Mobile Suit Gundam 00

Lore & Background

The series is set in 2307 AD on a futuristic Earth where fossil fuels have been depleted. Humanity relies on Dyson rings of solar power collectors supported by three orbital elevators, each serving one of three power blocs: the Union (Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan), the Human Reform League (mainland Asia, most of Oceania), and the AEU (mainland Europe, North Atlantic and Arctic islands). Constant warfare erupts among minor countries for energy, leading to the formation of the private military organization Celestial Being, which uses four advanced Gundams to eradicate war. The story follows four Gundam Meisters, including the main protagonist Setsuna F. Seiei, a 16-year-old from the war-torn Republic of Krugis. The three major powers unite into the United Nations Army to counter Celestial Being, aided by a traitor who provides GN-X mobile suits with pseudo-GN Drives. A second Gundam team, Team Trinity, appears with more brutal methods. Alejandro Corner takes over Celestial Being's supercomputer Veda, leading to the organization's defeat in Operation Fallen Angels. Four years later, the Earth Sphere Federation forms the A-Laws peacekeeping force, which oppresses freedoms. Setsuna is rescued by Tieria Erde and pilots the 00 Gundam with twin GN drives. A third party called the Innovators, led by Ribbons Almark, manipulates both sides. Aeolia Schenberg's plan is revealed: to unite humanity and advance them into deep space through Innovation. Setsuna becomes the first true Innovator and defeats Ribbons, ending the conflict. The Federation disbands the A-Laws, and Celestial Being returns to the shadows.

Reader's Guide

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is significant as the eleventh installment of the Gundam franchise and the first television series in the franchise to be animated in widescreen and high-definition. Its timeline uses the real-life Gregorian calendar, setting it apart from previous installments. The series explores themes of global conflict, energy scarcity, and trans-humanism through the concept of Innovation. The plot involves a paramilitary organization using advanced mecha to enforce peace, with the main protagonist undergoing a transformation into a new form of humanity. The series comprises two seasons, with a film sequel continuing the story. The production began in 2005 under the tentative name 'Next', with director Seiji Mizushima initially reluctant due to his lack of Gundam knowledge. The series aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System, Tokyo Broadcasting System, and affiliated JNN stations. Its legacy includes introducing the concept of Innovators and the 00 Gundam's twin-drive system, and it remains a notable entry in the Gundam franchise for its unique setting and technological themes.

Did You Know?

• The series is set in the Anno Domini timeline, corresponding to the real-life Gregorian calendar.
• The main protagonist Setsuna F. Seiei is 16 years old and grew up in the war-torn Republic of Krugis.
• The production started in 2005 under the tentative name 'Next'.