Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory is a 13-episode OVA series that bridges the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Zeta Gundam.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (機動戦士ガンダム0083 STARDUST MEMORY, Kidō Senshi Gandamu Daburuōeitīsurī Sutādasuto Memorī) is a 13-episode OVA series set in the Universal Century timeline. Produced by Sunrise, the series serves as a sequel to Mobile Suit Gundam and a prequel to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.
The series was directed by Kase Mitsuko (episodes 1-7) and Imanishi Takashi (episodes 8-13), with character designs by Kawamoto Toshihiro. Mechanical designs were provided by Kawamori Shōji and Katoki Hajime. The first volume, containing two 30-minute episodes, was released in Japan on 23 May 1991, with subsequent volumes following every one or two months until the final volume on 24 September 1992.
Set in UC 0083, three years after the One Year War, the series follows the conflict between the Earth Federation and the Delaz Fleet, a remnant force of the Principality of Zeon. When ace pilot Anavel Gato steals the nuclear-armed prototype RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A “Physalis”, test pilot Kou Uraki must pursue him in the RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 “Zephyranthes” to prevent the “Operation Stardust” conspiracy.
Synopsis
Main article: Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory episodes
In UC 0083, three years have passed since the One Year War ended with the Principality of Zeon’s defeat. The Earth Federation has grown complacent in its victory, whilst remnants of Zeon forces under Aiguille Delaz have been planning one final stand against the Federation.
The story begins when the Pegasus-class assault carrier Albion arrives at Torrington Base in Australia to deliver two prototype mobile suits from Anaheim Electronics’ Gundam Development Project: the RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 “Zephyranthes” and the RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A “Physalis”. Test pilot Kou Uraki is eager to pilot one of these advanced machines under the supervision of Lieutenant South Burning.
However, before proper testing can begin, Zeon remnant forces led by the legendary ace pilot Anavel Gato, known as the “Nightmare of Solomon”, infiltrate the base and steal the GP02A—a mobile suit equipped with a nuclear warhead. When Gato escapes with the stolen Gundam, Kou takes command of the GP01 and pursues him, beginning a personal rivalry that will span the length of the conflict.
As the Albion and its crew pursue the stolen Gundam, they uncover the true scope of the Zeon conspiracy known as “Operation Stardust”. The Delaz Fleet’s ultimate goal extends far beyond a simple nuclear attack: they plan to drop a space colony on Earth, mirroring the devastating colony drop that began the One Year War. The operation aims to demonstrate Zeon’s continued strength and inspire a new uprising against the Federation.
The pursuit takes the crew from Earth to space, where they encounter various Zeon forces including the enigmatic Cima Garahau and her fleet. As the conflict escalates, political machinations within the Federation itself come to light, revealing corruption and conspiracy at the highest levels of government.
The series culminates in a massive space battle as Operation Stardust reaches its climax. Kou, now piloting the massive RX-78GP03 Gundam GP03 “Dendrobium”, faces Gato in his AMX-002 Neue Ziel mobile armor in a final confrontation. The aftermath of these events leads directly to the formation of the Titans, the elite anti-spacenoid force that becomes central to the events of Zeta Gundam.
Development
Conception
Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory was conceived as part of Sunrise’s strategy to bridge the narrative gap between the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Zeta Gundam. The series was designed to explain the political and military circumstances that led to the formation of the Titans organisation, whilst providing fans with high-quality animation and mechanical designs that showcased the evolution of mobile suit technology.
The series was notable for being one of the first major Gundam productions to feature a female director, with Kase Mitsuko directing the first seven episodes. This made Stardust Memory a pioneering work in the mecha anime genre for its female representation behind the camera.
Production
The production of Stardust Memory was marked by a significant change in direction partway through the series. Kase Mitsuko directed episodes 1-7, establishing the series’ tone and visual style, before Imanishi Takashi took over for episodes 8-13. This transition resulted in some noticeable shifts in the series’ approach, including changes to character relationships and plot developments.
The mechanical designs were a collaboration between two of anime’s most respected designers. Kawamori Shōji, famous for his work on Macross, designed the GP01 “Zephyranthes” and GP02A “Physalis” Gundams, bringing his expertise in transforming mecha to the project. Katoki Hajime contributed designs for various other mobile suits and would later become synonymous with Gundam mechanical design.
The character designs by Kawamoto Toshihiro were praised for their realistic and mature appearance, moving away from the younger character designs common in earlier Gundam series. This approach reinforced the series’ position as a more adult-oriented entry in the franchise.
Music
The musical score by Hagita Mitsuo combined orchestral arrangements with contemporary pop and rock elements. The series featured multiple opening and ending themes:
- Episodes 1-7: Opening theme “The Winner” by Matsubara Miki, ending theme “Magic” by Jacob Wheeler
- Episodes 8-13: Opening theme “Men of Destiny” by MIO, ending theme “Evergreen” by MIO
- Insert songs included “Back to Paradise” by Matsubara Miki (episodes 1 and 6)
Sources & inspirations
The series drew inspiration from military thriller films of the 1980s, particularly Top Gun, which influenced both the characterisation of the pilots and the emphasis on military hardware. The realistic portrayal of military hierarchy and protocol reflected a more grounded approach to the Gundam universe compared to earlier entries.
Release
International release
Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory was first released internationally in North America by Bandai Entertainment, who licensed the series for VHS and DVD distribution. The English dub premiered on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block from 23 February 2002 to 18 May 2002, with reruns continuing through 9 November 2002.
Re-releases
The series was reissued in Japan on DVD in four volumes, with the first Region 2 disc released on 25 January 2000. In 2006, a “5.1 ch DVD Box” was released featuring remastered footage, completely re-recorded dialogue, altered sound effects and music, and a new surround sound experience.
Home media
Following the closure of Bandai Entertainment in 2012, the series went out of print in North America until Right Stuf Inc. acquired distribution rights. They released the series on Blu-ray on 4 April 2017 as part of their partnership with Sunrise.
In the United Kingdom, Anime Limited released the series for the first time on 4 May 2020 as a Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set, featuring the complete 13-episode series and the compilation film.
Compilation movies
Just before the completion of the OVA series in September 1992, the episodes were reformatted into a compilation film titled Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: The Afterglow of Zeon (機動戦士ガンダム0083 ジオンの残光, Kidō Senshi Gandamu Daburuōeitīsurī Jion no Zankō). The film opened in Japanese cinemas on 29 August 1992, a month before the final OVA volume went on sale. The compilation was directed by Imanishi Takashi and featured the ending theme “True Shining” by Wada Rumiko.
Reception
Critical reception
Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory received generally positive reviews from critics and fans, particularly for its high-quality animation and mechanical designs. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of military operations and the mature approach to its characters and themes.
Critics highlighted the exceptional production values, with many considering it among the best-animated Gundam series of its era. The mechanical designs by Kawamori and Katoki were universally acclaimed, with the GP series Gundams becoming iconic designs within the franchise.
However, the series also faced criticism for its character development, particularly regarding the female characters and some plot inconsistencies resulting from the change in directors midway through production. The romantic subplot between the main characters was often cited as a weak point in the narrative.
Commercial success
The series was commercially successful both in Japan and internationally. The high production values and superior animation quality helped establish the OVA format as a viable platform for Gundam productions. The series’ success led to increased international interest in the Gundam franchise during the 1990s.
The mechanical designs proved particularly popular, spawning numerous Gunpla model kits that became bestsellers for Bandai. The GP series Gundams remain among the most popular and frequently reissued model kits in the Master Grade and High Grade Universal Century lines.
Legacy
Television
Stardust Memory played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the original Gundam series and Zeta Gundam, providing essential backstory for the formation of the Titans organisation. The series’ depiction of Federation corruption and the circumstances leading to increased anti-spacenoid sentiment directly set up the political climate explored in Zeta Gundam.
The series established several important elements that would influence future Gundam productions:
- The Gundam Development Project became a significant part of Universal Century lore
- The realistic military approach influenced later OVA series like Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
- The high production values set new standards for Gundam animation quality
Manga
The story of 0083 was retold in prose form by Yamaguchi Hiroshi in three volumes published by Kadokawa Shoten, featuring illustrations by Kawamoto Toshihiro, Sano Hirotoshi, and Katoki Hajime.
Viz Media released all episodes in comic book format from 1993 to 1994, using screenshots from each episode for panels with added line art and unit descriptions.
A manga reboot titled Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Rebellion began publication in Kadokawa Shoten’s Gundam Ace magazine on 26 June 2013. Written by original series director Imanishi Takashi and illustrated by Natsumoto Masato, the series concluded on 26 May 2023 and was compiled into 18 volumes. Volume 16 concluded the plot of the OVA with an original ending, whilst Volume 17 began a non-canon spinoff sequel featuring the return of Anavel Gato.
Video games
Stardust Memory has been featured in numerous Gundam video games, particularly the SD Gundam G Generation series and the Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. series. The GP series mobile suits have become popular playable units across multiple gaming platforms.
The series’ canon was expanded through two radio dramas on CD format:
- Runga Offing Cannonade Battle (ルンガ沖砲撃戦): Set between episodes 7 and 8, featuring new character Aristide Hughes
- Mayfly of Space (宇宙の蜉蝣): Reveals Cima Garahau’s backstory and her unit’s involvement in G-3 nerve gas attacks
Credits
Cast
| Character | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kou Uraki | Horikawa Ryō | Randy McPherson |
| Anavel Gato | Ōtsuka Akio | Paul St. Peter |
| Nina Purpleton | Sakuma Rei | Dorothy Elias-Fahn |
| South Burning | Ōtsuka Chikao | Paul Stephen |
| Chuck Keith | Okiayu Ryōtarō | Kevin Seymour |
| Aiguille Delaz | Ginga Banjō | Richard Miro |
| Cima Garahau | Ikeda Masako | Stevie Bloch |
Crew
- Directed by Kase Mitsuko (episodes 1-7) and Imanishi Takashi (episodes 8-13)
- Written by Imanishi Takashi and Yatate Hajime
- Music by Hagita Mitsuo
- Character design by Kawamoto Toshihiro
- Mechanical design by Kawamori Shōji and Katoki Hajime
- Produced by Ueda Masuo and Takanashi Minoru
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Characters
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Events
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Locations
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Mobile weapons
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Organisations
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Vehicles and vessels
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory – Weapons and technology
External links
- Official Sunrise page
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory on the Gundam Wiki
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory on Anime News Network
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory on IMDb
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory on MAHQ