The Gundam franchise, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise, is renowned for its vast and intricate world-building across multiple timelines. These timelines not only explore distinct stories and characters but also propose different visions of humanity’s future and the wars that shape human destiny, both in space and on Earth. In this article, we’ll delve into the main Gundam timelines, providing context, key characteristics, and representative examples from each.
Universal Century (UC)
The Universal Century is the primary and oldest timeline in the franchise. Introduced with Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979, this timeline showcases a space war between the Earth Federation and Zeon, a separatist faction of space colonies. The war is the focal point of many of the franchise's most iconic series and films.
Key Features:
- Humanity has colonized space, establishing colonies in orbit around Earth.
- The conflict between the Federation and Zeon reflects political and social themes such as authoritarianism, nationalism, and the struggle for autonomy.
- Battles are primarily fought using mobile suits (giant robots), with the RX-78-2 Gundam being the most famous.
Key Series and Films:
- Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
- Zeta Gundam (1985)
- Char's Counterattack (1988)
- Unicorn Gundam (2010)
The Universal Century has spawned a wide array of series and OVAs, making it the central backbone of the Gundam universe.
Future Century (FC)
Introduced in G Gundam (1994), Future Century departs from the political complexities of the UC to present a story more focused on action and combat. In this universe, conflicts are settled in a global martial arts tournament, and the Gundams serve as representations of power and honor.
Key Features:
- The combat system is a global tournament called Gundam Fight, where Gundams are used to represent countries in battle.
- The protagonist, Domon Kasshu, fights to save his brother and stop the threat posed by a secret organization.
Key Series:
- Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994)
The tone of G Gundam is lighter and action-packed, offering a stark contrast to the more serious and philosophical timelines of the franchise.
After Colony (AC)
After Colony is the timeline for Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995) and its sequels. This timeline addresses themes such as rebellion against Earth's oppressive control and the fight for freedom in a world where space colonies are under an authoritarian regime.
Key Features:
- In this timeline, the Gundams are war machines created by a secret organization to overthrow corrupt Earth leaders.
- The five Gundam pilots represent different factions and personalities, each fighting for their own ideals.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995)
- Endless Waltz (1997)
The plot of Gundam Wing centers on the ethical dilemmas of war, politics, and personal sacrifice.
After War (AW)
After War is the timeline of After War Gundam X (1996). Set after a devastating war between Earth and the space colonies, the series explores the aftermath of massive destruction and how survivors attempt to rebuild the world.
Key Features:
- The world lies in ruins after a massive nuclear war.
- Focuses on characters seeking redemption and hope in an uncertain future.
Key Series:
- After War Gundam X (1996)
This timeline is known for its darker, more pessimistic themes, reflecting the horrors of war and the struggles of the post-war era.
Correct Century (CC)
Correct Century is represented in Turn A Gundam (1999), set in a distant future where humanity has had to start over after a cycle of destruction. Often considered one of the franchise's most original and philosophical timelines.
Key Features:
- Despite being set in the distant future, the world resembles early 20th-century Earth, with rudimentary technology, although Gundams still play a crucial role.
- The series tackles themes of progress, reconciliation, and human identity.
Key Series:
- Turn A Gundam (1999)
The connection with the other Gundam series is subtle, and its focus on reflection about humanity and destiny gives it a unique tone.
Cosmic Era (CE)
The Cosmic Era, represented by Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002) and its sequels, is one of the franchise's most popular timelines. It explores conflicts between the Earth Federation and Naturals versus Coordinators—genetically enhanced humans.
Key Features:
- The wars in this timeline are fueled by discrimination between genetically modified humans and their natural counterparts.
- The series delves into political and social conflicts, reflecting contemporary issues like terrorism and xenophobia.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002)
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny (2004)
The focus on characters like Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala has made this series one of the most beloved in the Gundam universe.
Anno Domini (AD)
The Anno Domini timeline, presented in Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007), is set in the near future, similar to our own. In this universe, humanity faces a global energy crisis, and a group known as Celestial Being intervenes in international conflicts to impose peace.
Key Features:
- The series presents a world divided over access to energy resources.
- The concept of "intervention for peace" is central, with characters grappling with the implications of using violence to enforce peace.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007)
Gundam 00 is known for its realistic political focus and the moral dilemmas surrounding global intervention.
Advanced Generation (AG)
Advanced Generation is the timeline of Gundam AGE (2011), which stands out by spanning several generations of a family. Throughout the series, interplanetary conflicts arise due to technology and political interests.
Key Features:
- The story is told through three generations of the Asuno family.
- The series explores the effects of war and how past mistakes impact future generations.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam AGE (2011)
Reguild Century (RC)
Reguild Century is represented in Gundam Reconguista in G (2014). Set in the distant future, this timeline explores humanity’s rebuilding after a global cataclysm, with a focus on politics and advanced technology.
Key Features:
- The conflict revolves around resource exploitation and the confrontation between different factions.
- Characters fight for peace in a shattered world.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Reconguista in G (2014)
Post Disaster (PD)
Post Disaster is the timeline of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015). Set in a future where former wars have given way to a period of reconstruction, the struggle for power remains.
Key Features:
- The series focuses on war orphans fighting for survival in a harsh world.
- Conflicts in this timeline are driven by class struggles and the trauma left by past wars.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)
Ad Stella (AS)
Ad Stella is the most recent timeline, represented by Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022). Set in the distant future, this series explores conflict between space colonies and Earth due to corporate interests and political struggles.
Key Features:
- The series touches on themes of power, oppression, and the fight for independence.
- It introduces a story that explores misogyny and women's struggles in a society dominated by corporations.
Key Series:
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022)
Each of the Gundam timelines offers a unique perspective on the human condition in dystopian or utopian futures. From class conflict in Gundam SEED to the ideals of imposed peace in Gundam 00, and survival struggles in Iron-Blooded Orphans, the franchise remains one of the most complex and captivating in the world of anime.
What are your thoughts on the different Gundam timelines? Which one is your favorite and why? Are there any series or alternate universes you’d like to explore further? Share your opinions in the comments and discuss how these timelines connect or differ from one another!