Anime News: Gundam Build Fighters to stream in North America

Source is Anime News Network

If you're a Gundam fan and you've wanted something to new to watch, well, it's your lucky... season. Gundam Build Fighters will start streaming this Monday, Ocotber 7th over on gundam.info in the United States and Canada as it airs in Japan.

If you don't know what it's about, it's set in a world where Gunpla Battles, competitions that pit Gunpla model kits against each other are popular. A boy named Sei Iori who is a good Gunpla model kit builder teams with a boy named Reiji who is an experienced Gunpla Battler and the duo look to become the world champions.

Anime For Dummies: The Big O

Androids, Robots, and Good Guys in Black: How Could You Go Wrong?

IKARICAST WEEK, Day 5: MECHA MADNESS!!!!

We're over the hump of Ikaricast Week. Now, we get to see our own Jeremias de Leon (Xaos) talk Giant Robots & Super Robot Wars. Going back to Season 2 of the Ikaricast.

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Click to play

With Xaos being by himself this week, and since the guys really had no agenda anyway, Xaos decided to make this episode about GIANT ROBOTS. Specifically about asking YOU GUYS about GIANT ROBOTS. We want to know what you think, so all xaos did was give some explanations and we leave it to you to talk about it. So go ahead and e-mail us your opinions about giant robots and what giant robot anime you guys liked/disliked. So e-mail us at: ikaricast@thegeekfighters.com Of course Xaos doesn't do that before giving you guys the news, so you'll still want to listen in even if you don't care about giant robots. ; The music used for the beginning is called "Dark Knight" (a slowed down version) and is part of the Super Robot Wars Original Generations soundtrack The song for the first break is called "Cadillac" by Prepschool and the song for the second break is called "Yacht Race" by Prepschool. The last song is called TROMBE! and is from the Super Robot Wars Original Generations soundtrack (and also slowed down...)
Download Prepschool's album "Cadillac" for free at http://prepschool.bandcamp.com/
Check out the Screwattack Magazine worked on by Hybrid Rain and other G1s including The Incredible Jeff aka 16 Bit Jeff http://screwattack.com/blogs/ScrewAttack-Magazine/ScrewAttack-Magazine-Issue-01-September
8 Bit Deathmatch trailer with Shades' livestream footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4JTSnplStM
Cut Man Mike's site http://cutstuff.net/blog/
Download the episode here

Anime For Dummies: Why Gundam Failed in America

What started out as a look at the fate of the Gundam franchise turns into one fan-boy's rant against a certain Japanese company.

SSP: Voice Actresses, Transformers & Fighting Games Awards!

Hi! It's Soul Bro Ryu again from Shinjuku Station Podcasting! It's 2013 and our podcasts are back on the scene!

Top 20 Tough Females in anime

This is Jeremias back with another countdown after such a long time. My last countdowns sure got an interesting response. Let's see what I came back with this time!

We're looking at the women in anime that can kick butt. Either by being a great leader, tactician, or just being downright strong and can physically beat their enemies if they're tough in any of those ways they're eligible for the list. Here we go!

Number 20

Masane Amaha 
Series: Witchblade

We'll kick things off with the tough bad guy beating Masane Amaha. It's surprising that she can also move as fast as she does considering how much her chest must weigh her down. But, it is anime, physics usually takes a back seat. Considering what she does with her skimpy armor I'd say she's pretty tough forgoing more protection and taking out enemies as strong as robots with just a sword. She's usually seen around the net with pictures and figures focusing on her attributes, but she really can fight too. As seen here.

Number 19

Misaki Tokura 
Series: Cardfight Vanguard 

Not all the females on this list are physically kicking butt, but it doesn't mean they don't kick any less butt, just in different ways. She basically has photographic memory, is extremely smart and has a fierce competitive spirit. One thing to note as well, is that unlike some other female allies in other anime is the fact that she does not drag the hero down and can and does win on her own. As seen here

Number 18

Saya
Series: Blood+ 

Saya, a tough sword wielding, super powered woman who isn't really human. She'd make the top list on a lot of top female characters in anime, or heck, top character countdowns period. She has a lot of great fights throughout the series and in terms of being tough, as in, being able to not only dish it out but take it, she passes the test with flying colors.




Number 17

Sailor Mars
Series: Sailor Moon

For many growing up in the 90s in the U.S Sailor Mars was probably the first or one of the first females that was tough. In the early episodes Moon and Mercury definitely knew how to fight but Mars was the one that had the personality to match a major butt kicker of evil. She has a "fiery" personality (eh? eh?) and never backs down from a fight.

  

Number 16

Emma Sheen

Series: Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Emma Sheen is the no nonsense female pilot that was originally a Titans pilot then switched to the A.E.U.G she is willing to smack sense into the main character and doesn't ease her position when she stands for what she believes in.

Number 15

Shizuru

Series: Godannar

The ecchi and hot blooded mecha series Godannar has quite a few standouts in terms of tough. But for the females Shizuru is a stand out for being a strong pilot and sniper from the beginning of the series to the end.

Number 14

Yuri

Series: Dirty Pair

Yuri from Dirty Pair is one heck of a powerhouse for a human woman. Along with her partner she has a reputation for destroying a lot of property. Yuri being a highly trained "Trouble Consultant" also has a lot of know how to fight people either with her hands or with a multitude of weapons.

Number 13

Sailor Jupiter

Series: Sailor Moon

Sailor Jupiter like Sailor Mars is the kind of girl who's really aggressive but is also shown to be really physically strong as well. When fighting evil she can hold her own even without using her powers.

Number 12

Kei

Dirty Pair Flash

Kei and Yuri are both awesome and tough, but just personally, since I'm a fan of red heads and tomboys and Kei is a redheaded tomboy I had to put her slightly higher on the list. She's like Yuri in being more than capable to take out people with her hands or with weapons but she also has an added spark to her with her personality where she's more aggressive.

Number 11 

Balsa 
  
Seirei no Moribito

Balsa is a stoic woman who does what she say she does and won't run away or stop for any reason. Plus she's one heck of a martial artist and is pretty much second to none with her spear, in terms of "classic" tough Balsa can be the poster woman for it.

Number 10 

Haman Khan

Series: Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam/ZZ Gundam

Haman is more cerebral than a lot of the other women in this countdown, and usually uses her charisma and leadership to get things done. But she is not squeamish and she is one heck of a mobile suit pilot as well, defeating Char in battle which is quite a feat.

Number 9 

Lina Inverse

Series: Slayers

Lina is incredibly strong she also seems to be a bit of a ditz but boy, is she strong. The beings she can call upon for power pretty much makes her able to stop just about anyone. Check her out.

Number 8

Allenby Beardsley

In a universe with extremely strong male mecha pilots that can not only fight in their robots but with their bare hands Allenby gets major points for being able to hang with them being a smaller, young girl and not only hang with them but prove that she's a powerhouse.

Number 7

Revy 

Series: Black Lagoon

Revy is one heck of a woman. She not only can kill with ease but she has no problem in doing it. She's also crazy skilled and some would say she's even more manly than a lot of male characters in anime today.

Number 6

Faye Valentine

Series: Cowboy Bebop

Faye's toughness comes from her intelligence. Being able to escape from situations by always having a plan and having the fortitude to follow through on it no matter how dangerous.

Number 5

Motoko Kusanagi

Series: Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex

Kusanagi was a major in the military and seen countless battles. In her unit of the police she currently works for, Section 9 she commands the respect of her operatives. She is no nonsense, most of the time, and her toughness can be heard in her commanding voice as well as her actions. Also, she freaking took on a mech and won.

Number 4

Shaina

Series: Saint Seiya 

The men in Saint Seiya are known for being incredibly strong but for some of them on the road to being strong, especially the new Pegasus saint Koga have her to thank for training them and making them strong. Also of note is her emotional strength since she was an antagonist to Seiya and the rest but later redeemed herself and was able to move on and be a great ally.

Number 3

Ryoko

Series: Tenchi Muyo

Ryoko is this high on the list because she isn't just strong enough to take out a mech or a gang of people, she can take down battleships with her power. She's also very mulitfaceted and in the different Tenchi series shows off other things she's able to do besides blows stuff up. But it really is what she's best at.

Number 2

Erza Scarlet

Series: Fairy Tail

Erza is pretty much the essence of the kind of girl that comes to mind when you think of tough/strong women. She's incredibly physically strong, she's not compromising and she can lead her teammates to victory. She's also a strong magician and has a MULTITUDE of ways she can fight from summoning tons of weapons to summoning so many different types of armor she makes the top fashion designers of the world blush.

Number 1

Pirotess

Series: Record Of Lodoss War

Those who have seen my countdowns before know that I like to throw a few curveballs. Here's my number one, anybody expected it? Pirotess is a dark elf with extremely good skills as a rogue. She is extremely dangerous and in the movie that takes place after Lodoss, Legend Of Crystania she even helps fight what is essentially a god. So with that all said, especially the last part that certainly makes her my number one.

Super Robot Wars Celebration!!

In honor of the new Super Robot Wars coming out today, we have a special playlist of videos for you to enjoy and get yourselves hyped up for the latest installment of the SRW franchise. And all of the muisc you hear is from the legendary group JAM Project.

Welcome to Shinjuku Station Podcasting!

'Sup, gang! My name's "Soul Bro Ryu" - co-host & producer of several different podcasts for Shinjuku Station Podcasting. I was recently invited on-board as a contributor for the "The Broken Infinite" and I wanted to introduce myself properly here at this great website.

Riffentary Episode 1: GUNDAM WING

Welcome to the first Broken Infinite exclusive show. Welcome to Riffentary. We take a show and provide commentary (both comical and serious) to a particular episode, laying down our thoughts. In our first episode, we got BI's EIC Frankie Rodriguez (@SeraphSantana), EE Jeremias de Leon (@ikariradio), Jeff Williams (@16bitjeff) , Metal Symphony (@VisibleNinja)& Billy Doyle (@Wheelchair21).


Here are both parts:

Robot God Akamatsu webcomic review

It's Jeremias back with another review! This time I'm taking a look at the webcomic Robot God Akamatsu. Written by James Biggie with art by Frankie B. Washington, Robot God Akamatsu is a webcomic that is a throwback to classic super robot anime series complete with retro manga-like art style.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story of Robot God Akamatsu is, like, the classic series it's inspired by it's about a robot saving humanity from evil giant monsters. Of course there's more plot to it than that. An inter-dimensional gate opens which lets a monster loose and destroys Boston. During this the main character Jin, is put into a coma for a year and during that year scientists are hard at work in making sure Jin and two other people named Adele Angavi and Connor Aleju. On top of the story on Earth with these people there's also a plot about where the robot comes from and the evil people invading earth from there. It seems there's more to the "Robot God" than people think. There's a lot building up here, so there's more content here than just robots smashing evil monsters. Though to be honest I would be just fine with that.

Art

The art by Frankie B. Washington is quite something. It's definitely inspired by classic giant robot anime but it doesn't feel at all like it's trying to rip them off, it still looks like it's a unique style that belongs to him and not "Go Nagai clone #301", The black and white pages are quite nice with this style of comic in a way it lets the details stand out more. Your eyes get drawn to peoples features and the designs of the machines. Robot God Akamatsu itself looks like a giant robot from the 70s and since that seems to the point the design has done it's job.

All in all it's a really cool, stylish art style that leaves an impression

Characters

The characters in this comic are pretty quirky, and that's a good thing. None of them seem like they're bland or 2 dimensional which is can be uncommon in these types of stories. The main character Jin has plenty going on for him, he seems to be a bit aloof but also has a sense of humor. The other pilots are something as well, Adele is a strong no non-sense woman and Connor is a laid back guy but he also seems to have a work ethic as well, he isn't so laid back to the point of being incompetent.

Jin's father is a scientist but unlike most scientists shown in media isn't just some stuffy lab-coat, although he does always wear one. He shows to care for his son a lot and even shows that he, too has a sense of humor. The other characters although not shown too much do clearly show they're unique characters Frankie the other scientist who is close to his Jin and his father's friend is shown to be a kindhearted man and Jackie one of the mechanics/engineers is pretty distinct with his New Yorker/Bostonian/Irish(???) accent.

Verdict

Robot God Akamatsu is an on-going webcomic that is a really fun read. It's building up to something great, the art style is great to look at, and the action is fantastic. If you're a fan of mecha like I am there really is no reason to not read this. I had a blast going through the chapters. It's a rocket punch to boredom go and read this right now you will not be disappointed.

Robot God Akamatsu gets an emphatic 9 out of 10.

You can read Robot God Akamatsu here http://robotgodakamatsu.blogspot.com/

If you feel like knowing more about my thoughts on comics, games, anime and the like follow me on twitter @ikariradio and listen to my podcast the Ikaricast, which is on iTunes.

Top 20 Mecha that aren't in Gundam

Since the next in the Gundam countdown series isn't until next month, but since I also can't ignore the people who want more of these kinds of countdowns I've decided the next article will be about mecha anime in general. Just ones that aren't from Gundam. This time it's a bit more personal of a list, not just looking at designs or power or anything of the sort. This time these are just my favorites.

If you think a top 20 list is a bit much, trust me when I say I could have easily made this a top 50 list and still leave out mecha that I thought were awesome. Narrowing it down to 20 was a bit tough for one such as me. Whose first love was giant robots.

To kick things off here we have a jazzy start. What do I mean? Well, let me explain it with

Number 20

The Gads in Gad Guard

It's like Super Sentai but you know... with jazz

The Gads have a place in my heart for being unique. Instead of being built by armies or sentient robot coming from space they come to be by melding with machines and taking on some of their characteristics.

On top of the mecha the series has a place in my heart for having a sense of style not seen often (though it has been seen in some other series) in anime. A vibrant jazz soundtrack, and characters that wear urban clothes instead of a typical Japanese school uniform all add to the charm and makes it make sure it sticks in your memory.

Number 19 

REVOLVER STAKE!

The Alt Eisen Kyosuke Nanbu's mech in Super Robot Wars Original Generation 1 and most of part 2. Or if you're going by the PS2 game a lot of Original Generations. Besides being mostly red which is my favorite color he's a monster and when it comes to mecha designs I like the big hulking monsters. Add to that the huge amount of ammo this guy is packing. Plus the pilot Kyosuke is the man. He doesn't talk a lot but that's because he doesn't need to. His actions speak for him.

Number 18

Aim For The Top! Got it?

The sizzlers or whatever you want to call the mecha in Gunbuster are pretty powerful looking. They have a simple color scheme that seems to actually add to their coolness. Like they're robots that could actually exist and they shouldn't be messed with. 

Reasons other than the mecha why it's on the list. Noriko Takaya is a super hot blooded pilot, she can definitely rival any hot blooded male. That makes her ok in my book. 

Number 17 

Gigantor Gigantooor Gigaaaannttoooooor!

Tetsujin 28 or Gigantor as he's known to us in the west. What can you say about the humongous mecha? If it wasn't for Gigantor we probably wouldn't have all these other great creators get inspired in the first place. That definitely lands him a spot on any mecha related top list. Enough said.

Number 16 

One of the first anime Yoshiyuki Tomino worked on

Raideen is notable for a lot of things. Besided being one of the first anime that Yoshiyuki Tomino worked on, it also introduces the first super robot that had supernatural origins and was sentient instead of being built by a genius professor or the military. It was also one of the super robot shows that was part of the Shogun Warriors toyline in the United States. Raideen certainly was a pioneer in it's day and should be remembered.

Number 15 

Za za za za zan!

Speaking of Tomino another of his earlier anime was an anime called Zambot 3. This one has it's own place in history as well, being one of the first anime you can see where Tomino got his nickname "kill 'em all" with main characters dying and not only were they dying they were children.

Another reason to like the show? It's awesome theme song as referenced in the caption for the picture. Look it up, it's quite catchy.

Number 14 

1! Plus 1! Plus 1! Plus 1! Plus 1! He's the defender of the universe!

Voltron/GoLion is pretty noteworthy. In Japan he may not be as remembered but for those of us in the United States he isn't just a super robot, he's the super robot. But that isn't to say in Japan it didn't do some things that were on the edge. Like say, kill the entire population of Earth in the first episode? Which even in Japan at the time was a bit crazy. Voltron or GoLion whatever you want to call him, deserves a spot in the top list.

Number 13 

Grendizer don't take no crap

Grendizer is the third in the Mazinger series (Kouji Kabuto even appears) and one heck of an entry. Instead of a human fighting to protect Earth it's an alien protecting Earth from more aliens.

Besides there's always talk of people that believe Grendizer is as powerful as certain other Go Nagai robots. Is it true? I for one don't care personally. 

Number 12

In terms of robots that combine out of 5 machines in Japan Voltes is more remembered

Voltes V (pronounced Voltehs Five) is a combining super robot anime that was just plain old fun. You have a team of five that wore colors just like in Super Sentai you had evil horned aliens and you had a giant combined robot with a ton of weapons. What more do you need?

Number 11

God Bless Dancouga!

Choujuu Kishin Dancouga or as it's known over here God Bless Dancouga is another combining robot. But unlike Voltron and Voltes V this one combined with only four. Dancouga had a great voice cast and a memorable catch phrase from the team leader Shinobu "yatte yaruze!" Speaking of voices the voice actor or seiyuu for the leader, Shinobu was none other than Judau Ashta's voice in Gundam ZZ. 

Dancouga is a great example for anime in the 80s not only did it have great robot fights and designs but it had an awesome soundtrack. 

Number 10 

You thought blowing up the Earth was bad?

Space Runaway Ideon was the anime that cemented Tomino's reputation and nickname "kill 'em all". Unlike in GoLion where the entire Earth was decimated. At the end of Ideon the entire universe was destroyed. Not just the entire population the whole universe itself.

Ideon is one heck of an anime, it makes you think that it's just about protecting people from some evil aliens but it certainly takes some twists and turns you didn't see coming. It's a lot more than just a mecha anime and it definitely should be checked out.

Number 9

Neppu! Shippu! Cybuster!

The Cybuster is the first hero original robot in Super Robot Wars. Appearing in Super Robot Wars 2 for the Famicom (NES). Masaki Andoh is the first hero original character in Super Robot Wars. Never mind that anime that was made in 1999 and to be fair didn't see, but saw enough to think "that isn't Masaki, never mind this" The Cybuster has quite a legacy to it. Even though it's an original in Super Robot Wars it's been around long enough to be considered legendary.

Also, me and Masaki share the same horrible sense of direction. I can relate to him.

Number 8 

Goldion hammer!

GaoGaiGar with it's intensely catchy theme song, and extreme hot blooded characters just makes it a complete winner in my book. Also, concerning the mecha itself it's a giant transformer with a lion in it's chest! Seriously this thing just exudes awesome.

As you can tell I like this mecha and the series a lot. Go check it out if you haven't you will not be disappointed.

Number 7 

Lonely way! 

SPT Layzner is a robot anime that isn't very well known here in the United States. Boy, I wish it was. It was created by Sunrise around 1986 and had quite a story.

Besides that the Layzner is a very cool robot, with the blue color scheme and the dome like head piece. It has a bit more style than what you would see in other real robot series.

Number 6

Arguing about stuff that happened in grade school while in a life or death battle? Only Isamu.

Isamu Alva Dyson's mecha in Macross Plus wasn't as flashy as Guld Goa Bowman's but it stood out to me more. I don't know if it's the color scheme or what, but the YF-19 seemed to stand out in it's simplicity.

As for Macross Plus, it's a masterpiece and it should be checked out right now if you haven't seen it. Go on ahead, I'll still be here, it's on youtube free and legally and on Netflix as well. 

Number 5

Just don't mess with this thing alright?

Mazinkaiser was created specifically for the Super Robot Wars series first. The team behind the games went to Go Nagai and asked for a powered up version of Mazinger for the games Go created Mazinkaiser. Since it's for the Mazinger series which was still pretty popular they decided hey, why not make an OVA for it too? So they did. 

Mazinkaiser adds some attitude to Mazinger Z and lets you know that Kouji Kabuto is not one to be trifled with.

Number 4 

It's called a scopedog

VOTOMS is a series that is quite groundbreaking. Like Gundam it showcases robots as tools and weapons and not as heros fighting evil. But even more so than Gundam it gets a lot more realistic. The scopedogs are actually pretty viable in real life. 

Also of note is the main character Chirico. He doesn't have any powers or psychic abilities or genetic manipulation (if I remember correctly) If you're a fan of hard science fiction VOTOMS will be right up your alley.

Number 3 

Gan gan gan gan Getter gan!

Getter Robo is a mecha that's in a lot of people's hearts around the world. It's considered one of the trinity of robot anime. The other two being Gundam and Mazinger. On top of that it's one of if not the first robot anime to have a combining robot. How's that for top 3 material? 

Number 2 

VF1 Valkyrie

Did you know quite a few people who worked on the original Mobile Suit Gundam went on to work on the legendary Macross? Legends breed more legends I guess. Showji Kawamori created one heck of a design to be the main fighter robot in Macross. No matter which form it's in it always looks elegant.

Macross is also a great series for it's characters like Roy Fokker and Lynn Minmay and it's great animation. Even today the animation holds up well, no doubt thanks to Ichiro Itano who besides Gundam and Macross also animated for Cowboy Bebop.

Number 1

Who else, baby?

Mazinger Z just has too much love from me and everyone else I grew up with to not be anywhere else but number 1. It's the super robot show that set up the groundwork for every other super robot show. Plus it's one of the trinity along with Gundam and Getter Robo. Whenever I think of robot anime Gundam doesn't pop into my head, neither does Macross or Getter Robo. Whenever I think of robot anime Mazinger Z will always be the first to pop into my head.

Rocket punch!

Honorable mentions:

Gurenn Lagann

Combattler V

Shin Getter

Mazinkaiser SKL

Brave Exkaiser

Brave Fighbird

Daimos

How about you guys? What are your favorite robot anime? Don't forget to comment.

Top 10 non Gundam designs in the Universal Century

Hello again people on The Broken Infinite. It's Jeremias de Leon back with another Gundam countdown article. I'm quite surprised I'm back with one so soon, the success of that article has gotten me to write the next in the series immediately instead of in another few weeks. Thank you Gundam fans for taking the time to read.

Anyway without further ado here are the top 10 non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century. When I say non-Gundam I mean non-Gundam so anything that isn't called a Gundam can be in this countdown not just grunt suits. Mobile suits used by aces but aren't Gundams will be found here too. Also, remember this is about designs so I'm not considering firepower and the like, only how cool they look.

Number 10

MS-07B Gouf

this is no Zaku, boy

The Gouf is an interesting design. Taking many cues from the Zaku but adding to it, to make it more threatening. The blue and black make it stand out, almost like it's lightning from the night sky. The whip which sends out a huge electric shock seems to add to this motif. A design that stands out when I think of other mobile suits, among the countless zakus and other Zeon grunt suits.

Number 9 

MS-14A Gelgoog

It's almost like a knight

The Gelgoog has a design to it that gives it a sort of gallant flair. Whether in it's standard colors, Char red, or Gato blue it will have the kind of presence that almost commands respect. Enough said, really.

Number 8 

YMS-15 Gyan

No almost here, this one TOTALLY looks like a knight

The YMS-15 Gyan is quite different from pretty much every other mobile suit on the Federation or the Zeon, Neo-Zeon, Sleeves, whatever is fighting the Federation or AEUG or Londo Bell. For a time period where giant robots are fighting and these giant robots fight with guns and sometimes a type of shield and melee weapon that looks like it would be used in a modern or future war in comes this thing rocking a medieval style broadsword and shield. Now the Gundam did have a medieval looking shield and even a mace/shooting star/hammer but the Gyan takes it to the extreme. Which is why it's one design that stands out and deserves to be on a top list for designs in Gundam.

Number 7

RX-139 Hambrabi

Yazan "violator" Gable loved this one

The Hambrabi is sure one heck of a unique suit. It has design to it that makes it look like an evil machine. With the cogs that provide movement for it's knees visible and the wide design of it's back and lower legs. It almost looks like it's an enchanted piece of metal. Cursed with motion to hunt down those in it's path. Something I certainly wouldn't want to run into, which is probably exactly what the Titans were going for.

Number 6 

RGM-96x Jesta

Dang GM when did you get cool?

Taking the basics of the GM and Nemo before it but adding cool factor with a navy blue, black and grey color scheme the Jesta stands out as a design for the Federation that will probably make people actually want to pilot one, or at the very least, buy a model kit of one. The shoulder pads and lower leg armor make it look like a true soldier mobile suit and one that is very capable of doing whatever mission it's given. 

Number 5 

MSN-04 Sazabi

You could tell this is final boss worthy

Char's Sazabi from Char's Counterattack with it's color scheme of red and gold and it's huge, yet not clumsy looking, stature gives it the exact quality it should have. That of a leader of an entire army. It's the kind of mobile suit you have to respect no matter what side you're on.

Number 4

AMX-004 Qubeley

Love this color schcme

Haman Khan's Qubeley in Zeta and ZZ Gundam. The Qubeley's color scheme of mostly pink and white, give it a sense of feminity. But the design of the huge shoulder pads and protruding parts on the knees and arms, along with the hands looking more like claws than human hands give it a look that it's also dangerous. It fits Haman Khan perfectly. As she is indeed not only an attractive woman but a very dangerous one. When giving her a mech that's for her use they made it reflect who she was and indeed you can get a sense of who she was just by looking at her Qubeley.

Number 3

RX79BD-1 GM Blue Destiny

Just LOOK at it... LOOK

The Blue destiny is a GM... but one heck of a GM! The paint job of the different blues and the way it just shines makes it look like it's definitely not only cut from a different cloth but like it's an agent of something, like destiny. Which I guess why it's called the Blue Destiny. It's not a mobile suit one ever forgets once you've seen it. It's just too unique especially during the one year war.

Number 2

MSN-06S Sinanju

So... much... swag

If Char's Sazabi got your respect then Full Frontal's Sinanju commands it. Keeping with the red and gold color scheme from the Sazabi the Sinanju adds black and streamlines the design to look even more efficient. It's not as bulky but still looks like it has power and the glossy red gives it a look that it's no mere soldier, but the type of mobile suit built for a commander, like the Sazabi was.

Number 1 

AMS-129 Geara Zulu

No, no I'm not trolling you

So here it is my number one pick for a design that isn't a Gundam in the Universal Century. Why this and not the Sinanju? Well, as I've said before these are all military machines and the best looking designs are the ones that look like they'll be used by soldiers. The Geara Zulu looks like it's made to be used for soldiers in war. From the standard army color scheme of green, with some black to the  big should shield and the gun it totes around this is the kind of mobile suit that not only is built for war but totally 100% looks like it's built for war as well. It's not flashy, but it's not completely ugly either. When looking at all the non-Gundam mobile suits and thinking about which one I had to pilot if I wasn't an ace I always gravitate the Geara Zulu. It just looks like it can kick butt and have an easy time of doing it.

Well, those were my top 10 non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century. How about you guys? What are your top designs that aren't a Gundam in the Universal Century? Also, be on the lookout for my next Gundam article sometime next month, the top 10 Gundam designs in alternate universes.

Top 10 Gundam designs in the Universal Century

Hello everyone on the Broken Infinite. This is Jeremias de Leon and I'm bringing you my first countdown. The countdown for this week will be part of a series of countdowns concerning the Gundam Metaseries, they'll be spread out over the next few months, although their might be two on some months.

The first countdown for this little series will be the top Gundam designs in the Universal Century. If the title didn't already let you know. Well, that's enough of the introductions let's start this thing off. Here we go with number 10.

Number 10

RX-78NT-1 Gundam "Alex"

Despite it being low on the list the pilot Christina MacKenzie is still hot so... it has that

In terms of design the Gundam Alex is pretty solid. The classic Gundam color scheme of red, white, blue, and yellow is accounted for here. But this color scheme has more blue and white than any other color. With the mainly blue and white color scheme that has yellow and red accents this Gundam is one of the more slender looking ones. Almost as if it was more about speed than power in combat.

It really is a great design, following the principle of simple and straightforward aesthetics that I myself follow when designing. It's low on the list however for not being too memorable of a design, it's not bad as I said before but it's not one that I feel compelled to look at.

Number 9

RX-79(G) Gundam Ground Type

Couldn't fight in space though

The grunt Gundam in the 08^th MS Team. Like the Alex it's none too fancy but it still has quite a bit going on. The torso is different than most Gundam designs, with the yellow vent only on one side. It has more of a militaristic look than the original Gundam as well. These being mass produced units they have numbers stating which MS team they belong too and have a more uniform look to them. Which is why the design is cool, actually. It looks like it can actually be a real military weapon. Like the Alex though, it's also a bit bland. Simple is good but it feels as though perhaps it's a bit too simple. Then again it's a grunt unit, and not a lead Gundam.

Number 8

RX-178 Gundam Mk-II

Whether in AEUG or Titans colors it'll look cool

The Gundam Mk-II also isn't too complex of a design but this is where the designs start to get memorable. It took the concept of the original RX-78 and made it more militarized like the Ground Gundam, but also gave it a bit of an update and with that update made it stand out on it's own. It has the classic Gundam head and V fin and also has the standard looking torso. However, the skirt armor, backpack and shoulders make it look more intimidating than other Gundams. It looks like something you don't want to tangle with in a fight. Which one would assume is the point and in this point the Gundam Mk-II excels beautifully. A design which will always stick with me.

Number 7

RX-105 Ξ Gundam

One of the more unique Gundams

The lead Gundam Hathaway Noa (Bright's son) pilots in the novel series Hathaway's Flash. Also called the Xi Gundam. It is more complex than the other Gundams in this countdown so far. It does not feel that it has way too much going on though. Your eyes never feel like they're getting tired trying to keep up with all the minute details in the design. One of the more underrated Gundam designs to, possibly because not many outside of Japan have read the novel Hathaway's Flash. I don't see many people bring this Gundam up when talking about designs. Which is sad, because it's such a nice, refreshing and unique take on a Gundam design. We usually don't see many lead Gundams look serpentine like this one. It's one that should be looked at more.

Number 6

RX-0 Unicorn Gundam

The Unicorn just has this quality to it, that you just have your eyes drawn to it

When looking at the Unicorn Gundam, just one word pops into my head, “sleek”. It's the kind of design that when you look at it all you can really say is “that's cool”. When it's flying around as a pure white moble suit in the darkness of space, it just seems to gleam. When it's rampaging with the glowing red and gold in destroy mode it is totally eye catching. The Unicorn Gundam is the kind of design that toy makers love, one that demands your eye's attention and never lets it go.

Number 5

RX-93 ν Gundam

Fin Funnels, you wish you had some, right?

The Nu Gundam in Char's Counterattack is one of the cooler designs in the Universal Century. The color scheme of black, red, and yellow is a nice break from the standard lead Gundam color scheme and works well with this design of what's essentially a more slender looking Gundam with an awesome backpack of beam funnels. Out of the other Gundam's on this list, save for possibly the Unicorn Gundam this one seems to be one of the more fanciful designs with a very non-standard weapon. Although fin-funnels have been seen before with Haman Khan's Qubeley in Zeta and ZZ Gundam. When it's in motion the design really stands out as it gives the Nu Gundam a kind of mystical look to it.

A very cool design.

Number 4

RX-78-2 Gundam

The OG

The classic, original Gundam. The grandaddy of Gundams. The RX-78-2 is an iconic design. It's not overly complicated, the color scheme is great and you can never forget it once you've seen it. It's the kind of design that not only works as a design for a robot but as an icon, that stands for something. Whenever it's seen it's almost as if it's more than just a robot for military use, it's a symbol and that right there is great design.

Number 3

MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam

Remember that weird attack that used the souls of dead people Kamille used? What? Can't be random?

The Zeta Gundam is such a cool design. From the different head type from most other Gundams to the unique shield this Gundam takes a lot of strides away from the usual Gundam design. The color scheme of having more blue than red or yellow helps it looks sleeker, just like the Gundam Alex. The waverider mode it can transform into also helps it stay in your mind. But sticking with mobile suit mode, it's the kind of robot a kid would love to get a toy of, it just looks like something you want to stand on your shelf. Since having people buy toys of these Gundams are the point of these designs that makes this design high on the list.

Number 2

MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam

Piloted by Judau and the junkyard kids.

Yes, that's right, I like the Double Zeta and yes, I like it this much to put it this high on the list. Hear me out though, you see there's three things that make for a good Gundam design in the Universal Century, how cool it would be as a toy, how much it looks like a military machine, and how unique it is compared to the other mobile suits. The Double Zeta is a cool toy, especially the recent high grade, it looks like a hulking military machine and compared to the other mobile suits it looks quite different.

Others who don't like the Double Zeta's design usually remark that they don't like big hulking machines and prefer the Zeta because it's a more elegant looking mobile suit. I say I prefer the Double Zeta because of it's behemoth size. It's something I'd expect a robot made to be so powerful by the military to look like. They'd want something that looks big and intimidating. The design works and like I've been saying throughout this countdown it is one to be remembered.

All right... so here it is, number 1 Gundam design in the Universal Century

Number 1

RX-78GP03S Gundam

Swag

The second lead Gundam in Stardust Memory after the GP-01. This Gundam has an almost pure white color scheme, extra powerful thrusters in the back and a sleek look, yet not totally slender. Almost in between the bulky Double Zeta and slim Alex and Zeta Gundams. This Gundam looks like it should. On top of all the other factors I mentioned before, like how it looks like a war machine, and looks like it would make a great toy, it also looks like a robot made for an ace pilot. Which is what the Gundams are, they're not made for the everyday soldier but the hotshots and this looks like a machine for an ace.

With all the white and bits of shiny green when in motion, it's like it's just a blur of lights. Whenever I think of Gundams in the Universal Century, or just Gundam in general the very first thing that comes is the GP03 Dendrobium Stamen. It's got a cool look, it's fast and it's powerful. It really is the total package.

What do you think? What's your favorite Gundams in the Universal Century? Also, keep a heads up for the next Gundam countdown top non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century.