How Gundam Changed My Life (Even If I Didn’t Know It at First)

Like a lot of American kids, my first brush with Gundam came through Mobile Suit Gundam Wing on Toonami. I wasn’t tuning in for politics or philosophy; I was just there for Dragon Ball. But after the screaming and explosions faded, this strange, serious show would come on. The characters had spiky bangs and mysterious pasts, and they spoke like they were trapped in a soap opera written by Nietzsche. At first? I didn’t get it. Honestly, I didn’t care for it.

I was a hyper kid raised on Power Rangers; I wanted bright lights, cool armor, and over-the-top action. Gundam Wing had that, sort of. But it had more. Beneath the mecha fights and explosions was something deeper, heavier, more compelling,something that stuck with me even when I didn’t fully understand it.

I kept watching.

Dragon Ball shouted its values from the rooftops, championing friendship, power, and destiny. Gundam Wing, however, quietly revealed darker, more complex truths. This wasn’t a story about heroes triumphing in the nick of time. Civilians didn’t always get saved. Tragedy wasn’t a shocking twist; it was the expectation. These "heroes" weren’t a found family but fractured souls orbiting each other in chaos. And I was hooked. The storytelling felt raw, poetic, and brutally honest.

Then midnight hit.

Toonami evolved. Adult Swim was born. And if Gundam Wing cracked the door open, Gundam 08th MS Team kicked it off the hinges. These weren’t just cartoons; they were war stories,gritty, grounded, and permanent.

That’s what made me fall in love with Gundam, Consequence

But being a Gundam fan in the West? That was tough for a while. After G Gundam and its toy aisle chaos, Gundam largely disappeared from American stores and TV screens. Aside from occasional appearances in games like Dynasty Warriors: Gundam, it felt like wandering through a Gundam desert. Meanwhile, Japan thrived with new series, movies, and model kits every year. It was frustrating, but looking back, I'm grateful. That hiatus allowed me to mature, returning to Gundam with fresh eyes to appreciate deeper narratives in classics like Zeta, Turn A, and Char’s Counterattack.

Now, as an adult, Gundam isn't simply nostalgia. It's a cornerstone of my life, influencing my views on storytelling, empathy, and creativity. Most importantly, it introduced me to Gunpla, the art of building detailed Gundam model kits. What began as a casual hobby evolved into a passion, teaching patience, craftsmanship, and the joy of creating something intricate and beautiful with my own hands.

Gunpla isn’t merely about assembling plastic models; it’s about community, artistry, and expressing your unique vision through customization. Every kit tells a story uniquely yours. Whether carefully painting a custom color scheme or meticulously weathering a battle-worn Gundam, you engage deeply with the stories you love.

This passion inspired me to create this blog. It's a space to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling Gunpla inspires. Whether you're a seasoned builder or picking up your first kit, this community is for you.

Gundam changed my perspective on the world, and Gunpla provided a means to share that vision with others.

If you feel similarly or you're just starting to explore this incredible hobby, welcome. We’ve got amazing things ahead, and I can't wait to see your creations.