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Gundam is a global phenomenon unlike any other. These infamous robots embody a unique genre of popular media that stretches its influence all over the world. 44 years after its first episode was released, this iconic franchise has left its mark on television, the big screen, and most especially on toy shelves. Leaving many to wonder what exactly makes this franchise so unique. Is there even a reason? Let us find out more as we dive into the culture behind Gundam.
Summary
- Where It All Started
- Gundam’s Cultural Influence And Impact
- The Gunpla Legacy
- In Conclusion
Where It All Started | Gundam’s History
On April 7, 1979, the first episode of Mobile Suit Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate, aired on the Nagoya Broadcasting Network. The show’s plot is set in a fictional timeline in the Earth’s distant future, where a war between the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation is taking place. Gundam, a giant humanoid robot, and its pilot, Amuro Ray, serve as the Earth Federation’s hope for winning the war. Despite its interesting premise, the show was deemed unpopular when it was first released, a fact that a lot of us might find surprising considering the popularity that it enjoys today. It ran for 43 episodes, all the while facing threats of cancellation and falling into obscurity before becoming what it is today.
Gundam’s Cultural Influence And Impact
Mobile Suit Gundam was worlds apart from other robot anime that were aired around the same time. Gundam were framed as weapons of war, they were machines created for military use no different to a tank or a submarine and were dubbed as "Real Robots." The show’s concept was the first of its kind. Mobile Suit Gundam was completely different from other popular robots of the 1970s mecha anime that had super powers or were created through supernatural means; a robot genre dubbed as "Super Robot". In contrast, Gundam is the pioneer of the "Real Robot" genre, a mecha sub-genre that dominates manga and the big screen to this day. The "Mobile Suit" concept might have long evolved and taken different forms, but despite that, the essence of the "Real Robot" genre still remains to this day, as is evident in the presence of weaponized mechanical robots in pop culture and mainstream media.
- Gundam In The Real World
The influence of the Gundam series is not caged in the confines of the fictional world of books, movies, and television. The series has served as inspiration for various mechanical pieces and works of art. A personal combat system, codenamed “Gundam" has been in the works since the 2000s for the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The series has also inspired the design of the GT-R (R35), a supercar from Nissan. According to Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura, the angular lines and high-tech vents were inspired by the series.
Numerous museums and specialized establishments dedicated to Gundam can be found all throughout Japan, and Gundam Merchandise is available in toy stores all over the world. Even if you did not know what Gundam was, chances are you have seen it at least once in your life, a testament to how deeply ingrained it is in pop culture and mainstream media.
The franchise earned 131.3 billion yen over the past year, which is equivalent to a whopping 1.4 billion Australian dollars! With nearly half of its sales being credited to the toy and model kit industries, the Gundam has become synonymous with the Bandai name over the years.
The Gunpla Legacy
It is undeniable that the toy and model kit industries go hand in hand with Gundam. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Gundam franchise would not be where it is today without the toy industry. After the series ended uneventfully, it almost faded into obscurity. With the series being widely unsuccessful since day 1, nobody who knew about it then would have batted an eye. However, this rough chapter was only the start of an iconic mecha empire, and a new window of opportunity was about to open.
- Bandai & Gundam Culture
- Gundam Plastic Model Kits
Unlike Gunpla’s humble beginnings, where kits had to be painted and glued for them to be complete, modern kits now have complex joints that allow each part to connect without the use of adhesives. However, its evolution over the years is not limited to only its structure; the sheer number of models out on the market is staggering, with no shortage of Gundam to choose from.
Here at Hearns Hobbies, we have a huge collection of Bandai Gundam plastic kits ranging from Entry-grade, High-grade, Real-grade, and Master-grade models. We also offer mini versions of their well-known Gundam kits in their SD&BB Gundam Kit Collection. Check out some of the kits below:
BANDAI Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (3L)
Get the BANDAI EG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (3L) here
BANDAI 1/144 High Grade Infinite Justice Gundam
Get the BANDAI 1/144 HG Infinite Justice Gundam here
BANDAI 1/144 Real Grade RX-78-2 Gundam
Get the BANDAI 1/144 RG RX-78-2 Gundam here
BANDAI 1/100 Master Grade Destiny Gundam
Get the BANDAI 1/100 MG Destiny Gundam here
BANDAI SD Cao Cao Wing Gundam
Get the BANDAI SD Cao Cao Wing Gundam here
In Conclusion
Gundam’s journey to becoming an icon in Japanese pop culture had many twists and turns. Reaching the world stage through toys and a fresh new concept is a feat only a few are capable of, with others sharing its level of fame with even fewer. The Gundam series is a one-of-a-kind show and symbol and has become the face of a unique sub-genre of mecha that has stayed in pop culture, inspiring numerous other anime and media pieces to this day.
Check out our full collection of everything Gundam here
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