The african episodes are some of my favorites. The fact they see the Federation as the enemy because to them it's an extension of the French colonial system is fascinating to me. Like that one map that says the southeast US was one of the anti feddie hotspots.
Spacenoids showing up and being called French as a slur was such a cultural confrontation and Blue Squad was genuinely tragic. The Africa arc was really good.
@@Duchess_Van_Hoof I love the map that shows the hotspots that are a problem for the federation. You've got dixie, africa, various zeon landing hotspots, Afghanistan, naturally.
I agree we need more Judau, however I kinda wish they go in a different direction than Crossbone. Don't get me wrong, like the pirate themed designs, but they feel out of place in UC. Would like to see an original take of some sort
It was a real struggle to get through ZZ. I went in DIRECTLY after Zeta, so the whiplash was real. I think I only started to enjoy the series midway when you (spoilers) are made to believe Judaus sister died.
i dropped it once cause of how awful the first episode was but Haman made me pick it up again . also the fact that they never explained how Judeau's sister survived was bullshit
for me it started getting good around episode 45, right before the end. Only then you finally gets mature characters and real politics. Everything before is a shitshow - main characters are annoing shitbrats you want to see dead, zeon characters are idiots and characters from the previous are either turned into trash (bright noa stalked by some weird lady trying to get into his pants) or not even mentioned at all. I also came to it stright form the Zeta and I was f***ing pissed that I must struggle trough this shit just to have some closure to Zeta and have context before moving to CCA... which wasn't even true in the end, because ZZ story could be entirely cut out (except final four episodes where zeon colapses under itself) and nobody would notice. God, it's been years now and it's still triggering me lol.
By the time I get to episode 24 I started watching it at x2 speed. I just had to read extra fast but watching it at that speed saved me about 3 hours of watch time.
Bruh I was just mad ZZ did not actually refer to Zaku Zeta. It would've been cooler (and funnier) for neo-zeon to be destroyed by a Gundam with a Zaku head.
I really would not recommend skipping ZZ to anyone who plans to go into later U.C. series. Apart from being a really good series in it's own right, once you get through the first couple of episodes, it also helps greatly to contextualize Unicorn, making character motivations make more sense and certain scenes hit so much harder.
@@Rrgr5 To understand Marida one must watch ZZ, specifically the episodes involving Elpeo Ple, Ple 2, and the battle between Chara Soon and the Ple mass production clones. It’s the key to her entire character.
@@OrtadragoonX No, it's really not. Oh no, she was one of the mass produced Ple clones, who was then incidentally sold into prostitution! Like, knowing that's what she was doing beforehand really does nothing to enrich or build upon her character, any more than if she had been just another random girl. Oh no, you won't know who the Glemy silhouette is! Good thing that can be summed up in a single sentence, and has really no bearing on Unicorn otherwise. I'm getting really tired of people trying to make the argument that ZZ is essential viewing for Unicorn and/or CCA. If you just want to watch ZZ for its own sake, that's fine, but if you're one of the many people who was put off by it, you really shouldn't be made to feel like it's just 47 episodes of homework for later UC content. Zeta absolutely is, for the development of both Char and Mineva. CCA is, for obvious reasons. Ditto for MSG. Can you seriously tell me, in all honesty, that you think ZZ provides even a fraction of the context that any of those things do? "Making character motivations make more sense"? What the hell does anything in ZZ have to do with anyone's motivations? If you're talking about Marida, her motivations stem from her gratitude to Zimmerman for rescuing her from the brothel; if that really matters, then MSG provides more context for that than anything else does, considering it's an obvious nod to Lalah. I really like Marida as a character, so it's not even like I'm discounting her. I love what she brings to Unicorn. I do not, however, think her participation as one of the nameless MP Qubeley pilots in ZZ is tremendously important to that, and it genuinely feels like that was just something they tacked on to be able to say "look guys, ZZ gets callbacks in this story too! Kind of!" Even if you watched it and had no idea who the hell Glemy was when his silhouette popped up for a second and a half, it really doesn't have an impact on the story Unicorn is trying to tell, so it doesn't matter much. All you really need to know about the war in ZZ is that it came and went, and took Haman with it. Beyond that, it has very little to do with the second or third Neo Zeon wars. Again, watch ZZ if you really want to, for its own sake. Don't watch it because you feel like any of it is required viewing for the UC content that follows; it's really not.
Even when I was experiencing the tonal whiplash that is that first arc of ZZ, I always loved Mashymere. To me he was like Gundam's version of Don Quixote; A hilarious knight committed to chivalry in an age where it is dead.
I just finished ZZ yesterday, and I gotta say, it was a breath of fresh air! I think the most jarring part though, was seeing how goofy Mashymere, Chara, and Glemy were initially lol
@@Herr_Gamer Which honestly feels really weird to me. Isnt like half the fun and horror of Gundam seeing initially light hearted normal kids get put through the horrors of war. The establishment of those kids in the first 10 or so episodes is crucial to learning about them and the dynamics between them.
I think it's cool that the villains start off as unprepared for war as the protagonists, with Mashymere not just being goofy, but a rather pacifistic Neo-Zeon idealist with eccentric tendencys. At the start of the series, hes geniunely trying to do what he believes is right and by the end he executes a colony drop. Glemy starts off as excited to finally see combat and quickly devolves into seeing how his leaders are assholes and trying to betray them. Chara is just batshit, but we need3d the chaos
Mashymyre might be one of my favorite characters of anything Gundam. I've never seen someone go Super Simp 3 before, and I don't think there's much that will beat that in my mind.
i don't know if I like ZZ but it's a fascinating show. the Africa arc alone honestly makes it worth a watch, since it's essentially ten straight episodes demonstrating why Char's Dakar speech in Zeta was completely insane, something that Zeta never really grappled with. not to mention that the mini-arc in Ireland where Kamille and Fa return, capped off by the absolutely terrifying colony drop, is Gundam firing on all cylinders. it legitimately has some of my favourite stories and moments in the Universal Century, but they're mired in inconsequential episodes, annoying characters, and an overall story that is transparently being made up as the creators go due to CCA's production interfering with their plans for the second half. it's a slog and while I haven't seen the rest of the UC, my understanding is that nothing in ZZ is plot critical, but i think the combination of the show's handful of incredible moments and its extension of some of the themes and ideas Zeta never fully resolved make it worth a watch.
I watched 0079, Z, ZZ, CCA, 0080, 0083 and 08th and I think I love ZZ the most. I am a big fan of Japanese slapstick in anime, so I found the first part very refreshing. I really like Mashymare's attitude in the beginning, I REALLY loved the combination of the Zeta series suits together with the ZZ suits and the three way battle between Haman and her group, Glemmy and his group and the Agamar team. Very great character design and play alround.
An interesting thing to note in the early episodes is that the show is deadly serious when it focuses on the old Zeta characters rather than the new cast. And one thing that I rather like is that ZZ asks the political questions and gives us context that Zeta lacked. From the imperialism in Africa, to the corruption in the Federation to spacenoids questioning if they're on the wrong side, to the lunarians being confronted about their war profiteering. I do question Haman's colony drop, it seems needlessly spiteful and strategically backwards. She was recognized by the Federation, given Side 3 and had a large army and a military base. At that point, she had won, just pull back and root out the Glemys in her ranks.
Honestly, ZZ was incredibly refreshing to the absolute, and perhaps unnecessary, brutality that is Zeta. And it treats its characters far better. While I will agree the first several episodes were tough, and the mini-arcs were arguably not needed, they're still somewhat fun to watch and see how all the characters on both sides react to each other. Plus, the comedy was honestly good. Overall, I think this show is unfairly maligned and left me feeling complete wheres Zeta took something from me. Fantastic review! P.s., Judau is the best protagonist. Non whiney alpha male chad who managed to refuse the wiles and charms of best girl Haman.
CR just started streaming ZZ today. Good luck getting through the first 5 eps lol. Fun fact: Roux Louka has a very brief cameo in Z/ZZ/CCA character designer Hiroyuki Kitazume's Starlight Angel short in Robot Carnival.
I blew through Mobile Suit Gundam and Zeta Gundam in a matter of like 3 weeks. Double Zeta it took me about a month-and-a-half. The main issue being subbing, I tend to do other activities like cooking or what not when I'm watching these shows and that was impossible because there is no dub okay so basically I watched it right before bed each night and used it as a way to fall asleep. I really like the whole series. Especially picks up around episode 23. I was able to kill the second half of the series in about a week and a half. Just finished Char's Counterattack this morning. Onward to unicorn Gundam. Definitely think Zeta Gundam is a superior Series in general, but to me they sort of blend together as one whole series
I think a large issue of ZZ is trudging through the first set of episodes where all that happens is Fa gets her shit wrecked, Judah tries to steal the Zeta but helps the Argama, then it all goes back to normal until the next day.
@@maxstewart8846 it varies for everyone. The rule of thumb is that the first 1/3 of the show can be skipped because it's just nonsense, but the intro speaks volumes. This is not an anime.
I think one or two episodes in ZZ featuring Amuro and Char would have really strengthened Chars Counterattack. It just would have been nice to see what really led into their conflict in that movie as it opens up so many years later without a ton of explanation for Char’s motivation
Same with Hathaway's flesh, seems a little bit off giving it went right after NT, and Hathaway somehow acquired the ZZ Gundam, or at least, something pretty closer to the ZZ and the Federation Gundam isn't well explained considering the end of NT there should be no more gundans untill the F-91.
This show was such a breath of fresh air and got me back into UC after Zeta had my interest teetering. Zeta handled the writing, characters and 'darkness' so poorly it came back around to being silly but ZZ allows it self to be silly on purpose and ends up with better, more realistic characters and situations.
I loved CCA so im excited to get that video done. I'm planning on doing everything(almost) in release order so 0080, 0083, Thunderbolt etc... will be done for sure!
Had absolutely no problem going from Zeta to ZZ. I actually found the storytelling in ZZ to be better - more natural connective tissue vs Zeta's abruptness and shortcuts. Also, watched G Gundam first (which I absolutely love), so felt any accusations of ZZ being too silly are just ridiculous.
Zeta had weird dialogue and never gave its characters time to become and act like real people, while ZZ goes back to establishing characters fully more like in MSG 79
The broken record that I am, chimes in here to say, absolutely amazing video, loved that you went back to doing some IRL video bits. Watching you grow is ALMOST as good as watching your videos!
My personal favorite UC series, as Zeta was too serious for it's own good, and once ZZ got serious in the second half, it still had a bit of comedy to go with it. Garrod Ran from X is my favorite Gundam pilot ever, but Judau is damn close.
I'm glad to see people finally giving ZZ the shake it deserves and feel somewhat vindicated that others consider it "refreshing" as well. ZZ is funny when it needs to be (beginning airing immediately after Zeta) and serious when it needs to be. It's a better Gundam show that people give it credit for, and I'd watch it a dozen more times before rewatching SEED. It also has some of the coolest mobile suits in UC with the Doven Wolf (developed from the Mk. V Gundam and developed into the Silver Bullet and Silver Bullet Suppressor, later piloted by Banagher Links!), the Dwadge, and the criminally-underused upgraded Rick Dias: the Schuzrum Dias. 7.5 or 8/10 show.
I had a lot of issues with pretty much the entire first half of ZZ, it felt so slow compared to 79 and Zeta, and the lighthearted tone felt overdone. I'd be happy with something more lighthearted than Zeta but ZZ felt like too big a change. By the second half of ZZ I was completely invested though, the brief return of kamille was incredibly emotional, the villains were much stronger, and the characters felt so much better than they had been earlier on. One of the characters I did like in later stages of early ZZ was Elpeo Ple, and I was hit real hard by her inevitable fate along with the fate of Ple Two, the similarities to the stories of Four Murasume and Rosamia Badam with the idea of these people who absolutely could and even should be supporting the main cast instead of fighting them was something I found incredible, and by the time of their deaths I genuinely cried for them. ZZ is genuinely good if people can push their way through the early stages, it has so many things to love and it's a shame that a poorly set up start is the factor keeping many from enjoying the amazing things it does later on.
Thank you for sharing different and deeper perspectives of Gundam ZZ. When I followed gundam ZZ, it was different from the serious atmosphere Zeta and original Gundam and quite "childish and fun" atmosphere in the early episodes in Gundam ZZ. It was somewhere difficult for me to follow. However, from your perspective, I decide to re-visit Gundam ZZ and have an open mind to explore the uniqueness of Gundam ZZ. Thank you.
Just finished ZZ and let me tell you i was ready to give up until around episode 15ish. If anyone is reading this and is about to start it, just give it time. It gets really good in my opinion and the ending is extremely satisfying.
ZZ got so good half way through the show. I will admit, I struggled with the start of it as well, sticking with it mainly cause of the hope it would get better (which it did) and the ZZ was damn cool. Though when I look back at it, I think the commedic first half was actually quite important for character establishment and what would become great character growth and story telling for the second half
That's a totally valid opinion. Even knowing I was going to finish it for this video there were some episodes early on that made me want to bail. All I can say is that if you decide to stick with it, it DOES get better, it just takes a while to get there.
Honestly, as a young high-schooler who was just learning to navigate the post-napster era of online piracy, the first half of this show was a hard sell to sit through. It wasn't until the early 2000's that I finally manged to really check out the rest of the story. I think it was a mix of my desire to be a completionist, love for the crazy-ass designs, and addiction to the amazing score that got me to realize how awesome the rest of the story is
It starts getting serious around episode 20 then episode 27 is when it gets it's second opening and kicks up the heat. ZZ is good but it's missing one thing that made Zeta felt so powerful at the end of both series.
@@yeetkunedo Another GT hater who believes GT is non-canon. Dont get me started. You're one of those who jumped on the bandwagon of all those who believe what they hear about GT after Super began. Super isnt a replacement of GT. Its considered its prequel. GT was quoted to be just as canon as Super. Toriyama did approve of GT. Just never actually worked on the project. Not once did Toriyama say that GT wasnt canon. Thats the issue with all you people who make claims about GT being a "fan-made" series and that its non-canon. You dont do your homework on it and make straight up assumptions or jump on a bandwagon because someone says this and that. Which is sad because alot of people do that for alot of things in this world. I rest my case, do what you want with what i say here. And as people this era does these days..... ~ drops the mic ~
@@LagunaShirogane I’m just saying that you can skip from the end of Z to Super and miss nothing. However, you can’t say the same about ZZ Gundam, as there are plot relevant events in ZZ that carry over from Zeta and flow directly into the events of Char’s Counterattack. It’s a bad comparison for that reason alone. You haven’t dropped any mics. You’ve just proven that you don’t know what grass feels like underfoot.
I love your videos. Beside great presentation and good script. It is very soothing to listen too. I like to put up one of your video(mostly Z, ZZ and Macross) when I am ready to sleep and I will fall asleep before the video is over).😅
I think it's possible to like ZZ now, because we know that it was something of an oddball one-off. We can appreciate it now for what it was. I was talking to an older guy, who watched it as a kid while it was airing. Anime was going through major changes, and people were really unhappy that it felt like Gundam was going to just turn into one of those new teen shows that some "real robot" people really hated. "Anime Janai" seemed like it was making fun of the fans, and it seemed like the whole Gundam franchise was being disrespected somehow. Well, in hindsight, none of that came to happen (or did it?) and I think we can all appreciate the show for what it is, instead of what people feared it would become.
I'll never understand the dislike for ZZ when alot of the first half are loved things done in future gundam series like Mr simp man is literally proto immortal Patrick from gundam 00 from a recurring gag character who has a hard on for his superior constantly get knocked around
I have been loving your Gundam deep dives. Especially zeta and zz. I haven't watched either but I feel like you gave a good analysis without spoiling much. Minor critique: I noticed you repeat some lines in some of your videos like the antagonist getting vaporized.
ZZ is never to be skipped. there is so much with the first neo zeon war that is needed to understand to watch things like Unicorn and Chars CounterAttack. Yes Zaku 3 is bangin I agree. I'm more a fan of the Dom like suits in that series.
The Openings for this anime are cool,I wish they dub this anime with ocean group,funimation or bang zoom in the 90s or early 2000s when Gundam was in its prime here in America.
Glad that you enjoyed ZZ so much, it's one of my favorites. I think the Dublin Arc is the best arc of the original 3 UC shows! Also really excited to see what your thoughts on Victory Gundam are, since that one is incredibly divisive as well (I enjoy it a lot despite its many faults).
It has it's fans and that's respectable. However, as a sequel to the hard and intense sci fi war epic that Zeta Gundam...it falls flat. I am glad videos like yours exist because I've watched ZZ Gundam one too many times to be able to watch it again.
So think of the first 12 episodes as, see everything is fine. This is lile scooby doo with robots. ......... are they gone. ....... BRING ON THE VIOLENCE!
I would say ZZ is skippable if you don’t care about plot points or arcs being resolved. I also love that they used Marshmallow turning into a cyber newtype making him competent so that he can be used later in the series. Some hilariously good writing there. One thing I find is that this show is one of the most anti-military things I’ve seen. The whole command structure of AEUG is what is holding them back and it takes a group of teens with no discipline to actually be effective in the war.
I believe ZZ would benefit heavily from a remake. Give it two seasons and rewrite parts of it to make more sense. Reduce the amount of slapstick, fix plot holes, etc
I really liked Mashymre because yes he’s goofy but I think he represents his own kind of very gundam tragedy in that he wishes to be a honorable warrior, a knight serving his lady, in a war with no place for the that kind of soldier How many kids signed up for zeon with images of gallant char in their minds only to meet the grim reality of war
The midway of ZZ when they start getting dark and grim was so abrupt and I found myself laughing hysterically. It'd be like Team Rocket suddenly being killed during Pokemon. Overall I liked it and was glad I watched it. Its Sentai like atmosphere was dumb fun.
I've seen nearly every Gundam now and ZZ is my favourite. I didn't find the start too sloggy as some of the delightedly non-woke dialogue made me chuckle. I didn't mind Moon Moon either as that colony and Shangri-La itself do a good bit of expanded world-building, most of the colonies depicted in the various series are interchangeable. And the when Judau's SPOILER gets SPOILERED and the series gets more serious it really jars you as you've gotten into the light-hearted vibe. The development of Noa's character is really well done too.
I've heard a bit about Victory Gundam and I've decided to go into that one without knowing any spoilers, so im interested to see what I'll think as well!
Glad for videos like this. I wish I had time to watch the series…I just can’t commit to watch it all subbed. I started with the OG show last week and just finished zeta today. I thoroughly enjoyed zeta.
I remember watching ZZ for the first time and I could not for the life of me get passed the first couple episodes no matter how many times I tried. Whilst I'd like to watch and enjoy it. The first episodes are just so on the goofy side it really puts you out of it for me.
Years ago everyone I know actively hated ZZ and would tell people to stay away from it. Recently some of those same people praise it and say it's a must watch.
There are 2 songs in that timeframe, the first one is a song called "Rice Fields of Light" from Shadow Hearts. The second song is the Map theme from the Waterworld game on NES.
I can kinda understand Yazan's predicament. If he tried to go back to the Federation, he'd probably be labeled as a traitor for working with the Titans.
ZZ is certainly a lesser show than most UC Gundams, but one would certainly miss out a lot by skipping it. In fact, the Unicorn production team actually say that they started the project as they saw the history gap that could be filled between ZZ and CCA (namely the Ple sisters and more importantly the plot of the missing Mineva).
ZZ truly becomes special. Its a perfect example of takes a while to get into it. Definitely some of the best moments in Gundam and love when it takes itself seriously.
Great video. Got me to rewatch ZZ. I enjoyed it more to this round. Definitely rough at the start because the comedy I wasnt a big fan of. Also, love the SMTIV music at the end of your video. 🤘
Just finished ZZ, i liked the characters in ZZ more than in Zeta, but I don’t know if I like the overall story for ZZ. It was worth the watch, so I’m glad I didn’t skip it.
Don't think i didn't notice the Golden Sun OST in the reivew. Even though i missed the chance to binge ZZ from the official Gundam channel, this is just as good to tie me over.
Gundam ZZ can be summed up as : "We always ask what Haman is doing, we never ask How Haman is doing."
What she's doing: Creeping on some 14 year old gigachad.
How She's doing: ...Not well: See question 1.
@@DIEGhostfish to be fair, her first love was a gigachad (with sunglasses) creeping on her when she was 15
@@alexanonimo6876 He didn't creep on her. Even in CDA.
@@DIEGhostfish I swear, this was a good joke that you just missed real hard.
@@alexanonimo6876 Sorry then
Char’s Deleted Affair is an amazing manga for getting to know Haman’s past. She is one of my favourite characters after having explored her backstory
The african episodes are some of my favorites. The fact they see the Federation as the enemy because to them it's an extension of the French colonial system is fascinating to me. Like that one map that says the southeast US was one of the anti feddie hotspots.
Money on it being the original 11 confederate states doing it for ~~Totally not racist reasons~~
Spacenoids showing up and being called French as a slur was such a cultural confrontation and Blue Squad was genuinely tragic.
The Africa arc was really good.
@@Duchess_Van_Hoof I love the map that shows the hotspots that are a problem for the federation. You've got dixie, africa, various zeon landing hotspots, Afghanistan, naturally.
By the way, French colonialism never went away, all I have to say is „CFA franc“
@@chheinrich8486 They hold some purse strings over former colonies but are generally more the colonized than the colonizer these days
the fact of so many people thinking of how good is ZZ in the last years make me glad we need more Judau Ashta, and we need Crossbone Gundam anime
Give me some Gump action
But if that happens then bandai would need to make standard release kits for it oh noooo
ZZ put me onto Judaus VA kazuki Yao. Hearing his voice in any other anime is just a treat to me now because I always love his performances lol
We def need a crossbones gundam anime! And a redo of Gundam F91. An actual series instead of the movie
I agree we need more Judau, however I kinda wish they go in a different direction than Crossbone. Don't get me wrong, like the pirate themed designs, but they feel out of place in UC. Would like to see an original take of some sort
It was a real struggle to get through ZZ. I went in DIRECTLY after Zeta, so the whiplash was real.
I think I only started to enjoy the series midway when you (spoilers) are made to believe Judaus sister died.
i dropped it once cause of how awful the first episode was but Haman made me pick it up again . also the fact that they never explained how Judeau's sister survived was bullshit
for me it started getting good around episode 45, right before the end. Only then you finally gets mature characters and real politics. Everything before is a shitshow - main characters are annoing shitbrats you want to see dead, zeon characters are idiots and characters from the previous are either turned into trash (bright noa stalked by some weird lady trying to get into his pants) or not even mentioned at all. I also came to it stright form the Zeta and I was f***ing pissed that I must struggle trough this shit just to have some closure to Zeta and have context before moving to CCA... which wasn't even true in the end, because ZZ story could be entirely cut out (except final four episodes where zeon colapses under itself) and nobody would notice.
God, it's been years now and it's still triggering me lol.
@@acidous Maybe ZZ needs a Movie that explores more of the final arc and just sums up the first part hahah
For real, i was having a blast with zeta killing every live interest in its way and then comes this drag. Chara is the only saving grace for me.
By the time I get to episode 24 I started watching it at x2 speed. I just had to read extra fast but watching it at that speed saved me about 3 hours of watch time.
Bruh I was just mad ZZ did not actually refer to Zaku Zeta. It would've been cooler (and funnier) for neo-zeon to be destroyed by a Gundam with a Zaku head.
I really would not recommend skipping ZZ to anyone who plans to go into later U.C. series. Apart from being a really good series in it's own right, once you get through the first couple of episodes, it also helps greatly to contextualize Unicorn, making character motivations make more sense and certain scenes hit so much harder.
Yep, I watched unicorn without ZZ, so somethings were a little off, when I watched ZZ I understood somethings and it hit like a truck.
Zz is shit lol
I suppose.
@@Rrgr5
To understand Marida one must watch ZZ, specifically the episodes involving Elpeo Ple, Ple 2, and the battle between Chara Soon and the Ple mass production clones. It’s the key to her entire character.
@@OrtadragoonX No, it's really not. Oh no, she was one of the mass produced Ple clones, who was then incidentally sold into prostitution!
Like, knowing that's what she was doing beforehand really does nothing to enrich or build upon her character, any more than if she had been just another random girl. Oh no, you won't know who the Glemy silhouette is! Good thing that can be summed up in a single sentence, and has really no bearing on Unicorn otherwise.
I'm getting really tired of people trying to make the argument that ZZ is essential viewing for Unicorn and/or CCA. If you just want to watch ZZ for its own sake, that's fine, but if you're one of the many people who was put off by it, you really shouldn't be made to feel like it's just 47 episodes of homework for later UC content. Zeta absolutely is, for the development of both Char and Mineva. CCA is, for obvious reasons. Ditto for MSG. Can you seriously tell me, in all honesty, that you think ZZ provides even a fraction of the context that any of those things do? "Making character motivations make more sense"? What the hell does anything in ZZ have to do with anyone's motivations? If you're talking about Marida, her motivations stem from her gratitude to Zimmerman for rescuing her from the brothel; if that really matters, then MSG provides more context for that than anything else does, considering it's an obvious nod to Lalah.
I really like Marida as a character, so it's not even like I'm discounting her. I love what she brings to Unicorn. I do not, however, think her participation as one of the nameless MP Qubeley pilots in ZZ is tremendously important to that, and it genuinely feels like that was just something they tacked on to be able to say "look guys, ZZ gets callbacks in this story too! Kind of!" Even if you watched it and had no idea who the hell Glemy was when his silhouette popped up for a second and a half, it really doesn't have an impact on the story Unicorn is trying to tell, so it doesn't matter much.
All you really need to know about the war in ZZ is that it came and went, and took Haman with it. Beyond that, it has very little to do with the second or third Neo Zeon wars. Again, watch ZZ if you really want to, for its own sake. Don't watch it because you feel like any of it is required viewing for the UC content that follows; it's really not.
Don't forget thanks to the moon moon arc we get the moon Gundam!
After seeing Kamille in that state "Look at how the massacred my boy"
Even when I was experiencing the tonal whiplash that is that first arc of ZZ, I always loved Mashymere. To me he was like Gundam's version of Don Quixote; A hilarious knight committed to chivalry in an age where it is dead.
I just finished ZZ yesterday, and I gotta say, it was a breath of fresh air! I think the most jarring part though, was seeing how goofy Mashymere, Chara, and Glemy were initially lol
I'm about to start it after finishing zeta.
The first 10 or so episodes probably caused half it’s potential biggest fans to drop it
Crazy thing is that Chara says pretty silly until the very last battle in the series.
Once she unzips her jacket she becomes a psychopath.
@@Herr_Gamer Which honestly feels really weird to me. Isnt like half the fun and horror of Gundam seeing initially light hearted normal kids get put through the horrors of war. The establishment of those kids in the first 10 or so episodes is crucial to learning about them and the dynamics between them.
I think it's cool that the villains start off as unprepared for war as the protagonists, with Mashymere not just being goofy, but a rather pacifistic Neo-Zeon idealist with eccentric tendencys. At the start of the series, hes geniunely trying to do what he believes is right and by the end he executes a colony drop. Glemy starts off as excited to finally see combat and quickly devolves into seeing how his leaders are assholes and trying to betray them. Chara is just batshit, but we need3d the chaos
Mashymyre might be one of my favorite characters of anything Gundam. I've never seen someone go Super Simp 3 before, and I don't think there's much that will beat that in my mind.
Hahah super simp 3 I love it
The implifications that Haman wired his brain into mindlessly serving her is scary and tragic for his character though.
i don't know if I like ZZ but it's a fascinating show. the Africa arc alone honestly makes it worth a watch, since it's essentially ten straight episodes demonstrating why Char's Dakar speech in Zeta was completely insane, something that Zeta never really grappled with. not to mention that the mini-arc in Ireland where Kamille and Fa return, capped off by the absolutely terrifying colony drop, is Gundam firing on all cylinders. it legitimately has some of my favourite stories and moments in the Universal Century, but they're mired in inconsequential episodes, annoying characters, and an overall story that is transparently being made up as the creators go due to CCA's production interfering with their plans for the second half. it's a slog and while I haven't seen the rest of the UC, my understanding is that nothing in ZZ is plot critical, but i think the combination of the show's handful of incredible moments and its extension of some of the themes and ideas Zeta never fully resolved make it worth a watch.
ZZ is plot critical sort of if you want to watch unicorn i guess
I watched 0079, Z, ZZ, CCA, 0080, 0083 and 08th and I think I love ZZ the most. I am a big fan of Japanese slapstick in anime, so I found the first part very refreshing. I really like Mashymare's attitude in the beginning, I REALLY loved the combination of the Zeta series suits together with the ZZ suits and the three way battle between Haman and her group, Glemmy and his group and the Agamar team. Very great character design and play alround.
ZZ is my favorite gundam series. Glad to see it get some love.
Loved ZZ Gundam. ❤Zeta is my favorite followed by the OG show. Long live Char. ❤
An interesting thing to note in the early episodes is that the show is deadly serious when it focuses on the old Zeta characters rather than the new cast.
And one thing that I rather like is that ZZ asks the political questions and gives us context that Zeta lacked. From the imperialism in Africa, to the corruption in the Federation to spacenoids questioning if they're on the wrong side, to the lunarians being confronted about their war profiteering.
I do question Haman's colony drop, it seems needlessly spiteful and strategically backwards. She was recognized by the Federation, given Side 3 and had a large army and a military base. At that point, she had won, just pull back and root out the Glemys in her ranks.
"Double Zeta" is my kind of fever dream. It feels like fan service to those who liked "Zeta Gundam".
Honestly, ZZ was incredibly refreshing to the absolute, and perhaps unnecessary, brutality that is Zeta. And it treats its characters far better. While I will agree the first several episodes were tough, and the mini-arcs were arguably not needed, they're still somewhat fun to watch and see how all the characters on both sides react to each other. Plus, the comedy was honestly good. Overall, I think this show is unfairly maligned and left me feeling complete wheres Zeta took something from me. Fantastic review!
P.s., Judau is the best protagonist. Non whiney alpha male chad who managed to refuse the wiles and charms of best girl Haman.
CR just started streaming ZZ today. Good luck getting through the first 5 eps lol. Fun fact: Roux Louka has a very brief cameo in Z/ZZ/CCA character designer Hiroyuki Kitazume's Starlight Angel short in Robot Carnival.
I blew through Mobile Suit Gundam and Zeta Gundam in a matter of like 3 weeks. Double Zeta it took me about a month-and-a-half. The main issue being subbing, I tend to do other activities like cooking or what not when I'm watching these shows and that was impossible because there is no dub okay so basically I watched it right before bed each night and used it as a way to fall asleep. I really like the whole series. Especially picks up around episode 23. I was able to kill the second half of the series in about a week and a half. Just finished Char's Counterattack this morning. Onward to unicorn Gundam. Definitely think Zeta Gundam is a superior Series in general, but to me they sort of blend together as one whole series
Gundam ZZ is probably one of my favorite Gundam series.
Silent voice is the best way to start a ZZ video
Agreed, it was worth the content ID claim lol
facts
I think a large issue of ZZ is trudging through the first set of episodes where all that happens is Fa gets her shit wrecked, Judah tries to steal the Zeta but helps the Argama, then it all goes back to normal until the next day.
yeah, and then it repeats this pattern for the first 10-15 episodes. The hump before Judau joins the Argama crew is a big one to get over.
@@Retcon404 oh God I'm only on episode 7, it keeps going like this???? 😭
@@maxstewart8846 It goes until episode 12.
@@maxstewart8846 it varies for everyone. The rule of thumb is that the first 1/3 of the show can be skipped because it's just nonsense, but the intro speaks volumes. This is not an anime.
the ending conflict in ZZ has got to be the best display of straight Newtype power i've seen yet in Gundam in a mass conflict.
I think one or two episodes in ZZ featuring Amuro and Char would have really strengthened Chars Counterattack. It just would have been nice to see what really led into their conflict in that movie as it opens up so many years later without a ton of explanation for Char’s motivation
Unhealthy break up
Same with Hathaway's flesh, seems a little bit off giving it went right after NT, and Hathaway somehow acquired the ZZ Gundam, or at least, something pretty closer to the ZZ and the Federation Gundam isn't well explained considering the end of NT there should be no more gundans untill the F-91.
I've heard that most Gundam series based on a source material cut out a bit too much.
Not to mention the rushed development of CCA. Could have worked better as an OVA
@@Demospammer9987 Or a series.
This show was such a breath of fresh air and got me back into UC after Zeta had my interest teetering. Zeta handled the writing, characters and 'darkness' so poorly it came back around to being silly but ZZ allows it self to be silly on purpose and ends up with better, more realistic characters and situations.
Can’t wait for you to do CCA and Unicorn. Hope you do the side stories and ovas like 0080, narrative, 0083, thunderbolt
I loved CCA so im excited to get that video done. I'm planning on doing everything(almost) in release order so 0080, 0083, Thunderbolt etc... will be done for sure!
Had absolutely no problem going from Zeta to ZZ. I actually found the storytelling in ZZ to be better - more natural connective tissue vs Zeta's abruptness and shortcuts. Also, watched G Gundam first (which I absolutely love), so felt any accusations of ZZ being too silly are just ridiculous.
Zeta had weird dialogue and never gave its characters time to become and act like real people, while ZZ goes back to establishing characters fully more like in MSG 79
Brutal to get through the first half but it levels out and has useful info for CCA and Unicorn and Stardust
The broken record that I am, chimes in here to say, absolutely amazing video, loved that you went back to doing some IRL video bits. Watching you grow is ALMOST as good as watching your videos!
My personal favorite UC series, as Zeta was too serious for it's own good, and once ZZ got serious in the second half, it still had a bit of comedy to go with it.
Garrod Ran from X is my favorite Gundam pilot ever, but Judau is damn close.
Dang what a review great work and bonus points for using Metroid ost for background. And poor Zaku 3 it never gets love.
The Zaku 3 is pretty cool. The Hizak takes some wind out of it's sails because that is also a great design. Zaku 3 is A tier though.
@@Retcon404 Fine tastes you have.
What’s crazy is that Zeta and ZZ released back to back
I love ZZ so much. I love the beginning and when shit hits the fan I still like it as much
I actually loved ZZ more than Zeta. I think it's mainly because I connected with with most of the new main cast from ZZ.
I'm glad to see people finally giving ZZ the shake it deserves and feel somewhat vindicated that others consider it "refreshing" as well. ZZ is funny when it needs to be (beginning airing immediately after Zeta) and serious when it needs to be. It's a better Gundam show that people give it credit for, and I'd watch it a dozen more times before rewatching SEED. It also has some of the coolest mobile suits in UC with the Doven Wolf (developed from the Mk. V Gundam and developed into the Silver Bullet and Silver Bullet Suppressor, later piloted by Banagher Links!), the Dwadge, and the criminally-underused upgraded Rick Dias: the Schuzrum Dias. 7.5 or 8/10 show.
I had a lot of issues with pretty much the entire first half of ZZ, it felt so slow compared to 79 and Zeta, and the lighthearted tone felt overdone. I'd be happy with something more lighthearted than Zeta but ZZ felt like too big a change. By the second half of ZZ I was completely invested though, the brief return of kamille was incredibly emotional, the villains were much stronger, and the characters felt so much better than they had been earlier on. One of the characters I did like in later stages of early ZZ was Elpeo Ple, and I was hit real hard by her inevitable fate along with the fate of Ple Two, the similarities to the stories of Four Murasume and Rosamia Badam with the idea of these people who absolutely could and even should be supporting the main cast instead of fighting them was something I found incredible, and by the time of their deaths I genuinely cried for them.
ZZ is genuinely good if people can push their way through the early stages, it has so many things to love and it's a shame that a poorly set up start is the factor keeping many from enjoying the amazing things it does later on.
Yup once you get past the slapstick beginning episodes ZZ gets really really good.
ZZ is my 2nd favorite after Gundam Wing
Man, I love it when you sneak in that SNES Waterworld OST in your videos. Keep up the fantastic work.
Thank you for sharing different and deeper perspectives of Gundam ZZ. When I followed gundam ZZ, it was different from the serious atmosphere Zeta and original Gundam and quite "childish and fun" atmosphere in the early episodes in Gundam ZZ. It was somewhere difficult for me to follow. However, from your perspective, I decide to re-visit Gundam ZZ and have an open mind to explore the uniqueness of Gundam ZZ. Thank you.
ZZ is honestly my favorite UC show, it kept me consistently engaged and the characters had good motivations
Just finished ZZ and let me tell you i was ready to give up until around episode 15ish. If anyone is reading this and is about to start it, just give it time. It gets really good in my opinion and the ending is extremely satisfying.
I was finally able to finish it after several attempts, and it turns out its really good and actually has a good ending.
Awesome video yet again! I'm loving these retrospectives. Thanks for another great video!
Hey thanks again man! I appreciate it!
ZZ got so good half way through the show. I will admit, I struggled with the start of it as well, sticking with it mainly cause of the hope it would get better (which it did) and the ZZ was damn cool. Though when I look back at it, I think the commedic first half was actually quite important for character establishment and what would become great character growth and story telling for the second half
I'm still struggling to make it through ZZ. I can say for me that the VERY weak start to the show has definitely affected my interest in it.
That's a totally valid opinion. Even knowing I was going to finish it for this video there were some episodes early on that made me want to bail. All I can say is that if you decide to stick with it, it DOES get better, it just takes a while to get there.
Honestly, as a young high-schooler who was just learning to navigate the post-napster era of online piracy, the first half of this show was a hard sell to sit through. It wasn't until the early 2000's that I finally manged to really check out the rest of the story. I think it was a mix of my desire to be a completionist, love for the crazy-ass designs, and addiction to the amazing score that got me to realize how awesome the rest of the story is
For sure you should push trough. I honestly believe the late ZZ mecha action is better than Zeta, and Judeau is actually a pretty interesting lead.
Honestly you can skip the first couple chunks of the show.
It starts getting serious around episode 20 then episode 27 is when it gets it's second opening and kicks up the heat. ZZ is good but it's missing one thing that made Zeta felt so powerful at the end of both series.
silent voice is catchy lol
It is.
ZZ is like the DBGT of UC Although I have my issues with it I didn't hate
wow
this is so troo
Perfect analogy
@@ShMarioX No, it’s not. DBGT isn’t plot relevant. ZZ is absolutely necessary.
@@yeetkunedo Another GT hater who believes GT is non-canon. Dont get me started. You're one of those who jumped on the bandwagon of all those who believe what they hear about GT after Super began. Super isnt a replacement of GT. Its considered its prequel. GT was quoted to be just as canon as Super. Toriyama did approve of GT. Just never actually worked on the project. Not once did Toriyama say that GT wasnt canon. Thats the issue with all you people who make claims about GT being a "fan-made" series and that its non-canon. You dont do your homework on it and make straight up assumptions or jump on a bandwagon because someone says this and that. Which is sad because alot of people do that for alot of things in this world. I rest my case, do what you want with what i say here. And as people this era does these days..... ~ drops the mic ~
@@LagunaShirogane
I’m just saying that you can skip from the end of Z to Super and miss nothing. However, you can’t say the same about ZZ Gundam, as there are plot relevant events in ZZ that carry over from Zeta and flow directly into the events of Char’s Counterattack. It’s a bad comparison for that reason alone.
You haven’t dropped any mics. You’ve just proven that you don’t know what grass feels like underfoot.
It’s more like the Rebels of Gundam, I mean Rebels is better, but it has some of the same issues.
Love this video of yours too. You make me want to watch ZZ again 😀 You sold it well.
I love your videos. Beside great presentation and good script. It is very soothing to listen too. I like to put up one of your video(mostly Z, ZZ and Macross) when I am ready to sleep and I will fall asleep before the video is over).😅
I've been watching the series during my art streams and I was sad to see there was no dub for this. Thank you so much for the rundown on this season!
I think it's possible to like ZZ now, because we know that it was something of an oddball one-off. We can appreciate it now for what it was.
I was talking to an older guy, who watched it as a kid while it was airing. Anime was going through major changes, and people were really unhappy that it felt like Gundam was going to just turn into one of those new teen shows that some "real robot" people really hated. "Anime Janai" seemed like it was making fun of the fans, and it seemed like the whole Gundam franchise was being disrespected somehow.
Well, in hindsight, none of that came to happen (or did it?) and I think we can all appreciate the show for what it is, instead of what people feared it would become.
I haven't watched this series so I don't know for sure but I looked him up and it says on the Wiki that his name is Mashymre Cello, not Marshmallow.
ZZ holds up so so beyond well, for me 🤗
Double Zeta Gundam is like my favourite model. I love that twin gun
I'll never understand the dislike for ZZ when alot of the first half are loved things done in future gundam series like Mr simp man is literally proto immortal Patrick from gundam 00 from a recurring gag character who has a hard on for his superior constantly get knocked around
Loved ZZ when it first aired in 1986, love it even more in 2022. Thanks for the balanced overview of this underappreciated series.
I have been loving your Gundam deep dives. Especially zeta and zz. I haven't watched either but I feel like you gave a good analysis without spoiling much. Minor critique: I noticed you repeat some lines in some of your videos like the antagonist getting vaporized.
ZZ is never to be skipped. there is so much with the first neo zeon war that is needed to understand to watch things like Unicorn and Chars CounterAttack. Yes Zaku 3 is bangin I agree. I'm more a fan of the Dom like suits in that series.
The Openings for this anime are cool,I wish they dub this anime with ocean group,funimation or bang zoom in the 90s or early 2000s when Gundam was in its prime here in America.
Gotta say I don't see the hate this was way more up my alley. Wish it would get a full dub
Glad that you enjoyed ZZ so much, it's one of my favorites. I think the Dublin Arc is the best arc of the original 3 UC shows! Also really excited to see what your thoughts on Victory Gundam are, since that one is incredibly divisive as well (I enjoy it a lot despite its many faults).
It has it's fans and that's respectable. However, as a sequel to the hard and intense sci fi war epic that Zeta Gundam...it falls flat. I am glad videos like yours exist because I've watched ZZ Gundam one too many times to be able to watch it again.
just dropping in to say how much ive been enjoying your videos keep up the fantastic work
Hey thank you very much!
@@Retcon404 no worries just wanted to say how good these videos have been and that I'm looking forward to what you produce going forward
Zz gundam also had major early production issues. The core being sponsors thought the show too dark and not kid friendly enough.
So think of the first 12 episodes as, see everything is fine. This is lile scooby doo with robots. ......... are they gone. ....... BRING ON THE VIOLENCE!
Digital Devil Saga OST in the background? Yes
Shout out to you for using the Digital Devil Saga OST ❤️🔥
I would say ZZ is skippable if you don’t care about plot points or arcs being resolved. I also love that they used Marshmallow turning into a cyber newtype making him competent so that he can be used later in the series. Some hilariously good writing there.
One thing I find is that this show is one of the most anti-military things I’ve seen. The whole command structure of AEUG is what is holding them back and it takes a group of teens with no discipline to actually be effective in the war.
I believe ZZ would benefit heavily from a remake. Give it two seasons and rewrite parts of it to make more sense. Reduce the amount of slapstick, fix plot holes, etc
A new animation style would definitly help as well. I feel that, in hindesight, ZZ would've been better had it been made like Stardust had been.
I really liked Mashymre because yes he’s goofy but I think he represents his own kind of very gundam tragedy in that he wishes to be a honorable warrior, a knight serving his lady, in a war with no place for the that kind of soldier
How many kids signed up for zeon with images of gallant char in their minds only to meet the grim reality of war
I just finished this show last week, and I would say it's really enjoyable. The highs are really high and the lows are very low. Very fun though
“Its very anime”
… Its not anime, its real
anime.... Ja Nai!
The midway of ZZ when they start getting dark and grim was so abrupt and I found myself laughing hysterically. It'd be like Team Rocket suddenly being killed during Pokemon. Overall I liked it and was glad I watched it. Its Sentai like atmosphere was dumb fun.
Hahah, that's how I felt about Jerid. He was basically the Team Rocket of Zeta
I've seen nearly every Gundam now and ZZ is my favourite. I didn't find the start too sloggy as some of the delightedly non-woke dialogue made me chuckle. I didn't mind Moon Moon either as that colony and Shangri-La itself do a good bit of expanded world-building, most of the colonies depicted in the various series are interchangeable. And the when Judau's SPOILER gets SPOILERED and the series gets more serious it really jars you as you've gotten into the light-hearted vibe. The development of Noa's character is really well done too.
I can't wait if/till you cover victory Gundam based on your opinions
I've heard a bit about Victory Gundam and I've decided to go into that one without knowing any spoilers, so im interested to see what I'll think as well!
@@Retcon404 ,😀
Great video dude! Thank you and hope to see more from you.
Double Zeta was hi-fucking-larious💀💀💀💀
My immediate next stop is Mobile Suit ZZ Gundam and i'm so excited to tackle it
Glad for videos like this. I wish I had time to watch the series…I just can’t commit to watch it all subbed. I started with the OG show last week and just finished zeta today. I thoroughly enjoyed zeta.
But this video leaves out the ending and other plot important moments. You're not getting the full story. Not even half.
I only ever got about 10 episodes in to ZZ ,the change in tone was so jarring after 79 and Zeta ,but you have convinced me to give it another shot!
Wait, ZZ has intros? Not the version I watched, and I sorely desired it.
I remember watching ZZ for the first time and I could not for the life of me get passed the first couple episodes no matter how many times I tried. Whilst I'd like to watch and enjoy it. The first episodes are just so on the goofy side it really puts you out of it for me.
Zz makes you understand chars counter attack and its really good, not better than z but i loved it
ZZ Gundam also has a direct link to Gundam Unicorn's story as well. Unicorn's story is even more tragic after watching ZZ.
Years ago everyone I know actively hated ZZ and would tell people to stay away from it. Recently some of those same people praise it and say it's a must watch.
Feeling that Golden Sun track in the last minutes. 😊
Where is the Zeta video....I cant find it
What is the song that plays between minutes 8:00-10:00?
There are 2 songs in that timeframe, the first one is a song called "Rice Fields of Light" from Shadow Hearts.
The second song is the Map theme from the Waterworld game on NES.
@@Retcon404 thank you! Yes it was the Waterworld song. Excellent track.
ZZ was fucking great. I might get a full SRW if there's a "Save ALL the Purus" mission with Judau and the captain from Unicorn
There is a gundam evolve short about Judau trying to recuse a puru clone so we at least got something there.
I can kinda understand Yazan's predicament. If he tried to go back to the Federation, he'd probably be labeled as a traitor for working with the Titans.
I enjoyed it, but my biggest complaint is
SPOILERS
How Puru and Puru 2’s end was handled
ZZ is certainly a lesser show than most UC Gundams, but one would certainly miss out a lot by skipping it. In fact, the Unicorn production team actually say that they started the project as they saw the history gap that could be filled between ZZ and CCA (namely the Ple sisters and more importantly the plot of the missing Mineva).
Found ZZ on crunchy roll. Yeah the first set of episodes were hard to sit through but I'm glad I did cause the rest was legit great.
I actually really liked watching ZZ
The Moon Moon colony coming back in a manga with Moon Gundam(can’t remember the exact name, been a minute) is hilarious to me
if nothing else i got to see more qubeley and haman being a stone cold badass and i'm happy with that
ZZ truly becomes special. Its a perfect example of takes a while to get into it. Definitely some of the best moments in Gundam and love when it takes itself seriously.
Great video. Got me to rewatch ZZ. I enjoyed it more to this round. Definitely rough at the start because the comedy I wasnt a big fan of. Also, love the SMTIV music at the end of your video. 🤘
Just finished ZZ, i liked the characters in ZZ more than in Zeta, but I don’t know if I like the overall story for ZZ. It was worth the watch, so I’m glad I didn’t skip it.
Don't think i didn't notice the Golden Sun OST in the reivew. Even though i missed the chance to binge ZZ from the official Gundam channel, this is just as good to tie me over.
I really think gundam info should always keep one show from the UC timeline up.