Gundam Archives

Uncovering the Secrets of Cucuruz Doan’s Island

In the midst of the One Year War, a mysterious island holds the key to a pivotal battle. Cucuruz Doan’s Island, the 15th episode of Mobile Suit Gundam, takes us on a thrilling adventure that delves into the heart of human conflict.

A Distress Signal in the Distance

Amuro Ray, the skilled pilot of the White Base, receives a distress signal from Point 305. As he approaches the island, he detects a downed Federation fighter aircraft and lands the Core Fighter nearby. But little does he know, he’s walking into a trap set by Cucuruz Doan, a former Zeon pilot with a dark past.

A Web of Deception

Doan, haunted by his past mistakes, has taken refuge on the island with a group of orphaned children. He’s determined to protect them from the war, but his methods are shrouded in mystery. Amuro, driven by his duty to defend the White Base, finds himself entangled in Doan’s web of deception.

A Battle of Wits

As Amuro searches for the Core Fighter, Doan employs his cunning tactics to outmaneuver him. The two engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with Amuro determined to uncover the truth behind Doan’s motives. But as the stakes rise, Amuro begins to question the true nature of war and the cost of human life.

Unraveling the Truth

Through a series of intense battles and emotional confrontations, Amuro uncovers the secrets of Cucuruz Doan’s Island. He learns of Doan’s tragic past, his guilt over the death of the children’s parents, and his desperate attempt to make amends. As the truth unfolds, Amuro is forced to confront his own demons and the harsh realities of war.

A Legacy of Conflict

Cucuruz Doan’s Island is more than just a battle-scarred episode of Mobile Suit Gundam. It’s a poignant exploration of the human condition, a testament to the devastating consequences of war, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope for redemption.

Episode Data

• Episode: 15
• Director: Minoru Yokitani
• Script: Yoshihisa Araki
• Key Animator: Kazuaki Saiki, Koichi Minami, Seisaku Fujishima
• Runtime: 24:46
• Japanese Airdate: July 14, 1979

Trivia

• This episode is notorious for being absent from English-language releases of Mobile Suit Gundam.
• The episode features several animation sequences that are off-model, including Doan’s Zaku appearing abnormally thin and having an elongated snout.
• Cucuruz Doan’s Island makes a cameo in Around Thirty Office Worker Haman-sama as one of the movies that Haman considers watching.