Gundam 00: An Accessible Mecha Show

 On the TV screen, the Gundam 00 title card displays. Whoever is sitting on the couch is getting ready to watch. Photo credit: Jacob Harris 

Gundam 00 is a show about breaking free from government control, war, and striving to maintain peace. The story follows four Gundam pilots, called the Gundam Meisters, and their organization, Celestial Being—a paramilitary group that deploys the Gundam Meisters for armed intervention in regions experiencing or on the brink of conflict. 

Characters 

The main characters—Setsuna F. Seiei, Lockon Stratos, Allelujah Haptism, and Tieria Erde—may initially seem flat or militaristic, but beneath the surface, they are deeply human. Each character carries trauma, emotional complexity, and personal struggles. 

Watching the characters grow from isolated individuals into a cohesive, strong team is a highlight of the show. For example, Setsuna F. Seiei evolves from a child soldier driven by vengeance into a more nuanced character striving for understanding and peace. Overall, the character development earns a 9/10, offering a depth rarely found in other shows. 

Setting 

The story takes place in 2307 AD, approximately 282 years in the future. The world has transitioned entirely away from fossil fuels, relying on massive solar panels in space connected to Earth via enormous towers. The narrative alternates between Earth and space, presenting a world that at first seems utopian but is rife with conflicts and hidden struggles. 

The setting adds compelling depth to the story, blending realism with imaginative futurism, earning a 9.5/10. 

Mecha Design 

The mecha designs in Gundam 00 are exceptional: 

• Exia (piloted by Setsuna F. Seiei) is sleek and agile, optimized for close-range combat. Its white, blue, and red color scheme with yellow highlights emphasizes speed. It wields a forearm-mounted sword, dual daggers, and a beam saber. 

• Dynames (Lockon Stratos) is a tactical long-range sniper mobile suit with green, white, and red coloring. Stocky legs and shoulder-mounted armor provide stability and storage for its sniper rifle. 

• Kyrios (Allelujah Haptism) is designed for speed and versatility. It transforms into a flying fighter jet, armed with beam sabers, a shield, and high-speed cannons for rapid hit-and-run attacks. 

• Virtue (Tieria Erde) is a bulky, tank-like Gundam emphasizing defense and heavy firepower. Its chest and shoulder armor conceal devastating cannons and beam sabers, creating a balance between offense and protection. 

  
  

Accessibility 

What makes Gundam 00 accessible to newcomers is its grounded, plausible setting. A future where fossil fuels are depleted, space-based solar farms power the planet, and nations fight over energy resources feels both imaginative and feasible. The clear timeline, human motivations, and practical context make the show easy to follow even for those new to mecha anime. 

The clear timeline, human motivations, and practical context make the show easy to follow even for those new to mecha anime. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, Gundam 00 combines an engaging story about war, morality, and peace with exciting robot combat. Its strong character development, detailed mecha designs, and believable future world make it highly recommended. 9/10—definitely worth a watch.