Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin

Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin is a phenomenal Anime Mini-Series from the reputable Sunrise Inc. This entrancing series was broadcasted in 2017, serving as a precursor to the eponymous Mobile Suit Gundam franchise that has captivated anime enthusiasts for over 4 decades. Though still tied to its rich legacy, The Origin offers a fresh reinterpretation of the beloved universe and is as welcoming to the franchise's die-hard fanbase as it is to the new audience.

This mind-bending masterpiece is an ambitious extension to the Gundam verse, aiming to breathe life into the early history of the storied franchise. It is a six-part OVA series that finely channels the essence of its source material, a 23-volume manga penned by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, character designer of the original 1979 anime.

The plot primarily unfurls the beleaguered childhood narrative of Casval Rem Deikun and Artesia Som Deikun (later known as Char and Sayla), which invariably lays the foundation for the sweeping events of the original Gundam series. The focus is magnificently tied to their extraordinary journey from early childhood to adulthood, revealing their nuances and transformation that would define the very textures of the franchise’s long-winding narrative.

At the heart of this narrative is the advent of the massive humanoid armored weapons, the eponymous Gundams. The series intriguingly explores the genesis of these walking war machines that will evolve into the central instruments of war in the future timelines of the franchise. While it beautifully peeks into the tech-evolved future of warfare, it never strays from the heart of the story - the fragile human element.

The presentation of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin is an exquisite blend of classic charm and new-age brilliance. With its meticulous character designs that stay true to the original Gundam Manga and the toothsome infusion of modern digital effects, the animation is a sight for the sore eyes. This smooth amalgamation of old-school aesthetics and stunning CGI graphics is epitomic of Sunrise's commitment to preserve the franchise's legacy while marching forth into the contemporary era of animation.

Noteworthy, however, The Origin entails more than just a riveting narrative and evocative animation. It grapples with the diverse themes of political intrigue, sibling bonds, and the calamitous repercussions of warfare. It dissects the notion of power through the scope of a militaristic society and the futile cyclicity of war. The series portrays humanity's grappling with ambition, vengeance, and the potent demonstration of technology, moving beyond the conventional 'good versus evil’ paradigm most Gundam stories are otherwise known for.

The series stands testament to the franchise's unwavering commitment to character development. Familiar faces from the original series are reintroduced with compelling backstories, thus enriching the Gundam-verse by providing insight into their motivations and transforming them into multi-dimensional entities. Besides, the series also introduces a host of new characters that embellish into the franchise’s rich character tapestry.

Gundam The Origin's evocative music score impeccably compliments the series' fast-paced narrative and dramatic character development. The melodious tunes often punctuate a scene with a sense of impending disaster and melancholy, thereby successfully amplifying the sense of tension and drama inherent in the series' futuristic warfare premise.

If Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin's popularity and success is anything to judge by, it is proof that the franchise has beautifully adapted to the ever-evolving tastes of the anime community. With its enthralling mythology, stellar animation standards, and deep-rooted narrative arcs, the series has resurrected the allure of the Gundam universe, beckoning both new and veteran fans.

This Anime series is a testament to the unrivaled charm of the Gundam franchise and is a must-watch for those who appreciate intricate character development, socio-political commentaries, lush animations, and of course, epic mech battles. It superbly revives the universe of Mobile Suit Gundam, while also serving as a standalone story that enchants its viewers with its compelling narrative and aesthetics. Set against the larger backdrop of an interstellar feudalistic society with advanced tech-warfare, The Origin serves as a beautiful tribute to the Gundam series of yore, all while setting the stage for new stories to come.