The Gundam Build series has been announced for a new anime series in 2023, but have you heard of Gundam Build Fighters, the series' origins? This work is based on Gunpla, arguably the Mobile Suit Gundam series' biggest moneymaker, and is an anime created for the casual audience of people who have never enjoyed the Gundam series but have built Gunpla. As a result, it tends to be somewhat disliked by hardcore Gundam fans, but the series is actually packed with little details and elements that only die-hard Gundam fans can enjoy. So, in this article, we'd like to introduce Gundam Build Fighters, the origins of the Gundam Build series, a series that further expands the appeal of the Gundam series. After reading this article, you'll probably want to check out the latest installment, Gundam Build Metaverse, so be sure to check it out.
Gunpla-themed anime series
First, let me explain the overview of the "Gundam Build Series," which began with this Gundam: Build Fighters. As the title suggests, the series follows various anime characters as they build plastic models and pit those models against each other, creating a variety of dramatic events.
The Greatest Appeal of the Gundam Series
As such, the Gundam Build series is a series that depicts the greatest appeal of the Gundam series: Gunpla. This allows viewers to experience not only the fascinating story of the Gundam anime series, but also the appeal and fun of the numerous plastic models released in conjunction with that story.
No Gundam Without Gunpla
First of all, the Gundam series doesn't have exceptionally high anime viewership ratings, nor do its films have high box office revenues. The reason Gundam has been able to continue to develop as a nationally beloved robot anime is largely due to its unique source of revenue: Gunpla. There's no Gundam without Gunpla, so there's no doubt that Gunpla occupies a very important position in the Gundam series.
A pocket money earner for the series? ?
When you think about it this way, this series was clearly created with an eye on Gunpla sales, so in a sense, it could be considered a way to cash in on the Gundam series. It seems that many fans found this series development "too blatant!"
To Enjoy Gundam Series
However, if you consider that a work like this is being accepted by a wide range of audiences, and that Gunpla sales are leading to the development of the Gundam series' theatrical releases and anime series that we all look forward to, wouldn't your impression of this work change?
Full of Gundam Model Kits
As such, this series is aimed at Gundam model builders. While core fans might find the story lacking depth, if you pay close attention, you'll find plenty of hidden Gundam model kits that only veteran Gundam fans will appreciate.
Meijin Kawaguchi actually existed
For example, Meijin Kawaguchi, who appears in this work, never appears in the Gundam anime series, so many people think he's a completely original character. However, Kawaguchi was actually a modeler active during the Gundam series' early days, during the Gunpla boom. At the time, Gunpla was much more popular than it is today, so those with skilled Gunpla construction skills attracted a lot of attention.
"Is this a Gundam model?!"
Another comment from the series is that, upon picking up an early Hermes Gundam model, one of the main characters remarks, "Is this a Gundam model expert? There's no name for the mobile armor." This is another joke that only a highly knowledgeable Gundam modeler would understand.
The name Hermès couldn't be used
The reason is that the Hermès name, the mobile suit used by Lalah in the early Gundam series, was trademarked by an Italian luxury brand, making it impossible to release a Gunpla model under the Hermès name.
Only die-hard fans will understand!
As you can see, this anime is packed with Gunpla-related content, including core Gunpla topics that casual Gunpla fans might not understand.
A story set in the near future where Gunpla battles have become widespread
Now, I'd like to introduce the worldview and general plot of the Gundam Build series, including this work, Gundam Build Fighters. This work is set in a completely different time period from the Universal Century, the timeline of the Gundam series, so even fans who are unfamiliar with the vast history of the Universal Century will find it enjoyable.
Numerous Tournaments
This work depicts various anime characters building Gunpla models and using them to repeatedly battle various rivals. Therefore, the general plot of the work is as follows: the characters encounter formidable opponents in numerous tournaments, and advance through the competitions while experiencing setbacks and growing through repeated battles.
Two Axes of Gunpla Construction and Battle
Also, in addition to the depictions of Gunpla battles, the series is packed with details about the process of building Gunpla and tidbits unique to Gunpla construction. Regular Gunpla builders will find plenty of relatable details in the story.
Take on the World!!
Even in the battle scenes, the classic plot of taking on the world using Gunpla is full of suspenseful moments, making it a very enjoyable experience. The story itself is a bit rough around the edges, but that's what makes it so appealing and easy to enjoy.
It created a new Gundam model boom
Another achievement of this series is that it sparked a new, unprecedented Gundam model boom. From here, I would like to introduce the impact this series has had on the Gundam series.
Attracting New Customers
As mentioned earlier, this series is aimed at a relatively casual audience. Therefore, no basic knowledge is required, making it appealing not to Gundam fans, but to casual viewers who discovered Gundam through Gunpla.
Famous Gunpla like the Beargguy make an appearance
This series has successfully attracted many new fans and produced many famous Gundam models with a flat perspective never before seen in the Gundam series. The Beargguy, in particular, features an adorable bear-like appearance, and was so popular that it sold out repeatedly for a time.
Gunpla for the world!
Gunpla was also beginning to gain popularity overseas. As a work from the 2010s, this series also served as a catalyst for spreading Gunpla culture around the world. Many overseas fans likely got into Gunpla after watching the animation.
There's also plenty of inspiration from the original work!
Furthermore, Gunpla-related material isn't the only thing that longtime fans will enjoy. A distinctive feature of this work is the abundance of little details from the original work that even fans of the anime series who don't normally build Gunpla can enjoy.
Ral
Especially Ral, who appears as a regular character in this work. The voice actor for Ramba Ral from the original work is used, so it's more than just a minor reference to the original work; it's like a character from the original work is actually appearing in the film. The choice of Ramba Ral over Char Aznable is also cool and cool.
Disguised as a minor character? ?
In addition to Ral, there are quite a few other characters that appear as minor characters, but are actually that character?! Longtime fans who have enjoyed the original anime series should definitely give this film a watch. Even longtime Gundam fans might find some hidden references they didn't notice!
Plavsky Particles
Also, the appearance of Plavsky particles, a play on the Minovsky particles, the Gundam series' most significant feature, is intriguing. Minovsky particles are a design element created to force the use of mobile suits, which are scientifically unrealistic weapons, and are sometimes called the "jack-of-all-trades" of the Gundam series. It's interesting how the show takes advantage of the Minovsky particles' forceful nature in the Gundam series and forces the absurd idea that "Gunpla can move freely because of the Plavsky particles."
Summary
What did you think? This time, we've introduced the appeal of this work, "Gundam Build Fighters." The appeal of the Gundam Build series is also the appeal of Gunpla, so if you've become interested in the Gundam Build series through this article, be sure to check out Gunpla as well.
