Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
General Info
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure |
|---|---|
| Music By | Shunsuke Matsuda, Toshihiro Funahashi, Jin Aketagawa, Takashi Ohmama, Nobuhiro Negishi, Keisuke Sogo, Rei Ueno |
| Tagline | This witch... rides a Gundam. |
| Edited By | Haruka Yasumoto, Akihisa Oka, Kengo Shigemura, Nami Niinuma, Junichi Arai, Ryuichi Inoue |
| Starring | Kana Ichinose, Lynn, Yohei Azakami, Natsuki Hanae, Makoto Furukawa, Miyu Tomita, Junya Enoki, Tasuku Hatanaka, KENN, Kohei Amasaki, Konomi Inagaki, Miyuri Shimabukuro |
| Languages | ja |
| Directed By | Ryoh Ando, Hiroshi Kobayashi |
| Produced By | Naohiro Ogata, Hiroo Maruyama, Retsu Tamura, Toshihiro Maeda, Takuya Okamoto, Seiichi Shirato, Yuya Takashima |
| Release Date | 2022-10-02 |
| Running Time | 25 |
| Screenplay By | Ichirou Ookouchi, Yoshiyuki Tomino |
| TV Series Name | Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury |
| Content Rating | 7.708 |
| Distributed By | MBS, TBS, CBC, Tulip Television, SBC, BSN, tys, Nagasaki Broadcasting Company, HBC, RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting, i-Television, SBS TV, IBC Iwate Broadcasting, Broadcasting System of San-in, Hokuriku Broadcasting, Oita Broadcasting System, TV-U Fukushima, RSK, TV-U Yamagata, Tohoku Broadcasting, RKB, TV Kochi Broadcasting, Ryukyu Broadcasting, TV Yamanashi, RCC, MRT Miyazaki Broadcasting, ATV, MBC South Japan Broadcasting |
| Original Title | 機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女 |
| Cinematography | Shota Kodera |
| Country of Origin | JP |
| Number of Seasons | 1 |
| Number of Episodes | 24 |
| World Premiere Date | 2022-10-02 |
| Production Company Name | Sotsu, Bandai Namco Filmworks, MBS |
| Production Company Website URL | https://g-witch.net |
Trailer
Overview
Blending magic and robotics, Mercury Witch delves into the intersection of spirituality and technology. It revolves around the titular witch, a young girl with extraordinary powers caught in the middle of a war of ideologies and territories. As the first female lead in a Gundam TV series, her character breaks new ground for female storytelling in the Gundam franchise.
The storyline intricately interweaves the depths of space politics, complex war strategies, and the breathtaking heights of mecha combat that the Gundam series is famous for, while adding a mystical appeal. With a host of brand new mobile suits and iconic space colonies, the series promises a visually stunning and intense experience.
World-renowned mecha designers have combined their expertise to create visually innovative mobile suits infused with unprecedented technical specifications. Combined with enchanting spells, this transforms the battlefield into an arena of majestic martial and magical skill. Witch from Mercury is set to be an exciting exploration of the Gundam universe, reviving the iconic franchise with female leads, magic as an unexplored corner, and advanced suit technology. The series invites all Gundam fans and new viewers alike to embark on this exciting galactic adventure. Get ready because the gates will open to the mystical Mercury and beyond!
Plot
I can share that Mercury Witch would be the first Gundam series to officially have a female protagonist in the entire 42 year history of the Gundam TV franchise. Additionally, the series was announced as part of the Gundam franchise's Project 2022, which celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Gundam concept. Stay tuned.
Production
Hajime Yatate, the well-known collective pseudonym representing the creative staff at Sunrise, is once again behind this brand new chapter in the Gundam series. Shinya Watada, of Gundam Build Fighters fame, is directing the project. The screenplay features Yasuyuki Mutou, recognized for his work on Deadman Wonderland and Basilisk, creating a compelling plot. One aspect that sets this work apart is its focus on a global audience, and Bandai Namco has announced its intention to release the series simultaneously worldwide. This unprecedented move is expected to significantly increase Gundam's international fan base.
Contributing animation and character design is the legendary Shingo Abe, known for his outstanding work on Star Driver and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. The new mobile suits highlight the creative team's constant pursuit of innovation. Keeping the classic Gundam feel while exploring new designs and concepts is an exciting challenge that the Gundam team continues to take on. Collaborating with these exceptional talents, the music is orchestrated by renowned composer Takako Otsuki, who creates a thrilling and emotional backdrop to the unfolding drama. The breathtaking soundtrack perfectly complements the powerful graphics and heart-wrenching storyline.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury promises to take its viewers on an unforgettable journey through space and time, bringing another phenomenal addition to the Gundam universe.
Release
This groundbreaking series continues in the legendary Gundam universe, a world where giant mobile robot suits are at the center of war. The story takes place in the previously unknown regions of the Mercury Colony in the Universal Century timeline of human civilization. The plot revolves around the "Mercury Witch", an enigmatic girl attached to a legendary mobile suit, surrounded by government conflicts, secret agendas and conflicting ideals. The characters on offer are a mix of new faces and old favourites, perfectly crafted to intrigue new and seasoned viewers alike. Animations by Sunrise Studio provided attractive visuals to enhance complex textures.
With the right balance between dialogue-driven storytelling and action-packed mecha combat, the series offers a complete Gundam experience. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury promises plenty of surprises and monumental moments, making it a must-see for viewers this season.
Reception
Cultural impact
The cast of culturally diverse characters reflects the unity of the world and promotes the need for global harmony. Each character's story adds unique characteristics and ideologies, creating a compelling plot and helping to understand multicultural individuality.
Witch of Mercury represents a multifaceted vision of female empowerment and breaks the typical stereotypes of mecha series. Contrary to the norm of male-dominated heroic characters in the Gundam universe, the witch serves as a symbol of defiance and strength, showing viewers that heroism knows no gender.
Also, the series provides an interesting twist on the harrowing costs of war. The exploration of complex themes such as loss, grief and the struggle for peace reveals poignant parallels with real-life examples of war, thus resonating with many viewers who value peace over power struggles.
Finally, the series' innovative mecha designs are heavily influenced by the simultaneously technological aesthetic. The uniquely expanded Mercury Gundam has inspired imaginations, encouraged creativity and advanced robotic technology. All these aspects proved that Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is more than just an anime. The series reflects society's aspirations for understanding, peace and progress, and strengthens its cultural impact.