Yzak Joule

Yzak Joule (イザーク・ジュール, Izāku Jūru) is a ZAFT Elite pilot in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and its sequel, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. He is the son of Elsman Joule, a prominent ZAFT official, and pilots the GAT-X102 Duel Gundam during the First Alliance-PLANT War. Initially arrogant and antagonistic towards Kira Yamato, Yzak gradually develops respect for his opponent as the series progresses.

Biography

Early life and military career

Yzak Joule was born in Cosmic Era 56 as the son of Elsman Joule, a high-ranking ZAFT official. Growing up in the PLANTs as a Coordinator, Yzak developed a strong sense of pride in his abilities and his heritage. He joined ZAFT and became an Elite pilot, demonstrating exceptional skills that earned him recognition within the organisation.

Yzak’s personality was characterised by his arrogance and competitiveness, traits that drove him to excel as a pilot but also created conflicts with others. His privileged background and natural talent contributed to his confident, sometimes overbearing demeanour.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

During ZAFT’s attack on Heliopolis to steal the Earth Alliance’s G Project mobile suits, Yzak was assigned to pilot the GAT-X102 Duel Gundam, one of four captured Gundams. His initial encounters with Kira Yamato and the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam were marked by arrogance and frustration, as Yzak struggled to accept that a Coordinator was fighting for the Earth Alliance.

Yzak’s rivalry with Kira became a central aspect of his character development, as he repeatedly sought to prove his superiority over the Strike Gundam pilot. However, his encounters with Kira gradually forced him to confront his own limitations and to develop a more nuanced understanding of the war and his role in it.

Throughout the First Alliance-PLANT War, Yzak participated in numerous battles, often serving alongside his comrades Dearka Elsman, Nicol Amalfi, and Athrun Zala. His experiences in combat and his interactions with Kira contributed to his gradual character development, as he learned to temper his arrogance with respect for his opponents.

Character development

Yzak’s character arc throughout Mobile Suit Gundam SEED focuses on his growth from an arrogant, single-minded pilot to a more mature and reflective individual. His rivalry with Kira serves as a catalyst for this development, as he is forced to acknowledge Kira’s abilities and to question his own assumptions about the war.

By the end of the First Alliance-PLANT War, Yzak has developed a grudging respect for Kira, recognising his abilities as a pilot and his commitment to protecting others. This development continues into Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, where Yzak plays a supporting role and demonstrates further maturity.

Personality & traits

Yzak is initially characterised by his arrogance, competitiveness, and hot-headedness. He possesses strong pride in his abilities as a Coordinator and a ZAFT Elite pilot, which often leads him to underestimate his opponents. His confrontational personality creates conflicts with others, particularly Kira, whom he initially views with contempt.

However, Yzak’s character demonstrates capacity for growth, as his experiences in combat and his interactions with others gradually temper his arrogance. He develops a more nuanced understanding of the war and learns to respect his opponents, even whilst maintaining his competitive drive.

Skills & abilities

As a ZAFT Elite pilot and Coordinator, Yzak possesses exceptional piloting skills and combat abilities. His natural talent, combined with extensive training, makes him one of the most capable pilots in ZAFT. Yzak’s piloting style emphasises aggressive tactics and direct confrontation, reflecting his personality.

Yzak’s combat effectiveness is enhanced by his ability to utilise the Duel Gundam’s various equipment, including the Assault Shroud upgrade that provides additional armour and weapons. His skills improve throughout the series as he gains experience and adapts to various combat scenarios.

Mecha

GAT-X102 Duel Gundam

Yzak’s primary mobile suit in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, the Duel Gundam is a balanced general-purpose mobile suit that serves as the baseline for the G Project. The mobile suit can be equipped with the Assault Shroud, an additional equipment package that enhances its combat capabilities.

ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior

In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Yzak pilots the ZAKU Warrior, a ZAFT mass-production mobile suit. His skills as a pilot make him highly effective even with this less advanced unit.

Relationships

Dearka Elsman

Yzak’s relationship with Dearka Elsman, another ZAFT Elite pilot, is characterised by camaraderie and mutual respect. The two pilots often work together during missions, and their friendship provides support throughout the conflicts they face.

Kira Yamato

Yzak’s relationship with Kira evolves from antagonistic rivalry to grudging respect. Initially, Yzak views Kira with contempt for fighting on the Earth Alliance’s side, but his encounters with Kira force him to acknowledge his opponent’s abilities and to question his own assumptions.

Athrun Zala

Yzak serves alongside Athrun as part of ZAFT’s Elite forces, and their professional relationship evolves as the series progresses. Yzak’s loyalty to ZAFT contrasts with Athrun’s eventual defection, creating tension between them.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny

External links

• Yzak Joule on the Gundam Wiki
• Yzak Joule on Wikipedia