#combat mecha xabungle

[wanderersrest]

G Gundam Prelude: The Real Robot vs Super Robot Debate

So before I begin talking about Mobile Fighter G Gundam, I'd like to take a minute to preface that conversation with a companion piece of sorts. This involves the nature of how the mecha "genre" of anime is divided into two subgenres, and how this subdivision (*synth and bass solo play at the same time*) is often used as a sort of dick-measuring contest by fans to argue that their preferred genre is better than the other.

Tetsujin 28-go, Mazinger Z, and the "Super Robot"

To understand the two sub-genres, we first need to understand the general history of the mecha. Technically speaking, our story really starts with Osamu Tezuka's Mighty Atom (Astro Boy in the west), but the giant robot style of mecha would not appear in earnest until Mitsuteru Yokoyama's Tetsujin 28-go (Gigantor in the west) and Go Nagai's Mazinger Z. Tetsujin and Mazinger would go on to codify a lot of the tropes common to a lot of these early robot series alone. If it wasn't either of those two, chances are likely Ken Ishikawa's Getter Robo will have you covered.

These so-called "Super Robots" were known for their superhero-like power sets. They were usually powered by either nuclear power or a fictional power source such as Photon Energy or Getter Rays. Almost every single robot in these stories were made with some sort of Super Alloy (or Chogokin), and each super robot had a whole arsenal of weapons, including but not limited to swords, axes, drills, lasers, and, of course, the rocket punch. These super robot series would dominate a lot of Japanese television for most of the 70's. But behind the scenes, one man would be forging his own path. And at the end of the decade, he would release a show that would turn the canon of mecha stories on its head.

Gundam, VOTOMs, and the "Real Robot"

In 1979, the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam would air on Japanese television for the first time. This is one of the many mecha series directed by anime legend Yoshiyuki Tomino, and follows a direct lineage from his other works such as Brave Raideen, Zambot 3, and Daitarn 3. Gundam, however, would herald a new style of mecha stories thanks in part to it ditching a lot of the more fantastical elements of its "super robot" forebears in favor of a more grounded war story. These would be the so-called "real robot" style of mecha stories, and would further be codified by Ryousuke Takahashi's first two series, Fang of the Sun Dougram and Armored Trooper VOTOMs.

The "real robots" were a hard departure from their super robot brethren in that they were grounded in reality. Gone were the super alloys and the fantastical weapons, which were now replaced with weapons similar to that of a modern military. More importantly, the stories were now about wars, not with aliens as the antagonist, but other people. Humans. These stories would dominate a lot of the 80's, though the more traditional robots of the 70's would still be around as well.

There's just one problem with the term "Real Robot." The realism doesn't come from the machines themselves.

The Realism of Really Real Robots (It's Not What You Think It Is)

(Wanderer Not Mention Patlabor Speed Run [IMPOSSIBLE])

One of the issues with the term "real robots" is the fact that the realism in most "real robot" shows does not necessarily come from the robots themselves. Take blog favorite Patlabor, for example. Part of what makes the Labors as realistic as they are is not necessarily due to the imagined mechanics behind these machines. It's how the existence of these giant machines changes the lives of the characters. It's little things like how having a special police division that's devoted to Labor crimes is a bit of a money pit, or how SV2 has constant insurance problems due to the fact that Division 2, even in their best moments, are just as destructive as the people they're supposed to stop.

Or take the original "real robot" series, Mobile Suit Gundam. The realism does not lie in the design of the RX-78-2 Gundam. The realism comes from the One Year War and how it affects all of the characters. We can see this in how badly it affects the Gundam's pilot, Amuro Ray, as the poor sod of a teenager basically develops PTSD throughout the original show's run. And it's not just Amuro that's under a lot of stress. The infamous Bright Slap happens not only because Amuro refuses to get back into the Gundam, but because White Base captain Bright Noa (who's 19, by the way) is also at his wit's end. Never mind the fact that the slap makes everything worse.

So What Does This Have To Do With G Gundam?

Everything. There's this idea that being a "real robot" series is what gives Gundam its bite and that G Gundam spits in the face of Gundam's original vision by being a hot-blooded "super robot" anime. There's just a couple of problems with that line of thinking. First, it's insulting to the series to say that it has nothing worthwhile to say. Y'know, G Gundam. The series that opens with the Gundam Fight (the Future Century replacement for traditional war) making its way to a ruined Rome, where the poor people who could not afford to leave for the space colonies are panicking as the Gundams literally crash onto their homes. The series where some of the last dialogue of the series is how, even after defeating the imminent threat that was the Devil Gundam, there is still work to be done when it comes to fixing the world, namely by finding a more sustainable replacement to the Gundam Fight. This doesn't even touch on the fact that all of the nations of the world join forces to face an threat that could wipe out all of mankind.

Second, and the part that I think is more insidious, is the idea that G Gundam is a lesser series because it went for more of a classic robot anime vibe as opposed to the serious war story that Gundam is known for. I say this is insidious because it not only ignores the fact that Gundam had just come off of the heels of the extremely depressing Victory Gundam and needed a bit of a palette cleanser, but it also implies that only so-called real robot stories can have serious storylines. God forbid something like Space Runaway Ideon exist, which is probably one of the most serious classic, pre-Dougram robot series out there, or Combat Mecha Xabungle, which is a really goofy but technically a "real robot" series.

This is also related to the idea that G Gundam is just "dumb fun." This line of thinking I can understand, because let's not kid ourselves here. While I wouldn't call this series dumb, G Gundam is kind of known for being insane (but in a good way). What makes this take just as grating is when a similar series can get away with a similar style of story just because it's not related to an existing franchise like Gundam. A series like, oh I don't know, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. And that's a series that's often treated as somehow being different from most other mecha shows because "it's about the characters." Gurren Lagann is one of those shows, and people often treat it like it's a literary masterpiece while G Gundam, which I'd argue is one of the former's progenitor series alongside Getter Robo and GaoGaiGar, is treated as B-movie schlock. It's not, and I hope you'll join me when I dive into the insane masterpiece that is Mobile Fighter G Gundam.

[alphamecha-mkii]

Combat Mecha Xabungle by Yoshiyuki Takani

[aidansbuilds]

There isn’t enough Xabungle content on here, me fix that!

I absolutely loved this kit and it makes me so sad it’s a Premium Bandai exclusive because I think anyone who loves Gunpla should build it. It’s not too challenging but it isn’t boring, the color separation is damn near perfect and you get an adorable little Xabungle to add to your shelf (which everyone should have tbh. On top of that the kit is incredibly sturdy and poses like a dream, just look at that ankle pivot!!!

I plan on giving this guy a full paint job and not use any of the included stickers, but for now I love keeping on my desk to just play with when the mood strikes.

[yodawgiheardyoulikemecha]

[holmslice69art]

[dkquentai]

ザブングルグラフィティ　別冊アニメディア　　戦闘メカザブングル - アニメムック・アニメ雑誌取扱古本屋「アニエッグ古書店」

[glorioblog]

A Very GLORIO 2023: I don't know what I expected.

Last year, I wrote about how almost everything on my anime shortlist was an adaptation or reboot and highlighted how various shows did or did not adapt their source material well, and what that even means. Much of that still holds true this year (fall season’s discussion has centered around Pluto, an adaptation of an adaptation), and it got me thinking about why exactly that is. Rather than any…

[sndfrosteyneko]

[vbartilucci]

You've got to be old to remember Xabungle, but Premium Bandai is there for us.

Coming in May,

[studioalmain]

Super Dimension Fortress Macross - Macross Model Hobby Handbook (1983)

Found this bad boy at a local comic and toy shop in my area. I got this for a fine little price of $14 (compared to the $60ish MacrossWorld estimates it at). There’s some great Macross expanded universe content in here (with some of the models being created by mashing together Valkyrie and Destroid kits, and a few even utilizing elements from other lines like Fang of the Sun Dougram or Combat Mecha Xabungle). The cult classic ELINT Seeker Valkyrie made famous from its cameo in Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? actually has a model kitbash precursor in this handbook (will get pics of it later).

Overall? A nice little find for $14, but unless you really want to own a physical copy, I recommend downloading a digitized copy from one of the many online sources available.

[werewolf-gimmick-2]

FUN FACT! THE MORE YOU KNOW!!

The expression "chill"/"to chill" originates with Chill from Combat Mecha Xabungle

That's because she was one of the first to be chill like that.

[wanderersrest]

An Abbreviated History of Mecha Part 3.3: Kill 'em All (Tomino From 1981-1993)

Spoiler Warning: This post contains mild spoilers for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Space Runaway Ideon, and Mobile Suit Victory Gundam.

The Wanderer, he is a Char!

Welcome back to An Abbreviated History of Mecha! Last time we covered the latter half of the 80's, where we saw a lot of major entries in the canon of mecha make their appearance. You might have been asking yourself though, "But Wanderer, why aren't you talking about Dunbine or Zeta Gundam?"

Well, dear reader, that's because Tomino in this era would release quite a few entries that are worth mentioning on their own. And I'm not saying this to hype up Tomino; the man had been working on various shows in the years after Ideon. So for today's post, I will be going over the breadth of works Tomino worked on from 1980 to 1993. This way, as I said before, we will also be able to bridge the gap to the 90's by using Tomino as a metaphorical bridge between decades. So move on, shall we?

Also, if you have about 10+ hours to spare, I'd highly recommend Argonbolt's On Gundam series if you want to learn more about Gundam and Tomino. It's a pretty comprehensive dive into the Amuro-Char saga and all of the behind-the-scenes stuff that went into making the series.

Combat Mecha Xabungle/Blue Gale Xabungle (1982)

Released in 1982, Combat Mecha Xabungle serves as a great foil to Space Runaway Ideon. Just like how Ideon proved that the classic robot stories could handle grim war stories, Xabungle would also prove that the more grounded and "realistic" robots could be used to tell silly stories. Xabungle is also worth mentioning due to the fact that this is the first time Tomino would work with one Yasuhiro Imagawa, a name that will be coming up in the near future.

Aura Battler Dunbine (1983)

Aura Battler Dunbine, released in 1983, would be one of the first so-called "isekai" anime. Dunbine is also known for its unique mechanical designs, trading out the more traditional robot designs in favor of mecha that are more insectoid in appearance. As it predates Panzer World Galient by about a year, Dunbine would also technically be the first fantasy mecha to reach the mainstream. Dunbine and Galient are equally important in my opinion, as both series would influence many mecha stories that feature fantasy-styled mecha stories in the future. Dunbine would also be the reason why the fairy companion would become such a big thing in later media *cough*Ocarina of Time*cough*.

Heavy Metal L-Gaim (1984)

1984's Heavy Metal L-Gaim would mark the first time that Tomino would work with Mamoru Nagano as primary mechanical designer. The two were rather close, as Nagano was, to my understanding, one of Tomino's many disciples. It would be L-Gaim specifically where you see Nagano's mechanical designs shine, so much so you can see how it would inspire him to when it came time to make the Five Star Stories.

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985)

In 1985, Gundam would make its big return with Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. And not only would Zeta make a big splash with its debut, it would also go on to be the single most popular Gundam series after the original. More importantly, Zeta Gundam would also be the series where we see a lot of major industry people working on this series, including (but not limited to):

Yasuhiro Imagawa (Storyboard), who would go on to direct the Giant Robo OVA and G Gundam among other things.

Mamoru Nagano (Mechanical Design, specifically for the Hyaku Shiki), who would eventually leave Sunrise to work on the Five Star Stories.

Makoto Kobayashi (Mechanical Design, specifically for The O, the Baund-Doc, and the Marasai), who would go on to work on Dragon's Heaven among other things.

Shinji Takamatsu (Cultural Setting), who would go on to direct The Brave Express Might Gaine, After War Gundam X, and the first two seasons of Gintama among other things.

Zeta Gundam would also become infamous for its ending, which ends with most of the main cast dead. Granted it's not to the levels of something like Ideon or Victory Gundam, but it is generally the first example people point to when explaining why Tomino was nicknamed Kill 'em All. Not helping things at all at this time was the fact that Tomino was rumored to have been suffering from depression.

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (1986)

Following off of the success of Zeta Gundam came Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (pronounced Double Zeta) in 1986. As a sequel to the darker Zeta Gundam, ZZ's legacy is one that's a bit more contentious due to its sudden shift into comedy. ZZ would also mark the first time that Gundam wouldn't be the smash hit of the year, and that may have been an inspiration behind the creation of Metal Armor Dragonnar.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (1988)

ZZ under-performing would have a silver lining though, as it would give Tomino and company more time to work on the first non-compilation movie in the Gundam Franchise: Char's Counterattack. Char's Counterattack should be known for a fair bit of things, with one that I'll mention here is Char's Counterattack would feature a young Studio Gainax as one of the supporting studios during production. This movie would mark the official end of the Amuro-Char saga started in the original Mobile Suit Gundam, though this wouldn't be the end of the overall Universal Century.

Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (1991)

In 1991, Tomino and company would return to work on a new Gundam television series. During the production process though, it would be changed at the last minute to be a movie instead. And thus was Mobile Suit Gundam F91 born, dragging the Universal Century into a new era of conflict. And remember how I said F91 was supposed to be a TV series at first? You can actually tell where an "episode" would end as you watch F91. That's how last-minute the change to a movie was.

Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (1993)

Mobile Suit Victory Gundam would release in 1993. In the middle of production for this series, the toy company Bandai would buy out Sunrise. The executive meddling that would occur would cause Tomino to get so fed up with Bandai that he would leave Sunrise.

It should also be known that Victory Gundam is, with the exception of Ideon, Tomino's single darkest work. Characters will get killed off with little to no fanfare. It's also not surprising that there are rumors that Tomino does not like Victory Gundam.

It's not all bad though. Victory Gundam is the reason we have Daisuke Sakaguchi.

Conclusion

And it is with that somber note that we will leave behind the 80's. Going into the 90's will be interesting, to say the least. It is in the 90's where we will see some of the most iconic names of the mecha canon arise. The 90's are also a time of economic hardship in Japan, the effects of which would ripple all throughout the decade.

I can see it now though, reader! This post has been powered...

WITH THE HELP OF KYOOOOOOJI!!!!

[newtypezaku]

Hey! I just wanted to say I really like all those post you did on the anime Back Arrow! And some were really funny too! My favorite is when us was on the war ended episode and Rekka is too stubborn to quite so they’ll be back when they rearm XD priceless!! It’s nice to met a fellow Back Arrow fan!!

Looking back on Back Arrow, I think what really sells it to me is that it has the look and feel of an 80s robot show but done in a modern style. You have an absurd MC who runs on Rule of Cool until he doesn't. You have various factions operating technology they don't know or understand and the plot hits hard when we start to get into the consequences. The escalation to "we can, must, and will defeat god".

Panzer World Galient and Combat Mecha Xabungle might be fun if you're able to track them down. They obviously don't look as nice because they're old and Galient plays things more seriously, but there are definitely some similarities between them!

[aidansbuilds]

I FINALLY GOT IT!!!

I preordered this back in January and it feels so good to finally have it in my hands! Hopefully soon I can start building it!!!

I took a couple pics of the Bungle Skipper and Bungle Rover cockpits because I love how detailed they are. (Yes that is the official names for them)

[yodawgiheardyoulikemecha]

学屋/Re.GEK

[holmslice69art]