Unraveling the Complexities of the Gundam Timelines
The Gundam franchise has captivated audiences for decades, and its intricate timelines are a significant part of its appeal. With multiple series, movies, and OVAs, it can be overwhelming to navigate the vast expanse of the Gundam universe. In this article, we’ll delve into the various timelines, exploring their unique characteristics and notable events.
Universal Century: The Birthplace of Gundam
The Universal Century, often abbreviated as “UC,” is the original timeline of the Gundam metaseries. This era, spanning from UC0068 to UC0223, is marked by humanity’s colonization of space and the subsequent struggles for power and independence. The Universal Century is the most developed timeline, with numerous animated and live-action works, including Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
Future Century: A New Era of Gundam
The Future Century timeline is home to the anime television series Mobile Fighter G Gundam and its related projects. This era, set in the year Future Century 60, revolves around the Gundam Fight tournament, a competition between powerful mobile suits.
After Colony/Mars Century: A Struggle for Freedom
The After Colony timeline, often abbreviated as “AC,” is the setting for the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing series. This era, which takes place in the late 20th century, is marked by the space colonies’ struggle for independence from Earth-based organizations. The Mars Century, a continuation of the After Colony timeline, is set on Mars and explores the history of the After Colony era.
After War: A Post-Apocalyptic World
The After War timeline is set in a world ravaged by war, where humanity is on the brink of collapse. This era, which features Newtypes as a crucial element, is the only timeline besides the Universal Century to do so. After War Gundam X is the primary series set in this timeline.
Correct Century: A World of Wonder
The Correct Century, also known as “Seireki,” is the timeline used in ∀ Gundam. This era, set in the year 2343-2345, is characterized by a blend of futuristic and medieval elements. The Correct Century is a unique and fascinating world, full of wonder and discovery.
Cosmic Era: A Time of Great Change
The Cosmic Era, often abbreviated as “C.E.,” is the timeline of the Gundam SEED series. This era, spanning from CE 71 to CE 75, is marked by great change and upheaval, as humanity struggles to find its place in the universe. The Cosmic Era is the second most developed timeline, with multiple TV series, OVAs, and compilation movies.
Anno Domini: A New Era of Humanity
The Anno Domini timeline is set in the year 2307-2314 and is the setting for the Gundam 00 series. This era is characterized by humanity’s reliance on advanced technology and the struggle for power and peace.
Advanced Generation: A New Frontier
The Advanced Generation timeline, often abbreviated as “AG” or “A.G.,” is the setting for the Gundam AGE series. This era, set several hundred years after humanity’s migration into space, is marked by a new era of exploration and discovery.
Regild Century: A World Reborn
The Regild Century is the timeline of Gundam Reconguista in G. Set chronologically about a thousand years after the end of the Universal Century, this era is marked by a rebirth of humanity and the rise of new powers.
Post Disaster: A World Rebuilt
The Post Disaster era is set 300 years after a devastating war known as the “Calamity War.” This timeline, which includes Mobile Suit Gundam IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS, is marked by humanity’s struggle to rebuild and find its place in a new world.
Ad Stella: A World of Mega-Corporations
The Ad Stella era is a timeline dominated by mega-corporations across Earth and space. This era, set in the years Ad Stella 101-122, is marked by a struggle for power and influence.
Tenpou Era: A Feudalistic Japan
The Tenpou Era is a timeline set in a feudalistic Japan, where samurai and mobile suits coexist. This era, set in the year 31 Tenpou Era, is a unique and fascinating world, full of action and adventure.
In conclusion, the Gundam timelines offer a rich and diverse universe, full of complex characters, intricate storylines, and epic battles. By exploring these timelines, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Gundam franchise and its enduring appeal.
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