a.k.a. Shin Kidou Senki Gundam W
Genre: Action/Drama
Company: Sunrise/Sotsu Agency
Format: 49 episodes
Dates: 4/7/1995 to 3/29/1996
In the year After Colony 195, war broke out between the Space Colonies and the United Earth Sphere Alliance. The Alliance suppressed the Colonies, whom fought back by initiating Operation Meteor, a plan to send five, young mobile suit pilots in powerful Gundams to Earth.
summary by Eek
Reviewed: 12/23/2003 by
Grade: 52% 
Highs: Two-Mix’s music
Lows: Skin-deep personalities; drags the entire time; recycled sound effects
I admit that most Gundam series are not very well thought-out, but they usually know how to please the action fanboy in me. Yet, despite all of the hype and raving fans, Gundam Wing is the worst animated addition to this franchise I have seen.
I never ask a whole lot out of any action series, yet Gundam Wing is frequently not able to deliver where it needs to. First off, almost every character is as boring as watching a tree grow. Sure, all of the lead male characters are bishounen, but listening to them discuss philosophical ideals should not remind me of a poorly-written CliffsNotes™ version of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. None possess strong personalities, and I found myself not caring about their well-being at all. So what about the supporting cast? There is not much hope there, either. The only somewhat-interesting character is Sally Po, but her rare appearances cannot save this series from dragging. Speaking of which, much of this anime is spent displaying useless mobile suit battles featuring yellow balls that are supposed to be explosions, quasi-invincible Gundams and pilots yelling “philosophical” commentary in the middle of fights. Everyone preaches on and on about peace… and then they turn around and fight for it instead of considering non-hostile methods. When there is no fighting, another revolution or mysterious organization materializes itself out of thin air.
The only good reason to watch this poor excuse of a Gundam series is so you can listen to both of the opening theme songs, Just Communication and Rhythm Emotion, by Two-Mix. Undoubtedly, this group makes some of the best J-Pop you will ever hear, and with Takayama Minami’s wonderful voice, both of these songs are a pure treat for the ears. Yet, I was appalled to hear many reused sounds from Armored Trooper Votoms. I have no idea why Gundam Wing uses sound effects from a mecha anime more than ten years its elder.
I might normally conclude with a witty remark, but I will refrain. Gundam Wing rips off many aspects from the Universal Century timeline, like Zechs Marquise *cough Char Aznable cough*, yet this series is nowhere near as entertaining as its UC counterparts. If you want a better Gundam anime, go watch Gundam 0080 or 08th MS Team; this one is pathetic.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing can be downloaded legally in the United States HERE.
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