The next big thing

Are you ready for Gundam?

Described as “the biggest Japanese cultural phenomenon of all time,” the robot model kit has just been launched in Ireland and Britain.

Since its birth as a cartoon show in Japan in 1979, Gundam has spawned seven television series, eight movies, countless novels and comics, video games, collectible leather jackets and a toy phenomenon encompassing more than 400 models.

The Gundam saga centres around indestructible mobile robot suits, flown and manoeuvred by human pilots in epic tales of war and space travels. Kids’ stuff, for sure, but like Star Wars before it, Gundam has broken through the age barrier in Japan, ensnaring sci-fi fans, military nuts and model enthusiasts alike.

The phenomenon has also had a knock-on effect on Japanese business and youth culture generally, with many clubs, advertising agencies and fashion and graphic designers, aping the Gundam style. More recently, the toy has started making big waves in the US.

The model kits are, we are told, “techtronically” advanced, meaning that the glueless snap-together technology makes them easy to build. Recommended for eight years and up, Gundam is the work of Bandai, the poeple who brought you the Power Rangers and Tamagotchi.

If you have access to the Cartoon Network channel you can check out the Gundam Wing’s adventures daily at 12 midday and 9.30pm. Otherwise, the robots should be awaiting your inspection at all good stores.

If they don’t come and get you first!