Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1 is a Japanese mecha anime television series produced by Sunrise. It is the fourteenth installment in the Gundam franchise and was first aired in Japan from October 4, 2015, to March 27, 2016. The series follows the story of a group of child soldiers who call themselves Tekkadan and their fight for independence from the oppressive Earth government.
Plot Summary
The story takes place in the 323rd Post Disaster era, 300 years after a great war between Earth and Mars. Mars has been colonized by humans and is governed by the Martian Branch of the Earth government. The protagonist of the series is Mikazuki Augus, a young boy who works for a private military company called CGS. Along with his friends from CGS, they are tasked with escorting Kudelia Aina Bernstein, a Martian aristocrat, to Earth to negotiate for Martian independence.
However, their mission is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that Kudelia's life is in danger and that there are larger forces at play. They also find out that Kudelia's father was killed by the Earth government, which leads them to join forces with Tekkadan, a group of child soldiers who are fighting for Martian independence.
The series explores themes of war, politics, and the struggles of those who are caught in the middle of it. It also delves into the relationships between the characters and their motivations for fighting.
Main Characters
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1 has a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. Here are some of the main characters:
- Mikazuki Augus - The protagonist of the series. A young boy who works for CGS as a mobile suit pilot.
- Orga Itsuka - The leader of Tekkadan. He is fiercely loyal to his comrades and will do anything to achieve their goals.
- Kudelia Aina Bernstein - A Martian aristocrat who is fighting for Martian independence. She becomes the catalyst for the events of the series.
- Akihiro Altland - A former Human Debris who is now a member of Tekkadan. He is a skilled mobile suit pilot and has a tragic past.
- Biscuit Griffon - A member of Tekkadan who acts as the group's strategist. He is also responsible for taking care of the younger members of the group.
Animation and Soundtrack
The animation for Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1 is top-notch. The series features some of the best mecha designs in the Gundam franchise, with each mobile suit having its own unique look and feel. The fight scenes are well choreographed and have a sense of weight and impact.
The soundtrack for the series is also excellent. The opening theme, "Raise Your Flag" by MAN WITH A MISSION, is a great rock song that sets the tone for the series. The ending theme, "Orphans no Namida" by MISIA, is a beautiful ballad that perfectly captures the emotional moments of the series.
Reception and Legacy
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1 was well-received by both fans and critics. The series was praised for its strong characters, engaging storyline, and excellent animation. It also tackled some heavy themes, such as child soldiers and the effects of war.
The success of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1 led to a second season, which aired from October 2, 2016, to April 2, 2017. The series also spawned several spin-off manga and light novels.
Conclusion
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 1 is a must-watch for fans of the Gundam franchise and mecha anime in general. The series has a great cast of characters, an engaging storyline, and top-notch animation. It also tackles some heavy themes, which makes it stand out from other mecha anime. If you haven't watched it yet, give it a try.