Gundam Factor

The Gundam Factor, also known as the SEED factor, is a term for a unique phenomenon representing the ability for an individual to enter a state of enhanced awareness and peak physical ability called SEED mode. In this state, a person demonstrates heightened reflexes and extremely quick information processing, often triggered by extreme situations or recalling significant traumas. Both Coordinators and Naturals can possess this ability, which is thought by some to be the next stage of human development. Activation is visually demonstrated by an image of a jewel-like seed dropping from above and exploding in a shower of light, accompanied by the shrinking of the pupil and growth of the iris.

Quick Facts

Nature: Metaphysical Phenomenon; Pilot Trait
Primary association: Gundam Mobile Suits and High-Performance MS
First conceptualized: Universal Century Timeline (One Year War era)
Key requirement: Deep emotional resonance and synchronization between pilot and machine
Status: Mysterious; Unproven Scientific Theory

Lore & Background

The series takes place in the Cosmic Era, a parallel timeline where mankind has developed into two subspecies: Naturals, who are born normally and mainly reside on Earth, and Coordinators, genetically enhanced humans capable of withstanding the rigors of space who inhabit orbital colonies. The story revolves around a young Coordinator Kira Yamato who becomes involved in the war between the two races after a neutral space colony is invaded by the Coordinators.

Reader's Guide

The source provides factual data on episode counts (fifty), air dates, and DVD releases. It notes that special editions condense these into three 95-minute episodes. The series is compiled onto thirteen DVDs in Japan and ten DVDs in English-speaking countries. A five-minute epilogue was included on the final DVD of the Japanese and European release, but it was not included on the North American and Australian release. A series of HD remasters was released in 2012.

Did You Know?

The English TV dub used a 30-second shortened version of 'Invoke' as its opening, but used the same endings as the original (albeit with edited visuals).
For Japan's HD remaster, Gundam SEED cut the two recap episodes from its original broadcast (episodes 14 and 26).
The first episode of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer premiered a week early on July 7, 2006, at Tokyo Anime Center's Akiba 3D Theater before streaming on July 14, 2006.
The Special Editions of Gundam SEED contain an additional twenty minutes of new footage beyond the compiled scenes from the television series.
Only the first two episodes of the Special Edition were broadcast in Japan, each split into two 55-minute parts.