cpm6 Review of Turn A Gundam

Turn A Gundam (1999–2000)

A return to simplicity for one of anime's most popular series

[14 December 2000]

"Turn A Gundam" is the fourth Gundam series to use an alternate universe concept, the others being G Gundam(1994)Gundam Wing(1995) and Gundam X(1996). However, while these other series bordered on excess, with bizarre designs, overly powerful Gundams and weapons, Turn A is a return to the simplicity the original Gundam embraced. Actually, it goes beyond that. Turn A is set in the far future, but apparently somewhere along the line technology took a nose dive and all Mobile Suits were buried, including a Gundam. The Earth has reverted to a World War I era state(A la Anne Of Green Gables), although a technically advanced race still exists on the moon. Some of these moon citizens come to Earth as advance scouts and adopt lives in regular society(Especially the main character Rolan). However, during a ceremony, the moon people decide to return to Earth-and a misnderstanding triggers war. Out of a bizarre statue, a mobile suit emerges to fight them-the Turn A Gundam. Loran is forced to fight his own people..... From what I've seen of Turn A Gundam, it's quite good. The animation is real nice and colorful, and the mecha designs-designed by Syd Mead, designer of "Blade Runner" and "Short Circuit" are truly unique designs. After the disappointment of Gundam X, this series is certainly a relief.