Episode Two discussion from the anime thread:
AGE ep2
Was good! Show is not bad at all and all the haters not giving it a shot are laaame. It's nothing amazing so far, but it's a solid Gundam show. I like the colors, haha. Plus it's just nice that all the mecha action is all 2d and no CG stuff. I think Level 5/Hino fail horribly when trying to write adult stories like Rogue Galaxy or White Knight Chronicles, but when they just do fun kid stories like Inazuma Eleven & Layton they're pretty entertaining in a saturday morning cartoon way. This feels more like the latter so far and I'm enjoying it.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
AGE system is lololol hax; but if it means it'll keep pumping out new upgrades every few eps I'm ok with that ;)
Also about the ep:
spoiler (click to show/hide)
The AGE system is going to have to get destroyed at some point. Takes the challenge out of any fight if he can just instantly make a weapon that beats it, lol.
Also is the girl he picked up a Tifa-like Newtype? Or is she just the pilot of one of the enemy units so she knew the base plans inside out and knew when and where the enemy would fire their shots? Hmmm....I think the latter is the generic likely answer, but I'd rather AGE have crazy psychic newtypes because that makes everything more fun.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
I bet she's one of the "enemy," but I'm sure she still has Newytype-like psychic powers.
I bet you guys purple hair girl is not only a NEWTYPE but the enemy. When Flit destroys the mobile suit in episode 1, he's like "just a machine". Bet you there's humans inside all along!
Yeah, that's been my theory since day one. It's even in the post above yours. The UE destroyed their own downed unit to prevent the Federation from discovering who they are.
I've got a crazy theory, though...
spoiler (click to show/hide)
The new captain of the Diva has sunglasses that are sort of like a "Char mask." Hmmmm...
Ahahaha woah
Yeah, it's not part of the standard EFF uniform. Could just be glasses and I'm looking for something that's not there, but let's see what happens.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Some of his body language in episode two was interesting as well.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Did he dispose of those guys because he knew their plan or did he have any ulterior motives?
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Did he dispose of those guys because he knew their plan or did he have any ulterior motives?
spoiler (click to show/hide)
The show makes it seem like he did it protect the inhabitants of Nora, and they beat you over the head about the fact that the UE could've killed everyone whenever they wanted to, but didn't for some reason...
I'm sure we're reading into a kid's show way too much, but we'll find out soon enough. I see you lurking Bebpo, come in here and knock some sense into us.
Yeah, spoiler (click to show/hide)
I was actually thinking the same thing in ep2 when he pistol fires on the dudes. He has that menacing crazy unpredictable side + he's the only sorta-masked character = he will become AGE's Char.
And yeah, they definitely destroyed the unit in ep1 to hide its secrets. What I'm wondering is if these monster things are human manned (which I'm sure they are), they must have some damn good reasons to go around blowing up colonies and killing millions of people. Although I'm guessing in ep2 the reason they attacked the colony was for the AGE system since it's the ultimate weapon machine. Needed to lure it out of hiding so they could nab it.
Also ep2 establishes that the true Federation (aka, not the colony government) may be kind of evil/dicks like in SEED, hence why the UE are so pissed.
And yes, the girl is going to be an enemy pilot that he falls for, you know like EVERY GUNDAM EVER (Farah, Four, Stella) :P AGE isn't being super original so far :P The only original things AGE is currently bringing to Gundam is the 100 year generational war, and the AGE system.
So if the main character doesn't die at the end of each section, are they going to play the ADULT BADASS mentor character in the successor's generation? Because that'd be kind of cool if there's a 35 year old FLIT working with the next guy. And then a 60 year old one for the 3rd one and it's like the entire family take on the enemies. He can be captain of a ship ;) Would be even more interesting if they end up on opposing sides from each other.
Btw, anyone know what the ep structure is for the series? Is it going to be to ~50eps like most Gundam? Or will it be 3 seasons of half season length (12/13, one for each age) for 36-39 total?
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Did you see the look on his face when they said that the Gundam made it into space? I'm not sure if it was shock/surprise or pleasure.
So if the main character doesn't die at the end of each section, are they going to play the ADULT BADASS mentor character in the successor's generation? Because that'd be kind of cool if there's a 35 year old FLIT working with the next guy. And then a 60 year old one for the 3rd one and it's like the entire family take on the enemies. He can be captain of a ship ;) Would be even more interesting if they end up on opposing sides from each other.
I don't see how they'll die at the end of each section. I mean, they'll have to get older and knock someone up so the next character can be born.
I don't think they've said anything about the episode structure. I was assuming a 50/52 episode series, but I guess we'll find out.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
His face seemed to be one of apathy to me
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Whatever, we're so totally right. :lol
spoiler (click to show/hide)
(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016234355/gundam/images/b/bd/Char_Clone.jpg)
There we go.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016234355/gundam/images/b/bd/Char_Clone.jpg)
There we go.
Kind of fuels that he's the same guy. Normally you just need the mask, but if it's a character from elsewhere in the show you need a full cloak to hide their appearance.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Yep. The "mask" appears to follow the same outline as his beard.
I wonder if any of the Japanese boards are speculating the same stuff we are?
For the first time in a long time I wanted more as soon as the episode ended. :(
Expanded thoughts:
1. This episode shows AGE may not be as "kiddy" as people think. spoiler (click to show/hide)
The captain's sacrifice was awesome. Went down like a baller.
3. Too early for newtypes, but I'm really liking the story between Flit and purple hair girl
4. I'm really loving the character designs. They're refreshing and heavily stylized for a show like Gundam, especially after Seed's "every character looks the same" mantra.
5. The fights are great. Flit has to use actual strategy because he's not a pilot and while he has a general gist of piloting the Gundam, most of his victories in these episodes were due to the Newtype girl, and even then Flit troubled a bit.
6. A military ship that brings aboard civilians from a destroyed colony due to a marked military threat is always fucking awesome. I have a hard on for this type of story (Battlestar Galactica, Mobile Suit Gundam, SDF Macross). Hopefully it pulls it off better than Seed did.
If this show keeps this up I would be happy if it becomes the dominant Gundam universe, replacing UC in turn. 100 years is a long time for a Gundam storyline and this show is brimming with potential.
LIKE LIKE LIKE
In case you haven't already heard, some potentially gigantic spoilers/rumors/maybe-bullshit for AGE leaked online today:
http://gundamguy.blogspot.com/2011/10/gundam-age-mystery-of-ue-unknown-enemy.html
spoiler (click to show/hide)
The mystery of the U.E. [Unknown Enemy] is revealed? *Spoilers Below*
According to a post from CyberGundam (Hopefully I did not misread the content):
"U.E. (Unknown Enemy) are robot mobile suits created by the Hino company 100 years in the future to assist in the development of the AGE System, with the ultimate goal to create the most powerful Gundam. A 100 years from now, a terrible enemy will be attacking Earth (not the U.E.), and Earth's technologies will be insufficient to meet this threat, facing total annihilation. This is the reason why the U.E. is attacking, in order to help produce a more powerful Gundam to save the future."
Thanks to Anonymous (posted under comment), more info was provided:
- UE avoid killing Flit on purpose for the above reasons, so they killed his mother instead to give him motive
- The actual final battle will be shown as a movie
- Yurin is an artificial newtype from the future. She is sent to support Flit and also, uh... bear his child, which will then become a hyper newtype. She is also designed to have looks that make Flit fall at the first sight
The mystery of this new Gundam series, is what interest me the most at this point. If the above info are true, it does shed some light on the events from the first 3 episodes, but at the same time it also raise more questions as well. Is there time traveling involve in this series? If the U.E. were created to help produce a powerful Gundam, with the goal to save Earth. Then why are they attacking and killing so many? Perhaps I am reading too much into this small piece of rumor, but certainly I look forward to watching the upcoming episodes with great interest.
Some of the actions and comments of certain characters in the first few episodes would support this. However, spoiler (click to show/hide)
The Hino Company. Really? I don't think Hino is that full of himself.
However, there were some crazy ass "leaked plotlines" for 00 that never came true.
I guess we'll see soon enough.
Finally got around to watching episode four. Still enjoying it.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
So maybe Grodek isn't part of the UE, based on his conversation to himself at the end of the episode.
http://www.kumby.com/gundam-age-episode-5/
spoiler (click to show/hide)
UE revealed?
spoiler (click to show/hide)
So we've got the Federation, the UE and now some organization called EDEN full of people in cloaks and Newtype children. Grodek appears to have his own motives, but he's not on the side of the UE and he's not the masked EDEN dude.
Also, Flit is about as far from kiddy for a lead in Gundam. He's not whiny and wants to be a pilot. There is no indecision or "war is bad!" going on with this kid.
It's getting better as it goes on. I think 6 was probably the worst episode. I do appreciate that although one could fault the show for being consistently dull, it is at least consistent, something I can't really say about Gundam 00, which felt all over the place and planned by different people. AGE feels like the vision of a single person.
Anyways, I just watched 10, it was pretty good. Nice battle, although the AGE System is getting a bit deus ex-y at this point. Would be interesting if a plot point was it falling into the UE's hands.
Oh and I'm making a prediction: spoiler (click to show/hide)
based on 00, and going by Desil, Flit, and that psychic girl, everyone who has an unnatural hair color is part of the UE or has some kind of psychic-ish power.
Thinking back though, I remember falling in and out of love with 00 until the Thrones/Trans-Am showed up, which was eps 16-18. Then I really became a fan. So it'll probably be a while until I do the same for AGE.
Did you read the rumors/spoilers about spoiler (click to show/hide)
TIME TRAVELIN' UE being a training program for a greater evil on the horizon
I still feel like the hate toward this show is ridiculously out of wack. KIDDY LOLZ OMG. It's fucking Gundam. I have an issue with a few of the character designs, but c'mon, it's always been a kid's show designed to sell models and shit. Why am I the only one that gets that?
G Gundam, like Turn A, is a boring show with insane amounts of filler and almost nothing happening until the end.
That being said, both have great characters, great mecha, and lots of memorable scenes that make the trips worth it.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
both are >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> AGE
The only show I would put the first 10eps of AGE above in the Gundam universe is the 00 Movie. Let's see if it can eclipse OO S2 next and then maybe even SEED Destiny if it gets a lot better.
Gundam AGE Episode 11 -- CANDY BAR MAN STRIKES
spoiler (click to show/hide)
On the run from the Federation. Grodek thinks they're in cahoots with the UE. Time for some epice space battle action on Christmas day.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Hello Goodbye, Lalah-Yurin.
I really hope the revelation isn't spoiler (click to show/hide)
TIME TRAVEL
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Flit has become an insane maniac whose spent his life obsessed with building bigger and stronger weapons to destroy the UE and kill every last one of them. With control of the Federation Fleet he's lost his humanity and eventually becomes a major villain of the series.
Wolf has become the leader of the rebel army that doesn't trust the ever growing evil federation and after breaking Grodek out and re-uniting the crew of the Diva snoops further and further into Federation's dark secrets, eventually teaming up with a faction of the Martians that are trying to find a peaceful resolution to the on-going war.
I could see a lot of this coming true if the whole Zeta vibe that I'm getting from the next episode preview is any indication.
Episode 16 was awesome!
Couple things.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
1. How long had Flit kept the Gundam in the barn? He's only 40, not like he can no longer pilot it.
2. Flit is either going to be a crazy bad guy or he'll die at some point. The parent's of main Gundam characters always die or go nuts.
Next ep preview got me really excited~ Oh and:
spoiler (click to show/hide)
(http://i.imgur.com/YQDpL.jpg)
This design is straight pimping.
Ep20 is the best yet. Except for the whole
spoiler (click to show/hide)
"I'll pretend I'm gonna kill you but really let you go" at the end. I thought things were finally gonna get "darker/worse" for the protagonists in order to amp things up but seems I was wrong. He should have destroyed the AGE system.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
GRODEK IS BACK!!!
Then
spoiler (click to show/hide)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/bebpo/vlcsnap-2012-03-25-18h38m13s225.jpg)
QUAD BEAM SABER OWNAGE
This is so much better than Shoulder Pad w/Beam Sabers.
Episode 26...
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Woolf :'(
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Woolf dead = did not expect that. I wonder whose the spy now. The most predictable choice would be the blond sub-commander, but that would also be a boring choice. I want it to be someone from AGE1 era whose been with them all along.
Desil killed by someone other than Flit = did not expect
The only thing I didn't like was the generic HOW DO YOU BECOME A BETTER PILOT?!!? RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE lololol
Still there's something about a Gundam show that you just don't get from anything else. Where watching a bunch of character deploy out to space and fight for 20 mins with dramatic music just gets your blood pumping and puts you on the edge of your seat. Gundam battles are satisfying anime.
Ok AGE ep27 was weird in a really bad way.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
So it seemed like it was the final ep of the era and that there'd be a time skip now where Vagans grow up on earth and form their own society there with Zehart has the leader. But uh, it's not? And there's 3 eps left and suddenly they're going to start a whole new arc on earth and build it up and have a final fight immediately? Seems like this could be a pretty weak finale out of nowhere.
As for the ep itself. Asemu's character arc has been awful for a while now. It really seems like Hino just doesn't have the talent to write what he wants properly. So we have Asemu who has no idea wtf he is doing the entire arc, sometimes trying to beat his dad/zehart, sometimes trying to protect people; we have him fighting and being average, then Woolf dies and he goes RAAAAAGE and kills Desil and then sees Zehart and continues to RAAAGE totally oblivious to everything going on in the battle around him, then when the enemy base is falling he suddenly out of fucking NOWHERE has this character transformation on a dime where he's all wise and solemn and is GOING TO SACRIFICE HIMSELF TO PROTECT. Like really, this shit comes out of NOWHERE and is totally unbelievable and ridiculous compared to how his character was 30 seconds prior. Normally in a show when you have the character go from dumb idiot emotion-driven pilot -> WISE JESUS YAMATO there's some major events that portray the transformation. This is literally him looking at the base, flinching, and becoming a different person than he's been the entire show. Couldn't they have at least done a montage of flashbacks in his head as he sees everyone fighting to protect and he realizes what he needs to do?? It's just so...terribly done.
At least Zehart has an excuse for his actions. But Asemu's character arc this season has been totally shit and Zehart's character arc has been dragged down because of it as well. I think for what they were trying to do with Asemu, they seriously needed more eps. It feels like Hino is trying to do a 50ep character arc in 15eps and it just doesn't work.
Also since the whole show has been ripping off prior Gundams, I think it would have been better if when Asemu and Zehart see the ship about to crash into earth, they realize they are fighting for the same thing, to protect the earth, and they both dive down below the ship and together use their UBER-MECHA to stop the fall of the ship, aka recreating the end of CCA in a way. That would have been FAR more satisfying than what happened. It would have also made more sense logically and Asemu's transformation and AsemuxZehart's friendship re-unite would actually work. Instead Hino just wrote a mess of an ep that is unsatisfying and does a crappy job at ending some of the subplots.
But mainly, Asemu just sucks. I wouldn't have minded if he actually blew himself up and the protag of AGE3 is his sister's kid and not his. Asemu would be remembered as the moronic kid who saved everyone through his sacrifice and AGE3 could show a little monument of him smiling.
Also didn't care for the whole METEOR GUNDAMS OUT OF NOWHERE, OH WAIT THEY WERE JUST "HOLDING" BIG BOMBS
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Batshit crazy grampa Flit and Space Pirate Asemu cancel out dumbass "war is bad!" Kio.