MS Gundam: The 08th MS Team

[Traz]

Now there are many different Gundam-related series'. I doubt there would be too many people who could claim to have seen everything there is. There are countless OVAs, movies and such that are sometimes separate or part of a familiar series. Because of this, it is not hard to get confused as to where they all fit in. The best way to find out is to check Wikipedia, as they have a rather complete listing of the entire Gundam universe of anime. That’s another story though; for the anime in question that I have made this topic for is the 08th MS Team.

Back in the past, I never would have paid a series like this the time of day. I wasn’t that interested in anime to begin with (besides some of the movies) and a show about 'robots' didn’t sound too interesting or appealing to me. However, after watching the first few episodes, the serious element and a good story is rather apparent. I like MS Gundam Wing, but that is more toned down then this one. In total (for my DVD set; at least) there are 13 episodes in this short series, as well as a movie to end it all. Not the longest anime indeed, but I have often found that lengthy series’ get too repetitive and boring along the way.

As for the story, well I will just copy the description on the back of my set:

The year is UC 0079 – The Federation has begun mass production of the prototype Gundams for use by their ground forces. Shiro Amada, Commander of the 08th MS Team must lead his squadron through fierce fighting ground. However, the Zeons are developing a secret project which could tip the balance of power. Can Shiro and his ragtag team of cast-offs, rejects, and bad attitudes save the Federation?

Now there are better and more detailed summaries out there, but your best bet is Wikipedia. I find 'Space' (the setting) to be rather boring in animes, so I like how this series was set mostly in the jungle, with some pretty decent visuals along the way. Going by the listing of the Gundam series in chronological order, this set falls pretty close to the start of them all. Not that that really matters too much when each series usually has a completely different storyline and set of characters. This is definitely worth a watch though, if you don’t want to try your luck with the 50-episode sets. Nice and short, with good characters and a more mature element, you can’t go wrong.

Any fans? Opinions or some more thought on the anime? Go for it…

[Mirae]

I've seen the first few eps of Gundam Wing (only the first few because the place I view it at doesn't have anymore :( ), and I have to admit I liked it. It wasn't the best anime series I have watched, but it definitely wasn't bad.
I really liked the characters (Duo is awesome xD and Heero is an interesting main character...after all, who puts their broken leg back into place without going to a doctor and finds it the most normal thing in the world? :P) and the plot seemed interesting. I want to watch more ; ;

[Traz]

Indeed, Gundam Wing is one of my other favourites of the insanely large Gundam 'universe'. There are several other 50-or so-episode sets that have no English Dub, so I am not too eagre to check any of them out until such is otherwise. Anyhow, the way I feel, you'd most likely enjoy the 08th MS Team if you fancied Gundam Wing. Both are similar in that they each have great stories and characters, music and locations. Some may view this as a negative thing, but I actually like how the 08th MS Team only goes for thirteen episodes, as the story doesn't really have the chance to grow stale.

I don't know much about the original Mobile Suit: Gundam show (which is not Wing.), but the anime I have been discussing is actually a side story while the events are unfolding in the progenitor of all the Gundam shows. If the names Amuro Ray and Char Aznable ring a bell, then someone will know what I am talking about.

'Space' bores me, so the lush jungles and such of the 08th MS Team make this easy to watch. There are some amusing segments, and as I mentioned before the music is just top-notch. I know I'm going to hate it when I finally get to the last episode of the show...but I can prolong that event for a lot longer, let me tell you! ;) While I did say I favoured the fact that this anime only had 13 episodes; I hate it when a good show comes to an end...