There's a new Gundam TV series out in Japan and if you're a non-JP speaking fan just aching to catch the latest fan-subs of the show, fret no more. Sunrise has decided to give everyone the easy choice to just watch the show (with complete English subtitles) on their official Gundam YouTube page.
It is a big step for fans of the series and the fact that Japan is actively trying to bring its culture beyond the borders. Also, the YT video channel can be viewed from any region -so one could literally say that Gundam Build Fighters is being marketed on a global scale.
For more about the TV show and to watch the first episode, hit the jump.
Gundam Build Fighters follows the story of Sei, a young Gunpla builder who hopes to follow in his father's Gundam Battler footsteps. In order to participate in a Gundam Battle, Gunpla builders must place their units on a special arena where the kits battle it out Angelic Layer style (or for the younger ones, something like Danbooru Battle LBX).
The problem is that while Sei is a great Gunpla builder, his piloting skills are quite lacking. This is proven time and time again by his friend Sazaki, who is a strong pilot, but is also a little too rough and headstrong for Sei's carefully constructed Gundams. Sazaki wants to use Sei's creations, but Sei refuses, feeling that Sazaki is not the right pilot for his Gundams.
With the tournament not too far away, Sei finds himself forced by Sazaki into a mock battle -wagering his latest creation on the line. If Sei wins, he gets to prove that he has what it takes to be a good battler like his father. If he loses, Sazaki will be able to use the new Gundam that Sei built.
There's an obvious link to this show and the marketing of Gunpla kits worldwide, and we have no problems about it. Since the beginning, Yoshiyuki Tomino has already had to deal with balancing a strong storyline with an anime that is designed to sell toys. Considering that this mecha series has been around for decades, its' safe to say that they got the balance right. And judging by the first episode of G Build Fighters, it is safe to say that Sunrise is being quite conservative with how they feature the kits.
The show itself is fun to watch. If you're new to the Gundam genre, this show is an odd way to get started but at the same time, it is also very user friendly. Older fans of the show may think that the younger protagonists may be alienating as AGE's, but there's plenty of side content in the show as well as homages that are clearly written in for the more hardcore fans (*ahem* Ral-san makes a cameo *ahem). Oh yes, before we forget, there's also an an interesting key character who wears shades -just saying.
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