Statistics
All Anime Stats Anime Stats
Days: 203.0
Mean Score:
7.17
- Watching5
- Completed673
- On-Hold3
- Dropped43
- Plan to Watch1,073
- Total Entries1,797
- Rewatched17
- Episodes12,557
All Manga Stats Manga Stats
Days: 24.6
Mean Score:
7.97
- Total Entries66
- Reread0
- Chapters1,959
- Volumes144
All Comments (17) Comments
Tactics Ogre is a masterpiece.
Opinions vary widely on the various gundams, but I hope you'll find it worth the time you put in.
Of that, there is no doubt. It covers all the key moments and plot points. It even improves on animation, and perhaps the 'pacing' of the rander story (it removes many of the more 'episodic' stories, for example).
However, I'd personally recommend trying the full series if you have the will/time for it. Apart from (pointless) purist fan sentimentality, the key reason is because I don't think a full understanding of why First Gundam is so beloved and iconic can be easily conveyed in just the films. (I could well be wrong).
I think this because one of the key highlights of 0079 is the cast. The traditional ship-bound survival - where the crew bonds and perseveres against countless adversities. To really get a full sense of the characters and the times they went through - to get the same sense of comradarie; I think the full 43 eps is essential.
Generally, I feel that a lot of fans recommend the compilation films over the original because of both the length, and either because there's an attitude amongst fans and new viewers that old animation sucks, can't be enjoyed, or is something to be avoided.
So the quicker-films with updated scenes and such are a boon in that sense, and I'd agree.
I suppose it comes down to why you're considering first Gundam. Do you want to rush through and 'experience' the Gundams - tick it off a list of anime-to-do's, or are you genuinely interested in the oldest Gundam and want to judge for yourself.
That's the sort of question I think would help deide the better choice - because the compilation films are good, but I feel they're more rewarding when seen after the actual show.
Also, if you go with the series first, you can still always swap over to the films if you find you ned the 'quick-shot' approach.
Err, I'm going to waft on a little more (sorry).
I will also warn that UC Gundam has a lot of flaws. It isn't as cohesive an 'epic' as it might at first seem. The bigger picture story, can often be hard to follow, and there's a fair amount of relatively 'episodic' storytelling, and there is some peculiar and vague dialogue (a trademark of Tomino), and there's no denying that some of Original Gundam looks somewhat cartoony and out of place.
Regardless, it's a great franchise with a lot to offer if you don't dwell on the flaws. Also, it should be noted that part of Gundam's lasting appeal is in the many derivative works: short stories, information dumps, games, manga, and such that have added greatly to the depth of the Universal Century world. The continued success of the newer Gundams are also part of what's kept the flame alive - and even if you don't find yourself liking the fist Gundams, you'll almost certainly find other Gundams to your liking, so I ask you not to write off the franchise if 0079 isn't for you.
Apologies again for the wall of text, but I wanted to inform you as much as possible, being the pained nerd that I am. Feel free to ask anything on your mind. (I'll try not to kill you with words next time, if you do.)