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The Enigmatic Denim: Unraveling the Mystery of Mobile Suit Gundam’s Ill-Fated Commander

Who is Denim?

Denim, a pivotal character in the iconic anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, remains an enigma to many fans. As the commander of the platoon that invaded Side 7, Denim’s story is one of bravery, rivalry, and ultimately, tragedy.

A Leader Born

Denim, a human male, hails from the Principality of Zeon. His affiliation with the Zeon forces dates back to September 18, 0079. As a skilled pilot, he commanded a Musai-class crew and operated the MS-06F Zaku II.

The Fateful Mission

Denim’s journey began with a reconnaissance mission to Side 7, where he encountered the Earth Federation’s mobile suit, the RX-78-2 Gundam. Alongside Gene, Denim’s impatience led to a raid, which ultimately ended in disaster. Amuro Ray, the rookie pilot of the Gundam, critically damaged Gene’s Zaku, prompting Denim to order a retreat. However, Amuro’s subsequent attack destroyed the retreating Zaku, killing Gene. Enraged by his comrade’s death, Denim made a final, desperate attempt to attack the Gundam, only to meet his own demise.

Novel Insights

In the novel adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam, Denim’s character takes on a new dimension. As a lieutenant, he initiated the war in the space colony, driven by rivalry with Char and a sense of honor. His surprise at the Gundam’s capabilities led him to escape and later participate in infiltrating Side 7 alongside Char. Unfortunately, his decision to keep his IFF signal on proved fatal, allowing Amuro to target and destroy his Zaku.

Legacy and Impact

Denim’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of war. His actions, though driven by loyalty and duty, ultimately led to his downfall. The Zaku on display at Industrial 7 in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, bearing a large hole from heat-based damage, is a haunting tribute to Denim’s sacrifice.

Behind the Scenes

Denim’s character design, created by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, underwent revisions from an earlier 1978 draft. His original settei sheet, featuring Denim alongside Gene, offers a glimpse into the development of these iconic characters.

Trivia and References

• Denim’s Zaku remains on display at Industrial 7 in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, likely due to the damage it sustained during his final battle.
• Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 1 and Mobile Suit Gundam I provide further insight into Denim’s story.

Denim’s enigmatic presence continues to captivate fans of Mobile Suit Gundam. Through his bravery, rivalry, and ultimate sacrifice, Denim’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.