Gundam Archives

Unveiling the Secrets of the Gundam Universe

Dance of the Orbital Ghosts: A Critical Episode in the One Year War

In the midst of the One Year War, a powerful new Federation mobile suit emerges, sending shockwaves throughout the Principality of Zeon. This pivotal event sets the stage for the third and final episode of Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War, aptly titled “Dance of the Orbital Ghosts.”

A Web of Deception

Zeon’s propaganda machine goes into overdrive, touting the EMS-10 Zudah as a superior mobile suit capable of outperforming the Federation’s prototype. However, the truth behind this boastful claim is far more sinister. The 603rd is tasked with testing the Zudah, but things take a deadly turn when a test pilot is killed during a combat simulation.

The Dark Past of the Zudah

As the Jotunheim crew delves deeper into the Zudah’s history, they uncover a shameful secret: the mobile suit is nothing more than a repainted version of a failed project, plagued by a lethal design flaw. This revelation strips the Zudah of its honor, relegating it to the status of a ghost fighter.

A Final Stand

Determined to redeem himself and the Zudah, Maj. Jean-Luc Duvall takes to the skies, engaging the incoming Federation forces in a last-ditch effort to prove the mobile suit’s worth. As the battle rages on, the Jotunheim responds to the distress call of retreating Zeon forces, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

Key Players in the Drama

• Oliver May
• Monique Cadillac
• Martin Prochnow
• Albert Schacht
• Hideto Washiya
• Jean-Luc Duvall
• Otchinan Shell

Mobile Suits and Vehicles

• EMS-10 Zudah
• MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type
• HOTOL
• H.L.V.
• Jotunheim
• Musai-class
• Papua-class
• RGM-79 GM
• RB-79 Ball
• RX-78-2 Gundam
• Salamis-class

Pivotal Moments

• The introduction of the EMS-04/EMS-10 Zudah
• The RX-78-2 Gundam makes a cameo appearance via video playback during a briefing between Oliver May and Albert Schacht.

Behind the Scenes

• Errors in the episode are noted, highlighting the complexities of mobile suit design and the challenges faced by the characters.

The Broader Gundam Universe

This episode is part of the larger Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO OVA series, which explores the One Year War from unique perspectives. Other episodes and series within the franchise include:

• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War
• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: Apocalypse 0079
• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front