Mobile Suit Gundam, first aired in Japan from April 7, 1979, to January 26, 1980, is a groundbreaking anime series created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise. It marked the birth of the "real robot" genre, blending political intrigue, human drama, and intense mecha battles. Originally struggling with ratings, the series gained massive popularity through reruns and model kit sales, leading to its establishment as a cultural phenomenon. The success of Mobile Suit Gundam spawned numerous spin-offs and sequels, including Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, along with movies, OVAs, and reimagined universes. Compilation films and adaptations of the original series, as well as recent entries like Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, continue to expand the franchise, making it one of the most enduring and influential in anime history.

Set in the Universal Century timeline, the story unfolds during a devastating war between the Earth Federation and the space-dwelling Principality of Zeon. The plot follows a young civilian who becomes an unexpected pilot of the revolutionary mobile suit, RX-78-2 Gundam. As war ravages colonies and planets, the series delves into the consequences of technological advancements, the ethics of war, and the human condition. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and morally ambiguous conflicts, Mobile Suit Gundam set the stage for a franchise that explores different timelines, perspectives, and innovations in the world of giant robots. The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has inspired a vast array of merchandise, including toys, collectibles, model kits like the iconic Gunpla, apparel, and gifts, making it a favorite among fans and collectors worldwide.