Rating: 
Summary: Not your normal gundam, but still a nice series
Review: When one thinks of gundam, space opera often pops into mind. War, government, backstabbing, betrayal, and lots and lots of political criss-crossing. Well, G-Gundam has some of that, but it isn't the main focus of the show. The fighting setup is somewhat cheesy at first, and even I had my reservations when I first viewed the series, but I gave it time. What I ended up finding was a Gundam series that operates on a much more personal level than previous gundams. U.S. fans familiar to the Wing series should recall the lengths taken to flesh out each of the main characters in that series, but it can't compare to how much emotion oozes out of the primary fighters in G-Gundam. Once the series finally makes it to the final matches of the gundam fight, you WILL have a favorite character(mine was Schwarz), and you WILL be excited about every part he/she plays in the story. Basically, don't think of this series as Gundam turning away from the space war tradition to turn into a kung-fu chopsocky show, look deeper and you'll see that this series is a very rewarding character study that just takes a while to fully grab you. Beware, once you start watching, you'll be angry if you have to stop or miss an episode! ^_^
Rating: 
Summary: A Finger that Doesn't Quite Shine
Review: When you think of Gundam, one usually thinks of an epic human drama that unfolds in the futuristic Earth Sphere. Lives are lost, victories are won, and defeats are handed down. Basically, Gundam is the greatest anime series that shows the beauty within the destructiveness of humanity. Well, "G-Gundam" comes along and promptly chucks all that out the proverbial window. The story takes place in the year Future Century 0060. Most of humanity has moved into colonies blah blah blah, much like all Gundam series. But wait! Here's something NEW! Every 4 years, each Nation sends down their respected Gundams to battle each other in a spectacular orgy of mecha destruction to see who rules! Enter, Domon Kashu (stop laughing for a sec), Neo-Japan's Gundam Fighter. He is on a quest to... clear his family's defiled name. Naturally, his quest consists of destroying other Gundams and acting as if he's the greatest man that ever lived. Wow. Still there? Good. G-Gundam was the first of the "Alternate Universe" Gundam stories. Instead of taking place in the Universal Century time line, it adapts a new timeline and new ideas. The show was made in 1993 for Gundam's 15th Anniversary, and I can't think of a worse anniversary gift than THIS. What went wrong? Oh, where to start. The story is NOT a Gundam story. This is basically "Street Fighter" turned 50 feet. Characters look and feel unfamiliar to the Gundam-verse and seem to have no idea what's going on. And rarely are there any semblances of the themes that have become a staple in the Gundam-verse. Drama seems out of place, as the characters look too serious during funny monets, and too funny during high tensions. We are never shown humanities good side, or bad side for that matter, all we see are a bunch of people who see fighting as a reasonable excuse for leadership. The Gundams themselves are a riot. Each one "represents" their sovergn country in a way that can only be described as "politically/racially incorrect." Neo-Mexico has a sombrero wearing Tequila Gundam. Neo-Egypt has the bandaged Pharoah Gundam. Neo-Kenya has the dark armored, spear carrying Zebra Gundam. Neo-Denmark's fish bodied Mermaid Gundam. And one of my favorites, NeoAmerica's footbal armored, six-shooter packing, surfboard riding, boxing Maxter Gundam. Anything for mass-merchandise I guess. There is also no shred of originality left in this series. One of Gundam's greatest assets was it's originality. Well, the only thing original in this show is the apparant lack of shame chracters have for acting the way they do, can anyone REALLY say "Shining Finger" with a straight face? And since when do Gundams have transformation sequences that scream "Sailor Moon" ... When Domon gets into his Shining Gundam, it takes him seven minutes to summon the thing, get dressed, and proceed with the most inane martial arts stances this side of a Jet Lee movie! Very little is devoted to actual fighting. The only asset this show has is the fact that it has "GUNDAM" strapped to it's title. And some of the mecha battles can get interesting. By "interesting" I mean ranging from "cool" to "bizarre." But that's allt his show is, fancy "Fatal Fury" battles and no plot. In the end, "G-Gundam" stands as possibly the WORST GUNDAM SERIES...EVER!! Stick with the original. The Gundam series used to follow the idea of "style without substance is nothing." Well, "G-Gundam" seems to follow the idea that "substance without style is nothing." That maybe well in good, but in this series I have yet to find any "style" let alone "substance." If you need a reason to buy it, two words; drinking game. -RW
Rating:
Summary: The Gundam Legacy Continues
Review: Where to begin...hmmm. I can remember seeing G Gundam one afternoon when if first started airing. Now, I'm a long time Gundam fan (go see Char's Counterattack) so naturally I was intrigued by this new series. Like most of the Gundam series this one draws you in and won't let go (this is one of those cases where you don't say no). Yes, it started a whole new universe, but it's what is in that universe that matters. The Gundam designs were intresting from the start (though some are laughable, go look at America's gundam). Now, initially I wasn't too impressed with the Shining Gundam, but then came along the Gundam that gives the series its name. You won't find its real name uttered in the dubbed version though (the dub is on par with that of 08th MS Team for you Gundam lovers) or for that matter its archenemy's name. The actual G Gundam was one awesome Gundam! Yes, they say shining finger, but who really cares. The fight scenes are awesome, especially the ones when the series draws to an end. Go and at least (BIG at least) watch this one on Cartoon Network. If you don't get the channel then what are you waiting for GO buy it. You don't get the same old storyline: new enemy appears, get whooped, power up to a higher level, kick their hide, and repeat (man, that sounds familiar) or kids find mobile suit and know instantly know how to operate it (still can't figure out how they do it), no offense Amuro, huge war ensues and everything is dissected like drinking some simple tea tea which is the essence of life and the sugar is the catalyst that causes it to change (confused? join the club). You get some quality animation, very cool characters (you should see the development in their character), and an overall amazing storyline that makes it truly one of the superior Gundam series around. Convinced? HOOOOOYAAAAA, I did it WWWHHHHOOOOO. Lastly, thanks for reading my review. ...
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