If you're a die-hard fan of the Gundam universe, you surely know 'Char Aznable' or 'The Red Comet,' the masked man of great renown. But before he became a legend, who was he really? 'Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin – Before the Fall, the Red Comet' (機動戦士ガンダム THE ORIGIN 前夜 赤い彗星), a 2019 series that presents Char's beginnings from childhood, along with intense family and political conflicts. This is the journey fans have long awaited.
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Zeon Zum Deikun, leader of the Republic of Munzo, declares independence but suddenly dies, leaving his family in chaos. His two children, Casval (later Char) and Artesia, must flee to Earth while the Zabi family rises to power. The series follows the growth of Casval and Artesia as they live in secrecy amidst a world preparing for a great war, focusing on their relationship with the Zabi family and the foundation of future conflicts.
Performance and Characters
The voice acting of Shuichi Ikeda as Char Aznable and Tohru Furuya as Amuro Ray remains excellent as always, especially Ikeda who conveys Char's coolness and inner pain deeply. Megumi Han as Artesia also does well in showing innocence and strength. Every character has clear dimensions and motivations, making the audience feel connected to them.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The visuals of this series are beautifully done, worthy of Sunrise's work. The character and mecha designs retain the original's identity while adding modern details. Action scenes are fluid and exciting. The music by Takayuki Hattori creates an appropriate atmosphere for both dramatic and war scenes.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team sees this series not just as a telling of Char's origins, but also as a deep exploration of themes of revenge, power, and sacrifice. Presenting complex political issues through the perspective of children forced to grow up quickly makes the story interesting and more accessible. However, some parts of the pacing may be too slow for viewers seeking constant excitement.
Verdict
For hardcore Gundam fans, this series is a must-watch as it offers a new perspective on characters you love. For general viewers who enjoy intense drama and space warfare, you will enjoy this quality work. However, you may need a little patience with the pacing.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Detailed and engaging storytelling of Char's origins
- +High-quality visuals and music
- +Excellent voice acting from main cast
- +Deep content in both family drama and politics
👎 Cons
- −Some parts of the pacing are slow
- −Requires some basic knowledge of the Gundam universe to understand context
Top Cast
FAQ
You should watch after the first Gundam series (1979) or follow the UC timeline, starting with The Origin, then the main series.
13 episodes, streaming on Netflix and other platforms.
The OVA The Origin tells the story in 4 films, while this series is a re-edit combining the OVA and adding cut content.
It may be hard to understand without basic knowledge, but it can be watched as a family and political drama series.
