The Universal Century Gundam shows are great because they dive into intricate plots, often flipping perspectives on who the “good guys” really are. That being said, some of them feel a bit dated and can be hard to watch. But there’s one series that I think stands the test of time: Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory.
My first exposure to Gundam was Gundam Wing. I thought it was great when I was younger. I also assumed it was the Gundam series, only to later realize that the Alternate Universe shows weren’t the “main ones.”
Back when I was in high school, I’d come home after a night at the Wichita Symphony, grab some McDonald’s (remember when you could get two cheeseburgers, fries, a drink, and two apple pies for $5?), and turn on Adult Swim to get my weekly dose of anime. One of the shows that came on was Gundam 0083. At first, I thought, “This isn’t Gundam Wing, so it sucks.” But the more episodes I watched, the more I liked it.
Here’s why I think Gundam 0083 is the best Gundam series of all time:
Realistic Military Atmosphere
I think this series captures what it feels like to be in the military better than any other Gundam entry. You’ve got military rank structure, contractors, bureaucracy, and unit dynamics that feel authentic. Not everyone is buddy-buddy; there’s tension between teammates, egos clash, and personal agendas create conflict. That being said, when it’s time to get the job done, everyone comes together. It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever been in the military, 0083 just nails that military vibe in a way that feels real.
Main Character is not a Prodigy
Another thing I liked about 0083 is that it avoids the “child prodigy” trope. Kou Uraki isn’t some chosen one or hidden genius. He’s just an inexperienced test pilot who gets thrown into a massive conflict. He’s surrounded by better, more experienced pilots, and he makes a lot of mistakes along the way. He’s actually kind of dumb at times, but that makes him more relatable. Watching him struggle to navigate the craziness of the war adds a nice layer of realism.
Animation and Soundtrack
For a series from the early 90s, the animation holds up pretty well. The mobile suits feel like actual machines, with deliberate movements that convey their massive weight and inertia. You see the joints, hydraulics, and thrusters working in sync, making every action feel mechanical and grounded. Even small details, like the way mobile suits land on spacecraft, hard landings leaving dents, soft landings barely nudging the surface; this attention to detail shows the level of care put into the art.
Then there’s the soundtrack. The opening theme is basically the anime version of Top Gun. I never skip the opening theme because it gets me pumped to watch the episode. The closing theme, Magic, is a nostalgic ’80s-style ballad that perfectly fits the series’ vibe. And Evergreen, used as the ending theme in the second half, is so beautiful it can bring a tear to your eye – especially when they use it at the end of the last episode.
The One Flaw…
Of course, no series is perfect. Thanks to a director change halfway through production, we ended up with the bizarre Nina/Gato/Kou love triangle that seemingly comes out of nowhere. It’s the one glaring misstep in an otherwise fantastic show. We’ll just pretend that part never happens.
Anyway, If you haven’t seen Gundam 0083 yet, you can grab the DVD here and experience the best Gundam series ever made.
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