Gundam School Part 36

"What is 'Gundam', anyway?" This simple (?) question is answered in our thirty-sixth casual weekly column just for new fans!


　Another super-simple (super-transparent, like a glass frog?) intro column for new Gundam fans hops onto the scene!
We're back with Part 36 of what makes Gundam Gundam.

　You can see our previous coverage of what makes Gundam Gundam here, and this week we're back with another Gundam standard!

　One of the best things about Gundam is its array of amazing mobile suits—some particularly flexible (!?) examples can even transform into different modes!

　In part 36, we bring you "Transformable Mobile Suits" (Part 1)!

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[Part 1]
Gundam's transforming mobile suits are built for mobility in one form and combat effectiveness in another!

　Now, I'm sure if you walked up to the man on the street and told him "Transformable mobile suits are great!", he's look at you like you'd grown (transformed?) another head, so first off let's explain what they are. Put basically, it's as simple as what it says: they can change forms.
　 These transformable mobile suits normally have a human form, like the Gundam, but can change into something else.

　 Rather than "changing" or "equipping" parts, the entire suit transforms. You can get the full details on those other two options in the super-popular (← ... wishful thinking) Gundam School Part 7! 　I just wish I could meet the genius who wrote that... (laugh)

　 Of course, it just wouldn't be right if a Gundam "transformed" into something far bigger, or shrunk down to fit on a motorcycle, or something. Typically, transformable suits will have a highly-mobile cruise mode combined with a humanoid mode for combat, allowing for both rapid deployment and heavy firepower. You could say they float like butterflies and sting like bees. (?)

　However, instead of using separate support units like the G-Fighter, transformable mobile suits' transformation mechanisms are internal. Look, mom, I can do it all by myself! (← Impressive.)
　The introduction of transformable mobile suits had a stark impact on later mobile suit designs and capabilities.


　Today, our first look is at that epochal and iconic transformable MS: the Zeta Gundam. ( Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam) Designated MSZ-006, it stands 19.85m high at the head and weighs in at 62.3 tons fully loaded.

　The Zeta Gundam is a transforming mobile suit jointly developed by the A.E.U.G., an anti-Federation military faction, and Anaheim Electronics, a manufacturing conglomerate which produces everything from soup-spoons to warships.

　 The "Zeta Project" to develop a next-generation high-performance mobile suit takes its name from its position as the fourth suit in an evolutionary branch that began with the Gamma Gundam (named in turn for its Gundarium-γ-alloy armor, but more commonly known as the Rick Dias.)

　Zeta, not to be confused with the English letter Z, is the sixth letter in the Greek alphabet, following alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon. See? No one can ever say that Gundam never taught you anything useful! This is proof of the educational value of Gundam in our schools! (← wishful thinking again)

　Immediately after the completion of the Rick Dias, A.E.U.G. requested a transformable design for use against the Titans, but development of a movable frame that could support the weight and stresses of a mobile suit without relying on armor as a structure element proved a difficult task. However, even as the Hyaku Shiki (a non-transforming offshoot of plans for the Delta Gundam) was completed as a single-mode suit, the capture of the Gundam Mk-II with its revolutionary movable frame design and completion of the transforming Methuss led to a breakthrough.

　The new Zeta Gundam was a generational leap forward from previous Gundams, capable of operating in a high-speed Waverider mode as well as a humanoid mode for combat. What's even more shocking: the basis for its transformation mechanism was suggested by none other than your favorite emo kid and mine, Kamille Bidan!

　He really was a genius. Maybe his outbursts really were justified, and we're just not smart enough to tell.
　Sorry for calling you a sheltered emo kid, Kamille! From now on, you're upgraded to "ragelord".
　 Now you can whooooooosh! straight onto the battlefield, no support craft required, and then blam! blow all your enemies away, before flying off into the setting sun. (← Can't remember if that ever actually happened.) This innovation had a huge impact on later MS developments, and could be said to have created an entirely new type of Gundam.


　The next transformable MS on the list is that blue friend–er, fiend–of the depths, the RX-139 Hambrabi. ( Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam) Designated RX-139, it stands 19.9m high at the head and weighs in at 56.9 tons fully loaded.

　The ninth suit to be developed by the "Gate of Zedan" arsenal built at the former A Baoa Qu, it is a high-mobility transformable mobile suit capable of changing to mobile armor mode. Its awe-inspiring speed is enough to outmaneuver even the Zeta Gundam at points.

　 With its unique aquatic looks resembling a ray as an MA and a starfish as an MS, and an almost spiderlike array of five monoeyes for situational awareness (← Almost. Spiders have eight), the Hambrabi specializes in three-suit attacks, weaving a "Spider's Web" with its "Sea Serpent" electrified whips. A simple transformation mechanism makes for a low purchase price and minimal operational costs, and makes the Hambrabi one of the best transformable mobile suits out there.

　Sets of 3 are going fast, so order now! 　They're recommended by Titans ace Yazan Gable and his wingmen Dunkel Cooper and Ramsus Hasa! 　Want one? We asked Yazan himself, and he muttered something about feeling a formless power! (← As part of an ongoing vendetta with a powerful Newtype. Your personal results may vary.)
　Don't hesitate, order now! 　Just dial 1-800-TITANS! (← Or pick up one of Bandai's great model kits! In fact, you'll want to just go for the model kit because that isn't an actual phone number.)

　……Unfortunately, as the Hambrabi was designed as a prototype, only limited quantities are available.

　And with that, we've completed out first look at transformable mobile suits! 　

　Oh, isn't Gundam just so fascinating?

　Well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, that's it for this week. Next week we'll be taking another laid-back look at what makes Gundam Gundam!