The Gundam universe has constantly evolved since its inception in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam. Over the years, different timelines have shaped complex narratives and parallel universes, each with its own history and technology. In 2014, with the release of Gundam Reconguista in G, a new era in the chronology was introduced: the Reguild Century (R.C.). This period, which follows the Universal Century (U.C.), presents a renewed setting and a different perspective on human development and space exploration. In this article, we will explore how this new timeline originated, what factors led to its creation, and its impact on the Gundam franchise.
The Origin of the Reguild Century
The Reguild Century was conceived by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the original creator of Mobile Suit Gundam, with the intention of bringing a new vision to the saga. After several years away from directing Gundam projects, Tomino returned with Gundam Reconguista in G to commemorate the franchise's 35th anniversary. With this series, the veteran director wanted to offer a story that would attract a new generation of viewers while staying true to the essence of Gundam.
The main idea behind the Reguild Century was to present a future in which humanity had overcome the destructive conflicts that characterized the Universal Century. In this new era, humans have learned from their mistakes and seek to maintain a balance between technological advancement and planetary sustainability. This is reflected in Reguild Century society, where access to energy and technology regulation are key elements for global stability.
The Transition from Universal Century to Reguild Century
Within the Gundam universe, the Reguild Century is presented as the direct successor to the Universal Century. However, the transition between these two eras is not clearly depicted in the series, leaving several aspects open to interpretation.
What is known is that after the devastating conflicts of the Universal Century, humanity underwent a period of reconstruction and reorganization. As part of this process, a new timeline was established to mark the beginning of an era of peace and progress. The Reguild Century represents a civilization that has learned to avoid past mistakes and prioritizes the preservation of energy resources and the regulation of advanced technology.
In Gundam Reconguista in G, the discovery of artifacts from the Universal Century, such as ancient Gundam units, suggests that the technology of this era was not completely destroyed but rather hidden or regulated to prevent misuse. This regulation is administered by the Capital Tower, a mega-infrastructure that supplies energy and symbolizes the centralization of power in the Reguild Century.
Key Factors in the Creation of the Reguild Century
The establishment of the Reguild Century as a new era within Gundam was driven by several factors, both within the story and in the franchise's development:
- A shift in Gundam’s narrative: After decades of exploring political and military conflicts in the Universal Century, Tomino sought to offer a story that did not focus exclusively on war. Instead, the Reguild Century explores technology regulation, resource management, and the moral dilemmas associated with progress.
- Un nuevo enfoque para una nueva audiencia: Tomino declaró en varias entrevistas que su intención con Gundam Reconguista in G era atraer a una generación más joven y proporcionar un mensaje más optimista en comparación con las entregas anteriores de Gundam. El Reguild Century se presenta como un mundo donde la humanidad ha aprendido de sus errores, en contraste con la repetición constante de la guerra en el Universal Century.
- Continuity with Gundam’s legacy: Despite being a new era, the Reguild Century maintains references and connections to the Universal Century. This allows veteran fans to find familiar elements within a new context. For example, the appearance of Gundam units with designs inspired by classic models and the use of terminology from the Universal Century reinforce the idea that these two eras are related.
Impact of the Reguild Century on the Gundam Franchise
The Reguild Century represented a significant shift within the Gundam franchise, both in terms of narrative and design. Gundam Reconguista in G introduced a vibrant visual style and fluid animation that contrasted with the more realistic tone of the Universal Century. Additionally, the mobile suit designs in this era featured a more stylized and futuristic aesthetic, reflecting humanity’s technological advancements in this timeline.
However, the reception of Gundam Reconguista in G was mixed. While some viewers appreciated its fresh and optimistic approach, others found the story confusing and felt that the narrative lacked clear structure. Despite these criticisms, the Reguild Century remains an important part of Gundam’s legacy and demonstrates the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself and explore new ideas.
The Reguild Century emerged as a response to the need to renew the Gundam franchise without losing its essence. With Gundam Reconguista in G, Yoshiyuki Tomino introduced a new era in which humanity has learned from past mistakes and seeks to maintain a balance between technological advancement and sustainability. Despite its divided reception, the Reguild Century offers a unique perspective within the Gundam universe and proves that the franchise continues to evolve, offering new stories and worlds to explore.
Ultimately, the creation of the Reguild Century represents Tomino’s desire to deliver a positive message to new generations and to explore a different facet of science fiction within the Gundam universe. Over time, this era could expand with new installments that further explore its history and connection to humanity’s past in space.