Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
This is the first Gundam OVA series that was produced for Gundam’s 10 year anniversary. War in the Pocket means that this 6 episode OVA series will be based on story, rather than all action (which this title does include some action). In addition, this is the first Gundam directed by someone other than Yoshiyuki Tomino. The series main character, Al (or for his full name, Alfred Izuruha), one day finds a crashed mobile suit somewhere in the woods, and he stumbles across Bernie Wiseman, a Zeon lieutenant. Bernie eventually gets sidetracked from is mission by a beautiful girl named Chris, which he meets through Al. Chris works for the Earth Federation, and Bernie does not know that this is the person he is supposed to seek and destroy.
Bernie and Al, when they first meet, basically hate each other. Somehow, in the story, they end up becoming best friends, at such an age difference. Bernie everyday after school would track down Bernie and start trying to help him, talk to him, and just be around him. Eventually, Bernie actually likes having the little kid around as company.
When Bernie meets Chris, is when the romance starts kicking in (though it’s not stressed too much). Bernie meets Chris one night as he is driving home Al from a late night job they did, and he stumbles across Chris. As the days go on, they end up forming a very interesting relationship, even though they are both work for different groups in the war (they don’t know this).
I won’t spoil the rest to you, I want you to watch it for yourself, as such a great title shouldn’t be missed. Throughout the series, there is some action, tons of character development, more characters, and it all leads up to a great story.
I thought the animation, for as old as it is, is by far my favorite type of look in an anime. All characters were given equal detail, and all background scenes looked amazing on my television. I didn’t like the animation at first, but I grew on it and now I adore it.
The story is very emotionally driven. I can’t stress this enough, if you don’t cry, or even feel very sad at the end of this 6 series masterpiece, something is wrong with you. The bond with Al and Bernie was so indelible that I doubt anything could have broken it. Throughout every episode, it always kept my attention (something that is very hard for a series to do, for me) and always left me wanting to see the next episode. Story=superb.
The most important part about an anime series is the characters. If you don’t like the characters, you won’t like the anime you’re watching. Gundam 0080 does not fall into the category of “crappy characters.” In fact, I believe that there was nothing wrong about Al (except his voice sounded like Jim from Outlaw Star), Bernie, and Chris. When Chris and Bernie started forming a relationship that was probably the most unique twist I thought the writers could have put in, sense you find out that they have to try and kill each other in the end. Likeable characters, everything was done perfect.
Sound in this series is flawless. Songs flow well with the series, and get stuck in your head. I must add on thing. This is by far the best voice acting in anime that I have ever seen. It’s actually enjoyable. You subtitle fans may like the dub.
Overall, you will be shocked of how good an OVA series can actually be, and Gundam 0080 is the best out there. With Gundam 0080’s superb story, likeable characters, its spectacular animation, and flawless sound, you’d be committing a crime if you didn’t pick this title up.
Final Review: 9/10 Buy it! NOW!
Pros: Superb story, perfect characters, good voice acting, very cheap.
(This review was made by ThatJonKid)