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{{Short description|Fictional manned robot in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam}}
{{Short description|Fictional manned robot in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox character
{{Infobox character
| name = Gundam
| name = Gundam
| series = [[Mobile Suit Gundam]]
| series = [[Mobile Suit Gundam]]
| image = RX-78-2 Gundam illustration.gif
| image = RX-78-2 Gundam illustration.gif
| image_upright = yes
| image_upright = yes
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Original illustration of the RX-78-2 Gundam, designed by Kunio Okawara
| caption = Original illustration of the RX-78-2 Gundam, designed by Kunio Okawara
| first = ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' ep. #01, "[[Gundam Rising]]"
| first = ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' ep. #01, "[[Gundam Rising]]"
| last =
| last =
| creator = [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]]<br>[[Kunio Okawara]]
| creator = [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]]<br>[[Kunio Okawara]]
| portrayer =
| portrayer =
| voice =
| lbl1 = Class
| voice =
| data1 = Mobile suit
| lbl1 = Class
| lbl2 = Designation
| data1 = Mobile suit
| data2 = RX-78-2 Gundam
| lbl2 = Designation
| lbl3 = Pilots
| data2 = RX-78-2 Gundam
| data3 = {{Plainlist|
| lbl3 = Pilots
| data3 = {{Plainlist|
* [[Amuro Ray]]
* [[Amuro Ray]]
* [[Sayla Mass]]
* [[Sayla Mass]]
* Tokio Kurono ([[Mobile Suit Gundam Alive]])
* Aiko Anna Pruna ([[Mobile Suit Gundam Alive]])
}}
}}
| species = <!-- for non-humans only -->
| species = <!-- for non-humans only -->
| gender = <!-- if not obvious -->
| gender = <!-- if not obvious -->
| affiliation = [[Earth Federation (Gundam)|Earth Federation]]
| affiliation = [[Earth Federation (Gundam)|Earth Federation]]
| lbl21 = Armaments
| lbl21 = Armaments
| data21 = 60 mm Vulcan guns ×2<br>Beam sabers ×2<br>Beam rifle<br>Beam javelin<br>Hyper Bazooka<br>Gundam Hammer<br>Hyper Hammer<ref>{{cite web | title = Mechanics: Gundam | url = http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/msg/mechanics/ms_gundam.html | publisher = Bandi USA | access-date = November 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040111163217/http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/msg/mechanics/ms_gundam.html|archive-date=January 11, 2004 }}</ref>
| data21 = 60 mm Vulcan Guns ×2<br />Beam Sabers ×2<br />Beam Rifle<br />Beam Javelin<br />Hyper Bazooka<br />Gundam Hammer<br />Hyper Hammer<ref>{{cite web | title = Mechanics: Gundam | url = http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/msg/mechanics/ms_gundam.html | publisher = Bandi USA | access-date = November 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040111163217/http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/msg/mechanics/ms_gundam.html|archive-date=January 11, 2004 }}</ref>
| lbl22 = Height
| data22 = 18 meters (appr. 60 feet)
| lbl23 = Weight
| data23 = 43.4 tons
}}
}}
The {{nihongo|'''RX-78-2 Gundam'''|RX-78-2 ガンダム|Āru Ekkusu Nanajū Hachi no Ni Gandamu|lead=yes}} is a fictional manned [[robot]] ([[mecha]]), introduced in 1979 in [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]]'s and [[Sunrise (company)|Sunrise]]'s [[anime]] series ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]''. In the series, it is a prototype weapon for the Earth Federation when it falls into the hands of [[Amuro Ray]], the son of its designer in story (Tem Ray), who goes on to pilot it in the Earth Federation's war against the Principality of Zeon.
The {{nihongo|'''RX-78-2 Gundam'''|RX-78-2 ガンダム|Āru Ekkusu Nanajū Hachi no Ni Gandamu|lead=yes}} is a fictional manned robot ([[mecha]]), introduced in 1979 in [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]]'s and [[Sunrise (company)|Sunrise]]'s [[anime]] series ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]''. In the series, it is a prototype weapon for the Earth Federation when it falls into the hands of [[Amuro Ray]], the son of its designer in story (Tem Ray), who goes on to pilot it in the Earth Federation's war against the Principality of Zeon.


As the success of the series began the ''Gundam'' franchise, the robot's design was the first of many variations in subsequent works. The design appearing in ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' serves as the iconic symbol of the ''[[Gundam]]'' franchise and sparked the creation of its multiple sequels and spinoffs.
As the success of the series began the ''Gundam'' franchise, the robot's design was the first of many variations in subsequent works. The design appearing in ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' serves as the symbol of the ''[[Gundam]]'' franchise and sparked the creation of its multiple sequels and spinoffs; most future Gundams featured use the RX-78-2's color scheme and shape.


==Character design==
==Conception and design==
The RX-78's initial concept was that of a [[powered armor]], the primary design for [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]]'s proposed series ''Freedom Fighter Gunboy''. The series later changed its name to ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' and [[Kunio Okawara]] was given Tomino's concept to shape into a finalized design for the anime. Okawara created multiple designs before settling on the current, samurai-styled design for the anime in 1979.
The RX-78's initial concept was that of a [[powered armor]], the primary design for [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]]'s proposed series ''Freedom Fighter Gunboy''. The series later changed its name to ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' and [[Kunio Okawara]] was given Tomino's concept to shape into a finalized design for the anime. Okawara created multiple designs before settling on the current, samurai-styled design for the anime in 1979.


Enemies in the series regularly refer to the RX-78-2 as the ''white suit'' or the ''White Devil'' (due to the suit's formidable battle performance) while it is a mix of blue, red, and white. Tomino's response in the novel version of ''Gundam'' is that the original design was to be a grayscale machine, made up of mostly white and light gray colouring. However, ''Sunrise'' disapproved of the colouring and insisted the unit to be painted in brighter colours to attract attention, like other [[super robot]] anime at that time.<ref name="novel">Mobile Suit Gundam(novel), October 1987, {{ISBN|4-04-410101-9}}</ref>
Enemies in the series regularly refer to the RX-78-2 as the ''white suit'' or the ''White Devil'' (due to the suit's formidable battle performance) while it is a mix of blue, red, and white. Tomino's response in the novel version of ''Gundam'' is that the original design was to be a grayscale machine, made up of mostly white and light gray colouring. However, ''Sunrise'' disapproved of the colouring and insisted the unit to be painted in brighter colours like other [[super robot]] anime at that time.<ref name="novel">Mobile Suit Gundam(novel), October 1987, {{ISBN|4-04-410101-9}}</ref>


The [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]] built an approximately full scale RX-78-3 Gundam (named after the use of [[Helium-3 propulsion|helium-3]] fuel) with [[styrofoam]] in its show and contains a simulation pod.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jei-01.hp.infoseek.co.jp/jiei.html|title=楽天が運営するポータルサイト ： 【インフォシーク】Infoseek|work=infoseek.co.jp|access-date=6 April 2015|archive-date=12 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212101807/http://jei-01.hp.infoseek.co.jp/jiei.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The "original" Gundam, the RX-78-2 design was to be the second unit in a line of eight prototype high-performance [[shock troops|assault-type]] mobile suits.<ref>Gundam Officials, ''Gundam'' entry and Earth Federation Mobile Suit listing.</ref> The preceding Gundam model RX-78-1 and the subsequent model RX-78-3 were designed by Okawara between 1980 and 1983 for ''Gundam Century''<ref>Gundam Century renewal version, Kishosha, March 15, 2000, {{ISBN|4-87777-028-3}}</ref> and ''Mobile Suit Variations''<ref>Mobile Suit Variation</ref> and the latter appeared in the novel version as the G-3 Gundam after the original Unit 2 was destroyed in battle.<ref name="novel"/> The fourth to seventh Gundam is designed by Okawara in 1989 for ''Kunio Okawara collection'', also known as ''M-MSV''(Missing Mobile Suit Variation).<ref>大河原邦男コレクション</ref> Other mechanical designers later added further design variations; including [[Yutaka Izubuchi]]'s RX-78NT-1, designed in 1989 for the [[OVA]] series ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket]]'', and [[Shoji Kawamori]]'s and Hajime Katoki's Gundam Development Project designs in 1992 for ''[[Gundam 0083]]''.


=== Variants and successors ===
The RX-78-2 has also been redesigned several times by other artists. In particular, Hajime Katoki's version of the Gundam (referred to as ''Ver. Ka'') has become popular enough to be made into both injection plastic model kits sold by Bandai and resin-based [[garage kit]]s sold by their B-Club subsidiary. Okawara himself redesigned the Gundam for original character designer [[Yoshikazu Yasuhiko]]'s manga ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin]]'', a retelling of the events of the original series. Though mostly identical to the original, it features slightly different designs for its weapons, a small Vulcan pod in its shoulder, and the ability to replace one of the beam sabers stored in its backpack with a cannon similar to that of the [[RX-77 Guncannon]]. In addition, the 15th installment of the ''[[Gundam Evolve]]'' series of shorts features another variation on the RX-78's design, a highly stylized version of the iconic machine based on "modern" design aesthetics. It has been referred as ''Ver. Evolve 15''.<ref>Evolve Material, Gundam Evolve official guide book.</ref>


* The RGM-79 '''GM''' was a mass-produced mobile suit based on the RX-78-2's combat data and design, and spun off into its own line of mobile suits.
The continuing popularity in Japan of this mobile suit has led Bandai to create a 1.5m tall model version, which went on sale in Japan in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=31&set_id=1&art_id=qw1154668321444B215 | title = Japanese robots go large as life | work = Independent Online | publisher = Independent News & Media | date = August 4, 2006 | access-date = January 9, 2007}}</ref>
* The RX-78-2 Gundam is part of the RX-78 series of high-performance mobile suits, which are primarily featured in spinoff media. They were originally designed by Kunio Okawara for the ''Mobile Suit Variation'' and ''Missing Mobile Suit Variation'' series. 8 units were created, with Units 7 and 8 remaining a mystery.
** The RX-78-1 '''Prototype Gundam''' was the first mobile suit designed to combat the Zaku and led to the creation of the RX-78-2.
** The RX-78-3 '''G-3 Gundam''' donned a gray color scheme and used as a testbed for the magnet coating technology later used by the main unit. It makes an appearance in the novel adaption of the show.<ref name="novel" />
** Units "'''G04'''" and "'''G05'''" were featured in the video game ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space|Encounters in Space]],'' and are sister units that eliminate the Core Block system for increased weaponry and better performance. Unit G04 was equipped with a Mega Beam Launcher, which was unstable and destroyed the unit by overloading its energy output.
** The RX-78-6 '''Mudrock Gundam,''' featured in [[Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Missing Link]], was a Zeonic unit utilizing built-in weaponry as opposed to external ones such as the beam rifle.
* The FA-78-1 '''Full Armor Gundam''' was an unbuilt schematic for modular weaponry and armor meant for the RX-78-2.
* The PF-78-1 '''Perfect Gundam''' was first featured in the manga [[Plamo-Kyoshiro]] and was an RX-78-2 model kit modified with over-the-top armor and a shoulder-mounted water cannon.
* The RX-78-NT1 '''Gundam NT-1''' (nicknamed the Alex), was featured in the OVA ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket|War in the Pocket]]''. Initially meant to be sent to Amuro as a replacement for the aging RX-78-2, it was test piloted by Christina Mackenzie and destroyed in the Side 6 space colony.
** The RX-78GP01 '''Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes''' a successor of RX-78-2 was first featured in the OVA ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory|Stardust Memory]]''. A new Gundam-type as part GP project (Gundam Development Project)
** The RX-178 '''Gundam MK-II''' is featured as a key mobile suit in ''[[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam]]'', being piloted by protagonist Kamille Bidan in its first half and continuing to be used throughout it and ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ|Mobile Suit ZZ Gundam]]''. Three units were produced by the Titans faction, improving on aspects of the original with technology such as a moving inner frame and a panoramic cockpit. All three units were later stolen by the Anti Earth Union Group (A.E.U.G) and one of them was given a new paint scheme while the other 2 were dismantled and studied.


=== Alternate designs ===
The [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]] built an approximately full scale RX-78-3 Gundam with [[styrofoam]] in its show and contains a simulation pod.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jei-01.hp.infoseek.co.jp/jiei.html|title=楽天が運営するポータルサイト ： 【インフォシーク】Infoseek|work=infoseek.co.jp|access-date=6 April 2015|archive-date=12 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212101807/http://jei-01.hp.infoseek.co.jp/jiei.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


* A redesigned iteration of the RX-78-2 by [[Hajime Katoki]], referred to as ''Ver.Ka'', is featured in merchandise such as the Master Grade line of model kits and the Gundam Fix Figuration line of figures.
Gundam Expo (Hong Kong) uses the RX-78-2's last shooting scene in its logo's ''X''.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207215703/http://expo06.bandai-asia.com/index.htm|archive-date=December 7, 2006 | url = http://expo06.bandai-asia.com/index.htm | title = Gundam Expo 2006|work=expo06.bandai-asia.com|access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>
* A version parallel counter-part in featured manga reboot [[Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin]] same design characteristics as original, except the shoulder and the body armor was remade.
* Another iteration with a sleeker design is featured in the shorts series [[Gundam Evolve]].
* A version designed by mechanical engineer [[Ken Okuyama]] is featured in a short film and model kit to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. The design was meant to mimic realistic human movement similar to the original series.
* Gunboy-Wilbur is a "Machining Skin" featured in ''[[For the Barrel,]]'' a novel reinterpretation of the original series serialized in ''Newtype'' Magazine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ガンダム小説紹介その4 フォーザバレル |url=https://www.hypplcs.com/2019/05/post-87a755.html |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=ヒュポポリクス}}</ref>


==Other media and merchandise==
In the ''[[Super Robot Wars]]'' series of [[tactical role-playing games]], the ''Gundam'' franchise is the chief representative of the "Real Robot" genre and one of the three mainstays of the series (the other two being [[Mazinger]] and [[Getter Robo]]), and the original Gundam itself is referred to in the series as the {{nihongo|'''First Gundam'''|ファーストガンダム|Fāsuto Gandamu}} in order to distinguish it from its many successors.<ref>Super Robot Wars data file, Gamestation June 2000 2nd issue SRW alpha special</ref>


=== Pop culture ===
<ref name="gamefaq">{{cite web | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070821062038/http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/review/R61975.html|archive-date=August 21, 2007 | url = http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/review/R61975.html | title = Super Robot Taisen A | author = Magenta Galaxy | publisher = GameFAQs | date = October 14, 2003 | access-date = June 2, 2015}}</ref>
The RX-78-2 Gundam is one of the basic units that appear in the ''[[Super Robot Wars]]'' series'','' representing the ''Gundam'' franchise alongside series mainstays ''[[Mazinger]]'' and ''[[Getter Robo]]''. <ref name="gamefaq">{{cite web |author=Magenta Galaxy |date=October 14, 2003 |title=Super Robot Taisen A |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/review/R61975.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821062038/http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/review/R61975.html |archive-date=August 21, 2007 |access-date=June 2, 2015 |publisher=GameFAQs}}</ref>


The RX-78-2 also makes multiple cameo appearances in the anime ''[[Sgt. Frog]]''.
==Gundam Mk-II==
{{Infobox character
| name = RX-178 Gundam Mk. II
| first_major = [[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam|Zeta Gundam]]
| first_minor = The Black Gundam
| last_major = [[Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ|Double Zeta Gundam]]
| designer = [[Kunio Okawara]], [[Mamoru Nagano]], [[Kazumi Fujita]]
| affiliation = Titans; Anti Earth Union Group (AEUG); [[Kamille Bidan]]; [[Char Aznable]] (alias [[Char Aznable#Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam|Quattro Bajeena]]); [[Emma Sheen]]; [[Jerid Messa]] and others
| weapon =
*360mm hyper bazooka
*beam rifle
*2 x beam saber, stored in recharge racks in backpack
*clay bazooka
*optional 2-barrel 60mm vulcan pod, mounted on head
*optional long beam rifle (movie, taken from Super Gundam)
}}


The RX-78-2 Gundam appeared in the film ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]'' (2018),<ref>{{cite web |date=11 December 2017 |title=Gundam Appears in New Ready Player One Trailer |url=http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/gundam-appears-in-new-ready-player-one-trailer/}}</ref> where one of the protagonists controls the RX-78-2 to battle [[Mechagodzilla]].
The '''RX-178 Gundam Mark-II''' is a fictional mobile suit from the [[Universal Century]] [[Gundam]] anime series. A collaborative design created by [[Kunio Okawara]], [[Mamoru Nagano]], and [[Kazumi Fujita]], it is featured prominently as protagonist [[Kamille Bidan]]'s mobile suit in the first half of ''[[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam]]'', and used by various secondary characters throughout the rest of that series and its sequel, ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ]]''. It has appeared in a number of other media, including the [[PlayStation 2]] title ''Mobile Suit Gundam: AEUG Vs Titans'',<ref name="AvT">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/objects/573/573342.html | title = Mobile Suit Gundam: AEUG versus Titans | work = IGN.com | access-date = October 31, 2007 }}</ref> the multi-platform title ''[[Dynasty Warriors: Gundam]]'',<ref name="Musou">{{cite web | url = http://www.dynastywarriorsgundam.com/flash_positive.html | title = Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Official Game Site | work = [[Namco Bandai Games]] | access-date = October 31, 2007 }}</ref> the ''[[Super Robot Wars]]'' series,<ref name="SRW">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gameboy/file/581765/29673 | title = Super Robot Wars Robot Series Guide | work = GameFaqs.com | access-date = October 31, 2007 }}</ref> and [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] title ''[[Gundam Battle Royale]]'', among many others.[[File:VX2 (Gundam).jpg|left|thumb|Concept art showing inspiration from Gundam Mk-II]]

==Media==

<!--Please only give notable and sourced appearances, RX-78 appeared in tons of Gundam games and short video clips, no point in listing them all.-->

===Pop culture===

The appearance of the unit is not limited to Gundam series. RX-78-2 Gundam is one of the basic units that appear in the ''[[Super Robot Wars]]'' series, ever since the first game for the [[Game Boy]].<ref name="gamefaq"/> The RX-78-2 also makes multiple cameo appearances in the anime ''[[Sgt. Frog]]''.

The current Bandai Universal Century models' label copyright classification also uses the head of the Gundam as its icon.<ref>Warera! Gundam Hakkutsu Tai!!(我ら！ガンダム発掘隊！！), report file 014-B, Soutsuu Agency, [[Sunrise (company)]]</ref>

[[Pepsi]] released several series of Pepsi bottles with special-edition bottle caps featuring miniature statues of various mobile suits from the many Gundam anime released over the years.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-08-05/gundams-and-pepsi | title = Gundams and Pepsi | publisher = [[Anime News Network]] | date = August 5, 2004 | access-date = January 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-11-01/pepsi-gundam-promotion-illegal | title = Pepsi-Gundam Promotion Illegal | publisher = [[Anime News Network]] | date = November 1, 2005 | access-date = January 9, 2007}}</ref> The RX-78 was one of three of these designs (the other two being both the normal [[MS-06 Zaku II|Zaku]] and [[Char Aznable|Char]]'s red Zaku) to have multiple miniatures released during the first promotional campaign, including both a full-body sculpture and a sculpture of its bust.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}


On October 23, 2000, Japan included the RX-78 Gundam and Amuro Ray in the 20th Century Stamp Series.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/00jpn/00comm/00oct23c1.html | title = The 20th Century Stamp Series 15 | access-date = January 10, 2007}}</ref> This mobile suit and other notable machines from various ''Gundam'' series were also recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in 2005. Other franchises and series included were ''[[Pokémon]]'', ''[[Galaxy Express 999]]'', and ''[[Detective Conan]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/05jpn/05kine/050801c1.html | title = Anime Hero and Heroine Series II - Gundam | access-date = January 13, 2007}}</ref>
On October 23, 2000, Japan included the RX-78 Gundam and Amuro Ray in the 20th Century Stamp Series.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/00jpn/00comm/00oct23c1.html | title = The 20th Century Stamp Series 15 | access-date = January 10, 2007}}</ref> This mobile suit and other notable machines from various ''Gundam'' series were also recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in 2005. Other franchises and series included were ''[[Pokémon]]'', ''[[Galaxy Express 999]]'', and ''[[Detective Conan]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/05jpn/05kine/050801c1.html | title = Anime Hero and Heroine Series II - Gundam | access-date = January 13, 2007}}</ref>


=== Promotions ===
The RX-78-2 Gundam & 2 Medea transport planes were featured in a fire fighting poster in Japan. The RX-78-2 was equipped with water spraying equipment instead of weapons.<ref>Japanese Fire Department, Fire Fighting History Museum, ''The future of fire fighting''(消防の未来), section 1 Gundam Activity (ガンダム大活躍)</ref><!--The museum could be visited, thus this is a published source. It is also on the website, [http://www.bousaihaku.com/cgi-bin/hp/index.cgi] the link is generated every now and then, just follow the above words to find it.-->
The RX-78-2 Gundam & 2 Medea transport planes were featured in a fire fighting poster in Japan. The RX-78-2 was equipped with water spraying equipment.<ref>Japanese Fire Department, Fire Fighting History Museum, ''The future of fire fighting''(消防の未来), section 1 Gundam Activity (ガンダム大活躍)</ref>


On July 16, 2010 to June 30, 2011, [[All Nippon Airways|ANA]] launched a series of flights as part of the 30th anniversary of Gunpla. Called the "ANA x GUNDAM Sky Project," the promotion used specially painted Boeing 777s on domestic and international flights. The initial flight was from Tokyo to Osaka. Promotional model kits include 1/144 scale versions of the RX-78-2, [[Mobile Suit Gundam 00|Gundam 00]] Raiser, and [[Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn|Unicorn Gundam]], as well as a 1/48 scale RX-78-2, all molded in ANA colors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ana.co.jp/dom/promotion/gundam/ |title=「ANA×GUNDAM SKYプロジェクト」│航空券│ANA国内線 |publisher=Ana.co.jp |access-date=2013-05-24 |archive-date=2013-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515110449/http://www.ana.co.jp/dom/promotion/gundam/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722065357/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100717a2.html|archive-date=July 22, 2010|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100717a2.html |title=ANA's 'Gundam' plane makes inaugural flight |publisher=[[The Japan Times]] |date=July 17, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>
According to Gundam-san [[4 koma]] comic, the [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution]] appearance is influenced by the RX-78-2 Gundam.<ref>Mobile Suit Gundam-san(Kidou Senshi Gundamu san), P.123</ref>


Promotional food based on the Gundam include Pocky, Pepsi,<ref>{{cite web |date=August 5, 2004 |title=Gundams and Pepsi |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-08-05/gundams-and-pepsi |access-date=January 9, 2007 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 1, 2005 |title=Pepsi-Gundam Promotion Illegal |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-11-01/pepsi-gundam-promotion-illegal |access-date=January 9, 2007 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> McDonalds, and Cup Noodles. Food promotions usually tie into merchandise, including exclusive model kits or miniature statues.
[[Pocky]] released a series called ''Pocky Gunpla Bag'' that contains a small plastic model in it. One of them is the RX-78-2 Gundam. The target customers of this product is 30-year-old male.<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://www.bandai.co.jp/releases/J2006112401.html | title = Nationwide sale on three kinds of Pocky | publisher = [[Bandai]] | date = November 24, 2006 | language = ja | access-date = January 9, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606045643/http://www.bandai.co.jp/releases/J2006112401.html | archive-date = June 6, 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

In 2008, an [[ink and wash painting]] of Gundam drawn by Hisashi (天明屋 尚) in 2005 was sold in the [[Christie's]] auction held in Hong Kong with a price of $600,000 ([[USD]]).<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005153659/http://game.people.com.cn/BIG5/48602/48968/7304425.html|archive-date=October 5, 2013|url=http://game.people.com.cn/BIG5/48602/48968/7304425.html|title=史上最貴高達水墨畫拍出60萬美元天價|date=May 27, 2008|work=people.com.cn|access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113004809/http://www.gamebase.com.tw/news/topic/82974936/|archive-date=January 13, 2015|url=http://www.gamebase.com.tw/news/gb_news.html?sno=82974936|title=史上最貴鋼彈RX-78-2水墨畫 拍出1800萬台幣天價 :: 新聞中心|work=遊戲基地 gamebase|access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>

An 18-meter life-size version of the Gundam was built in 2009 to commemorate the franchise's 30 year anniversary.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-11/18-meter-gundam-to-rise-at-tokyo-odaiba-island-in-july | title = 18 Meter Gundam to Rise at Tokyo's Odaiba Island in July | publisher = [[Anime News Network]] | access-date = March 11, 2009}}</ref> The project is in response to the 30th Anniversary of Gundam as well as a fund raising project for Green Tokyo, a project preparing Tokyo in terms of the [[Tokyo bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics|bid]] for [[2016 Olympic Games]] with the theme of a ''Green Olympic''.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419055413/http://www.greentokyo-gundam.jp/index.html|archive-date=April 19, 2009|url=http://www.greentokyo-gundam.jp/index.html|title=GREEN TOKYO ガンダムプロジェクト みんなで育てる未来がある。|work=greentokyo-gundam.jp|access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> The statue itself is depicted in the 2010 anime ''[[Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G]]''. After an appearance at Bandai's headquarters in Shizuoka from late 2010 to March 2011, it was erected again at the new Gundam Front Tokyo theme attraction on Odaiba, opening in July 2012 until March 2013.

On July 16, 2010, [[All Nippon Airways|ANA]] launched a series of flights as part of the 30th anniversary of Gunpla. Called the "ANA x GUNDAM Sky Project," the promotion used specially painted Boeing 777s on domestic and international flights. The initial flight was from Tokyo to Osaka. Passengers were also given the chance to buy HGUC 1/144 and 1/48 MegaScale kits of the RX-78-2 Gundam painted in ANA colors aboard the flight. It was scheduled to end in March 2011, but was extended to June 30, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ana.co.jp/dom/promotion/gundam/ |title=「ANA×GUNDAM SKYプロジェクト」│航空券│ANA国内線 |publisher=Ana.co.jp |access-date=2013-05-24 |archive-date=2013-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515110449/http://www.ana.co.jp/dom/promotion/gundam/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722065357/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100717a2.html|archive-date=July 22, 2010|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100717a2.html |title=ANA's 'Gundam' plane makes inaugural flight |publisher=[[The Japan Times]] |date=July 17, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> The promotion was expanded to offer special 1/144 versions of the 00 Raiser and the Gundam Unicorn.

The RX-78-2 Gundam appeared in Steven Spielberg's film ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]'' (2018),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/gundam-appears-in-new-ready-player-one-trailer/ |title=Gundam Appears in New Ready Player One Trailer |date=11 December 2017 }}</ref> where one of the protagonists controls a full size Gundam replica during the climactic battle in a virtual reality environment, where it, and its ally [[The Iron Giant]] is used to battle the antagonist's [[Mechagodzilla]].

The Gundam was featured on the online series ''[[Death Battle]]'' and was pitted up against the Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime]] and lost due to the Autobot being more skilled, having far superior feats and better weapons.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/Fyh2iO0rCh4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180905194139/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyh2iO0rCh4&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyh2iO0rCh4| title = Optimus Prime VS Gundam (Transformers VS Gundam) {{!}} DEATH BATTLE! | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


===Statues===
===Statues===
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On March 23, 2008, a bronze statue of the Gundam was erected at the south entrance of [[Kami-Igusa Station]] in [[Suginami]], [[Tokyo]] to honor the hometown animation studio [[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gundam.info/news/hot-topics/news_hot-topics_20080325_1282p.html |title=ガンダムのブロンズ像、西武新宿線 上井草駅前の大地に立つ！ |website=Gundam.info |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=5 February 2023}}</ref>
On March 23, 2008, a bronze statue of the Gundam was erected at the south entrance of [[Kami-Igusa Station]] in [[Suginami]], [[Tokyo]] to honor the hometown animation studio [[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gundam.info/news/hot-topics/news_hot-topics_20080325_1282p.html |title=ガンダムのブロンズ像、西武新宿線 上井草駅前の大地に立つ！ |website=Gundam.info |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=5 February 2023}}</ref>


As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Gundam series, the company officially announced a project on March 11, 2009, called ''Real-G'' planning to build a '''1:1''' real size scale Gundam in Japan. It was completed on June 9, 2009, and displayed in a Tokyo park.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020110425/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8090946.stm|archive-date=October 20, 2010|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/8090946.stm | work=BBC News | title=Day in pictures | date=June 9, 2009 | access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="yahoo1">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527142953/http://recommend.yahoo.co.jp/silverlight/gundam/|archive-date=May 27, 2010|url=http://recommend.yahoo.co.jp/silverlight/gundam/|title=1/1実物大ガンダム大地に立つ！]|work=recommend.yahoo.co.jp|access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> The 18-meter tall statue was later moved and reconstructed in [[Shizuoka City]], where it stayed from July 2010 to March 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-23/life-size-gundam-statue-unveiled-at-new-shizuoka-home|title=Life-Size Gundam Statue Unveiled at New Shizuoka Home|date=2010-07-23|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-08-04/life-size-gundam-statue-returns-to-tokyo-in-parts|title=Life-Size Gundam Statue Returns to Tokyo ... in Parts|date=2011-08-14|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> In August it was dismantled and reconstructed in [[Odaiba]], Tokyo on April 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-04-22/life-size-gundam-rises-again-at-tokyo-odaiba-in-video|title=Life-Size Gundam Rises Again at Tokyo's Odaiba in Video |date=2012-04-22|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/01/gundam-robot-statue-tokyo-japan-bandai-plaza-divercity_n_1468856.html?ref=world|title=Giant 60-Foot 'Mobile Suit Gundam' Statue Presides Over DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (PHOTO) |date=2012-05-01|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Huffington Post]]}}</ref> Until March 5, 2017, it stood in Odaiba along with a gift shop called "Gundam Front Tokyo".<ref name="appetiteforjapan">{{Cite web|url=https://appetiteforjapan.com/2015/12/02/gundam-odaiba/|title=Diver City Tokyo: the ultimate Gundam experience|last=appetiteforjapan|date=2015-12-02|website=Appetite For Japan|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref>
As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Gundam series, the company officially announced a project on March 11, 2009, called ''Real-G'' planning to build a '''1:1''' real size scale Gundam in Japan. It was completed on June 9, 2009, and displayed in a Tokyo park.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020110425/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8090946.stm|archive-date=October 20, 2010|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/8090946.stm | work=BBC News | title=Day in pictures | date=June 9, 2009 | access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref><ref name="yahoo1">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527142953/http://recommend.yahoo.co.jp/silverlight/gundam/|archive-date=May 27, 2010|url=http://recommend.yahoo.co.jp/silverlight/gundam/|title=1/1実物大ガンダム大地に立つ！]|work=recommend.yahoo.co.jp|access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> The 18-meter tall statue was later moved and reconstructed in [[Shizuoka City]], where it stayed from July 2010 to March 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-23/life-size-gundam-statue-unveiled-at-new-shizuoka-home|title=Life-Size Gundam Statue Unveiled at New Shizuoka Home|date=2010-07-23|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-08-04/life-size-gundam-statue-returns-to-tokyo-in-parts|title=Life-Size Gundam Statue Returns to Tokyo ... in Parts|date=2011-08-14|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> This design became the basis for the Real Grade model in 2010 and the Master Grade Ver.3.0 model in 2013 and makes an appearance in ''[[Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G]]''. In August it was dismantled and reconstructed in [[Odaiba]], Tokyo on April 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-04-22/life-size-gundam-rises-again-at-tokyo-odaiba-in-video|title=Life-Size Gundam Rises Again at Tokyo's Odaiba in Video |date=2012-04-22|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/01/gundam-robot-statue-tokyo-japan-bandai-plaza-divercity_n_1468856.html?ref=world|title=Giant 60-Foot 'Mobile Suit Gundam' Statue Presides Over DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (PHOTO) |date=2012-05-01|access-date= 2012-05-04|work=[[Huffington Post]]}}</ref> Until March 5, 2017, it stood in Odaiba along with a gift shop called "Gundam Front Tokyo".<ref name="appetiteforjapan">{{Cite web|url=https://appetiteforjapan.com/2015/12/02/gundam-odaiba/|title=Diver City Tokyo: the ultimate Gundam experience|last=appetiteforjapan|date=2015-12-02|website=Appetite For Japan|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref> On March 5, it was announced that the life size RX 78-2 Gundam will be replaced by [[Statue of Unicorn Gundam|a statue of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam]] from ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gundam.info/topic/17635|title=「実物大ユニコーンガンダム立像」新プロジェクト始動！2017年秋、お台場にて展示開始！|work=公式ガンダム情報ポータルサイト「GUNDAM.INFO」|access-date=2017-03-07|language=ja}}</ref>

On March 5, it was announced that the life size RX 78-2 Gundam will be replaced by [[Statue of Unicorn Gundam|another life size statue of the RX 0 Unicorn Gundam]] from ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gundam.info/topic/17635|title=「実物大ユニコーンガンダム立像」新プロジェクト始動！2017年秋、お台場にて展示開始！|work=公式ガンダム情報ポータルサイト「GUNDAM.INFO」|access-date=2017-03-07|language=ja}}</ref>

A second statue based on the original Gundam was announced in late 2018 as part of the "Gundam global challenge" made to receive concepts for an animatronic version.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Life-sized Gundam 18 Meters Tall Moves!|url=https://en.gundam.info/news/event/news_event_20181121_0012.html|access-date=2021-05-29|website=GUNDAM.INFO {{!}} The official Gundam news and video portal|language=en}}</ref> The statue finished construction in 2020 and opened to the public on December 19, 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan's new life-size moving Gundam statue unveiled in full dramatic glory|url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/japan%E2%80%99s-new-life-size-moving-gundam-statue-unveiled-in-full-dramatic-glory|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Japan Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA|date=24 November 2020 |url=https://gundam-factory.net/en/|access-date=2021-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref>


A second statue based on the original Gundam was announced in late 2018 as part of the "Gundam Global Challenge" made to receive concepts for an animatronic version.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Life-sized Gundam 18 Meters Tall Moves!|url=https://en.gundam.info/news/event/news_event_20181121_0012.html|access-date=2021-05-29|website=GUNDAM.INFO {{!}} The official Gundam news and video portal|language=en}}</ref> The statue, known as the RX-78F00 Yokohama Gundam, finished construction in 2020 and opened to the public on December 19, 2020 as part of the Gundam Factory Yokohama attraciton.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan's new life-size moving Gundam statue unveiled in full dramatic glory|url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/japan%E2%80%99s-new-life-size-moving-gundam-statue-unveiled-in-full-dramatic-glory|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Japan Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA|date=24 November 2020 |url=https://gundam-factory.net/en/|access-date=2021-05-29|language=en-US}}</ref> The statue was dismantled in 2024. A rebuilt version called the F00/E will be featured in the ''Gundam Next Future'' Pavilion at [[Expo 2025]] in Osaka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barder |first=Ollie |title=The Life-Size Walking Gundam Is Getting A New Home At Expo 2025 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2024/06/25/the-life-size-walking-gundam-is-getting-a-new-home-at-expo-2025/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> This statue will be in a fixed pose, kneeling and reaching for the sky.
Outside of the Lalaport shopping complex in [[Shanghai]], [[China]], there is a life-sized (18 meters tall) statue of the Freedom Gundam robot that moves and has glowing eyes. It was installed in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=&quot;Life-size&quot; Gundam statue in Shanghai catches hearts of fans |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/05/4cfed215f052-life-size-gundam-statue-in-shanghai-catches-hearts-of-fans.html |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=Kyodo News+}}</ref>


Other statues include the Freedom Gundam from ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED]]'' in Shanghai, China in 2021'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=&quot;Life-size&quot; Gundam statue in Shanghai catches hearts of fans |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/05/4cfed215f052-life-size-gundam-statue-in-shanghai-catches-hearts-of-fans.html |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=Kyodo News+}}</ref>''', and a statue of the Nu Gundam from ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack]]'' sporting a long range funnel weapon (dubbed the RX-93ff) in [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka, Japan]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stenbuck |first=Kite |date=2021-09-15 |title=Life-Size Nu Gundam Statue Will Appear in Fukuoka |url=https://www.siliconera.com/life-size-nu-gundam-statue-will-appear-in-fukuoka/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Theme park attraction "Gundam Crisis" and "Gundam Front Tokyo"===
The RX-78-2 Gundam had a full 1:1 scale mock-up constructed for the theme park attraction ''Gundam Crisis''. It costs 800 yen to go into the attraction and the attraction is basically a game where the players have to complete about eight different missions within 8 minutes (1 minute per mission) in order to access the cockpit. If successful, players are shown a special, Gundam-related video inside the cockpit.<ref>Warera! Gundam Hakkutsu Tai!!(我ら！ガンダム発掘隊！！), report file 001-B, Soutsuu Agency, [[Sunrise (company)]]</ref>


===Physical attractions===
The statue stood in Odaiba, Tokyo, outside the shopping mall Diver City Tokyo, where it was a centerpiece of the "Gundam Front Tokyo" attraction until March 5, 2017. Visitors could visit the statue and also see the Gundam Front Tokyo attraction on the sixth floor of the mall, which featured a 360 degree panoramic movie theater, a room dedicated to Gundam models throughout the years, much concept artwork, and a life-size 1/1 scale bust of the Strike Freedom Gundam from the show ''Gundam SEED''.<ref name="appetiteforjapan"/> The nearby hotel, Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (formerly Grand Pacific le Daiba) had a Gundam themed hotel room during this time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://appetiteforjapan.com/2015/12/13/gundam-hotel/|title=Hotel Gundam Style: inside the exclusive anime hotel suite|last=appetiteforjapan|date=2015-12-13|website=Appetite For Japan|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref>
Gundam the Ride: A Baoa Qu was a theme park attraction from [[Fuji-Q Highland]] which ran from 2000 to 2007. Visitors are escorted in a battlship by 2 GM suits during the titular battle. The ride was replaced by ''Gundam Crisis,'' where visitors explore a hangar in order to collect data to access the RX-78-2's cockpit. If successful, an exclusive video will be shown inside the cockpit.<ref>Warera! Gundam Hakkutsu Tai!!(我ら！ガンダム発掘隊！！), report file 001-B, Soutsuu Agency, [[Sunrise (company)]]</ref>


The statue stood in Odaiba, Tokyo, outside the shopping mall Diver City Tokyo, where it was a centerpiece of the "Gundam Front Tokyo" attraction until March 5, 2017. Visitors could visit the statue and also see the Gundam Front Tokyo attraction on the sixth floor of the mall, which featured a 360 degree panoramic movie theater, a room dedicated to Gundam models throughout the years, concept artwork, and a life-size 1/1 scale bust of the Strike Freedom Gundam from the show [[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|''Mobile Suit'' ''Gundam SEED'']].<ref name="appetiteforjapan"/> The nearby hotel, Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (formerly Grand Pacific le Daiba) had a Gundam themed hotel room during this time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://appetiteforjapan.com/2015/12/13/gundam-hotel/|title=Hotel Gundam Style: inside the exclusive anime hotel suite|last=appetiteforjapan|date=2015-12-13|website=Appetite For Japan|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref>
== Other Mk-II appearances and beyond ==
The concept of Isuzu VX 2<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.isuzu.co.jp/museum/conhis/vx2.html|title=VX-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112132501/https://www.isuzu.co.jp/museum/conhis/vx2.html |archive-date=2021-01-12|url-status=dead }}</ref> is inspired by RX-178 Gundam Mk-II as concept design arts released in the Jan/Feb 1998, as seen in issue no. 71 of the magazine ''Axis'' published in Japan.


=== Toys and model kits ===
The Mk. II appeared years before the official North American release of ''Z Gundam'' on the [[talk show]] ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'' in a [[commercial bumper]].<ref name="CONAN">{{cite web | url = http://centerclick.org/conan/art.shtml?6 | title = ''Late Night With Conan O'Brien'' Picture Archive | work = Centerclick.org / National Broadcasting Company | access-date = December 9, 2007 }}</ref> Featured on an episode originally aired on September 30, 1998, the "Conan Mk. II" was formed from a Mk. II model kit altered with [[Conan O'Brien|O'Brien]]'s face, and a cartoon-like head on the shield, as typical of ''Late Night'' bumpers of the period. ''Zeta Gundam'' was not officially released in the North American market by Bandai until [[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam#International release|2004]]. ''Late Night'' graphical designer [[Pierre Bernard (comedian)|Pierre Bernard]] is a self-stated [[anime]] enthusiast,<ref>Bernard has commented at length about the superiority of Japanese animation as opposed to that which is produced in the United States, including ''Recliner of Rage'' segments about the [[Anime Network]] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IC3hDaUFMA YouTube Video]) and [[Harmony Gold USA|Harmony Gold]]'s releases of ''[[Robotech]]'' DVDs ([https://web.archive.org/web/20041009190859/http://www.robotech.com/gallery/mmitem.php?filetype=MOV&id=278 Robotech.com Video]), the latter of which garnered a news article response, [http://www.robotech.com/news/viewarticle.php?id=199 complete with chart].</ref> though if he specifically created the "Conan Mk. II" bumper has not been confirmed by any official source.
The original line of toys produced by the show's original sponsor [[Clover (toy company)|Clover]], diecast figures with more super robot aesthetics, clashed with the show's themes and audience and was not a success. To capture the teenage and adult demographics, Bandai produced a line of [[Gunpla|model kits]] based on the Gundam and other mobile suits, which became immensely popular. the RX-78-2 Gundam has releases in virtually every model line and scale and is often used to commemorate a new model line or an anniversary.


The current Bandai Universal Century models' label copyright classification also uses the head of the Gundam as its icon.<ref name=":0">Warera! Gundam Hakkutsu Tai!!(我ら！ガンダム発掘隊！！), report file 014-B, Soutsuu Agency, [[Sunrise (company)]]</ref>
As with most mobile suits from Zeta Gundam, the Gundam Mk. II (and its Super form) received 1:144<ref name="HLJ1">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN03333 | title = 1/144th Gundam Mk. II | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> and 1/100<ref name="HLJ2">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN03753 | title = 1/100th Gundam Mk. II | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> scale model kits in 1987, along with a 1:220 scale "pocket model" (scaled to match large Z Gundam mobile suit kits, such as the [[MRX-009 Psyco Gundam]]).<ref name="HLJ3">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN05189 | title = 1/220th Gundam Mk. II | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> In 1994, the Mk. II was featured in the limited-run 1:144 [[Gundam model#Other/Mixed Scales|High Grade]] series (not to be confused with the later HGUC, or High Grade Universal Century, series), along with the original RX-78 Gundam and the Mk-II's successor MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam.<ref name="HLJ4">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN29712 | title = 1/144th Gundam Mk. II (HG) | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> With the 1:144-scale HGUC lineup, launched in 2000, the Mk. II has seen very heavy coverage. The Mk. II was released as a stand-alone model in May 2002 (in AEUG and Titans colors),<ref name="HLJ5">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN910534 | title = 1/144th HGUC Gundam Mk. II (Titans Version) | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> with the G-Defenser in "Super Gundam" configuration in November 2002,<ref name ="HLJ6">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN914207 | title = 1/144th HGUC Super Gundam | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> a limited production (now discontinued) collector's "extra finish" version in May 2005,<ref name="HLJ7">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN934145 | title = 1/144th HGUC Gundam Mk. II Extra Finish | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> with the Flying Armor re-entry vehicle later that month,<ref name="HLJ8">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN932153 | title = 1/144th HGUC Gundam Mk. II + Flying Armor | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> and as part of the "Gryphios War" 3-pack with the Zeta Gundam and MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki in March 2006.<ref name="HLJ9">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN939090 | title = 1/144th HGUC Gryphios War Set | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> The Mk. II joined the 1/100-scale Master Grade lineup in August 1998, in both AEUG<ref name="MGAEUG">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN61364 | title = 1/100 Gundam Mk. II (MG) AEUG Version | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> and Titans colors.<ref name="MGTITANS">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN70068 | title = 1/100 Gundam Mk. II (MG) Titans Version | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> A Master Grade "Super Gundam" kit with the G-Defenser was issued in January 1999,<ref name="MGSUPER">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN71420 | title = 1/100 Super Gundam (MG) | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> Totally re-designed versions of the Master Grade Mk. IIs were released in October 2005 (AEUG version)<ref name="MGAEUG2">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN938412 | title = 1/100 MG Gundam Mk. II Ver.2.0 AEUG | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> and March 2006 (Titans version),<ref name="MGTITANS2">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN941924 | title = 1/100 MG Gundam Mk. II Ver.2.0 Titans | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> concurrent with the releases of the second and third Zeta Gundam movie compilations respectively. Finally, the Gundam Mk. II was inducted into the enormous 1:60-scale Perfect Grade line in November 2001,<ref name="PGAEUG">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN906047 | title = 1/60 Perfect Grade Gundam Mk. II "AEUG" | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> and again in Titans colors in July 2002.<ref name="PGTITANS">{{cite web | url = http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN912816 | title = 1/60 Perfect Grade Gundam Mk. II "Titans" | work = HobbyLink Japan | access-date = November 1, 2007 }}</ref> In May 2012, Gundam Mk. II (AEUG)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hlj.com/1-144-scale-rg-gundam-mk-ii-aeug-version-prototype-rx-178-ban976319|title=RG Gundam Mk-II AEUG Version Prototype RX-178|website=www.hlj.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.gundam.info/products/white/16296?region=all&cat=11&bigcat=products |title=HGUC 1/144 G-DEFENSER & FLYING ARMOR {{!}} GUNDAM.INFO {{!}} The official Gundam news and video portal |website=en.gundam.info |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006082931/http://en.gundam.info/products/white/16296?region=all&cat=11&bigcat=products |archive-date=2014-10-06}} </ref> & Gundam Mk. II (TITANS)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hlj.com/1-144-scale-rg-rx-178-gundam-mk-ii-titans-ban975716|title=RG RX-178 Gundam Mk-II Titans|website=www.hlj.com}}</ref> was introduced into the new 1/144-scale Real Grade model kit series.


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:Animated characters introduced in 1979]]
[[Category:Animated characters introduced in 1979]]
[[Category:Fictional weapons]]
[[Category:Fictional mecha]]
[[Category:Fictional mecha]]
[[Category:Gundam]]
[[Category:Gundam]]
[[Category:Science fiction weapons]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 1979]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 1979]]

Latest revision as of 18:36, 2 January 2025

Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam character
Original illustration of the RX-78-2 Gundam, designed by Kunio Okawara
First appearanceMobile Suit Gundam ep. #01, "Gundam Rising"
Created byYoshiyuki Tomino
Kunio Okawara
ClassMobile suit
DesignationRX-78-2 Gundam
Pilots
In-universe information
AffiliationEarth Federation
Armaments60 mm Vulcan Guns ×2
Beam Sabers ×2
Beam Rifle
Beam Javelin
Hyper Bazooka
Gundam Hammer
Hyper Hammer[1]
Height18 meters (appr. 60 feet)
Weight43.4 tons

The RX-78-2 Gundam (Japanese: RX-78-2 ガンダム, Hepburn: Āru Ekkusu Nanajū Hachi no Ni Gandamu) is a fictional manned robot (mecha), introduced in 1979 in Yoshiyuki Tomino's and Sunrise's anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. In the series, it is a prototype weapon for the Earth Federation when it falls into the hands of Amuro Ray, the son of its designer in story (Tem Ray), who goes on to pilot it in the Earth Federation's war against the Principality of Zeon.

As the success of the series began the Gundam franchise, the robot's design was the first of many variations in subsequent works. The design appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam serves as the symbol of the Gundam franchise and sparked the creation of its multiple sequels and spinoffs; most future Gundams featured use the RX-78-2's color scheme and shape.

Conception and design

[edit]

The RX-78's initial concept was that of a powered armor, the primary design for Yoshiyuki Tomino's proposed series Freedom Fighter Gunboy. The series later changed its name to Mobile Suit Gundam and Kunio Okawara was given Tomino's concept to shape into a finalized design for the anime. Okawara created multiple designs before settling on the current, samurai-styled design for the anime in 1979.

Enemies in the series regularly refer to the RX-78-2 as the white suit or the White Devil (due to the suit's formidable battle performance) while it is a mix of blue, red, and white. Tomino's response in the novel version of Gundam is that the original design was to be a grayscale machine, made up of mostly white and light gray colouring. However, Sunrise disapproved of the colouring and insisted the unit to be painted in brighter colours like other super robot anime at that time.[2]

The Japan Self-Defense Forces built an approximately full scale RX-78-3 Gundam (named after the use of helium-3 fuel) with styrofoam in its show and contains a simulation pod.[3]

Variants and successors

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  • The RGM-79 GM was a mass-produced mobile suit based on the RX-78-2's combat data and design, and spun off into its own line of mobile suits.
  • The RX-78-2 Gundam is part of the RX-78 series of high-performance mobile suits, which are primarily featured in spinoff media. They were originally designed by Kunio Okawara for the Mobile Suit Variation and Missing Mobile Suit Variation series. 8 units were created, with Units 7 and 8 remaining a mystery.
    • The RX-78-1 Prototype Gundam was the first mobile suit designed to combat the Zaku and led to the creation of the RX-78-2.
    • The RX-78-3 G-3 Gundam donned a gray color scheme and used as a testbed for the magnet coating technology later used by the main unit. It makes an appearance in the novel adaption of the show.[2]
    • Units "G04" and "G05" were featured in the video game Encounters in Space, and are sister units that eliminate the Core Block system for increased weaponry and better performance. Unit G04 was equipped with a Mega Beam Launcher, which was unstable and destroyed the unit by overloading its energy output.
    • The RX-78-6 Mudrock Gundam, featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Missing Link, was a Zeonic unit utilizing built-in weaponry as opposed to external ones such as the beam rifle.
  • The FA-78-1 Full Armor Gundam was an unbuilt schematic for modular weaponry and armor meant for the RX-78-2.
  • The PF-78-1 Perfect Gundam was first featured in the manga Plamo-Kyoshiro and was an RX-78-2 model kit modified with over-the-top armor and a shoulder-mounted water cannon.
  • The RX-78-NT1 Gundam NT-1 (nicknamed the Alex), was featured in the OVA War in the Pocket. Initially meant to be sent to Amuro as a replacement for the aging RX-78-2, it was test piloted by Christina Mackenzie and destroyed in the Side 6 space colony.
    • The RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes a successor of RX-78-2 was first featured in the OVA Stardust Memory. A new Gundam-type as part GP project (Gundam Development Project)
    • The RX-178 Gundam MK-II is featured as a key mobile suit in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, being piloted by protagonist Kamille Bidan in its first half and continuing to be used throughout it and Mobile Suit ZZ Gundam. Three units were produced by the Titans faction, improving on aspects of the original with technology such as a moving inner frame and a panoramic cockpit. All three units were later stolen by the Anti Earth Union Group (A.E.U.G) and one of them was given a new paint scheme while the other 2 were dismantled and studied.

Alternate designs

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  • A redesigned iteration of the RX-78-2 by Hajime Katoki, referred to as Ver.Ka, is featured in merchandise such as the Master Grade line of model kits and the Gundam Fix Figuration line of figures.
  • A version parallel counter-part in featured manga reboot Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin same design characteristics as original, except the shoulder and the body armor was remade.
  • Another iteration with a sleeker design is featured in the shorts series Gundam Evolve.
  • A version designed by mechanical engineer Ken Okuyama is featured in a short film and model kit to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. The design was meant to mimic realistic human movement similar to the original series.
  • Gunboy-Wilbur is a "Machining Skin" featured in For the Barrel, a novel reinterpretation of the original series serialized in Newtype Magazine.[4]

Other media and merchandise

[edit]

Pop culture

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The RX-78-2 Gundam is one of the basic units that appear in the Super Robot Wars series, representing the Gundam franchise alongside series mainstays Mazinger and Getter Robo. [5]

The RX-78-2 also makes multiple cameo appearances in the anime Sgt. Frog.

The RX-78-2 Gundam appeared in the film Ready Player One (2018),[6] where one of the protagonists controls the RX-78-2 to battle Mechagodzilla.

On October 23, 2000, Japan included the RX-78 Gundam and Amuro Ray in the 20th Century Stamp Series.[7] This mobile suit and other notable machines from various Gundam series were also recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in 2005. Other franchises and series included were Pokémon, Galaxy Express 999, and Detective Conan.[8]

Promotions

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The RX-78-2 Gundam & 2 Medea transport planes were featured in a fire fighting poster in Japan. The RX-78-2 was equipped with water spraying equipment.[9]

On July 16, 2010 to June 30, 2011, ANA launched a series of flights as part of the 30th anniversary of Gunpla. Called the "ANA x GUNDAM Sky Project," the promotion used specially painted Boeing 777s on domestic and international flights. The initial flight was from Tokyo to Osaka. Promotional model kits include 1/144 scale versions of the RX-78-2, Gundam 00 Raiser, and Unicorn Gundam, as well as a 1/48 scale RX-78-2, all molded in ANA colors.[10][11]

Promotional food based on the Gundam include Pocky, Pepsi,[12][13] McDonalds, and Cup Noodles. Food promotions usually tie into merchandise, including exclusive model kits or miniature statues.

Statues

[edit]
A life-sized statue of the Freedom Gundam from Gundam SEED in Shanghai

On March 23, 2008, a bronze statue of the Gundam was erected at the south entrance of Kami-Igusa Station in Suginami, Tokyo to honor the hometown animation studio Sunrise.[14]

As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Gundam series, the company officially announced a project on March 11, 2009, called Real-G planning to build a 1:1 real size scale Gundam in Japan. It was completed on June 9, 2009, and displayed in a Tokyo park.[15][16] The 18-meter tall statue was later moved and reconstructed in Shizuoka City, where it stayed from July 2010 to March 2011.[17][18] This design became the basis for the Real Grade model in 2010 and the Master Grade Ver.3.0 model in 2013 and makes an appearance in Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G. In August it was dismantled and reconstructed in Odaiba, Tokyo on April 19, 2012.[19][20] Until March 5, 2017, it stood in Odaiba along with a gift shop called "Gundam Front Tokyo".[21] On March 5, it was announced that the life size RX 78-2 Gundam will be replaced by a statue of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.[22]

A second statue based on the original Gundam was announced in late 2018 as part of the "Gundam Global Challenge" made to receive concepts for an animatronic version.[23] The statue, known as the RX-78F00 Yokohama Gundam, finished construction in 2020 and opened to the public on December 19, 2020 as part of the Gundam Factory Yokohama attraciton.[24][25] The statue was dismantled in 2024. A rebuilt version called the F00/E will be featured in the Gundam Next Future Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.[26] This statue will be in a fixed pose, kneeling and reaching for the sky.

Other statues include the Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED in Shanghai, China in 2021[27], and a statue of the Nu Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack sporting a long range funnel weapon (dubbed the RX-93ff) in Fukuoka, Japan in 2022.[28]

Physical attractions

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Gundam the Ride: A Baoa Qu was a theme park attraction from Fuji-Q Highland which ran from 2000 to 2007. Visitors are escorted in a battlship by 2 GM suits during the titular battle. The ride was replaced by Gundam Crisis, where visitors explore a hangar in order to collect data to access the RX-78-2's cockpit. If successful, an exclusive video will be shown inside the cockpit.[29]

The statue stood in Odaiba, Tokyo, outside the shopping mall Diver City Tokyo, where it was a centerpiece of the "Gundam Front Tokyo" attraction until March 5, 2017. Visitors could visit the statue and also see the Gundam Front Tokyo attraction on the sixth floor of the mall, which featured a 360 degree panoramic movie theater, a room dedicated to Gundam models throughout the years, concept artwork, and a life-size 1/1 scale bust of the Strike Freedom Gundam from the show Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.[21] The nearby hotel, Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (formerly Grand Pacific le Daiba) had a Gundam themed hotel room during this time.[30]

Toys and model kits

[edit]

The original line of toys produced by the show's original sponsor Clover, diecast figures with more super robot aesthetics, clashed with the show's themes and audience and was not a success. To capture the teenage and adult demographics, Bandai produced a line of model kits based on the Gundam and other mobile suits, which became immensely popular. the RX-78-2 Gundam has releases in virtually every model line and scale and is often used to commemorate a new model line or an anniversary.

The current Bandai Universal Century models' label copyright classification also uses the head of the Gundam as its icon.[31]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Mechanics: Gundam". Bandi USA. Archived from the original on January 11, 2004. Retrieved November 2, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Mobile Suit Gundam(novel), October 1987, ISBN 4-04-410101-9
  3. ^ "楽天が運営するポータルサイト ： 【インフォシーク】Infoseek". infoseek.co.jp. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  4. ^ "ガンダム小説紹介その4 フォーザバレル". ヒュポポリクス. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  5. ^ Magenta Galaxy (October 14, 2003). "Super Robot Taisen A". GameFAQs. Archived from the original on August 21, 2007. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
  6. ^ "Gundam Appears in New Ready Player One Trailer". December 11, 2017.
  7. ^ "The 20th Century Stamp Series 15". Retrieved January 10, 2007.
  8. ^ "Anime Hero and Heroine Series II - Gundam". Retrieved January 13, 2007.
  9. ^ Japanese Fire Department, Fire Fighting History Museum, The future of fire fighting(消防の未来), section 1 Gundam Activity (ガンダム大活躍)
  10. ^ "「ANA×GUNDAM SKYプロジェクト」│航空券│ANA国内線". Ana.co.jp. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  11. ^ "ANA's 'Gundam' plane makes inaugural flight". The Japan Times. July 17, 2010. Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
  12. ^ "Gundams and Pepsi". Anime News Network. August 5, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2007.
  13. ^ "Pepsi-Gundam Promotion Illegal". Anime News Network. November 1, 2005. Retrieved January 9, 2007.
  14. ^ "ガンダムのブロンズ像、西武新宿線 上井草駅前の大地に立つ！". Gundam.info. March 25, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  15. ^ "Day in pictures". BBC News. June 9, 2009. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
  16. ^ "1/1実物大ガンダム大地に立つ！]". recommend.yahoo.co.jp. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
  17. ^ "Life-Size Gundam Statue Unveiled at New Shizuoka Home". Anime News Network. July 23, 2010. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  18. ^ "Life-Size Gundam Statue Returns to Tokyo ... in Parts". Anime News Network. August 14, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  19. ^ "Life-Size Gundam Rises Again at Tokyo's Odaiba in Video". Anime News Network. April 22, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  20. ^ "Giant 60-Foot 'Mobile Suit Gundam' Statue Presides Over DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (PHOTO)". Huffington Post. May 1, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  21. ^ a b appetiteforjapan (December 2, 2015). "Diver City Tokyo: the ultimate Gundam experience". Appetite For Japan. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  22. ^ "「実物大ユニコーンガンダム立像」新プロジェクト始動！2017年秋、お台場にて展示開始！". 公式ガンダム情報ポータルサイト「GUNDAM.INFO」 (in Japanese). Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  23. ^ "Life-sized Gundam 18 Meters Tall Moves!". GUNDAM.INFO | The official Gundam news and video portal. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  24. ^ "Japan's new life-size moving Gundam statue unveiled in full dramatic glory". Japan Today. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  25. ^ "GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA". November 24, 2020. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  26. ^ Barder, Ollie. "The Life-Size Walking Gundam Is Getting A New Home At Expo 2025". Forbes. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  27. ^ ""Life-size" Gundam statue in Shanghai catches hearts of fans". Kyodo News+. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  28. ^ Stenbuck, Kite (September 15, 2021). "Life-Size Nu Gundam Statue Will Appear in Fukuoka". Siliconera. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  29. ^ Warera! Gundam Hakkutsu Tai!!(我ら！ガンダム発掘隊！！), report file 001-B, Soutsuu Agency, Sunrise (company)
  30. ^ appetiteforjapan (December 13, 2015). "Hotel Gundam Style: inside the exclusive anime hotel suite". Appetite For Japan. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  31. ^ Warera! Gundam Hakkutsu Tai!!(我ら！ガンダム発掘隊！！), report file 014-B, Soutsuu Agency, Sunrise (company)
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