Okay, let’s talk about my favorite Gundam. Not just the show, but the actual plastic model sitting on my shelf right now, the one with the perfect blue and white armor. The Gundam Exia from Gundam 00 isn’t just a cool robot; it was my gateway drug into the entire, sprawling 45-year universe of Gundam. If you’re standing at the edge of that universe, wondering how to jump in, let me tell you why starting with Celestial Being is the best decision you can make.
Let me break down why Gundam 00 should be your first stop into the world of Gundam.
What Makes Gundam 00 The Perfect Modern Gateway?
Most classic Gundam series are part of a single, complicated timeline called the Universal Century (UC). Gundam 00 does something brilliant: it exists in its own separate Alternate Universe (AD Timeline). This means you can jump in with zero prior knowledge. No homework required.
But that’s not all. Here’s why it’s the ideal starting point:
- A Story That Feels Timely: Instead of giant space colonies, the story is set in a recognizable 24th-century Earth, divided by war over fossil fuels. The themes of resource scarcity, global terrorism, and moral ambiguity feel incredibly relevant, making it easy to connect with. It’s a prime example of the ‘Real Robot’ sub-genre, grounded, political, and tactical.
- Stunning Modern Animation: Produced in 2007, the animation is sleek, clean, and holds up beautifully today. The fight choreography is fast, fluid, and an absolute visual treat.
- A Clear, Compelling Mission: The protagonists are part of “Celestial Being,” a mysterious organization that aims to eradicate war by using overwhelming force to intervene in every conflict on the planet. It’s a fascinating and morally complex premise that hooks you instantly.
Meet Celestial Being: The Crew That Steals the Show
What’s a great plot without an even better cast? The pilots of Celestial Being are what make the story so compelling.
- Setsuna F. Seiei: The main protagonist and pilot of Exia. A former child soldier who believes Gundams represent salvation, he fights to end the kind of warfare that shaped him. His evolution from a detached fighter to an empathetic human forms the core of the series.
- Lockon Stratos: The sniper pilot of Dynames and the team’s older brother figure. Easygoing on the surface, but driven by a painful personal vendetta that quietly shapes his choices.
- Alleujah Haptism: The high-mobility pilot of Kyrios. A gentle soul split between two personalities due to the HRL’s harsh Super Soldier experiments. His inner conflict makes him one of the most tragic members of Celestial Being.
- Tieria Erde: The heavy-weapons specialist piloting Virtue. Initially loyal only to Veda and the “correctness” of the plan, he appears aloof and arrogant. His journey toward understanding humanity is one of the series’ strongest arcs.
Their clashing personalities and united goal create a found family dynamic that you can’t help but get invested in.
A Glimpse Into the Wider Gundam Universe
Once Gundam 00 hooks you, you’ll probably want to see what else this franchise has to offer. The Gundam universe is vast, but it generally splits into two paths:
The Main Timeline: Universal Century (UC)
This is the original, interconnected saga that started in 1979. It’s a sprawling political drama with a consistent history. Think of it as the main story of Gundam. Newer entries like the Netflix CG series Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance are gritty, side-stories in this timeline, made for viewers who already know the basics.
Other Great Alternate Universes (AUs)
Like Gundam 00, these are standalone stories with their own rules and mecha:
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans: A brutal, close-quarters combat story that feels like a street brawl in space.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury: The most recent AU, featuring a corporate proxy war and a unique, emotional core (which, by the way, has some of the most beginner-friendly Gunpla kits out there).
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: The 90s classic that introduced many Western fans to Gundam with its stylish mecha and bishonen pilots.
From Watching to Building: The Gunpla Connection
Falling in love with a Gundam design is often the first step into another amazing hobby: Gunpla. After watching Gundam 00, I immediately wanted to build my own Exia (FG 1/144 Gundam Exia, actually). The sleek lines, the GN Drive, the seven deadly swords, it’s a masterpiece of mecha design.
If the thought of building a model kit feels intimidating, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our complete beginner’s guide to Gunpla to help you start your own journey from fan to builder.
The Verdict: Your First Sortie Awaits
So, should you start your Gundam journey with Gundam 00?
Absolutely. It delivers everything that makes Gundam great, complex characters, political intrigue, and spectacular mecha action, in a polished, accessible, and complete package. It’s the series that proves these giant robots are more than just weapons; they are symbols of hope, conflict, and human ambition.
And if you love it, a whole universe of incredible stories awaits you. Just remember, every veteran Gundam fan was once a beginner looking for a place to start. For me, and maybe for you, that place was Celestial Being.
