Jimba Ral

Jimba Ral (ジンバ・ラル) was a politician in the Zeon Party and leader of the Ral faction that opposed the growing influence of the Zabi family in the Autonomous Republic of Munzo. He remained loyal to Zeon Zum Deikun’s vision, protected Deikun’s children after his death, and was the father of Ramba Ral.

Biography

Jimba belonged to the same Zeon Party as the Zabis but led the Ral faction in opposition to their consolidation of power. He represented the wing of Deikun’s movement most loyal to its original ideals and served as guardian of Deikun’s political legacy. He believed the Zabi family had orchestrated Zeon Zum Deikun’s death; although never proven, that conviction drove his efforts to protect Casval and Artesia.

After Deikun’s death in UC 0068, Jimba and his son Ramba Ral organised the children’s extraction with help from Don Teabolo Mass and Federation sympathisers, leading to the Casval and Artesia escape. Jimba constantly reminded Casval of the Zabis’ betrayal, shaping the boy’s later transformation into Char Aznable. Jimba was later killed in another attempt on the siblings’ lives, after which they relocated to Texas Colony.

In the original Mobile Suit Gundam, a character identified in dialogue as Jimba Ral (in Encounters in Space, as Char) states that Degwin Sodo Zabi was the one who named the nation Zeon when he turned Side 3 into the Principality, implying the republic was not called “Zeon” before Deikun’s death.

Relationships

Zeon Zum Deikun

Jimba Ral remained loyal to Zeon Zum Deikun and defended his legacy against the Zabi takeover.

Ramba Ral

Ramba Ral was Jimba’s son and provided military and security support for the Deikun children’s escape; he later served as a Zeon officer during the One Year War.

Casval and Artesia

Jimba protected Casval and Artesia and reinforced Casval’s belief that the Zabis had betrayed their father, fuelling Char’s lifelong vendetta.

Behind the scenes

Jimba Ral was created by Tomino Yoshiyuki and expanded in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin by Yasuhiko Yoshikazu, where he is a central figure in the Deikun children’s backstory.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam (mentioned)
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (OVA / TV)
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (manga)
Mobile Suit Gundam (novels)

External links

Jimba Ral on the Gundam Wiki