The kind of stuff the creators can pull with either choice fascinates me to no end.  By having 3 storylines running together, we have one character fighting for one side espousing the ideologies of his side then have his son fighting for the other side espousing their idealogies the next episode.  The show can also spoil certain events in future timelines like character deaths then create an element of tragedy and perhaps irony in past timlines (kind of like Fate/Zero does with Fate/Stay Night).

Also with a span of 60-100 years, the series can cover how the actions of a character's parent affected the world the child lives in right now.  A common theme I find in Japanese sci fi shows is the sentiment that "well we're screwed right now, but at least we can create a better future for our children."  Gundam AGE can put that sentiment to the test... for two full generations after the first.

I just hope the staff has what it takes to execute on such a bold concept.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 1

I feel like this is somewhat an homage to old mecha animes which featured mecha-piloting children fighting off aliens.  In fact, the first glance of the main protagonist at a younger age seemed familiar to a character from the 90's.  (I am kind of thinking Mamoru from Gaogaigar which is also made by Sunrise).  At some points, I was even reminded of the show Cyborg 009 from some of the character designs as well.  So, the retro aspects are pretty much down pat in this anime which seems to respect it's references unlike a show like Gundam 00.

The most important thing is that this does indeed feel like Gundam and it is as apparent as day.  Still, the episode was not bad overall and as long as people behind this stick to their guns and expand on the concept this should be one of the best Alt. Century Gundam series to date.  The last Alt. Century Gundam series that was truly any good was Turn-A which was the last Gundam Tomino made.  On another note, it seems that it is only a matter of time until Gundam Unicorn's next episode airs and it could not come soon enough.

Also, the OP and ED were ok while being pretty much an atypical anime song and not much else.

[AC]

1:

Hmm... urgh...

I don't know anything much about the whole Gundam universe, so spare me the history of it. I'm just not sure if this show's good; I feel like I just watched mecha-Pokemon or something. It's not about how the show feels like it's catering to younger demographics (okay, kids); more importantly, as one who is mostly accustomed with Gundam being a serious franchise about the dreadfulness of war, I find it hard to swallow what I just saw. I just didn't feel like I'm watching a war action/drama series even if war is involved; it's simply missing the atmosphere that's to be expected.

With that, I'd say that I'm hardly impressed. I've seen different takes of Gundam - Char's Counterattack, Gundam SEED, SEED Destiny, 00, 00 S2 and the ongoing Unicorn - all of which have serious undertones, so it's gonna take some time for me to get used to what I'm going to continue to watch.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 2

A Trojan Horse (Battleship/Diva) and a person with Newtype-like power is definitely reminiscent of Gundam.  So, the throwbacks to the tradition of Gundam are preserved in this series for the most part.  It would not be surprising if the new girl was somehow connected to the new enemies in a way.  Macross Frontier's Ranka Lee comes to mind due to her personal connection and power associated with the Vajra. 

The most intriguing aspect in this episode is the AGE system which is more technologically advanced compared to other Gundams.  If there was ever a time to get creative and innovative with weaponry, this is it.  Although, I don't know how far one's imagination can go without getting silly.

In anycase, if this entire series is going to be the atypical 49-50 episodes the pacing for Flit's arc can't afford to waste a lot of time.  That is assuming, that each character in their generation is going to get an even amount of episodes for themselves.  So, it is going to be interesting to see how that goes.

[AC]

2:

Man, that AGE system rocks. Why didn't the previous Gundam series think of that sooner?

[Shadowmage]

Episode 2

Gundam AGE I dub thee the Mega Man Gundam.

I thought that the second episode came across as stronger than the first episode.  I was initially was worried that the director may be a bit too blue for something as big as a flagship Gundam series but hopefully he manages to find a way to present the Gundam tropes in a more compelling manner over time.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 3

Not much to comment on except for the fact that the plot twist at the end does not seem the most favorable.  Any reservations that this is a kid's show should be off with this episode.  It looks like the pace should pick up especially if my guess that this series is going to distribute an almost equal amount of episodes between each character (or generation) is correct.

[Shadowmage]

Episode 3

This show is still pretty much a standard children's mecha anime but for some reason its starting to grow on me.  Having a strong-willed protagonist, fight scenes with formidable enemies and a very straightforward presentation make the show very easy to watch.

[AC]

3:

I kinda lol'ed at the AGE Builder, aka AGE Easy Bake Oven.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 4

It is good to portray Flit as a vunerable, green pilot needing experience and room to grow.  How they handle the exposure and reaction to the realities of war from here on out is definitely going to be key.  Especially considering how vital this is to the 3-Gen concept and what it is about.  There also seems to be some tension with Emily and this is probably going to play out in predictable fashion. 

Notably, I have never appreciated Wolf's character type since it is hardly likable while difficult to make sympathetic when necessary.  On the other hand if they want me to believe that he is a competent ace on the battlefield this episode is not a bad start.  The (in)direct mentoring role not so much.  In anycase, I don't think I like the preview much with the stereotypical evil kid who looks like he is going to be Flit's recurring rival.  Not much excitement in that department.