Seriously, where was the love for Gundam Build Fighters?

[SteveH]

I mean it. Was it that it was so clearly a 'kids' show, basically looking like 'Pokemon with model robots' that turned people off? Was it that it wasn't a SERIOUS BUSINESS addition to Gundam lore? Was it a lack of MOE and dreamy bishi bois? Was it the fact it was a no-shame full-on commercial for Gundam model kits (as opposed to the implied commercialism of every other series/movie/OAV) ?

I know discussion and dialog is a slow-motion affair here but I'd really like to hear something.

My starting point: Gundam Build Fighters was a simple, basic shonen journey series. The main protagonist wished to be the best Gunpla Builder (and hence, virtual reality robot fighter) in the world, just like his (currently missing but shows up later) Father before him. On his journey he befriends a Mysterious Stranger who acts as both mentor and 'viewer surrogate' due to his total ignorance of Gunpla, and their teamwork proves to be a bonding of brotherhood in hot blooded model building. Along the way the Protagonist meets allies, rivals, mentors and only one actual all-out villain.

It's basic stuff. There's not going to be much in the way of twists and turns (altho the stuff with Sei's father is just jaw droppingly hilarious!) but the fun is in two angles. 1. If you're a student of the Gundam anime, in particular the trilogy of Gundam, Zeta and Double Zeta, you can see EXACTLY what path each character's story arc is likely to follow and 2. If you're a Gunpla builder or even build any kind of plastic kit there is so MANY funny little callouts to the hobby.

And the cameos. Oh man.

So, discuss. Tell me why you had no interest in this. I'd like to know.

[greg]

I'm not sure what you mean. Has this show concluded? I never figured out when it was airing on TV or which channel. I could rent it at Tsutaya, but I haven't been there in a while. Much of my entertainment budget goes to cable TV these days. I'd figured this was a "Pokemon with Gunpla" show, but from what you've talked about in the "what are you watching?" thread, it has piqued my interest. I just haven't made it to the rental store. On the other hand, I could persue the VPN angle that D has taught me about so that I can watch this show on Crunchyroll or whatever service it's on. Between Yamato 2199 and watching the occasional episode of New Yatterman and Keroro Gunsou with my daughter, I haven't been watching anything else. Life's been weird lately for me, so that's why I haven't been posting much.

Maybe this weekend I'll rent the first volume and get back to you. If it's only one or two episodes per DVD though, I can't see myself renting it that often because new release DVDs are expensive and I hate Japan's common practice of putting the least amount of episodes per DVD as possible for the maximum amount of money. I really ought to get a VPN and start catching up with what I'm missing.

[SteveH]

For what it's worth, the sell-thru DVDs in Japan for Gundam Build Fighters look to have 3 episodes per disc, I don't think it's subtitled in English for Domestic Japanese release but it doesn't hurt to check the Blu-Ray release.

AFAIK it was a 25 episode show. It surely could have gone a whole year, what with the anniversary of Original Gundam and all that. I keep expecting an announcement of 'Build Fighters Zeta' or some such thing.

[llj]

Sorry guy, I can't really stream. I've also only had limited access to the internet in the past year or so. I've enjoyed reading your posts on it though. It sounds entertaining and hilarious.

[davemerrill]

Gee Steve, I saw a whole bunch of people talking about Gundam Build Fighters. Of course, it was on Twitter and Facebook, which you don't like. So there's that.

[SteveH]

Gee Steve, I saw a whole bunch of people talking about Gundam Build Fighters. Of course, it was on Twitter and Facebook, which you don't like. So there's that.

You know what I say to that of course.

Harrumph!

Now excuse me while I adjust my monocle.

[davemerrill]

I'm just saying, you asked a question, and I answered it. That is where the Gundam Build Fighters love is. HERE is the Yamato 2199 love. Actually there's Yamato 2199 love in those places too, along with a lot of mean-spirited snark about the poor marketing of "Star Blazers 2199". But yeah, the people swapping screenshots of the Gundam character cameos and the scenes of awesomeness, that was Twitter and FB.

[SteveH]

I'm just saying, you asked a question, and I answered it. That is where the Gundam Build Fighters love is. HERE is the Yamato 2199 love. Actually there's Yamato 2199 love in those places too, along with a lot of mean-spirited snark about the poor marketing of "Star Blazers 2199". But yeah, the people swapping screenshots of the Gundam character cameos and the scenes of awesomeness, that was Twitter and FB.

Well, I KNOW you answered my question. I just phrased it poorly, leaving out the 'around here' I clearly needed to have in place.

Because I honestly believe that Gundam Build Fighters was made for us. Oh, it was made to sell 2000 Yen plastic model kits to Japanese boys aged 8-12 years old, sure, obvious, but somehow it was also written for our generation.

I do hope there is another series. They wrapped things up pretty well at the end but there's any number of directions to go.

But not as cool as spiritual ancestor Plamo Kyoshiro. We're not going to see a Gundam fight Darth Vader's TIE Fighter...

[greg]

FWIW, tonight I stopped by Tsutaya to try to rent this show on DVD. Alas, I did not find any DVDs.

[Ben]

I have to be honest, and say this is not my cup of tea, Gundam wise. I'm the biggest Tomino fan going, but this series is geared more towards the hardcore mecha model kit fan, not so much the old school Gundam fan (and I knew that going in, it's called Build Fighters for a reason, obviously). Really, the last Gundam I enjoyed was Victory Gundam, and that was 20 years ago now. I gave this one a chance, but bailed three episodes in. But again, I think Tomino's best work was Ideon, this was never aimed at me to begin with.