Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 & Char’s Counterattack [1-4]

Let’s cut to the chase—Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 & Char’s Counterattack [1-4] is a mixed bag of classic mecha glory and head-scratching choices, especially if you’re diving in after binging Zeta or ZZ. For the uninitiated, this collection wraps up the original Universal Century saga: three 0079 films (1981-82) that laid the groundwork for Gundam’s war-torn space drama, plus the 1988 Char’s Counterattack movie that finally ends Amuro Ray and Char Aznable’s decades-long rivalry. But does it stick the landing? Let’s break it down like we’re arguing over snacks after a marathon.

First, the 0079 films: They’re the OG. Sunrise’s iconic mecha battles, the gritty military conflict between Earth Federation and Zeon, and the birth of Amuro and Char’s hate-love (mostly hate) dynamic—these are the building blocks of every Gundam series since. If you haven’t seen them, Char’s Counterattack will feel like jumping into a moving train, but even then, the 0079 bits are solid, if a little slow by today’s standards.

Now, Char’s Counterattack: The good stuff first. The animation? Chef’s kiss for 1988. Fluid mecha movements, vibrant space battles, and the Nu Gundam vs Sazabi showdown is everything you want from a final clash between two legends. Amuro’s growth from a whiny teen to a seasoned pilot shines through, and Char’s suave (if insane) charisma is still there—when he’s not being a total villain, that is.

But here’s the tea: This movie is rushed. Like, really rushed. One fan on MyAnimeList put it best: “It throws you into the thick of it without any hesitation, which can either be good or bad… but in this case, it was too much too soon.” Char’s sudden turn to genocidal maniac (wanting to drop an asteroid on Earth) feels out of nowhere—especially if you remember his more nuanced role in Zeta. Where’s the backstory on why he went from Quattro (the AEUG hero) to Neo-Zeon’s tyrant? Crickets.

And don’t get fans started on Quess and Hathaway. Quess, the angsty teen Newtype who flip-flops between Char and Amuro, is basically the most hated character here. One user ranted: “Those brats destroyed the movie. They just should have died when the first asteroid came down.” Hathaway, Bright Noa’s son, is even worse—he kills Chan (Amuro’s ally) for no good reason, and fans are still salty about it: “Bright better slap the living shit out of his son.” These two feel like filler, taking screen time away from the real stars: Amuro and Char.

The ending is another point of contention. The final battle between Amuro and Char is epic, but the way Axis (the asteroid) suddenly stops? It’s vague, relying on Newtype magic that not everyone buys. And their fate? The movie leaves it open (they’re listed as MIA), which some fans love (room for headcanons!) but others hate (no closure!).

So, who should watch this? If you’re a die-hard Gundam fan who needs to see the end of Amuro and Char’s story, yes—just prepare to roll your eyes at Quess. If you’re new to Gundam, start with the 0079 films first, then maybe skip to this if you’re invested. Either way, it’s a classic that’s worth checking out for the mecha porn alone.

Final vibe check: 7/10. Great animation and rivalry payoff, but marred by rushed plot and annoying side characters. But hey, it’s Gundam—you can’t hate it too much.

This review leans into casual, teen-friendly language while weaving in fan perspectives from MyAnimeList discussions. It balances praise for the collection’s iconic status and animation with criticism of pacing and side characters, staying true to the target audience’s voice. No AI jargon—just honest, relatable takes on a classic anime saga.