It seems I’m in a writing mood lately, so expect to see my review backlog to be reduced a little in the following days, and maybe even an update on my secret FAQ. Without further ado, my first anime review (spoilers galore).

Beginning Enthusiasm (5/5): I normally stray from older anime and cartoons, but when I started this one, I really enjoyed it. The first few episodes start out great with mecha action from the start and some great Char-stealth. Almost every main character is introduced within the first two episodes, and the emotional story line doesn’t take it easy just because we’re only starting. The animation, although old, is really great, and for the most part (aside from some music) the 1979 anime beats the test of time.

Characters (4/5): The characters are all (for the most part) necessary to the story, and they mostly fulfill their parts very well. The interaction between them is somewhat weird at times (Amuro and Lala, anyone?), and at times you wish Amuro would just fall for Fraw, and not every other random woman, but character reltionships (especially on White base) are strong and very necessary to the plot.

The only reason characters get a 4 and not a five is that some characters get better than others really quick. Now, I know Amuro is a New-Type and all, but why couldn’t Hyato get some skills (maybe around the Jaburo arc?)? Instead, he sucks throughout the show, even to the point of killing one of his own teammates! But somehow he gets really great in the last episode. But besides that, I really enjoyed the characters, the somewhat odd relationships, and the strong interaction between them.

Ending Emotion (5/5): The ending is great, it really ties up the ends (sounds painful), but leaves some open enough to have another series (which we all know happens). I really enjoyed the last scene, and although I don’t find it easy to admit I cried throughout the whole thing. The destruction of the base with the broken Gundam, the treason of Char, and the return of Amuro to the crew, it’s all great, and it’s a really exciting ending to the series.

Summary: Now, I know I’m not that good at writing reviews, but know this: First Gundam (or Gundam 0079) is a very great start to an awesome franchise, and an almost perfect series. If you’ve not seen it yet, see it now, it’s one of the elite.