Review of Mobile Suit Gundam 00
I'm not going to compare Gundam 00 to any other of the Gundam series. Gundam 00 is the only Gundam series to not take place in an alternate universe, but instead takes place in the future of our own. The year is 2309 AD. With the exhaustion of fossil fuels, mankind split into three power blocs to build orbital or space elevators, brining a never ending supply of solar energy to the earth. Despite this advancement, the three power blocs are still in a state almost equivalent to a Cold War, developing military technology to stay ahead of other powerblocs and competing in a space race. The story takes place around the paramilitary organization Celestial Being, an organization founded over 200 years ago with its members sword to secrecy to achieve one goal: the eradication of conflict on Earth through armed interventions to unite the Earth before mankind ventures out further into space. To achieve their goals, they utilize mobile suits called Gundams, technology generations in advance to that found on Earth. With the beginning of their armed interventions, humanity and the three power blocs are forced to recognize and respond to Celestial Being. Gundam 00 is an intriguing story of comraderie, corruption, betrayal, passion in the face of adversity, and a testament to humanity's desire to exist/
The animation in Gundam 00 is unprecedented; almost the entire staff of Sunrise was utilized in its development. Each mobile suit, whether it be a main Gundam or a minor suit of the power blocs, is exquisitely designed with outstanding detail. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that there has never been a series in which mechas are so extravagent and breathtaking to see. The background animation of countless different places on Earth and in space are amazing. The artwork fully brings the universe of Gundam 00 to life in vibrant colors and designs. The battle sequences are smooth and detailed. Each character is given a unique look, unlike many animes in which all characters look the same spare different hairstyles and colors.
The music and sound effects in Gundam 00 are also outstanding, with opening themes done by major Japanese acts L'arc-en-Ciel and Brilliant Green, accompanied by excellent insert songs and endings as well. Every movement and every attack in the battles is realistic and pulls you into the action. The voice acting is also outstanding, producing Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards in the Seiyuu Awards of 2008.
The characters are fleshed out very well, especially the Gundam Meisters and Celestial Being's strategical planner, Sumeragi. While a part of the show is to keep their backgrounds a mystery, as the details are revealed, their actions completely agree with their backgrounds, creating well-rounded and unique characters. Even the civilian characters who give the viewers perspective of the affects of the Gundam's actions on Earth are very well rounded. The reason holding me back from giving the characters a 10 is that there is still a second season coming (a continuation of the first) where more information will be revealed. Right now, quite a bit of the main characters of Celestial Beings secrets are still hidden under layers, since their true identities are classified within the story.
Gundam 00 is for any type of anime viewer, from the casual to the mecha or Gundam enthusiast. If the amazing artwork doesn't draw you in, the story and characters will or vice versa. Even if you want to pay no heed to the story, the stunning visuals during battles are worth watching on their own. Very rarely is there a wasted moment in the show, spare one recap episode told from a different character's perspective. I can't possibly recommend this series more highly.