Gundam SEED

A brief outline of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is a 50-episode anime series set in the Cosmic Era (C.E.) timeline, where humanity is divided between genetically enhanced humans known as Coordinators and unmodified humans called Naturals. The story follows Kira Yamato, a Coordinator, who finds himself in the middle of a war between the Earth Alliance, representing the Naturals, and the ZAFT forces, consisting of Coordinators.

Kira, a skilled pilot, becomes the key to the Earth Alliance's efforts when he is forced to pilot the powerful GAT-X105 Strike Gundam, a prototype mobile suit equipped with interchangeable Striker Packs that offer different combat capabilities. He faces off against his childhood friend, Athrun Zala, a ZAFT soldier who pilots the GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam, one of the five advanced Gundam units stolen by ZAFT at the beginning of the series.

Alongside Kira and Athrun, the series features an extensive cast of characters, including Lacus Clyne, a popular singer and daughter of a high-ranking ZAFT official, and Cagalli Yula Athha, a headstrong Natural who fights for peace and justice in the war.

Gundam SEED showcases a wide array of unique mobile suits on both sides of the conflict. For the Earth Alliance, the GAT-X series features the GAT-X102 Duel Gundam, the GAT-X103 Buster Gundam, and the GAT-X207 Blitz Gundam. ZAFT's arsenal includes the iconic ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam, ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam, and the powerful ZGMF-X13A Providence Gundam.

Throughout the series, the narrative explores themes of war, friendship, love, and the impact of genetic modification on humanity. Gundam SEED addresses the complexities of conflict and the struggle for peace between two fundamentally different factions of humanity, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the intense mobile suit battles and character development.

Aesthetics and kits to look out for

SEED's and its sequel designs feature futuristic designs without going as far as AGE or 00 would, trying to anchor themselves to more classical silhouettes while featuring striking colours and daring designs, such as the Providence.

Some of the kits to look out for, in ascending order of complexity, are:

• EG Strike Gundam
• HG Dagger-L
• HG Astray Blue Frame
• Figure-Rise Lacus Clyne
• HG Freedom Revive
• RG Astray Red Frame
• MG Freedom Gundam 2.0
• RG Strike Freedom