(LAZAROTH REVIEW - INDIVIDUAL EPISODE REVIEWS - SPOILER FREE) This OVA set of "MS Igloo" is an episodic foray into the trials and tribulations of three separate Federation Soldiers of different ground units. It's an incredibly immersive setting as these people are quite literally at the bottom of the military power level, being forced to face these "Death Gods" called Mobile Suits as Zeon begins their invasion of earth. Overall, the CGI, tone and cinematography for all of them are top notch, but I'm going to delve a little deeper by reviewing each individual episode. This will be a short review due to most of myoverarching impressions being found in my first MS Igloo review, and is only intended to review the story, action and cinematography of these episodes. If you need a recommendation, here it is!

EPISODE 1:

My favourite of the three episodes. It follows a small unit of "Anti-tank" personnel that have been retrofitted into becoming an "Anti-Mobile suit" unit despite their lack of firepower, thanks to the massacre of the Earth's Federation forces at this particular point of the war due to the rise of the Mobile suits of Zeon. The unit we follow are armed with weapons you'd find even in our very own modern day, with only a slightly more futuristic spin. This makes it the most relatable and immersive episode of Gundam yet, as it wouldn't be far off to think that this OVA episode was centred around Mobile Suits invading our very own world at this time. It's amazing to see what war is truly like for the regular ground troops at the bottom of the barrel as they are expected to defend against a supremely overwhelming enemy at its prime of the war.

Themes of guilt and leadership are explored here, along with PTSD, and pressure from your superiors. It's an incredible insight into the mentality of a soldier who's seen nothing but death and destruction, forced to repeat the same hell day in and day out.

This episode in particular shows how absolutely terrifying an mobile suit would be for just a regular person. The show's cinematography always makes the Mobile suits look absolutely massive and insanely overbearing, despite being one of the weaker Mobile Suit variant of the franchise, they have NEVER looked more terrifying.

The whole "death god" thing is a bit outlandish at first, but fits well as the representation of the emotions of whose who (literally) carry death with them.

The ending is great and really effective, reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan.

EPISODE 2:

This episode is centred around a Tank Platoon, particularly a newcomer to the unit who is paired up with the unit's crazy "death god" veteran. It's a revenge story as the veteran is looking for an unique Zoku, called the "White ogre". They vow to fight each other to the death, Mobile Suit vs Tank, to lift the curse of death that afflicts them both. Both of them even feign mechanical issues to get out of "boring" battles as they don't feel like they are worth their time, only their destined battle is most important to them...

I'm a big fan of tanks, so I really liked this episode. Not only does it provide a unique perspective yet again of the war, but it's also just really cool. The "death god" thing continues here, but it's apparent that it may be more physical than just conceptual, although it may just be a shared experience. It's still effective at getting the point across however.

Has a great twist.

EPISODE 3:

Follows a Guntank crew made up of ex-convicts. I really like the guntanks in this episode, their ability to travel looks quite unparalleled for a ground vehicle, and it just looks so fun. The action is good, but the characters are at their weakest here.

The twist is quite obvious, but still effective. The themes of anger and betrayal clouds one's judgement, after all.

The "Death god" is a concept that strings all the episodes together, and it seems particularly overt here. Which I harbour mixed feelings about.

My least favourite episode, but still good fun.

OVERALL RATINGS:

Animation:
Plot 1: 7.9/10
Plot 2: 7.9/10
Plot 3: 7.4/10

Action 1/2/3: 8.0/10
Music 1/2/3: 6.0/10

Characters 1: 7.6/10
Characters 2: 7.4/10
Characters 3: 6.2/10

Overall 1: 8.0/10
Overall 2: 7.7/10
Overall 3: 7.1/10