This series focuses heavily on the complex relationships and motivations behind the legendary figures of the Gundam saga, particularly Char Aznable, while also providing fascinating insights into the early stages of the conflict in the Universal Century.
1. Exceptional Animation and Art Design
The animation in The Origin is visually stunning, blending modern animation techniques with Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's original character designs. The mobile suits, particularly the RX-78-2 Gundam and Zaku II, are beautifully rendered, with intense attention to detail and fluid combat sequences. The backdrop of the Universal Century feels alive with intricate space vistas, rich environments, and finely detailed battle settings. This gorgeous animation enhances the immersive experience, making each battle and emotional scene feel vital and meaningful.
2. Char Aznable: The Tragic Protagonist
Char Aznable is undeniably the heart of The Origin, and his portrayal here is one of the strongest aspects of the series. While Gundam fans are familiar with Char as the iconic "Red Comet," The Origin presents him in a new light-fleshing out his tragic backstory and complex personality. Char is not simply the antagonist but a deeply conflicted and layered character whose actions are driven by a deep-seated desire for vengeance and personal redemption. His relationship with his father, Zeon Deikun, and the way it shaped his path in life, adds significant depth to his character. What sets The Origin apart is the intimate portrayal of Char's motivations. His personal vendetta against the Zabi family, who took control of Zeon after his father's death, adds a sense of tragedy to his actions, making him more than just an enemy of the Earth Federation. The series portrays him as a character who feels the weight of his decisions and internalizes the pain of the past, making his journey toward vengeance and identity deeply emotional and tragic.
3. Sayla Mass: Char's Sister and Emotional Anchor
The relationship between Char and Sayla Mass is one of the most compelling aspects of The Origin. Sayla, whose real name is Artesia, is Char's estranged sister, and their bond is fraught with emotional tension and complexity. The series delves into their shared history, with Sayla being torn between her loyalty to Char and the conflicting ideals of Zeon. Their interactions are filled with unresolved feelings, as they both struggle with their roles in the war and the legacy of their father's political vision. Sayla's character is given much more depth in The Origin compared to the original series, and her emotional struggle is at the forefront of the narrative. She is caught between family loyalty and a desire to forge her own path, particularly as she witnesses the destruction caused by Zeon's ambitions. The subtle but powerful dynamic between the two siblings enhances the emotional weight of the story, with Char's actions constantly influencing Sayla's personal growth and decisions. Their relationship is a poignant portrayal of sibling love, guilt, and the scars left by war.
4. Amuro Ray: The Naïve Kid
While Char's story takes center stage, Amuro Ray is still an important part of the larger narrative, albeit as a secondary figure in The Origin. At this point, Amuro is just a child-still naive, inexperienced, and far from the seasoned pilot fans know from the original series. His appearance is brief, and his role doesn't yet carry the weight of the larger conflict. His presence serves to highlight the contrast between Char's complex motivations and Amuro's youthful idealism. While he is not yet a key player, the series hints at Amuro's potential, laying the groundwork for his eventual transformation into the series' central hero.
5. Rich World-Building and Political Depth
The Origin excels at expanding the world of the Universal Century, providing a more nuanced understanding of the political landscape. The rise of the Zeon faction and the early days of the Earth Federation are explored with great detail, adding depth to the conflict. The motivations behind the Zabi family's rise to power and their manipulation of Char's life are key elements that drive the narrative. The political maneuvering within the Zeon military and their ambitions for power provide a solid foundation for the ongoing war, and The Origin paints both sides of the conflict with a sense of realism and complexity.
6. Mature, Emotional Storytelling
The storytelling in The Origin is mature and thoughtful, focusing on the personal and emotional consequences of war. The series explores the inner turmoil of its characters, particularly Char and Sayla, as they grapple with loss, guilt, and the weight of their choices. The cost of war is felt not just on the battlefield but in the characters' internal struggles. Char's quest for vengeance against the Zabi family is presented as a tragic flaw, and Sayla's own moral conflicts create a poignant emotional undercurrent to the story. The series also delves into the tragic nature of war itself, showing how it warps people and families, leaving scars that will never fade. The balance of action and introspection gives the narrative an emotional depth that resonates throughout the series.
7. Masterful Pacing and Structure
The pacing of The Origin is expertly handled, with each episode building upon the last to create a coherent and engaging narrative. The series takes its time to flesh out characters, relationships, and world-building, allowing for deep emotional payoffs later in the story. The action is thrilling and dynamic, but it never overshadows the emotional stakes. The gradual build-up of tension and the exploration of personal struggles ensure that each moment feels earned, and the conclusion of the series leaves a lasting impact.
Final Thoughts
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin is a remarkable achievement, offering an emotionally complex and visually stunning portrayal of the early days of the Universal Century. Char Aznable emerges as the tragic protagonist of the series, with his relationship with Sayla Mass providing a deep emotional core. While Amuro is still just a child, the groundwork for his role in the larger Gundam saga is firmly laid. With its rich world-building, thoughtful character development, and mature storytelling, The Origin is a perfect 10/10. It stands as one of the finest entries in the Gundam franchise, capturing the essence of what makes Gundam so powerful-its exploration of war, its human cost, and the complex individuals caught in its wake.
