The first entry in the Gundam 00 universe was released not too long ago. It did occur to me many months ago that it was going to be released, it wasn’t until ProdigalNick showed off new Manga releases at BBAMAJAM (and I call myself a Gundam fan). I now have a personal copy of Gundam 00F. It’s a side-story (yay!) to the Gundam 00 series, following the story of “the other Gundam Meister”, Fon Spaak.

Gundam 00F takes place during the events of the main Gundam 00 series. It follows Fon, who appears to have been punished for just another Gundam pilot, or for simply being another crazy, angsty kid, as he is seen in restraints. But this is likely the answer throughout the story.

Fon Spaak is a member of the organization, Fereshte. The characters involved with Fereshte are Chall Acustica, who founded the organization after being a part of a Gundam development team, whose members were killed in an accident, leaving Chall as the surviving member. There’s also Eco Calore (what’s with the names?). All he does is make snarky remarks about Celestial Being and Fon. But Fon wins most of the time. Although it seems he has a past with another organization…

As the story takes place along the main story of the series, there are familiar faces: from the first appearance of Ali Al-Saachez, to the kidnapping of Massoud Rachmadi. That said, the original Gundam meisters, Setsuna, Tieria, Lockon, and Allelujah appear as well, including Wang Liu Mei, and others that appear throughout the entire series.

Bonus: Neko Haro (Mild Spoilers)

Reading through the synopsis of Gundam 00F, a few friends noticed that a catgirl graces the back of the cover. Unusual for a Gundam series… that’s not a doujinshi. The name of the “catgirl” is Hanayo, who is actually a Haro-who’s antennae (if that’s what they are) are shaped like ねこみみ (Neko Mimi / Cat Ears), and stay like that upon transformation. Hanayo is a hologram that was programmed from Chall’s past, who looks a lot like a crew member of the development team…

Thoughts

Just about every Gundam series gets a side-story (except for G Gundam). Every Gundam side-story I’ve read is just as good as the original story, if not better. Adding to my collection with Wing era The Last Outpost, Episode Zero, and Target Zero, Gundam 00F may just be the next best spin-off of a spin-off of a spin-off.

Many Gundam side-stories take place before, after, or during the original series. But the first volume of Gundam 00F takes place during the first season of Gundam 00, which is a relieve for those who have yet to finish the second season (unlike a certain someone).

It seems that the second volume hold more key to the story. Does it give Fon an extended story leaving the original cast in the dust, or will it be a spoiler fest for the confused? I’ll get back to you on that.

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