The latest film in the Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash anime series (directed by Murase Shukou), Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash: Circe's Witch, was released on January 30th. Set in the Universal Century, the protagonist, Hathaway Noah, is the eldest son of Bright Noah and Mirai Yashima, who met in the first Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam, which began airing in 1979. In this sixth installment of our series explaining Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash, we look back on the stories told by the protagonists of the Universal Century-set TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash.
◇The “ideals” that influenced Hathaway
Amuro Ray, the protagonist of the first Mobile Suit Gundam, becomes embroiled in battle as a crew member of the White Base and becomes the pilot of the Earth Federation Forces' new weapon, the RX-78-2 Gundam. Originally an ordinary citizen, he awakens as a Newtype through the war, deepening his sense of responsibility and bonds with his comrades. The relationship between Amuro and his rival, Char Aznable, becomes a "fateful conflict" that symbolizes the Universal Century and continues to influence subsequent works.
In the 1988 animated film "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack," Amuro and Char clash, and their ideals have a major impact on Hathaway.
◇Kamille is conflicted. What about Judau?
Kamille Bidan, the protagonist of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, which aired in 1985, appears in Universal Century 0087, approximately eight years after the events of Mobile Suit Gundam. Kamille makes a complete turn from his student life and throws himself into the war as a pilot for the anti-Earth Federation organization, AEUG. The extreme combat, the loss of his comrades, and the process of developing his own Newtype abilities take a toll on Kamille, and he is deeply traumatized by the final battle. This is one of the most intense depictions of "inner conflict" in the series. The potential and anguish of being a Newtype add depth to the story.
The story of Judau Ashta, the protagonist of "Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ," broadcast in 1986, was heavily influenced by the perspective of young people living in the chaotic post-war period. In contrast to "Z," Judau appeared as a bright and energetic protagonist. At the time of broadcast, many viewers were surprised by the difference from previous series, but as the story progressed, it also showed developments that were typical of Gundam.
War and Peace: The constant cycle of ideals and reality
Hathaway, the protagonist of "Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway," rises up as the leader of the anti-Earth Federation government movement "Mufty" in UC0105, which rebels against the corrupt Earth Federation government.
From a young age, Hathaway grew up witnessing the battles between Amuro, Char, and his father, Bright. In response to the corruption of the Earth Federation government, he resorts to extreme action as a means to realize his ideals. While his actions overlap with the hopes and ideals for the future held by Amuro and Char, Hathaway finds himself conflicted. Hathaway's conflict may symbolize the history that the protagonists of the Universal Century have followed.
The Universal Century has woven stories in the constant cycle of war and peace, ideals and reality. This lineage converges into one big story, "Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway." (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
