Gundam, created in 1979, which can be purchased here, is a successful anime franchise. Gundam, since its inception, has evolved in animation and plot to reflect current issues in society. In October 2015 a new Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, debuted that has built on and expanded the Gundam Universe. This story focuses on the people of Earth and Mars fighting over who governs the territory of Mars. This series follows many of the traditions established by previous Gundam series as well as establishing new ones.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans follows a group of children who work for a mercenary group called Chryse Guard Security (CGS) as soldiers and pilots. Out of these soldiers the primary focus is on Mikazuki (Mika) and Orga, who is the commanding officer of the group. Orga and his men are ordered to escort the Princess Kudelia Aina Bernstein while she traveling to advocate and gain support for an independent Mars movement. As a result, an Earth military group, Gjallarhorn, attacks in attempt to kill the Princess and end the movement. During the attack the first group of veteran soldiers attempts to escape while the 3rd army division, the one lead by Orga, defends the base. Orga successfully defends the base with Mika piloting the Gundam Barbatos. The 3rd army division decides to take over CGS and continue to protect the Princess.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is an intense anime. The anime covers difficult topics that are thought provoking. The core of the series is that many of the characters want their independence and equality and are willing to sacrifice for it. Mika and Orge are willing to subject their bodies and their minds to enter a war during their childhood to be able to be treated equally and not answer to any higher authority. Conversely, Princess Kudelia is willing to put her life on the line and risk being killed to gain equality and independence for Mars. This anime captures the idea of how far somebody is willing to go to obtain basic rights.
Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans has lived up to the Gundam franchise on both an artistic and plot level. This anime does not disappoint.
