Series Recommendation: Gunpla Builder Beginning G – The First Spark
The Beginning And Forever of Gunpla
When talking about Build series that involves Gunpla model kits, one automatically think of Build Fighters, TRY or Divers. While those series certainly fit the bill, they aren’t the first Build series to be animated. Everything started in 2010 – where Sunrise/Bandai commemorated the 30th anniversary of the first RX-78-2 model kits – with a little 3-ep OVA called “Gunpla Builder Beginning G”.
The series take place in “our world” – basically the normal human world without any space colonies or actual wars going on. Our main character is Haru – a young boy inspired by the RX-78-2 life-sized statue – and decided to take up Gunpla building. After that, he was convinced by his friend to enter into Gunpla Battle with his newly-built Beginning Gundam in hopes of becoming a Gunpla Battle Champion.
+ Plot: The series is quite uplifting and has a very slice-of-life feeling about it, which makes sense since it’s about the building hobby after all. The series focus on someone whose skills with Gunpla is completely non-existent. It’s a very newbie-focused series with other more experienced builders giving the MC advice from the sideline. The MC’s rival is basically a “pro” builder and battler – presenting a huge wall that he has to cross. However, the series also emphasized on the unlimited potential of Gunpla Building and that it is a very very long journey.
+ Plot: The series is quite uplifting and has a very slice-of-life feeling about it, which makes sense since it’s about the building hobby after all. The series focus on someone whose skills with Gunpla is completely non-existent. It’s a very newbie-focused series with other more experienced builders giving the MC advice from the sideline. The MC’s rival is basically a “pro” builder and battler – presenting a huge wall that he has to cross. However, the series also emphasized on the unlimited potential of Gunpla Building and that it is a very very long journey.
Animation: The animation is very well done. It was made in a time where Sunrise could dedicate a lot of resources to it. The series is entirely hand-drawn with very fluid movements. It also captures some aspect of model-building which is quite realistic. The battles doesn’t include any crazy power-ups or complex special powers, but instead just good-old Mobile Suit combat with beam rifles, cannons and sabers. The simplistic but intense battle really makes the series stand out from the Build line.
Mecha Design: There are 2 prominent design in the OVA: the Beginning Gundam and the Forever. Both the Beginning and Forever has elements from the OG Grandpa, just with more modern looks. The Beginning has the 3 primary Gundam color: Blue, Red and Yellow on a mostly white silhouette. It looks like a fusion between the RX-78-2 and the Victory Gundam with how curvy and slim it looks. The Beginning also has a lot of unique gimmicks unlike any others.
The Forever Gundam is pretty much an RX-782 with 4 giant beam cannons and an extra layer of armor. The suit represent the veteran builders who cherishes where the franchise’s roots are. Its name is like a statement that Grandpa’s design is timeless and will forever be highly regarded by builders of all age and levels.
Mecha Design: There are 2 prominent design in the OVA: the Beginning Gundam and the Forever. Both the Beginning and Forever has elements from the OG Grandpa, just with more modern looks. The Beginning has the 3 primary Gundam color: Blue, Red and Yellow on a mostly white silhouette. It looks like a fusion between the RX-78-2 and the Victory Gundam with how curvy and slim it looks. The Beginning also has a lot of unique gimmicks unlike any others.
The Forever Gundam is pretty much an RX-782 with 4 giant beam cannons and an extra layer of armor. The suit represent the veteran builders who cherishes where the franchise’s roots are. Its name is like a statement that Grandpa’s design is timeless and will forever be highly regarded by builders of all age and levels.
Music: The series only has an opening, which is pretty okay. Nothing too fantastic, since this is pretty much a promo OVA for Gunpla, but the sound department did a fine job on this one.
+ Conclusion: Beginning G is technically the first animated Build series, with many references to other Gundam series. It shows a fun way to enjoy Gunpla Battle. The building parts need some more focus, but it’s more because of the run-time restraint. All in all, the series is a fun OVA featuring some kick-ass designs and great battles.
+ Conclusion: Beginning G is technically the first animated Build series, with many references to other Gundam series. It shows a fun way to enjoy Gunpla Battle. The building parts need some more focus, but it’s more because of the run-time restraint. All in all, the series is a fun OVA featuring some kick-ass designs and great battles.
Check out more recommendations:
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.
A song that rings during the apocalypse. Vivy is a bold idea involving a century of fighting and yearning. Vivy will bring your visual and auditory sense to the max!
What is a true Ally of Justice? What kind of “Heroism” is worth fighting for? Linebarrels of Iron is a manga that you won’t be able to put down!
Hot-blood, explosive and FIRE! S-CRY-ed tells a badass yet emotional adventure of two youths on their way to unravel the truth of a world changed forever.
Absolute music, Absolute animation, and…Absolute LIVE! Macross Delta Zettai Live brought the emotional climax of Hayate and Freyja story to a breathtaking conclusion.
A hidden gem of a steam-punk mecha anime. Gad Guard literally start from a hidden “gem”. If you fancy some noir mecha x vigilante style with awesome OST, this is the series for you.
A man who lost everything decided to throw away himself for revenge. A mysterious threat from space with an unthinkable objective. Experience the masterful visual of Argento Soma.
An alternate and expansion of the famous “Doan’s Island” of Gundam 0079, Cucuruz Doan’s Island focus on the characters that further show us the cruelty of war.
The finale of the Sidonia no Kishi animated saga. Ai no Tsumugu Hoshi gives us the climax of the Gauna War and conclude the story between Tanikaze and Tsumugi.
An alternate version of the tv series – Macross Delta Passionate Walkure condense the action, music and plot into one movie to setup for entirely new events.
