Gundam Archives

The SD Gundam Revolution

A New Era of Gundam Parodies

In 1988, a new phenomenon emerged in the world of anime: Mobile Suit SD Gundam Mk I. This series of animated shorts took the beloved Mobile Suit Gundam franchise and turned it on its head, presenting a humorous and lighthearted take on the classic saga.

The Birth of SD Gundam

Mobile Suit SD Gundam Mk I was first released in Japanese movie theaters alongside Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. Later, it was released on VHS with an additional short. This marked the beginning of a new era in Gundam parodies, one that would go on to inspire countless spin-offs and adaptations.

A Collection of Shorts

The series consists of three episodes, each poking fun at key events and characters from the One Year War. Episode 1 reimagines iconic moments from the original series, while episode 2 sees Amuro, Kamille, and Judau engage in a hilarious battle over who runs the better pension. Episode 3 takes the form of the SD Olympics, featuring an array of athletic events pitting man against mobile suit.

A Star-Studded Cast

The series boasts an impressive cast of voice actors, including Kazuki Yao, Miki Itou, Nobuo Tobita, and many more. These talented individuals bring to life a wide range of characters, from Judau Ashta to Kamille Bidan, and even the iconic Gundam itself.

A World of Mobile Suits

The series features an incredible array of mobile suits, from the RX-78-2 Gundam to the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam. Each suit is meticulously designed and animated, showcasing the creativity and humor of the SD Gundam universe.

Behind the Scenes

Did you know that the Japanese have a hard time pronouncing Paptimus Scirocco’s name, often confusing it with “syrup” or “torokko”? Or that Kamille Bidan’s starry-eyed appearance is a nod to the outcome of episode 50 of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam? These fun facts and more can be found in the trivia section below.

Trivia

• As with most foreign names, the Japanese have a hard time pronouncing Paptimus Scirocco’s name. They often confuse Scirocco with “syrup” or “torokko” (the Japanese word for “mining cart”).
• Kamille Bidan appears starry-eyed due to the outcome of episode 50 of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.
• Episode 3 is a parody of Hanna-Barbera’s Laff-a-lympics.
• Before the first race in episode 3, Judau references Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who won the gold medal at the 100 m final in the 1988 Summer Olympics, but was disqualified after he was tested positive for steroid use.

References & Sources

For more information on Mobile Suit SD Gundam Mk I, check out the references and sources listed below.