Reader’s Question:
I have a question about Mobile Suit Gundam. I recently started watching Mobile Suit Gundam. The reason I hesitated was that the animation felt outdated, and I already knew some of the story. However, after watching it, I can see why the original Gundam is so popular; the story
is undeniably interesting. The themes of justice versus justice, Amuro’s growth, the importance of supply lines, the coolness of Char’s mobile suits, and the influence of Lala Sune on both characters are all compelling. More importantly, while I believe that wars in real human history have never truly ended, I appreciated that Gundam depicted a conclusion to the war. My main question is: why hasn’t the original Gundam been remade with updated animation for a movie or broadcast in the Reiwa era? I think it would definitely sell well, especially since they made a movie out of Cucuruz Doan’s Island, which shows it’s possible. I grew up with SD Gundam and wasn’t a fan of the realistic proportions at first, but I got hooked with Wing and eventually fell in love with the Universal Century through F91. I’ve watched 0080, F91, Char’s Counterattack, Victory Gundam, Hathaway’s Flash, and Zeta Gundam multiple times, but I only recently started watching the original series.
A Legal Perspective on the Future of Mobile Suit Gundam Remakes
As a devoted fan of the Gundam franchise, I can totally relate to the excitement and hesitation that comes with diving into the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. I remember the first time I popped in the DVD—my friends had raved about it for years, but I was a little put off by the animation style. It felt like stepping back in time. Yet, once I got past that initial barrier, I found myself completely immersed in the story, grappling with the complex themes and rich character development. Now, onto the main question at hand: why hasn’t the original Gundam been remade with modern animation? It’s a fascinating topic that blends nostalgia with modern business considerations. First off, it’s essential to acknowledge the attempts that have already been made, like THE ORIGIN and Cucuruz Doan’s Island. These projects were, in many ways, test cases for whether audiences were still hungry for a retelling of the original story. However, as the user pointed out, the box office results weren’t quite what Bandai hoped for. It’s a bit of a gut punch, isn’t it? It makes you wonder if the magic of the original can ever truly be recaptured. From a legal standpoint, the financial implications are significant. There’s a real concern about the return on investment when it comes to remaking a classic. Studios are often risk-averse, especially when it involves established properties. If they can’t guarantee that a new version will resonate with both old fans and new viewers, they might shy away from the project altogether. It’s a classic case of “better safe than sorry.” Moreover, the nostalgic element comes with its own set of challenges. The voices of iconic characters like Amuro and Char, as mentioned in the discussion, are integral to the experience. If the original voice actors can’t reprise their roles, it could lead to disappointment among longtime fans. I mean, who wants to hear a beloved character voiced by someone who just doesn’t capture their essence? It’s like trying to replace your favorite childhood snack with a healthier alternative—it just feels wrong. In the end, it seems that Gundam is at a crossroads. The franchise has successfully attracted new fans with series like Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, which speaks to a younger audience. The question becomes: why invest in a remake when there are still new stories to tell? Reflecting on my own experiences, it reminds me of when I tried to get my friends into the original series. I practically begged them to watch it, but they were all too enamored with newer titles. I can’t blame them, though; the animation and storytelling have evolved dramatically. It’s a bit like trying to convince someone to try that old recipe from your grandmother that you swear is the best—it can be a hard sell! So, if you’re a fan like me, what do you think? Should we keep hoping for a remake, or should we embrace the new stories being told? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any experiences you’ve had with Gundam in the comments! What are your favorite series or moments that hooked you into this incredible universe?
