Graham Aker

Graham Aker (グラハム・エーカー, Graham Ēkā) is a Union ace mobile suit pilot in Mobile Suit Gundam 00 known for his exceptional piloting skills and his intense rivalry with Setsuna F. Seiei and the GN-001 Gundam Exia. Graham becomes obsessed with defeating the Exia, viewing it as the ultimate challenge for a pilot. In the second season, he adopts the persona of “Mister Bushido” and continues his pursuit of the Gundams with even greater determination.

Biography

Early career

Graham Aker was born in AD 2283 and became a Union mobile suit pilot, rising through the ranks to become one of the Union’s most skilled pilots. His exceptional abilities earned him recognition and respect within the Union military, and he became known for his dedication to his craft and his pursuit of excellence in combat.

Graham’s personality is characterised by his intense focus and determination, qualities that made him an effective pilot and leader. His commitment to his duty and his pursuit of perfection in combat set him apart from other pilots in the Union military.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00

Graham first encounters Celestial Being’s Gundams during the organisation’s armed intervention operations, and he becomes immediately fascinated by the GN-001 Gundam Exia. The Exia’s superior technology and Setsuna’s piloting skills present a challenge that Graham becomes obsessed with overcoming, viewing it as the ultimate test of his abilities as a pilot.

Graham’s rivalry with Setsuna and the Exia becomes a central aspect of his character, driving many of his actions throughout the first season. He repeatedly seeks out the Exia in combat, determined to prove that conventional mobile suits and skilled pilots can match the Gundams’ technological superiority. His encounters with the Exia become increasingly intense, as both pilots push themselves to their limits.

Graham’s obsession with defeating the Exia leads him to take increasingly risky actions, including developing custom equipment and tactics specifically designed to counter the Gundam. His determination and skill make him one of the most dangerous adversaries that Celestial Being faces, despite operating inferior mobile suits.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season

In the second season, Graham adopts the persona of “Mister Bushido” (ミスター・ブシドー, Misutā Bushidō), a samurai-inspired identity that reflects his dedication to combat and his pursuit of the perfect battle. As Mister Bushido, Graham continues his rivalry with Setsuna, now piloting more advanced mobile suits that give him better chances against the Gundams.

Graham’s character development in the second season deepens his rivalry with Setsuna whilst also exploring the psychological aspects of his obsession. His pursuit of the perfect battle becomes a driving force in his life, leading him to take extreme actions and form alliances that serve his goals.

Personality & traits

Graham is characterised by his intense determination, exceptional piloting skills, and obsessive pursuit of challenging opponents. His personality is driven by a desire to prove himself against the best, leading him to become fixated on defeating the Gundam Exia and Setsuna. Graham’s dedication to combat and his pursuit of perfection make him a formidable opponent, even when operating mobile suits that are technologically inferior to the Gundams.

Graham’s adoption of the Mister Bushido persona in the second season reflects his deepening commitment to his pursuit of the perfect battle. The samurai-inspired identity emphasises his dedication to honour, combat, and the pursuit of excellence, whilst also reflecting the psychological aspects of his obsession with defeating the Gundams.

Skills & abilities

As an ace pilot, Graham possesses exceptional piloting skills that allow him to compete with Gundam pilots despite operating conventional mobile suits. His abilities are the result of extensive training, natural talent, and intense dedication to his craft. Graham’s combat skills, combined with his tactical thinking and determination, make him one of the most dangerous non-Gundam pilots in the series.

Graham’s ability to adapt to different mobile suits and develop counter-tactics against the Gundams demonstrates his tactical acumen and creativity. His custom equipment and techniques, developed specifically to counter the Exia, show his resourcefulness and determination to overcome technological disadvantages through skill and innovation.

Mecha

Throughout the series, Graham pilots various mobile suits, each representing his progression as a pilot and his increasing determination to defeat the Gundams:

• SVMS-01 Union Flag – Graham’s initial mobile suit, a Union mass-production unit
• GNX-603T GN-X – Advanced mobile suit with GN Drive technology
• GNX-609T GN-XIII – Improved version of the GN-X
• GNX-803T GN-XIV – Further improved GN-X variant
• GNX-803T GN-XIV (Bushido Custom) – Custom variant with enhanced capabilities
• CB-001.5 1.5 Gundam – Custom mobile suit based on Gundam technology

Relationships

Setsuna F. Seiei

Graham’s relationship with Setsuna is defined by their intense rivalry, which drives much of Graham’s character development. Graham’s obsession with defeating Setsuna and the Exia becomes a central aspect of his character, leading him to take extreme actions in pursuit of his goal. Their encounters are marked by mutual respect despite their opposing allegiances, as both pilots recognise each other’s skills and determination.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam 00
• Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
• Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie: A Wakening of the Trailblazer

External links

• Graham Aker on the Gundam Wiki
• Graham Aker on Wikipedia