The 1994 Mobile Fighter G Gundam series depicts the first major Gundam entry not set within the franchise’s long running Universal Century timeline.  As the franchise was nearing its 15th anniversary, a pressing issue at the time was the aim to appeal to younger demographics; first attempted with the 1993 Mobile Suit Victory Gundam by making Uso Ewin a younger Gundam protagonist at the age of 13. G Gundam would distinguish itself by stepping away from the war drama thematics that defined the franchise and incorporate martial arts elements that were popular with children at the time with works such as Dragonball Z and Street Fighter II. Garnering a reputation for making series move in unexpected directions from Mister Ajikko and Giant Robo: The Day the Earth Stood Still, Yasuhiro Imagawa joined the Gundam project as director. Veteran Fuyunori Gobu, of Armored Trooper Votoms fame, was brought on for series composition.

Set within the Future Century timeline, to escape the war weary Earth, the world’s nations migrated into outer space to establish space colonies. To maintain peace between these new colony nations, they compete in a massive fighting tournament with a representative Gundam and pilot, the victor nation is then allowed to govern space and the other colonies. The series follows Neo Japan representative Domon Kasshu, a hot-blooded, reluctant participant in the 13th Gundam Fight, searching for his brother Kyoji Kasshu, who has seemingly betrayed his family and nation.

Characters

Mangaka Kazuhiko Shimamoto(Blazing Transfer Student, Blue Blazes) was tapped for character design drafts for the series by producer Masahiko Minami, who had been a friend and classmate to Shimamoto at Osaka University of Arts. The final character designs were handled by Hiroshi Osaka(The Vision of Escaflowne) coming off Victory Gundam.