
Anime Review: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
Run away, and you’ll gain one…
Go forward, and you’ll gain two!
Go forward, and you’ll gain two!
We have all seen the finale at this point. There are those who will say G-Witch is a masterpiece, the best Gundam ever, my OTP couple finally married each other, etc.
To some, unsurprisingly, “bad story with bad character”, WTF ending, WOKE, etc.
We understand why you all have those assumptions, conclusions, and even rants. The series definitely has ended at both the best and worst points to conclude a series. It was a fun ride, but it’s time we give you our review and thoughts about the latest entry of Gundam, G-Witch through this final episode.
To some, unsurprisingly, “bad story with bad character”, WTF ending, WOKE, etc.
We understand why you all have those assumptions, conclusions, and even rants. The series definitely has ended at both the best and worst points to conclude a series. It was a fun ride, but it’s time we give you our review and thoughts about the latest entry of Gundam, G-Witch through this final episode.
First of all, the advantages that the G-Witch held.
The picture and sound quality of G-Witch definitely were top-notch. At some points it even reached cinema quality. From Lfrith’s fight scenes to the grand debut of Aerial Gundam, multiple Darilbalde vs. Aerial fights, the short-lived Pharact, wicked first sortie from Aerial Rebuild, Permet 6, Calibarn Gundam, and then the finale, as if those were proof that Sunrise can do mecha better than anyone else. The mix between 2D and 3D is quite well-done. So Sunrise proves that they can pull off very nice 3D mecha battles after abandoning it after Valvrave, Cross Ange and Buddy Complex for pure 2D hand-drawn in Gundam.
(That said, It did not escape the curse that is “Sunrise Zoom” when a character or mecha is drawn to describe them to be from a far distance than what was happening on screen. But at this point these tiny flaws is like a tradition that happens in every hand-drawn anime, so let’s ignore it.)
The designs for Mobile Suits felt so in-universe. Each faction had a different mecha designer, as such, answered perfectly the reasons why the designs for each faction were vastly different from each other, not only just for the identification but also for the world built for G-Witch. If we had a competition to point out what the G-Witch did right, mecha designs is definitely on top of the list. We get the new fresh air from JNTHED with the Aerial, the tried-and-true design from Takayuki Yanase for the Lfriths, the off-franchise veteran Wataru Inata for Peil designs, and Sunrise’s current rising star Ippei Gyoubu for Jeturk.
The picture and sound quality of G-Witch definitely were top-notch. At some points it even reached cinema quality. From Lfrith’s fight scenes to the grand debut of Aerial Gundam, multiple Darilbalde vs. Aerial fights, the short-lived Pharact, wicked first sortie from Aerial Rebuild, Permet 6, Calibarn Gundam, and then the finale, as if those were proof that Sunrise can do mecha better than anyone else. The mix between 2D and 3D is quite well-done. So Sunrise proves that they can pull off very nice 3D mecha battles after abandoning it after Valvrave, Cross Ange and Buddy Complex for pure 2D hand-drawn in Gundam.
(That said, It did not escape the curse that is “Sunrise Zoom” when a character or mecha is drawn to describe them to be from a far distance than what was happening on screen. But at this point these tiny flaws is like a tradition that happens in every hand-drawn anime, so let’s ignore it.)
The designs for Mobile Suits felt so in-universe. Each faction had a different mecha designer, as such, answered perfectly the reasons why the designs for each faction were vastly different from each other, not only just for the identification but also for the world built for G-Witch. If we had a competition to point out what the G-Witch did right, mecha designs is definitely on top of the list. We get the new fresh air from JNTHED with the Aerial, the tried-and-true design from Takayuki Yanase for the Lfriths, the off-franchise veteran Wataru Inata for Peil designs, and Sunrise’s current rising star Ippei Gyoubu for Jeturk.
The music for G-Witch definitely has surpassed our expectations. Every key moment in G-Witch was emotional, but with music, the feelings were conveyed tenfold. Not only that, it also helped each moment that the music played along more memorable than ever. In Aerial’s first fight, who could not be hyped when Aerial chopped every limbs of Guel’s Dilanza off? Or the moment when Aerial Rebuild first fired its heavy beam cannon, Calibarn first sortie, and that “Unicorn reference” scene with four Gundam at that time joining hands to do the impossible, the tracks in each scene could not be described by anything but bangers. Truly one of the best OSTs that were made for a main Gundam series.
Furthermore, Gundam has done the unthinkable – an opening song by YOASOBI. The song “Shukufuku” has become one of the most popular songs in anime and Gundam. The cheerful lyrics yet foreboding lyrics are exactly YOASOBI’s style. Since then, YOASOBI has been performing more and more songs for animes. The second opening “Slash” from Yama is much more passionate in terms of lyrics and melody. In addition, the endings aren’t bad either, coupled with some very cryptic animation that left viewers speculating what they could mean, especially “Red:birthmark”.
Another strong point for this series would be the short episode count, only 24 episodes. It is a friendly number that would not intimidate any new fans that just got into the franchise. It had all of the perks that an AU Gundam title could offer: no previous timeline knowledge needed, short and contained story, just come in and watch.
Furthermore, Gundam has done the unthinkable – an opening song by YOASOBI. The song “Shukufuku” has become one of the most popular songs in anime and Gundam. The cheerful lyrics yet foreboding lyrics are exactly YOASOBI’s style. Since then, YOASOBI has been performing more and more songs for animes. The second opening “Slash” from Yama is much more passionate in terms of lyrics and melody. In addition, the endings aren’t bad either, coupled with some very cryptic animation that left viewers speculating what they could mean, especially “Red:birthmark”.
Another strong point for this series would be the short episode count, only 24 episodes. It is a friendly number that would not intimidate any new fans that just got into the franchise. It had all of the perks that an AU Gundam title could offer: no previous timeline knowledge needed, short and contained story, just come in and watch.
On the one hand, as I have said, it is very friendly to newbies. No related to previous series or title, a complete stand-alone story. With some new elements like no male main characters only females, major corporations schemes, school life, and many many more, the series has gained a huge amount of newcomers, including more people turning into Gundam fans because of G-Witch.
On another hand, the series was influenced heavily by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, hell, we could even say that it is a loose adaptation of The Tempest, considering many similar terms, names, and how the events played out in both works. Not to mention, the series was heavily reliant on the weekly view, which means that for the best enjoyable experience, you have to watch this week-by-week. The fandom has never been so alive before, discussing the episodes fervently and what the future events will be, it was quite a sight to be witnessed.
The weekly theorizing and fan conspiracies were stirring the Gundam fandoms. And the shipping and characters were making into mainstream anime fans’ list of favorite characters. The entire anime scene for the first time has got a mecha show into the spotlight. Before, 86 has been favored by non-mecha fans, but for G-Witch, it caught the attention of both.
That though, came with a price. The light shines bright as deep the shadow it makes.
On another hand, the series was influenced heavily by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, hell, we could even say that it is a loose adaptation of The Tempest, considering many similar terms, names, and how the events played out in both works. Not to mention, the series was heavily reliant on the weekly view, which means that for the best enjoyable experience, you have to watch this week-by-week. The fandom has never been so alive before, discussing the episodes fervently and what the future events will be, it was quite a sight to be witnessed.
The weekly theorizing and fan conspiracies were stirring the Gundam fandoms. And the shipping and characters were making into mainstream anime fans’ list of favorite characters. The entire anime scene for the first time has got a mecha show into the spotlight. Before, 86 has been favored by non-mecha fans, but for G-Witch, it caught the attention of both.
That though, came with a price. The light shines bright as deep the shadow it makes.
For a main entry Gundam series, G-Witch has an extremely short runtime and episode count. It is even shorter than G-Reco which many regarded as a pacing mess. Other Gundams have historically had 35+ episodes with some running 50. The pacing of the story would be one of the main reasons there are radically different opinions about the show.
Season 1, with 12 episodes, had a slow but fast kind of pacing. The episode might only revolve around one matter at a time, but the information delivery and the interaction between characters were more dense than anything we have seen before. You could say that this formula was the improvement of the “Monster of the weak” structure you normally see in old Tokusatsu shows, only in G-Witch, the way they end the episode sparks questions for the next episode to answer, and at the end, another question appears, and the process repeats.
Through this, every Sunday was one surprise after another, the hype for the next episode could only be described as a rocket flying through the sky. The anticipation was at a level that we had never seen before. Prospera also proved to be a fearsome schemer. Her demeanor is unlike any others we’ve seen before. She’s nonchalant about dropping critical secrets that change the course of events, seemingly has plans for everything, and an almost perfect control over Suletta. Sadly, they dropped the ball at the end, kinda nerfed her strategizing ability, and gave her the exact role of Prospero in the Tempest – just there to be converted by Suletta and Miorine.
Nevertheless, season 2 went haywire after episode 15. You went from 40 miles per hour in episode 15 to 80 in episode 19 and then full throttle after 20. This made anything that isn’t relevant to the two main female characters’ relationship, Miorine and Suletta, into a side-lined plot that never really got resolved. The build-up for the emotional climax was never there because so many things had to happen to end the story, as such, it completely lacked the impact at the end no matter how hard they tried to hype us with music, and visuals.
Season 1, with 12 episodes, had a slow but fast kind of pacing. The episode might only revolve around one matter at a time, but the information delivery and the interaction between characters were more dense than anything we have seen before. You could say that this formula was the improvement of the “Monster of the weak” structure you normally see in old Tokusatsu shows, only in G-Witch, the way they end the episode sparks questions for the next episode to answer, and at the end, another question appears, and the process repeats.
Through this, every Sunday was one surprise after another, the hype for the next episode could only be described as a rocket flying through the sky. The anticipation was at a level that we had never seen before. Prospera also proved to be a fearsome schemer. Her demeanor is unlike any others we’ve seen before. She’s nonchalant about dropping critical secrets that change the course of events, seemingly has plans for everything, and an almost perfect control over Suletta. Sadly, they dropped the ball at the end, kinda nerfed her strategizing ability, and gave her the exact role of Prospero in the Tempest – just there to be converted by Suletta and Miorine.
Nevertheless, season 2 went haywire after episode 15. You went from 40 miles per hour in episode 15 to 80 in episode 19 and then full throttle after 20. This made anything that isn’t relevant to the two main female characters’ relationship, Miorine and Suletta, into a side-lined plot that never really got resolved. The build-up for the emotional climax was never there because so many things had to happen to end the story, as such, it completely lacked the impact at the end no matter how hard they tried to hype us with music, and visuals.

The characterization of some characters was heavily affected in a bad way, such as the final fight between Guel – Lauda, which was completely unnecessary and it happened only because Bandai needed to sell the Schwarzette and had to end it quickly for the story to end at episode 24.
The fight between Guel and Shaddi felt completely emotionally underwhelmed, even though it was supposed to serve as the stand-off of two important side characters of the show – one that was set up all the way from season 1. Some of the characters could not flesh out their potential, like the PTSD side of Kenanji Avery, other students from other Houses, especially the Earth House. And that did not even include other characters from other factions, which leads to other problems.
The Mobile Suits, like Pharact, Michaelis, or Schwarzette, had so little screen time that even we could not believe that they were the same Gundam as Aerial, or even like the Darilbalde as the story progressed too fast that at some point they felt obsolete, especially of how Schwarzette was treated. The suit might not need a better pilot, but it definitely needs a better debut.
The world-building, obviously was resolved with, kid you not, magic. Everything the story built, touched, or even mentioned as if they could be the main stage for the show was shafted after episode 24, regardless if they had been dealt with or not, especially the conflict between the Earthian and Spacian. It was one of the main driving factors in G-Witch and it got the worst treatment of all time, left there and let the audience do the rest for them, as G-Witch only cared for the story of the Suletta – Miorine, and everything around them was needed only to build up for that.
(We did not even include a fact that many details for the world-building were printed on either manuals, covers for the Gunplas, or the terminology in G-Witch which was never fully explained at least half of what they told us in the series itself)
The fight between Guel and Shaddi felt completely emotionally underwhelmed, even though it was supposed to serve as the stand-off of two important side characters of the show – one that was set up all the way from season 1. Some of the characters could not flesh out their potential, like the PTSD side of Kenanji Avery, other students from other Houses, especially the Earth House. And that did not even include other characters from other factions, which leads to other problems.
The Mobile Suits, like Pharact, Michaelis, or Schwarzette, had so little screen time that even we could not believe that they were the same Gundam as Aerial, or even like the Darilbalde as the story progressed too fast that at some point they felt obsolete, especially of how Schwarzette was treated. The suit might not need a better pilot, but it definitely needs a better debut.
The world-building, obviously was resolved with, kid you not, magic. Everything the story built, touched, or even mentioned as if they could be the main stage for the show was shafted after episode 24, regardless if they had been dealt with or not, especially the conflict between the Earthian and Spacian. It was one of the main driving factors in G-Witch and it got the worst treatment of all time, left there and let the audience do the rest for them, as G-Witch only cared for the story of the Suletta – Miorine, and everything around them was needed only to build up for that.
(We did not even include a fact that many details for the world-building were printed on either manuals, covers for the Gunplas, or the terminology in G-Witch which was never fully explained at least half of what they told us in the series itself)
As such, those that were into G-Witch because of the main character’s relationship were satisfied, and those that cared about everything else were left with the biggest dissatisfaction they have ever tasted after IBO. They don’t need the finale to be bloody or to have extravagant mecha battles, they want a satisfied ending regardless of whether happy or not, G-Witch, sadly could not deliver that. However, G-Witch did manage to tell a complete story for the main heroines: Suletta and Miorine. And their relationship is undoubtedly a shining point in the franchise, with extremely few Gundam characters who managed to “find happiness” like them.
All in all, G-Witch also has very high production quality. Visuals and Music are extremely on-point, and they managed to create an extremely fearsome Char clone and antagonist. Well they did drop the ball at the end for Prospera, but the process of her scheme is enough to have her up there as one of the best antagonists in the franchise. The series also successfully brought Gundam into the mainstream attention, for better or for worse. But seeing the franchise getting a new breath of life is a very nice change.
All in all, G-Witch also has very high production quality. Visuals and Music are extremely on-point, and they managed to create an extremely fearsome Char clone and antagonist. Well they did drop the ball at the end for Prospera, but the process of her scheme is enough to have her up there as one of the best antagonists in the franchise. The series also successfully brought Gundam into the mainstream attention, for better or for worse. But seeing the franchise getting a new breath of life is a very nice change.
Check out more recommendations:

A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.

From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .

What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?

After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.

Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.

The Super Graviton God is back! And this time the threat just got more vile. But Gravion also receive an upgrade…in true Obari fashion. Let’s see how the sequel holds up!

Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.

A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.

The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.

The shortest tv series Gundam ever, but was one of the most popular. G-Witch put Gundam back on the mainstream map, but do fans love it like non-fans do? The answer is quite divisive!

A heavy-weight in Masami Obari’s repertoire. Choujuushin Gravion is average in production quality, yet it is imbued with the spirit of the most badass over-the-top director of all time.

Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!

A Super Robot versus Alien mecha series, but this time it’s also infused with the intricacies of human’s most sacred bond: Marriage. Godannar put that relationship to the test!

A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.

The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.

The 3rd Tokusatsu series by Director Anno Hideaki. Shin Kamen Rider revisits the core message of what it means to be a Rider and to fight for justice while putting a modern spin on it.

The most ambitious superhero crossover is here! Infini-T Force is where heroes from different universes come together to save a girl and protect the multiverse.

An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.

A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.

After the Transformers wave subsided, Takara made a bold move by partnering with Sunrise to produced one of the best Mecha franchise ever. Start the Brave journey with Exkaiser!

A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.

A Sunrise original mecha series after almost a decade. Kyoukai Senki was used as a toy ad and training grounds for the new animators at Sunrise.

Heroman – the name that says it all. A Western x Japan superhero story about a boy who was granted great power and great responsibility. No he doesn’t shoot web, but he has a robot instead!

The final season of the ULTRAMAN Netflix adaptation. With the direction season 2 went, all hope seems lost in the series. But this season delivered the Light of the Giant to us once again.

A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.

A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.

An anime from Studio Trigger that will literally blow your mind. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a phenomenon that will echo in the audience’s heart well beyond the future.

A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.

A passionate love letter to one of the oldest and most revered mecha franchise – Getter Robo Arc aimed to deliver a sought-after conclusion to the manga. But did it succeed?

Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.

The detectives of the windy city Fuuto never rest. A new story unfold in front of our two-in-one hardboiled Kamen Rider W. But this time, it’s animated!

New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!

A tale of love and courage across space-time light years apart. A girl going through her teenage with all the hope, love, courage and grieve of a soldier.

Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.

A blazing and explosive Super Robot series where the most ridiculous over-the-top combat happen with zero explanation whatsoever. And it’s an…all-girls anime?

A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?

A double life of peace & war – young people being sent to the frontline where they could lose their lives, but they fight on so they can go home, to their false peace.

Bonds that transcended time and bonds that are formed in the present. SSSS.Dynazenon continues Trigger’s streak of creating compelling story with amazing visuals.

The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.

A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.

A story about bonds and friendship and the strength to face reality no matter how cruel it is. Sometimes all you need is a friend that connect with you…through an Acceptor.

With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.

Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.

Will you follow through with your revenge? Or will you severe the chain of hatred with forgiveness and acceptance? Gun x Sword goes against the norm with an answer that will split your expectation in half.

A re-imagining of the classic Tokusatsu series, Giant Robo OVA is where the supernatural meet the super-scifi and weave a mystical and thought-provoking story of sacrifice.

A journey into space where humanity once again stood on the verge of extinction. A boy cut off from society will be the key to protect mankind…as the knight of Sidonia.

Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.

A story that transcend space and time. A normal student got thrust into a future war between 2 nations with giant robots, all the while looking for the girl that saved him.

The Gundam Xmas and New Year special. A miniature war in a backwater colony, but still carry the weight of human lives and losses just as much as a grand war.

If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!