But HOLY SHIT this was not it. I saw the spoilers about how Char gets the Gundam etc, and that Challia was getting a lot of merch. But I was not expecting full remakes of 0079 music/effects (done to perfection) and a shot for shot remake of the opening scene. All while my nephew was flipping out next to me, “You’re not supposed to be here!!!” under his breath as Char took the scouting mission in a different direction.

The interplay between Char and Challia gave me chills. Any fans of the novel out there? You know what’s up. GodDAMN it’s nice to see some of that made canon after all this time, even in an(other) alternate timeline.

The cameos were pure fanservice and just further solidified that they were digging in deep to hook us UC fans. The iconic lines in different contexts. Familiar scenarios turned on end. Very, very effective. I did not want the prologue to end. Show me the whole OYW with a confident and competent Dren shouting orders from the bridge of the Sodon while Char plays double agent, dammit. Gah.

The switch to the modern art style was jarring even though it was expected. I’m not really a fan of the character designs still, but I’m sure it will grow on me eventually. It’s just… everyone looks like a kid. Like the whole Sodon bridge crew. Even goateed Challia. The mech designs I’m reserving judgement on. Except the police Zakus. They can go piss up a rope. And the Red Gundam with the Elmeth bits is undeniably badass. GUNDAM HAMMER!

Not impressed with Shuji so far. Too tropey. But there’s plenty of time to give him depth. Machu hits a lot of the Gundam protagonist tropes as well but she brings a different flavor at least. Nyaan was just kinda there. Her story has definitely been show, don’t tell thus far. There’s real potential here.