Post Disaster
Post Disaster (PD) is the timeline of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. It starts over 300 years after the devastating Calamity War, in an era where the Earth Sphere has been reorganised into four economic blocs under Gjallarhorn’s watchful rule. This timeline represents one of the most distinctive alternate universes in the Gundam franchise, introducing unique technologies like the Alaya-Vijnana System and Ahab Reactors, whilst exploring themes of child soldiers, corporate exploitation, and the struggle for independence.
The Post Disaster calendar was established following the Vingolf Proclamation issued by Gjallarhorn in PD 001, marking the end of the interplanetary conflict known as the Calamity War. Unlike the Universal Century timeline’s focus on space colonisation as expansion, the Post Disaster era depicts space development as a means of economic control, with Mars serving as a colonised territory exploited by Earth’s economic blocs.
Timeline
Main article: Post Disaster timeline
The Post Disaster timeline encompasses a relatively concentrated period compared to other Gundam continuities. Most stories are set around PD 323, three centuries after the end of the Calamity War, when tensions between Earth and Mars reached a boiling point.
| Series | Year |
|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans | PD 323 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Moon Steel | PD 323 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr Hunt | PD 323 |
Historical background
The Post Disaster era was shaped by the cataclysmic Calamity War, an interplanetary conflict that caused more casualties than any previous war in human history. This conflict featured the deployment of autonomous mobile armours that threatened human civilisation until 72 Gundam Frames were created to combat them. The war’s conclusion led to the establishment of a new world order under Gjallarhorn’s supervision.
Following the war’s end, Earth was divided into four economic blocs: the African Union, Arbrau, the Oceanian Federation, and SAU. At the Malta Conference in PD 002, these blocs signed treaties to divide and colonise Mars, leading to centuries of economic exploitation and political tension that would eventually culminate in the Martian independence movement.
The devastating nature of the Calamity War left lasting scars on the solar system. The Moon was heavily damaged during the conflict, reshaped by the reckless use of Dainsleif kinetic weapons. Australia’s eastern coast also suffered significant damage, leaving a large portion missing in a manner reminiscent of colony drops from other timelines.
Mecha
Main article: Post Disaster mecha
The Post Disaster timeline introduced several revolutionary mobile suit technologies that distinguish it from other Gundam universes. The most significant innovation was the Ahab Reactor, which generates Ahab Waves that interfere with wireless communications and radar systems. This technology necessitated different tactical approaches compared to other Gundam series.
The 72 Gundam Frames represent the pinnacle of mobile suit development during the Calamity War. Each frame was equipped with dual Ahab Reactors and designed to interface with the Alaya-Vijnana System, allowing pilots to control their machines through direct neural interface. Notable Gundam Frames include the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos, ASW-G-01 Gundam Bael, and ASW-G-66 Gundam Kimaris.
Post-war mobile suit development focused on mass production models like the EB-06 Graze and STH-16 Shiden. These machines typically used single Ahab Reactors and conventional control systems, making them less capable than Gundam Frames but more practical for widespread deployment.
The timeline notably de-emphasises beam weapons, which are largely ineffective against nanolaminate armour. Instead, mobile suits rely on physical projectile weapons, blades, and kinetic weapons like the devastating Dainsleif railguns.
Technology
The Post Disaster timeline features several unique technological concepts. The Alaya-Vijnana System represents the most controversial innovation—a surgical procedure that implants electronic interfaces into a pilot’s spine, allowing direct neural control of mobile suits. Whilst this system grants enhanced reflexes and machine control, it carries significant health risks and is primarily used on child soldiers due to their greater adaptability.
Ahab Reactors serve as the primary power source for mobile suits and ships, generating the Ahab Waves that disrupt conventional communications. This interference necessitated the development of the Half Metal Communication Network, a system of relay stations called “Cocoons” that facilitate long-range communication and navigation throughout the solar system.
Nanolaminate armour provides effective protection against beam weapons whilst remaining vulnerable to physical attacks. This defensive technology influenced combat doctrine, emphasising close-quarters combat and the use of conventional weaponry over energy-based systems.
Series & films
Main article: Post Disaster series and films
The Post Disaster timeline currently consists of one main television series, with additional content provided through manga and mobile games:
| Title | Type | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans | TV | 4 Oct 2015–27 Mar 2016 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 2 | TV | 2 Oct 2016–2 Apr 2017 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr Hunt | Anime | TBA |
Manga
Main article: Post Disaster manga
Several manga series have expanded the Post Disaster timeline beyond the main television series:
| Title | Author(s) | Release Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans | Kazuma Isobe | 2015–2017 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Moon Steel | Hajime Kamoshida Hirosuke Terama (illustrator) | 2016–2018 |
The Moon Steel manga focuses on Argi Mirage, a young mercenary with a tragic history involving Gundam Frames, and Volco Warren, who seeks to rebuild the ASW-G-29 Gundam Astaroth left behind by his family. This side story explores the lasting impact of the Calamity War and the complex relationship between humanity and the Gundam Frames.
Video games
Main article: Post Disaster video games
The timeline has been supported by mobile gaming content:
| Title | Platform | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans G | Mobile | 15 Nov 2022–11 Jan 2024 |
| Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr Hunt | Mobile | 2022–2024 |
The Urdr Hunt game introduced Wistario Afam, a young pilot from the Radonitsa Colony near Venus who becomes involved in the titular “Urdr Hunt”. The game’s story takes place between the two seasons of the main anime and will be adapted into an upcoming animated production.
Themes and reception
The Post Disaster timeline is characterised by its mature themes and realistic portrayal of warfare’s consequences. The series explores child exploitation, corporate corruption, and the cyclical nature of violence through the experiences of Tekkadan, a group of child soldiers seeking independence and dignity in an exploitative system.
The timeline’s emphasis on political intrigue and economic warfare rather than large-scale space battles distinguished it from other Gundam series. The use of child soldiers as protagonists allowed for exploration of themes including loss of innocence, loyalty, and the price of survival in a harsh world.
Iron-Blooded Orphans received praise for its character development, political complexity, and mature storytelling, though opinions remain divided on certain plot developments in the second season. The series’ influence is evident in the continuing expansion of the timeline through manga and upcoming animated adaptations.
Legacy
Despite being one of the newer Gundam timelines, Post Disaster has established itself as a significant entry in the franchise. The Gundam Barbatos and other Post Disaster mobile suits have become popular subjects for Gunpla model kits, with their distinctive designs and realistic weathering effects appealing to builders and collectors.
The timeline’s focus on political and economic themes over traditional space opera elements has influenced subsequent Gundam productions. Its realistic portrayal of child soldiers and corporate exploitation has been particularly influential in shaping discussions about warfare and exploitation in modern mecha anime.
The upcoming Urdr Hunt anime adaptation demonstrates the continued interest in expanding the Post Disaster universe, suggesting that this timeline may continue to grow beyond its current scope.
See also
- Universal Century
- Future Century
- After Colony
- Correct Century
- Cosmic Era
- Anno Domini
- Advanced Generation
- Ad Stella
External links
- Post Disaster on the Gundam Wiki
- Iron-Blooded Orphans official website