Understanding Gundam: An Overview of the Universal Century

Essential Highlights

The Universal Century showcases the ideological clash between the Federation and Zeon, marking the beginning of a new era in space.
Zeon engineers mobile suits and ignites the One-Year War against the Federation.
The RX Project devises the legendary Gundam unit to combat Zeon’s threats within the Mobile Suit Gundam series.

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise boasts nearly 50 years of history, encompassing a plethora of anime series, films, manga, video games, and Gunpla model kits, making it one of the most significant intellectual properties from Japan. Within this extensive franchise, only one timeline, the Universal Century, continues stories that have evolved since the anime’s inception, making it the principal and most recognizable timeline in the Gundam universe.

Though browsing through the extensive list of series in this timeline might seem overwhelming, the riveting narrative of the struggle between the Federation and Zeon will undoubtedly engage anyone curious enough to explore it. If you’re ready to embark on a journey into the Universal Century of Mobile Suit Gundam, here’s everything you should understand before embracing the vision of a brighter tomorrow.

The Universal Century: The Essence of Gundam

Not Merely Good vs. Evil, but Different Ideologies

The Universal Century commences in the year 0001 UC. With a burgeoning population exceeding 9 billion, humanity has ventured into space, departing from Earth. A new era dawns for humanity among the stars with the construction of a new space station called Laplace, where Prime Minister Ricardo Marcenas of the Earth Federation celebrates the calendar change. Unfortunately, a terrorist faction disrupts the event with solar-powered explosives, annihilating the station during Marcenas’ address, leaving only one survivor—a young man named Syam Vist. Syam discovers the Universal Century Charter, which embodies a signed agreement from world leaders and goes on the lam with it.

Seven space colonies, referred to as “Sides,”are established for human habitation, leading to a gradual migration of people who become known as “Spacenoids.”Eventually, they find a champion in political figure and philosopher Zeon Zum Deikun, who proposes the “Newtype Theory,”suggesting that life in space would enhance humankind’s capabilities, endowing them with psychic powers to forge a new era of comprehension. Tragically, during a pivotal speech, he suffers a fatal heart attack, suspected to be the result of poisoning orchestrated by his allies, the Zabi family. He leaves behind a widow and two heirs: Casval Rem Deikun and Artesia Som Deikun.

In the wake of his passing, Spacenoids direct their fury towards the Earth Federation, with whom they have long been at odds. They establish a new independent state called the Principality of Zeon, led by Degwin Zabi, who persists in promoting Zeon’s independence. Through the expertise of Dr. Minovsky, Zeon develops a groundbreaking weapon of war: the mobile suit, with the YMS-05 “Zaku”being the first ever created.

Preparing for conflict with the Federation, Zeon mass-produces the Zaku. In a devastating act, Degwin’s son, Gihren Zabi, launches an entire space colony towards Earth, causing a catastrophic impact in Australia that alters the planet’s climate. This event, known as the Colony Drop, triggers the onset of the One-Year War. Char Aznable, the son of Zeon Deikun, enlists in the Zeon army and distinguishes himself as “The Red Comet,”thanks to his lightning-fast and powerful red Zaku.

The Earth Federation seizes Dr. Minovsky’s innovations and, under Dr. Tem Ray, initiates the RX Project—a covert initiative to craft a new mobile suit designed to counter Zeon. This endeavor culminates in the creation of the Gundam, a pioneering mobile suit of unmatched capabilities. The narrative of the first Mobile Suit Gundam series kicks off when a 14-year-old boy named Amuro Ray discovers and pilots the Gundam to fend off an invasion by Zeon forces at Side 7.

Anime Set in the Universal Century

Your Viewing Guide

The Universal Century timeline hosts a wealth of animated series, OVAs, and films, alongside manga, literature, and games. Here’s an organized list of the animated works:

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin: Chronicles the life of Char Aznable with contemporary animation, although its canonicity is debated.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0079: The inaugural series aired in 1979, narrating Amuro Ray’s journey aboard the White Base against Char Aznable and Zeon.
Mobile Suit Gundam MS Igloo Trilogy: Explores an alternative perspective of the One-Year War through the lens of the crew of the Jotunheim.
Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team: An OVA featuring the 08th MS Team led by Shiro Amada fighting against Zeon’s advanced weaponry on Earth.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket: A Zeon unit delves into the development of a new Federation mobile suit during the Christmas season.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory: The conflict between Kou Uraki and Anabel Gato, showcasing their formidable Gundams.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: The descendants of Zeon’s leaders renew their battle against the Federation.
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ: Neo Zeon commits heinous acts in its quest for triumph and freedom.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack: The climax of the rivalry between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable that reshapes the Universal Century.
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn: Remnants of Zeon pursue the Laplace’s Box as a new Gundam emerges to herald a transformative age for humanity.
Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative: A direct sequel to Unicorn, where the fight against Neo Zeon persists.
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: Set years post-Char’s Counterattack, a young man, shaped by the past, ignites his revolution.
Mobile Suit Gundam F91: Much later, the cycle of conflict continues to plague humanity.
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam: This series represents the furthest point in the timeline, maintaining the presence of the Gundam beyond both Federation and Zeon.

While the Universal Century might appear daunting to approach, it encompasses some of the most compelling content within the Mobile Suit Gundam legacy—featuring ideological clashes, political intrigue, high-stakes sci-fi adventure, and memorable characters that withstand the test of time. The Universal Century encapsulates the saga of Gundam and the continuous quest for insight and understanding.

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