Char Aznable is one of the most iconic characters in the Mobile Suit Gundam universe, known for his brilliance as a pilot, his charismatic presence, and his complex relationship with the Newtypes. Throughout the franchise, his view of these evolved beings of humanity has changed, shifting from exploitation and manipulation to a deeper understanding and a desire to harness their potential for a better future.
Before analyzing Char's relationship with the Newtypes, it is important to understand what they are. In the Gundam universe, Newtypes are a natural evolution of humans adapted to life in space. They are believed to possess psychic abilities, heightened empathy, improved reaction speed, and an intuitive connection with their surroundings, making them exceptional pilots and visionary leaders. Zeon Zum Deikun, the father of Zeon's independence ideology, theorized that Newtypes would represent the next step in human evolution, leaving behind the conflict-ridden nature of the Oldtypes.
From Manipulation to Understanding
In Mobile Suit Gundam (1979), Char is a Zeon commander who uses his skill and charisma to achieve his own goals, which include avenging his father's death and destroying the Zabi family. During this war, Zeon begins experimenting with Newtypes in an attempt to create the "ultimate weapon." One of the most notable cases is that of Lalah Sune, a young girl with exceptional Newtype abilities who is manipulated by the Zabi family and, to a lesser extent, by Char himself.
The relationship between Char and Lalah is fundamental to his development. Although Char protects and trains her as a Zeon pilot, she sees him as more than just a mentor. In one of the decisive battles, Lalah dies protecting Char from Amuro Ray, the protagonist and also a natural Newtype. This tragedy marks Char for life, to the point where he blames Amuro for her death and carries that resentment into future stories.
Zeta Gundam: The Rebirth of Quattro Bajeena
In Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985), Char returns under the identity of Quattro Bajeena and joins the AEUG to fight against the remnants of the tyrannical Earth Federation government. During this period, his view of Newtypes seems to evolve. He no longer sees them merely as weapons but as a hope for humanity’s future. His relationship with Kamille Bidan, a young and talented Newtype, exemplifies this transition. Unlike his dynamic with Lalah, Char acts as a true mentor to Kamille, though his own internal contradictions and inability to fully embrace the potential of the Newtypes keep him bound to his tragic nature.
In Zeta Gundam, it also becomes evident that Char himself has latent Newtype abilities. However, his biggest problem is his internal conflict: although he believes in the power of Newtypes, he is also trapped by his desire for revenge and his distrust of traditional power structures.
The Final Confrontation
In Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack (1988), Char reappears as the leader of Neo Zeon and finally adopts a radical stance: he believes that Earth must be purged of Oldtypes to allow Newtypes to thrive in space. His plan involves dropping space colonies onto Earth to force humanity’s migration into space and accelerate the evolution of the Newtypes.
This point marks the culmination of his development: from someone who exploited Newtypes to someone who protected them, and finally to someone who believes their survival is the key to the future. However, this extreme mindset puts him at odds once again with Amuro Ray, who represents a more hopeful and harmonious vision of human evolution. His final battle with Amuro is both physical and philosophical, ending with his apparent disappearance, leaving behind an ambiguous legacy.
A Divided Man
Char Aznable's relationship with the Newtypes reflects his own internal struggle. Initially, he sees them as tools for his own purposes, but over time, his vision shifts to considering them the future of humanity. However, his inability to overcome his personal tragedy and vengeful nature leads him to make extreme decisions.
Ultimately, Char fails to become the savior of the Newtypes or the leader who could guide them into a new era. His legacy remains ambiguous: Was he a visionary who understood the potential of Newtypes, or a broken man who could never overcome his own pain?
His story remains one of the most fascinating aspects of Mobile Suit Gundam, and his relationship with the Newtypes is key to understanding both his character and the central message of the saga: the struggle for humanity’s future and the eternal battle between hope and tragedy.