8Bit/Digi

Gundam and mecha fans will be excited to learn that a collection of classic Mobile Suit Gundam movies are coming to Netflix starting next week.

The films are the Mobile Suit Gundam trilogy, a cinematic adaptation of the original series, along with Char’s Counter Attack. This will also be the first time these films have been made available on a streaming service outside of Japan. Here is a quick rundown of each film.

Mobile Suit Gundam is an abridged adaptation of episodes 1 through 15 of the original series. The Principality of Zeon has proclaimed its independence and declared war on the Earth Federation, starting the One Year War. The story follows Amuro Ray and the crew of White Base as they try to escape from to Earth. Their journey is made even more difficult as they are being pursued by Char Azunable (aka the Red Comet).

Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow is an abridged adaptation of episodes 16 through 30 of the original series. The story is mostly focused on the Earth campaign of the One Year War. The horrors of war are starting to have an effect on Amuro as friends are getting killed or injured. Unbeknownst to the Zeon leadership, the Red Comet is plotting his revenge against the Zabi family.

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is an abridged adaptation of episodes 31 through 43 of the original series. Following the victory on Earth, the Federation is taking the fight to Zeon. Meanwhile the Zabi family is tearing each other apart in a ploy to hold on to power.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack is set following the events of the Zeta Trilogy. Char Aznable has taken control of the Neo Zeon forces and plots to continue the work of his father of seeking independence. Thus, starting a new war that will pit him against Amuro Ray for the last time.

Mobile Suit Gundam is the main series of the franchise as it follows the events of the One Year War. The conflict pits the Principality of Zeon (and its allies) against the Earth Federation. The man story follows the journey of Amuro Ray during the war along with Char Aznable quest for revenge.

Gundam is a media franchise that follows an interstellar conflict involving mobile suits. The franchise includes the main series followed by numerous spin-offs along with video games and models (dubbed Gunpla).

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.