Elle Vianno
Junk dealer from Shangri-La who became a skilled mobile suit pilot for the AEUG during the First Neo Zeon War.
Elle Vianno (エル・ビアンノ) was a civilian junk dealer from the Shangri-La space colony who became a skilled mobile suit pilot for the Anti-Earth Union Group during the First Neo Zeon War. Born on 12 January UC 0074, she served as the primary pilot of the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II and developed into one of the Argama’s finest combat pilots despite having no formal military training.
Biography
Early life
Elle Vianno was born and raised in Shangri-La, the first space colony constructed at Side 1. The colony had become cluttered with debris and junk following the One Year War, creating opportunities for entrepreneurial young people to make a living as salvage dealers. Elle worked alongside her childhood friends Judau Ashta, Beecha Oleg, Mondo Agake, and Iino Abbav as part of their junk collecting operation.
The group operated in Shangri-La’s massive junkyard that spilled out onto the colony’s windows, scavenging valuable materials and components from the war’s debris. Elle proved herself to be resourceful and determined, qualities that would serve her well in her later military career. Despite the challenging circumstances of their work, she maintained strong friendships with her companions and demonstrated natural leadership abilities.
Joining the AEUG
Elle’s life changed dramatically in UC 0088 when the Argama arrived at Shangri-La seeking repairs after the Gryps Conflict. Initially, Elle and her friends attempted to steal the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam for its valuable components. However, their attempts repeatedly resulted in them inadvertently helping the AEUG against Neo Zeon attacks.
After several failed theft attempts, Elle and her friends gradually became involved with the Argama’s crew. Captain Bright Noa recognised their potential and persuaded them to join the AEUG formally. Elle was assigned to pilot the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II, which had become available following Emma Sheen’s death at the end of the Gryps Conflict.
Mobile suit pilot
Despite beginning as a complete novice, Elle’s undaunted determination and natural aptitude allowed her to develop rapidly into an accomplished pilot. The Gundam Mk-II, while considered outdated compared to newer transformable mobile suits, proved sufficient for Elle to demonstrate her growing skills. Her quick adaptation to mobile suit combat surprised even experienced military personnel aboard the Argama.
Elle’s piloting style emphasised precision and tactical awareness rather than raw power. Though she possessed weak Newtype abilities that manifested later in the war, her success relied primarily on skill, determination, and quick thinking. She proved particularly effective in defensive operations and support roles, often covering for her less experienced teammates.
Throughout the First Neo Zeon War, Elle participated in numerous battles across both space and Earth. Her mobile suit sustained heavy damage on multiple occasions, but her piloting skills and the Gundam Mk-II’s durability allowed her to survive encounters with superior enemy units. During the final battle at the Axis asteroid base, Elle’s Gundam Mk-II was severely damaged in combat against the NZ-000 Queen Mansa and had to be abandoned.
Personal relationships
Elle initially harboured romantic feelings for Judau Ashta, leading to frequent conflicts with Roux Louka, who also competed for Judau’s affections. However, Elle gradually recognised that Beecha Oleg was the person who truly understood her and could engage in meaningful conversations with her regularly.
Before the final confrontation of the war, Elle accepted Beecha’s heartfelt love confession and returned his feelings. She realised that Beecha had matured significantly from their junk dealer days and had proven his loyalty and growth through his service as acting captain of the Nahel Argama. Their relationship represented one of the more stable romantic pairings to emerge from the chaotic events of the war.
Post-war life
After the First Neo Zeon War concluded, Elle and her surviving friends gathered at the lunar city of Von Braun to see Judau and Roux off on their journey to the Jupiter sphere. Despite the trauma and losses they had experienced, Elle maintained her close friendships with her former colleagues and looked forward to rebuilding their lives in peacetime.
By UC 0096, Elle was still in contact with Beecha and other survivors of their group, as depicted in later materials showing their continued relationships years after the war’s end.
Personality and traits
Elle possessed a straightforward and assertive personality, never hesitating to express her opinions clearly. She demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience, qualities that enabled her transition from civilian junk dealer to effective military pilot. Despite having no political ideals or particular investment in the war’s larger issues, her loyalty to her comrades proved unwavering.
Elle displayed natural leadership qualities and often served as a stabilising influence within her group of friends. She was practical and level-headed, characteristics that proved valuable both in their salvage operations and later military service. Her ability to adapt quickly to new situations and learn complex skills made her an asset to the AEUG’s forces.
Skills and abilities
Piloting skills
Elle demonstrated exceptional aptitude for mobile suit operation despite lacking formal training. Her quick mastery of the Gundam Mk-II’s systems impressed veteran pilots and mechanics alike. She developed strong tactical awareness and proved capable of holding her own against experienced enemy pilots in superior machines.
Her piloting style emphasised defensive techniques and support operations rather than aggressive assault tactics. Elle excelled at protecting allied units and providing covering fire, making her an invaluable team member during complex operations. She also showed capability in various mobile suit types beyond her primary Gundam Mk-II.
Newtype abilities
Elle possessed latent Newtype abilities that began manifesting during the later stages of the First Neo Zeon War. While her psychic powers were relatively weak compared to other Newtypes, they enhanced her spatial awareness and reaction times in combat. These abilities allowed her to sense enemy intentions and coordinate more effectively with her teammates.
Mobile suits
RX-178 Gundam Mk-II
Elle’s primary mobile suit throughout the First Neo Zeon War was the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II, specifically the AEUG variant painted in navy blue and white colours. Originally developed by the Titans and later captured by the AEUG, the Gundam Mk-II represented the first mobile suit to utilise the movable frame concept.
Despite being considered outdated by UC 0088 standards, Elle maximised the mobile suit’s capabilities through skilled piloting and tactical awareness. The Gundam Mk-II’s reliability and durability proved well-suited to Elle’s methodical approach to combat. She was unable to use the G-Defenser support unit to form the Super Gundam configuration, as the G-Defenser had been destroyed during the Gryps Conflict.
Elle’s Gundam Mk-II was equipped with standard armaments including beam sabers, a beam rifle, vulcan pod system, and shield. She demonstrated particular proficiency with the mobile suit’s defensive capabilities and proved adept at using the shield to protect both herself and allied units during combat operations.
The mobile suit served Elle faithfully throughout numerous battles until it was critically damaged and abandoned during the final assault on Axis. Despite its technical limitations compared to newer designs, the Gundam Mk-II allowed Elle to prove herself as one of the Argama’s most reliable pilots.
Behind the scenes
Elle Vianno was designed by Hiroyuki Kitazume, who served as character designer for Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ after Yasuhiko Yoshikazu departed the series. Kitazume designed Elle with pigtails and a tomboyish appearance that reflected her background as a junk dealer while maintaining feminine characteristics.
The character was voiced by Eriko Hara in the original Japanese version. Hara was born Setsuko Matsushita on 1 November 1959 and had previously worked on other mecha anime series including Blue Comet SPT Layzner. In English dubs and video game appearances, Elle has been voiced by multiple actresses including Sarah Hauser, Lori Bachynski, and others across different productions.
Elle’s character development from rival love interest to Beecha’s partner reflected the series’ themes of growth and maturation during wartime. Her relationship arc demonstrated how shared experiences and mutual respect could develop into deeper connections beyond initial romantic attractions.
In video games, Elle has appeared as a playable character in numerous titles including the Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series, Super Robot Wars games, and various SD Gundam G Generation entries. Her game appearances typically feature her piloting the Gundam Mk-II and often include special abilities reflecting her relationship with Beecha and other Shangri-La natives.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ – Episodes 14–47
- Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (manga)
- Mobile Suit Gundam UC 0096: Last Sun
- Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series
- Super Robot Wars V
- SD Gundam G Generation series
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs series
See also
External links
- Elle Vianno on the Gundam Wiki
- Elle Vianno on Behind the Voice Actors