Gundam Introduces Two Iconic 25+ Year-Old Series for Free in U.S. Streaming Release

Nov 05, 2024

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Two of the most subversive anime titles to date in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise have received a new streaming home for U.S. fans, with both now available to watch for free in their original Japanese with multiple subtitle options.

Via the Bandai Namco Collectibles Hobby X (formerly Twitter), all 49 episodes of Mobile Fighter G Gundam and 11 episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam The 08th MS Team are now streaming for free on YouTube for viewers based in the U.S. Both series are currently available with subtitles in English, Chinese (Hong Kong, China, Taiwan) and Korean.

The reach of Gundam and anime in general has expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the franchise's director intends to reflect this new audience.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team is an OVA series released between January and June 1999 by Sunrise. The series ranks #1 on CBR's Every Gundam Anime From The 90s, Ranked, receiving praise for showcasing the gritty side of the war from the perspective of ordinary pilots. This factor was also praised in Gundam's latest installment, Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance, described as going back to basics while evoking the franchise's classic horror. Also newly released for streaming, Mobile Fighter G Gundam has grown over time to become one of the franchise's most beloved additions. CBR's recent G Gundam retro review called it fundamental for the franchise's survival, setting up the possibility of alternate timelines that future acclaimed series have adopted. G Gundam's enduring popularity 30 years on was seen earlier this year, receiving a new scenario in the summer.

The past few weeks have seen several more new Gundam announcements. The live-action film previously in development with Netflix is now being produced by Legendary in collaboration with Bandai Namco Filmworks, revealing its new director last week. It was also recently revealed that Gundam SEED will return with a new prequel to SEED FREEDOM. Meanwhile, the first images of Gundam's upcoming wall projection anime "Mobile Suit Gundam ALC ENCOUNTER" were showcased in the same article.

A nostalgic recreation of the original Mobile Suit Gundam model kit from 1980 lets fans build a modernized yet retro take on the classic RX-78-2 mech.

Mobile Fighter G Gundam is described: "'Gundam Fight' is a fierce battle that takes place every four years between Gundam national colony representatives to determine which country has dominion over Earth. Domon Kasshu, who represented Neo Japan in the 13th Gundam Fight, must deepen the bonds of friendship and trust with his formidable rivals and face the enemy of humanity, Devil Gundam." Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team's description reads: "Universal Century 0079. The One Year War has raged on for almost nine months. Now, the Federation is ready to strike back with its own mobile suits. Young Shiro Amada is en route to Earth to take command of a ground unit of Gundams fighting in the jungles of Southeast Asia."

It is the year Future Century 60 and most of humanity has migrated to orbiting space colonies, leaving behind the polluted Earth. To prevent war, the colonies came up with the tournament known as the Gundam Fight. Every country builds a Gundam and sends it to Earth.

n the midst of the devastating One Year War, Ensign Shiro Amada leads the 08th MS Team - a small mobile suit unit stationed in Southeast Asia. They fight behind enemy lines, conducting guerrilla operations and facing the harsh realities of war. Witness their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices as they navigate the complexities of a conflict fought not just with machines, but with human lives.

Source: Bandai Namco Collectibles Hobby

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