Talk:Gundam

chronology

http://www.gundamofficial.com/features/faq_prod_info.html#order

its in paragraph 7---- i would credit them and post it here, but i dont know the law or whatnot and its not worth me getting into legal problems so follow link for an offical chronology

Gundam Word Meaning Variation

Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assult Module Is 'GUNDAM' comes from this weird line of words? Flora 02:48, 2 Nov 2004 (UTC)

In the terms of the series "Gundam SEED", GUNDAM stands for "GeneralUnilateral Neuro-LinkDispersive Autonamic Maneuvere"

If that is true, it contradicts what is in the article. Can we fix this? DJ Clayworth 16:16, 17 May 2005 (UTC)[reply]

No, the SEED definitions are unique to SEED. : Operation X 06:02, 3 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Can we make it normal procedure to include the word Gundam in the title of any article that relates to this series. So rather than Mobile Suit Variations it would be Gundam Mobile Suit Variations. I think this would be less confusing for people searching on the words mobile or suit. DJ Clayworth 16:12, 17 May 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Though your suggestion does have merrit, such a title would indicate that the article was about vairations of the Gundam design, which are so varied that it could be its own section anyway. There are plenty of other mobile suit lines with variants, but such an article could begin with a quick paragraph explaining the premise behind it all, to remind the reader what series its from and all...

With that name, it would be more likely article about MSV in general. L-Zwei 16:37, 20 Jun 2005 (UTC)

In Gundam Wing Gundams were called Gundams because they were made from Gundanium alloy[1] Hackwrench 19:04, 20 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

No. Virgo, Scorpio, Mercurius and Vayeate are all use Gundanium armor but aren't Gundam.L-Zwei 02:58, 21 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

While that is true, Zechs does explicitly indicate (episode 1) that the suit's Gundanium composite construction was the sincher, proving that it was a Gundam. Curiously enough, the 'Luna Titanium' that the orrigional gundam was constructed from was later named 'Gundarium' in tribute to the suit, quite the opposite of what you see in Wing, eh?

That's because during event of early episode, they're only mobile suits that construct from Gundanium. Well, I think I get your point. The first five AC Gundam got the name Gundam from Gundanium alloy, but the meanning was lost once Mercurius and Vayeate appear. L-Zwei 12:28, 26 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Lagrange points and Gundam

Quote: The technology, at least that of the Universal Century, is practical and derived from true science, including Lagrange points in space, the O'Neill cylinder as a living environment, and energy production from helium-3 (Minovsky Physics).

Since L-points are mentioned in the article and "Lagrangian point" links to this article, the relation of the L-points and Gundam should be explained in the Gundam article. Besides, the above quote reads as if L-points were technological products, when they actually are a physical phenomenon. Since I'm unfamiliar with Gundam universe, all I can do is to make a comment. --The Merciful 13:37, 28 July 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Indeed, it seems to be some clumsy wording, the space colony clusters of the Gundam universe (refered to as 'Sides' in UC terminology) are nestled in clusters situated in those 5 stable points in orbit.

Merge Gundam model

Could the Gundam model article be merged here? Kjkolb 09:49, August 22, 2005 (UTC)

Seconded, the gunpla page should be wrapped up and sliped into the merchandise section.--72.140.12.15 08:08, 22 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Proposed Intro edit

Gundam is one of the most successful meta-series of Sci Fi anime which started with Mobile Suit Gundam by the famous director Yoshiyuki Tomino in 1979. With some variations amongst different series, Gundam is generally set in the near future in which humans fight terrible wars with giant robots. While originally aimed at the young boys demography, Gundam had acquired a large following in teens (both genders) and young adults in many parts of the world. The success of Gundam-related merchandise in the Far East rivals that of Star Wars in North America and Western Europe.

Hello! What do you think about the above intro? - DrCore 2005.09.02

Minor nitpick: Are the Hummingbird series (and by extension the Zetaplus series) considered "Gundams"? How about Re-GZ? If not, perhaps the exception relating to the Hummingbird should be removed from the "defining characteristics" section. --165.21.154.8 06:42, 10 September 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Distinctive Characteristics semplified

Since this is a general introduction to the Gundam concept, referring to specific less-important exceptions to the usual Gundam characteristics seemed excessive.

Also having an entire section devoted to Gundams different from the norm was wery out-of-place, as every mecha series has always less important models that are different than the namesake. There is really no point in stating this on this page.

If you need this information retained, put it on the specific model's pages.

This page is not a place where state which models are like the "real" gundams and which are not.--IgorTrieste 15:32, 13 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

misc

I think the focus of the Gundam entry is really poor. It reads like a fanboy's catalog of trivia, especially the crazy acronyms Bandai made up to explain what "Gundam" means. How about:

Gundam is a franchise owned by Bandai for a series of robot toys and animated shows produced to sell the toys. It was a modestly successful cartoon during its initial run, and the original toys were designed by the now extinct Clover company as typical robot toys for young children. Bandai figured out they could sell a lot of "realistic" science fiction model kits to slightly older children featuring the Gundam robot and countless sequels have followed.

The Gundam robot has a trademark look of a samurai-like head with two antenna on the forehead in a V-shape, a visored helmet, lightup eyes, and a covered "mouth." The Gundam robot usually carries a shield, rifle, and lightsaber-like "beam sword." The Gundams are usually depicted in the animated shows as thoughtless war machines and the story is told from the point of view of the pilot.

Isn't this better than speculating what G.U.N.D.A.M. stands for? If you are at that point you really don't need an encyclopedia entry to help you... 68.165.9.184 04:21, 17 November 2005 (UTC)nobody[reply]

While I don't like how G.U.N.D.A.M. acronyms was mention in introduction, since it never exist until SEED was released (and only apply to CE timeline, not Gundam in general.). Your version is even worse and look like something belong to Uncyclopedia. L-Zwei 08:30, 17 November 2005 (UTC)[reply]
- I wouldn't call my version better written, but I think it comes closer to describing what Gundam is to the greater world than the current entry. The reason Gundam keeps getting refreshed is it sells a lot of merchandise. Just like Coke cans are red and Corvettes are fiberglass, Gundams carry rifles, swords, and shields, and have that distinct head. BTW I did read the Uncyclopedia entry for Gundam and it is rather close to the above! 68.164.214.148 04:52, 20 November 2005 (UTC)nobody[reply]
  - Not really, while general Gundam show feature such distinct feature. There are some product that standout from other (Turn A Gundam for example), some product like Rise from Ashes game not include Gundam at all. And there are some novel that doesn't has official merchandise release. I don't denie that Gundam is to sells a lot of merchandise, but that's just one aspect (though it seem to be more and more important, it still just one aspect). Said Gundam keeps getting refreshed is solely for sells merchandise is like say The reason Star Wars get refreshed is it sells a lot of merchandise. It's completely ignore other aspect of franchise.L-Zwei 12:32, 20 November 2005 (UTC)[reply]
    - Turn A didn't exactly break the design rules for the Gundam. They did move the v-antennae, but just to the nose and spent the whole show reminding the viewer where they moved it by dubbing it "The Moustache." Rise from the Ashes featured the GM mobile suit, which is just an "non-flashy" design of the Gundam (GM ~= GundaM, like the creators saying, "This robot is nearly a Gundam."). I think the question "What is a Gundam?" should be answered in an encyclopedia entry, and the current entry doesn't do that. How about, the design for the Gundam robot is usually inspired by the original Gundam, which featured a samurai-like head, the v-antennae, covered mouth, etc. I guess you would white as the base color, and a cockpit in the chest/heart area. Also, of course, a humanoid shape. I'm not saying every Gundam has every design queue, but practically none of the Gundams don't have most of them. I think getting this across is more important than mentioning random plot devices like "Mirkovsky Particles." Also, you can add the robot is usually designed in a way so that it can be built as an actual robot (in the anime as a full size-robot, in the real world as a plastic model) in such a way that high articulation can be realized and none of the proportions of the design are changed from the cartoon to the actual robot. (Again, SD Gundam breaks this rule, but they named the show to remind you what to "correct" to make it fit with the Gundam design.) I think the high articulation and proportionality are key to the "Real Robot" genre.68.164.214.148 19:21, 20 November 2005 (UTC)nobody[reply]
      - The term Gundam mean both the franchise and main mecha of show. The entry already answer the question "What is Gundam" for both. Introduction part is answer for "What is Gundam" as franchise and the Distinctive characteristics part answer the question "What is Gundam" as the name of mecha. Well, the introduction part might be clearer if we move G.U.N.D.A.M acronym phrase somewhere else.L-Zwei 05:24, 21 November 2005 (UTC)[reply]
        I agree that the introductory paragraph for Gundam should be spruced up a bit to give it a more 'official' or 'finalized' feel to it. Because at the moment, it seems as though it's part of an article with the beginning cut out. However, I also feel that the initial suggestion is overly cynical, and deliberatly missleading. It seems to me that the writer in question is simultaneously aware of the significant volume of material behind the series, but is unwilling to familiarize themself with it rather than dismiss critical setting elements as 'plot devices.' The introduction should be elegant and simple. Introducing Gundam and the timeframe in which it first appeared. Briefly describe the financial failure and subsequent revival of the series through reruns, and go on to reveal that it is now a franchise that covers a wide gambit of animated, drawn, digital, and literary work, with degrees of artistic and marketable quality that vary rapidly between them... I'll see what I can do... --72.140.12.15 08:26, 22 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I question whether Gundam is really one of the earliest of the Mecha genre. I remember Gigantor the space-age robot from the late 60s, see [2].

It absoultely is not only one of the earliest, it was THE earliest. Gigantor was not a mech drama, it was a "Giant Robot" show. Big difference. User:Snarfies
- This overseas concept that "giant robot" and "mech/mecha" are mutually exclusive categories does not exist in Japanese. In Japanese, Mobile Suit Gundam is considered just as much a "giant robot" as Tetsujin 28-gou (Iron Man No. 28/Gigantor). Keep in mind that the RX-78-2 Gundam is the same 18-meter height as Mazinger Z (Tranzor Z). Also, in Japanese, both Tetsujin 28-gou and Gundam are considered mecha, as are all mechanical objects, robotic or otherwise. User:Egan Loo

The terms the Japanese themselves use for the distinction between the Tetsujin 28-gou's generation and Gundam's generation are "Super Robot" and "Real Robot." Still, some Japanese fans consider Mobile Suit Gundam to be not exclusively a "real robot" series, but a bridge between the two subgenres. (Gundam has the pioneering "realistic" depiction of war, but it still has color schemes, inventor's son/pilot, and other "super robot" tropes foisted upon the creators by the sponsors.) Also, the Super Robot game franchise have further blurred the Super Robot subgenre boundaries. Still Super Robot, Real Robot, and Hero Robot are useful categorizations used by Japanese fans. User:Egan Loo

-While it is true that in Japan the word "mecha" embodies all robot genres and the classification prefixes they use to distinguish are "real" and "super", this is the en.wikipida not the jp.wikipidia. People are coming to this page to clarify the specific uses and discriminations and uses of these classifications in English language and culture and as such the page needs to reflect those uses; in this case the fact that "mecha" are characterizd as a different subgenre from "super robot" in Western cultre. If you wish to make a case that this Western variation of subgenre clssification is misleading and erroneous then by all means please do so, but this is not the palce for that argument. This is a catalog, not a forum.

-Robert from Gundam Universe

- The catch is that there is no consistent English usage of the word "mecha." As clearly shown in the discussion above, English speakers have different opinions on what "mecha" mean. Some English speakers say that "mecha" mean all robots. Others say that "mecha" mean only "realistic" robots. Still others say that "mecha" means only piloted robots or only humanoid robots, while those that don't say that unfairly rules out Giant Robo and the mobile armor and mobile dolls of the Gundam franchise. Finally, some use the original Japanese definition and say "mecha" mean all mechanical objects--after all, there are English speakers who validly discuss the mecha in Cowboy Bebop even though there are virtually no robots in it. There are English speakers who validly discuss the mecha of the Gundam franchise and include the non-humanoid mobile armor in the discussion.
- Using specific terms in the article (with an explanatory text to clarify the meaning) is perfectly valid because of all these different uses of "mecha" by English speakers. In fact, because of all the confusion, the article should do this. --Egan Loo 15:53, 20 Jun 2005 (UTC)

- - -Good Point. As this is an issue for discussion in a vibrant subculture and therefore the boundaries of definition are relatively fluid and malliable. While I have a very clear set of values for each definition which I use when discussing with other members of the "sect" that I expect even if they do not agree with for them to understand, as consistent as the values are in their usage within the collectiove there is no awarding body of Certified Otakification. There is a lot of room for discussion; especially when dealing with the SRW/SRT issue lots of the kids who are influenced by the growth of the game translation scene use "real" and "super".
- - That being said, I still advocate the super/mecha distinction on grounds of aesthtic consistency as Gundam(and almost Zambot-3) was the progenitor of design style that made giant robots look like factory produced vehicles ala cars, tanks and planes- and it was this design philosophy that permeates a lot of the technolust of "mecha" as I use the term which in turn was responsible for the development of Gunpla/(model building) that is such a source of focus and discovery for the mecha/anime fanbase. And in turn not only do "Super" robots very often have much more bombastic and plastic appearance but they display a lot of the same characteristics which we associate with super heros in this country. The very mechanisation- the monomaniacal high-functionaoning autism of robot development and design in things like 08MST or even Robotech for that matter- is not present.

-Rob from GU-

At about the same time there was another cartoon screened in Australia about someone called Hercules who saved the day each episode by building a robot called the Giant Muscle (to the tune of the Can-can Polka, the chorus of which went "hurry hurry Hercules"). Both were this genre. Whether the second came from Japan I don't know for sure, but it seems to me their contribution should be recognised. Andrewa 15:41, 1 Mar 2004 (UTC)

Regarding the Hercules post above, the song went, "Hurry, hurry Hercules. Time to launch your guided Muscle Missile". It was screened in the US as well.

Would someone please unite all of the ships in the various gundam series' onto one page. Trying to find all of the ship classes and names takes forever, and it seems unfare that every other topic has a "mainpage" per se.

I have removed the link to Gundam Gates, as it's fairly obvious it was added as an advertisement. Jtrainor 09:09, 23 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]