Often considered the pinnacle of the mecha genre, the Gundam franchise has spent entire decades entertaining fans with intriguing and gripping tales that depict the truths and issues of today’s world. Imbued with epic robot and space battles, this amazing series manages to teach viewers important lessons that will stay with them forever, enriching their minds and lives.
Still, with that level of realism and thought-provoking storytelling, it is no surprise that, more often than not, tragedies strike even the main characters of these shows. Across the best Gundam anime that have been released over the last few decades, there is no shortage of heroic and noble protagonists whose fate did not fit their sacrifice.
9
Mikazuki Agus Was Robbed of the Peace He Fought for in Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans follows a group of rebellious teenagers who, tired of the corrupt adults who rule over their small Mars colony, decide to create a self-defense organization named Tekkadan. This group was protected by two brave and selfless pilots known as Mikazuki and Orga, who wished for nothing more than to see their friends live free and happy lives.
While their wish did end up becoming a reality, it came at the cost of both their lives, due to the relentless attacks made by the oppressive company known as Gjallarhorn. During the final battle of the series, Mikazuki was forced to face off against the opposing army alone, giving his friends enough time to escape, knowing that he would never be able to enjoy the peace he fought so hard to achieve.
8
Kamille Bidan’s Tragic Fate Had to Be Fixed After Zeta Gundam
Once a hopeful youngster excited to join his parents as they worked on creating some of the best-designed Gundam models, Kamille saw himself trapped in the middle of a war he did not ask for. His attempts to stop an attack by the Anti-Earth Union Group, a resistance movement created to stop the oppressive Earth Federation, lead him to realize the horrors suffered by most of the galaxy and join their side.
Through the anime, Kamille learns the true horrors of war, watching people on both sides lose their families, homes, and lives. His desire to free the galaxy and end the carnage leads him to join a final massive battle against the Earth Federation, during which he is left in a comatose state due to an enemy attack. His fate was deemed undeserved by fans, pushing the team behind the franchise to correct it later on.
7
Amuro Ray’s Iconic Adventures End In an Unsatisfying Way During Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
Arguably one of the best and most iconic protagonists of the Gundam franchise, Amuro Ray was a brave pilot fighting against the Earth Federation after piloting the beloved RX-78-2 model. Even after suffering through several traumatic events and losing the childlike innocence he began the series with, he never once allowed his conviction to fight for what was right to dwindle.
He faced his bitter rival, Char Aznable, on several occasions, but no match was as intense as their final encounter, which caused both of their mechas to be destroyed. While Amuro was able to survive the encounter, he was left drifting off into space, without the means to get back home and live the rest of his life surrounded by the friends he saved.
6
Gundam: The 08th MS Team’s Shiro Amada Was Forced Into Hiding Just for Loving Someone
Falling in love can be a big determinant for how the story of a hero will unfold, and Shiro Amada is the perfect example of this phenomenon in action. The story of this soldier began with him as a loyal and fierce supporter of the Earth Federation, at least until he met and was enchanted by Aina, a kind Zeon woman fighting with the rebellion.
After a fierce battle in which both sides suffer heavy losses, Shiro decides to switch sides and save Aina, culminating in a massive accident in which their ship and mecha end up falling into a volcano. While the heroes do survive the incident, they are forced to live a secluded and lonely life inside a dangerous jungle, hiding from those seeking to harm them.
5
Not Even Children Like Alfred Izuruha Were Safe From Trauma in Gundam: War in the Pocket
War is an unforgiving, destructive force that does not forgive anyone on its path, not even children. This was the hard lesson that the curious and energetic Alfred had to learn the hard way. At only 11 years old, this kind child came across Bernie, a Zeon rebel pilot with whom he quickly became friends. The man taught him to see behind the propaganda of the Earth Federation and understand the true reasons behind the One Year War.
Despite his young age, Alfred was forced to watch his dear friend die in a gruesome manner, as Bernie decided to sacrifice himself to stop a nuke from destroying an Earth colony. The boy was forced to watch as his neighbor, Chris, unknowingly shot down the Zeon pilot. While nothing happens to Al directly, the trauma of this moment impacts his life forever.
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4
Iria Solari’s Quest for Retribution Revealed the Dark Reality of Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance
The main lead of one of the most traumatizing Gundam shows ever, Iria Solari, is a disciplined and brave Zeon soldier sent to Earth to carry out an important mission with her loyal team. When her friends are eliminated by a prototype Gundam, her objective turns into a rage-fueled quest for revenge against the pilot who killed them, only to be shocked by who awaits inside the cockpit.
After bringing the robot down and preparing to strike her opponent, Iria comes face to face with a young boy who has been indoctrinated by the Earth Federation to pilot the Gundam. Her desire to kill him fades away almost instantly as she realizes that she was about to feed the same cycle of vengeance that led to this child becoming a weapon. She vows to stop the war and protect children, with both her long-held ideals shattered and her son alone back in Zeon for several months more.
3
Gundam Thunderbolt’s Io Fleming Was Betrayed During His Most Vulnerable Moment
Known for being a cocky yet skillful pilot, Io Fleming is a man whose entire life has been defined by tragedy and loss. Long before becoming a pilot, he saw his father commit suicide, following a devastating attack against his hometown. Motivated by nothing but revenge, Io joined the Zeon Alliance hoping to end the Earth Federation, only to be met with obstacles and betrayal at every corner.
Despite surviving several close encounters with death throughout the series, he managed to survive, falling into a deep but brief coma. His best friend, Cornellius, revealed himself as a traitor when he tried to poison Io soon before he could wake from his slumber. Fleming was saved by a pair of sisters who gave him a chance to kill his friend and go on to finish his mission, forcing him to carry the guilt of being the killer of his beloved comrade.
2
Flit Asuno Allowed Trauma to Tarnish His Legacy in Gundam AGE
Although not the most tragic of characters found in the Gundam franchise, but undoubtedly one of the best villains, Flit began his quest as a heroic boy who dreamed of bringing peace to the universe. His ideals were slowly corroded by decades of non-stop war, suffering, and loss, until his once noble personality became a facade of what he once was.
Guided by nothing but hatred, Flit assumed the role of Commander-in-Chief and used his years of experience to design a plan that would completely eradicate his opponents, the Vagan, from existence. His son and grandson had to stop him before he could commit such a horrid mistake, allowing him to ultimately save his soul but letting him live with the constant reminder that he almost became the same kind of monster he used to hate.
1
Neil Dylandy’s Thirst for Revenge Caused His Untimely Death in Gundam 00
As tends to be the case with a plethora of Gundam characters, Neil Dylandy did not begin his story wishing to become a pilot. His life was quite normal until the fateful day when his family was killed by the terrorist organization known as KPSA. Following this event, he became determined to bring justice to the man responsible for the death of his loved ones: Ali al-Saachez.
During an important mission to stop the terrorists, Neil and his Gundam were heavily injured, a fact that would have deterred any other pilot. Yet, due to this being the closest he had ever been to killing his target, Dylandy decided to continue, pursuing the enemy ship until his mecha could no longer continue. Neil died without fulfilling his last wish, full of regret for not having been able to avenge his family.
- Release Date
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1979 – 1980
- Network
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Nagoya TV
- Directors
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Yoshiyuki Tomino, Ryoji Fujiwara, Shinya Sadamitsu
- Writers
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Kenichi Matsuzaki
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Hirotaka Suzuoki
Gihren Zabi (voice)
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Tôru Furuya
Degwin Sodo Zabi (voice)
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Toshio Furukawa
M’Quve (voice)
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Kiyonobu Suzuki
Hayato Kobayashi (voice)
