Gundam Pilots 101

Gundam pilots all have one thing in common: their unique capability to operate and control some of the strongest machines known to the anime universe. Some of these pilots struggle at first while others are simply born with the knowledge to navigate and control these technologically advanced battle systems. 

Amuro Ray is the Gundam pilot who started it all in the original Mobile Suit Gundam, which was first created in Japan back in 1979. Amuro can quickly adapt to his surroundings and his piloting skills are nearly unmatched in any range of combat. He earned the nickname “White Devil” because of the unique piloting maneuvers that he can perform without any prior training. As he fights for a brighter future and the safety of others, he also grows into a strong and faithful leader. He pilots the RX-78-2 Gundam which is one of the most recognizable Gundams in the history of the franchise. 

Another standout in the franchise is the determined and headstrong Heero Yuy. He first pilots the Wing Gundam in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing and then later the Wing Zero in the Endless Waltz Movie. He’s known to show little to no emotion both on and off the battlefield, and is always willing to complete his missions at any cost…including sacrificing others and himself. Through immense training, self-discipline, and the help of the ZERO System in the “Angel” Wing Zero he becomes one of the strongest pilots to ever cross the path of opposing forces. 

Kira Yamato, from Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, was born a coordinator so he has naturally enhanced physical and mental capabilities that surpass normal humans. With the addition of “Seed Mode” Kira can concentrate, hone his senses even further, and enhance his combat abilities which takes his piloting skills to the next level. Due to his protective nature, Kira usually focuses on fighting for his friends as he tries to harmlessly disable his opponents or persuade them to accept a peaceful solution. Kira pilots the Strike Gundam in Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and after it was nearly destroyed in combat, he begins piloting the Freedom, but following its destruction he moves on to piloting the Strike Freedom in Gundam Seed Destiny.

Humanity’s first full-fledged innovator is found in Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Setsuna F. Seiei pilots the Exia with the help of GN particles that give him a fighting edge against his enemies. By interacting with the particles he is able to anticipate the movements and actions of his opponents plus sense impending danger from far distances. As an Innovator, Setsuna has heightened reflexes, a longer than normal lifespan, and he can communicate his thoughts via quantum brainwaves. He pilots the GN-001 Gundam Exia from Mobile Suit Gundam 00 plus upgraded versions of this Gundam such as the 00 Raiser where he co-pilots with Saji Crossroad in Season 2 and the Gundam 00 QAN [T] in A Wakening of the Trailblazer 00 Movie.

Banagher Links, from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, used to be a technical student who lived in the space colony Industrial 7, but his life was forever changed after he rescues a girl named Audrey Burne. His destiny quickly unfolds as he begins piloting the Mobile Suit RX-0 Unicorn Gundam. Banagher is kind-hearted, good-natured, and always cares about the wellbeing of others, so he prefers to subdue his enemies rather than kill them outright. The Unicorn’s unique “NT-D” system gives Banagher the capability to activate the suit’s internal psycho-frame, which dramatically increases the suit’s performance and maneuverability thus making Banagher and the Unicorn an ultimate fighting force. 

Mikazuki Augus, also referred to as Mika, is a member of the “Tekkadan” organization and pilots one of the “old war machine” Gundams called Barbatos from Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans. Mika is known for his small stature and tense personality since he never expresses much emotion. When their base suddenly finds itself under attack, a group of Tekkadan mechanics ingeniously places a mobile worker cockpit into the Barbatos allowing Mika to easily control it with the help of the Alaya-Vijnana system which is implanted on the back of his neck. His focus and determination to follow orders along with the help of his best friend Orga, makes Mika one of the strongest pilots in Gundam history.

By: Jocelyn Adair
Merchandising Coordinator
rightstufanime.com
 

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