Numerous Gundam series have been produced since the original Mobile Suit Gundam, featuring a plethora of formidable and vividly colored mechas known as Gundams. Each Gundam boasts unique capabilities and purposes, but all share one common trait - they serve as the protagonist in their respective stories. However, Gundam: The Witch from Mercury defies this convention in its 21st episode.
Under the ownership of Suletta Mercury, Gundam Aerial gains widespread notoriety as one of the most advanced mechas in the galaxy, consistently surpassing the competition from other major corporations. Yet, when Prospera gains control of Aerial, it transforms into a weapon of war capable of inflicting devastating harm on countless innocent lives and causing widespread destruction. With the support of the Quiet Zero, Gundam Aerial assumes the role of the story's villain.
The Role of Gundam In The Franchise
The Gundam franchise has always been known for its ability to continuously innovate with each new major series. This is evident not only in the storylines, but also in the design and capabilities of each Gundam. Whether it's the multi-generational narrative of Gundam Age, the depiction of child labor in Gundam IBO, the iconic mustache of Turn A Gundam, the pure white feathers of the Wing Gundam, the fiery fingers of the God Gundam, or the seven swords of the 00 Gundam, each major Gundam series has its own unique take on the powerful mecha.
Despite these differences, there are certain aspects that are consistent throughout the franchise. The Gundam is always at the forefront of mobile suit technology in its respective universe, and is typically portrayed as a force for good in the story. While there may be some gray areas in terms of morality (which we'll explore in the next section), the Gundams are ultimately seen as a symbol of power used to benefit humanity.
Those That Stays In The Grey Areas
Some Gundam series have taken a daring approach by placing their Gundams in morally gray areas. These Gundams are not necessarily evil, but they are not exactly righteous either. As viewers, it can be difficult to justify the actions of both the Gundams and their pilots, but we can understand that in desperate times, desperate measures must be taken. This bold and brave style of storytelling is a relatively new trend for the franchise, with only a few series having adopted this concept to varying degrees.
Gundam Thunderbolt's masterful ability to showcase both sides of the story, Gundam Wing's daring approach to send the Gundams as harbingers of destruction against the establishment, Gundam 00's unique decision to make the Gundams part of an independent paramilitary group with its own sense of justice and morality, and finally, Gundam IBO's ruthless approach to warfare and destruction make them all standout entries in the Gundam franchise.
How Gundam Aerial Flip The Script
However, with the introduction of Gundam Aerial, the franchise takes a darker turn. Unlike its predecessors, the pilots of this particular Gundam are willing to commit heinous acts in order to achieve their goals. This departure from the franchise's usual moral code adds a new layer of complexity to the story and challenges viewers to question the motives and actions of the Gundam pilots.
Prospera's actions in Gundam: The Witch from Mercury have taken a sharp turn from the traditional path of Gundam mobile suits working towards protecting humanity. Instead, she has chosen to use the advanced technology of Aerial for her own selfish desires, leading her to commit heinous acts of destruction without remorse. Her burning of a city full of innocent people in episode 19 and her single-handed destruction of a Space Assembly Forces battalion in episode 21, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, have made the series one of the most polarizing in the Gundam franchise. Despite the show's attempts to present something new and refreshing, the choice to have the main Gundam commit war crimes has left audiences divided.
