Mobile Suit Gundam
Gundam, also known as Mobile Suit Gundam, is simply an animated franchise from Japan. It was created by the brilliant Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate, who made the cult object for the Sunrise studio at the end of the 1970s. Gundam gave birth to a very particular genre of animation: the mecha genre. This one is part of a science-fiction universe
The Gundam innovation!
If the success of the Gundam universe has not been questioned for more than 40 years, it is because there is a good reason. Indeed, even if the animated series presents traditional features of science fiction such as advanced technology and space battles, the universe contrasts with the old productions by its realism. A realism that can be found as much in the story as in the technical elements underlying the robots and the universe it presents. This gives rise to a series that is much more adult than the old productions? It has become a real sub-genre: the "real robot".
Films and series
Since the beginning of the 1980s, this anime genre has not left Japanese screens. A profusion of works has been produced. Some of them are nowadays considered as real masterpieces:
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985)
- Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010)
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the pocket (1989)
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007)
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002)
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (2015)
- Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team (1996)
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (1991)
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995)
And many other works that have inevitably left their mark on viewers through their action and strong messages. In total, we are talking about thirty or so films, series or Original Video Animations. Not to mention the fact that today the franchise also includes many transmedia works such as novels, manga and video games. Complete your collection by visiting one of our manga shops or by ordering online.
A difficult export
If the Gundam universe is well and truly part of Japanese popular culture, the same cannot be said in the West. In Europe and North America, the franchise has often suffered from competition from other cultural works that have prevented it from being a real success. We can mention works available in our shop such as Star Wars or Evangelion.
Derivative products
If there is one aspect of the Gundam universe that has particularly marked people, it is the derivative products that the franchise has been able to offer. Taking place on the shelves like our GI Joe, these collectibles come in the form of figurines, statuettes, electronic toys or even models to assemble yourself. While in the West, people prefer to build planes, cars or World War II models, in Japan, this hobby is spreading thanks to mechas. However, in recent years, it seems that mecha models are attracting more and more people in our countries.
What is Gunpla?
Contraction of the terms "Gundam plastic model", a Gunpla refers to all models from the Gundam universe. Whether it is mechas, vehicles or plastic characters. Today, this type of object of Japanese culture dominates the entire market in Japan. It should be noted that the term is also used to designate the assembly of the figures themselves.
Model sales are therefore an enormous source of income for the brand that launched them on the market, namely Bandai. It is estimated that more than 400 million units have been sold in total. And that was just the figures collected in 2010. Imagine today how much sales that can represent. In terms of pure models, it was also estimated in 2004 that Gunpla represented 40% of sales in the Japanese market.
Our figurines and other derivative products
You are interested in the Gundam culture and you want to know more about the universe, the culture or even the possible cosplay possibilities. The geek shop is very interested in this part of Japanese culture and we would be delighted to help you discover it. So don't hesitate to contact us or even visit us directly. You won't be disappointed by all the possibilities.