Heero Yuy plummets through the atmosphere in a secret guerilla mission to free the space colonies from the grips of the Earth Sphere Alliance. He is intercepted by a ranking member of the Alliance Military, Zechs Merquise, a prideful masked pilot of unmatched skill. In a dishonorable but effective move, Zechs bails out of his mobile suit after grappling with Heero’s Gundam, sending the suits and Heero to the deepest depths of the ocean.
Alone, disarmed, and on a mission, Heero adopts the persona of an aristocratic youth and uses an upper-class high school as a cover. There he encounters Relena Darlian, daughter of the diplomatic attaché to the colonies. She becomes intrigued with Heero and discovers his secret: Heero is a terrorist. He vows to kill her to keep his identity secret, yet can never bring himself to make good on his threat. Soon, his mission changes as a mysterious organization known as Oz makes itself known, attacking the Earth Sphere Alliance military both on Earth and Orbit. At the same time, he encounters four other Gundam pilots from the colonies with similar missions.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing has its strengths and weaknesses. It is an excellent space opera with fantastic character design, twisting plots, and the entire world and its space colonies are under constant threat. Gundam Wing’s dialogue often leaves a lot to be desired, both in the sub and the dub. Some voice actors put on a great performance, but even fans can’t help belly-laughing at Heero’s first threat to Relena. In instances like these, the dramatic elements seem stilted, yet at other times they are perfectly executed.
Fans of mecha action and space fights will want to see this Gundam series. Though a bit dated in its effects, Gundam Wing stands out among its peers in zero-G action. Fans of classic Anime and Mecha may already be asking after this series. Recommended for public libraries.
Where does this series belong on public library shelves?
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing belongs on anime shelves next to space and mecha titles.
What patrons will want to see this title?
Adults looking for 90s nostalgia and older teens will especially enjoy Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.