#minovsky

[kenpiercemedia]

Anime NYC and Japan Society Announces First-Ever American Manga Awards

The Press Release: The 2024 American Manga Awards will be the first-ever awards program honoring manga: manga creators, great manga stories, and the publishing professionals who make it possible for readers in US/Canada to discover and enjoy these amazing characters and stories in English. It will culminate in a ceremony and reception hosted by author and translator Matt Alt and honor the works…

[undefinedbehavior]

Low key one of my favorite things in the gundam franchise is how everyone is constantly talking in battle with wide open comms. Just shouting into the void to anyone who will listen, friend or foe, doesn’t matter who.

You gotta love it.

[journeytojaburo]

Ah I understand everything now (doesn't get it all)

[oywcalendar]

Foundational Events in Early UC

The following is a master post of pivotal events in the history of the Universal Century, which together provide greater context for the One Year War.

UC 0001

The human population of Earth exceeds 9 billion. This prompts the creation of space colonies and beginning of space emigration.

The Earth Federation is founded and the Laplace space station is built in Earth orbit. During a ceremony for the formal adoption of the Universal Century calendar and unveiling of the UC Charter, the station is destroyed in a terrorist attack.

UC 0009

Zeon Zum Deikun is born.

Anton Flanagan is born.

UC 0010

At Earth-Moon Lagrange point 1, construction of Side 1, Bunch 1 "Shangri-La" is finished.

At Earth-Moon Lagrange point 4, construction of Side 2, Bunch 1 begins.

UC 0015

The population of the space colonies reaches 1.5 million.

Trenov Yvan Minovski is born in Ukraine.

UC 0017

Degwin Sodo Zabi is born.

UC 0020

The population of the space colonies reaches 5 million.

UC 0022

The Federation declares the end of warfare on Earth.

UC 0025

The population of the space colonies reaches 50 million.

UC 0027

The first lunar city, Von Braun, is established.

UC 0030

The population of the space colonies reaches 500 million.

UC 0034

Construction of Side 2, Bunch 1 is finished.

The concept of Sideism –that the colony clusters should be treated as independent nations– emerges.

UC 0035

At Earth-Moon Lagrange point 2, construction of Side 3 begins.

UC 0040

Approximately 5 billion people –40% of the human population– now live in space.

A new philosophy called Ereism emerges, which asserts that humanity should cease living on Earth to preserve its environment.

UC 0044

Half of all humans now live in space.

Federation military suppresses a Sideism demonstration held at Side 1.

UC 0045

Zeon Zum Deikun proposes Contolism, a combination of Sideism and Ereism.

To provide easier access to raw materials for space colonies, the asteroid Juno is moved to Earth orbit; it is later known as Luna 2.

UC 0047

Development of the Minovski-Ionesco fusion reactor begins at Side 3.

UC 0050

Out of the total human population of 11 billion, 9 billion now live in space.

UC 0051

It is announced that plans to develop more colony clusters have ceased.

UC 0052

Zeon Deikun moves to Side 3 and begins popularizing Contolism.

UC 0056

Many Contolism demonstrations are held at Side 3 and in the lunar city Granada, prompting a Federation military presence at Side 3 and the creation of lunar garrisons.

UC 0059

Federation military begins an “armament enhancement program” planned to unfold over the coming decade, with the ultimate goal of establishing the Earth Federation Space Forces. Conversion of Luna 2 into a military base begins.

UC 0062

As newly elected leader of Side 3, Zeon Deikun formally requests independence from the Earth Federation.

Dr. Minovski issues his new theory of Minovski Physics, predicting the existence of the M Particle.

July 15, 0062

The Federation denies Deikun's request and issues an arrest order.

Colonies in Sides 1, 3, and 5 begin boycotting the Federation and openly protesting.

The EFF cancel the arrest order. Deikun is allowed to form a semi-autonomous republic in Side 3, the Republic of Munzo.

September 12, 0062

The Federation imposes economic sanctions against Side 3.

UC 0064

The EFF conduct a naval review, unveiling new spacefaring warships developed through the Year 60 Armament Reinforcement Plan.

UC 0065

A schism between Chairman Deikun and the Zabi family becomes public knowledge.

UC 0067

The Federation rejects a motion granting autonomy to the Sides; the EFF suppress a riot in Side 5.

The Earth Federation intensifies economic pressure on Side 3.

Plans to construct Side 7 at Earth-Moon Lagrange point 3 are announced.

UC 0068

Zeon Deikun dies; he is succeeded as chairman by Degwin Zabi, who claims Deikun appointed him on his deathbed.

UC 0069

Side 3's republic is renamed the Republic of Zeon.

The Republic of Zeon begins converting its security forces into a full-fledged military.

October, UC 0069

The M particle is discovered, validating Minovski physics.

The Republic of Zeon commissions the first Papua-class transport ship.

UC 0070

The EFF launch the Year 70 Armament Reinforcement Plan.

In March, the Republic of Zeon conduct radar-jamming experiments using Minovski particles.

In May, Zeon's military creates a mega particle cannon based on Minovski physics.

In June, the Republic of Zeon commissions the first Chivvay-class space cruiser.

In October, the EFF commission the Salamis-class cruiser and Magellan-class battleship.

UC 0071

Zeon military begin developing new weapons that can be used within a Minovski Particle field.

The Minovski-Ionesco compact fusion reactor is completed.

UC 0072

In the asteroid belt, the Republic of Zeon begins construction of the asteroid base Axis as a waypoint for the Jupiter Energy Fleet.

Dr. Minovski defects to the Earth Federation, creating a scandal in Zeon.

UC 0073

Zeon completes MS-01, the first prototype mobile suit.

[weirdunclegamer]

Time for another 30MM boi I am happy with! With more then one picture even!

We goin for a chonky short boi this time. Originally I had used four (yes FOUR) of those three-piece shields to give this orange guy a huge set of shield wings. An idea I've had for a long time, and I really like... but it didn't end up really working out on him like I hoped. So I took him to the desk, tore off the backpack, and started the good ol' process of fiddling.

I recommend the 30MM line to people who like tinkering with things. It's not a totally blank canvas like generic lego blocks can be, but its also pretty open ended thanks to the modular nature of the line's design. So if you liked, say, going through different body/weapon combinations in oh I dunno Armored Core or something, it feels a lot like that when doing the most typical level of customizing with this line.

Oh also Bandai may have announced that their AC6 model kits are actually gonna be part of the 30MM line and not like, the regular HG line of gundams or something so like... not saying my comparing 30MM to AC since the line existed was objectively correct but also it was totally objectively correct.

Melee weapons with guns either strapped to them or built into them are GOAT, btw, and always the correct choice. Even if I clearly did connect the guns both upside down and by the magazine/clip to the super sized blade.

[heather-m-quigley]

i could not remember where this happened without help, i narrowed it down to either tomo-chan is a girl or bofuri s1. turned out it was the additional time for blue lock 20

if you don't know, that was a gundam reference.

i wouldn't have caught it either if i didn't get into old school gundam like a month before this episode aired. 😅

[foxgirlbutt]

It feels fitting to us that the Calibarn is the first gunpla we've made that's drawn blood. It's easily the most bloodthirsty mobile suit we've built. Epyon is probably second.

Our friend got us a hyaku shiki for our birthday, and we're gonna start it tomorrow, but that kit wants a different bodily fluid

[crabcrabcrabmeat]

Newtype of ghosting 😔

[amuwo]

ted kaczynski

Sharing my favouritest amuro on the planet with you all

[elfcow]

The really funny thing about AC6 is it does a fantastic job in-universe of justifying its CQC Core Theory ie why are we fighting in giant punchy robots when we could be sniping each other from around the curvature of the planet

For the first 3 chapters of the game, if any fight escalates more than a few hundred meters above the surface the PCA says

"I don't care who started it," and glasses everyone from orbit

The 4th chapter is an entirely-self contained dungeon dive, no air support or artillery allowed

And the final chapter not only goes off the rails in general but for some missions has some conventional warfare going on in the background while you complete specific missions that call for fast punchy robot

It's really well done and feels a lot more fleshed out than "Minovsky Particles," although there's nothing wrong with a simple solution in some stories.

I just really enjoy how it feels like the focal point of ACs develops organically from the world itself and the way conflict develops in this universe

[worstgirleva]

"how is there sound in space in gundam?" hmm the minovsky particles???

[reachartwork]

got disastrously high off 1/8th of an edible last night and solved how powers work in a hard sci fi manner in Chum. like really minovsky physics'd it. feels satisfying

[breach-doll]

is your equipment even well-maintained? what is that lasrifle? really, a yokozaku? back when i was a door-kicker i would not be caught dead with that shit -- you know those are not waterproof, yeah? actually, never mind, it will not matter too much because any OHM (oppositional humanoid machine) with a djinn-tech scanner will see your thermals through the wall with that half-shredded stealth plating. where did they even ship you in from, dolly?

this one regrets to inform you it’s a disposable unit!

d-series breaching units by HIVETEK are typically mass produced and cheaply armed, and are projected to cease functionality after approximately 12.26 engagements. this of course has the benefit of making it an affordable option for clients on a budget.

this one has been fortunate to be assigned to a unit with a Minovsky interdiction field; the Minovsky particles conveniently block imaging and communications attempts. of course once the field is activated, all OHMs are aware of its presence, but by that point there are so many others like it nearby that it tends to be too late for effective countermeasure in CQC.

this one is very proud to improve operational cost-effectiveness by preparing the way for more expensive units!

[journeytojaburo]

What on earth do they have down in white base's engines that they need to decontaminate from

[athena-gunpla]

Xingfeng Knockoff HGUC 1/144 P-Bandai E.F.G.F Specialized Mobile Suit RGM-79S "GM Spartan"

GM Spartan is a really cool looking kit, with a a lot of cool details and an excellent set of extras. Unfortunately it's also a P-Bandai realease, and for once I couldn't be convinced to shell out the $100 or so for the actual kit. Luckily a friend from my uni's model club let me know the Xingfend knockoff clone of this kit was only $6 - a price so low I'd be stupid to say no.

So how was the Xingfeng kit? It's essentially a one to one clone. I'm not sure how they got the moulds, but they've pretty much exactly replicated the sprues from the actual kit, although they've had to separate the multicolored "A" runner into three separate pieces to maintain colour separation. The only issue was the kit being a more yellow-tan and brown rather than the JGSDF Green that the actual kit is supposed to be, although I just headcanon this kit as being a desert variant.

There was a little bit of flashing and some mould lines, but nothing worse than older HG Bandai from the early 2010s. Overall a surprisingly good experience. In fact, it had some perks over the official kit - it includes a perfect clone of the EVO Waterslide decal set and by god they're miles better in quality than Bandai's official decals. They're thin, strong, and only need a little bit of water to come off the sheet, and look super vibrant on the plastic.

I ended up using the digital camo as a base layer and placing the marking decals on top, which gives it a super gritty, realistic look.

So how is the actual gunpla then?

The GM Spartan is a super detailed kit. The legs and arms are full of panel lines, and there's some great detail on the feet with little claws and treads, which I've painted grey. There's a large reactor backpack, which has a pop-up Minovsky Particle dispenser, really cool vents detailed in both grey and brown to emphasize depth, and a pulse knife/MS combat knife.

The kit also comes with a shoulder mounted set of wire-guided missiles, a forearm mountable beam saber rack with two beam sabers and two beam effects (The Xingfeng KO effects are hard plastic and UV reactive, as is the visor), and a really cool minigun.

The minigun targeting sensor can flip down sideways or remain upright. The magazine can fold to the side to allow an extra magazine to be added to the top, or the spare box mag can be stored on the back skirts. There's also a foregrip-mounted beam handgun with its own E-CAP magazine in the handle. The handle swings freely allowing for super easy posing.

The kit comes with one left open hand, a right and left pistol grip hand, and a right and left open fist hand.

The beam saber rack can be easily relocated to either forearm, or swapped with the shoulder missiles and attached to the right shoulder, or left shoulder if you remove a part. Beam effects can be added while stored, or the sabers can be removed and posed normally.

The GM Spartan's MS Combat Knife is my favorite part of this kit. The knife actually goes into the sheath on the backpack, and can be held nicely by the open fists either upright or backhanded.

This kit does use some polycaps, but it's still overall a very well articulated and solid kit. It's not floppy or lose at all, doubly surprisingly since I'm working with a knockoff.

A neat feature of this knockoff is the dual-effect visor. It fluoresces blue under UV light, but it also glows green in the dark. Bandai wishes it had features like this.

Overall, if you can get your hands on the Xingfeng knockoff you should really give it a chance. It's a really fun kit, and at a fraction of the official kit's price.

[gremoria411]

My it sure is nice how, because I clearly tag things, tumblr has no problem with finding my old posts, isn’t it?

Sure is great when you want to return to an old topic, you can easily reference an older post, isn’t it?

Anyway, I was thinking about some of my favourite mobile suits recently, and more specifically how they fight.

The Sinanju and Sinanju Stein (strictly speaking that’s unit 2 above, but the Sinanju Stein Unit 1 only shows up physically once anyways, so I tend to conflate the two) from Universal Century, and the Gundams Bael and Zepar from Post Disaster. The Bael and Sinanju’s are thematically and functionally similar, if not so much visually, since they’re piloted by the series resident Char Clones, Full Frontal and Mcgillis Fareed respectively, and thus have a similar fighting style - high mobility and very flashy, typically dodging with minimal effort and taking out scores of foes near-effortlessly. The Sinanju Stein (Unit 2) certainly could fight like that, but its pilot Zoltan Akkanekan is…… not in a great place mentally, and as such he tends to be more brutish, always pushing the attack and closing ranks with his enemy very quickly (we only see him fight once in the Sinanju Stein before it docks with the Neo Zeong II, so it’s possible that his aggression is more due to the enemy being a Gundam, as opposed to any real strategy). The Gundam Zepar we have even less information on, but since we know both that it doesn’t have any ranged weaponry, and that most of the emphasis seems to be on the shield, we can guess it would want to get close fairly quickly, and would be well-prepared for a reprisal.

And this reminded me of something I mentioned previously when discussing non-Gundam Mecha series - I like when we know the “thesis” of the mecha. I like when we know why they were built and what the in-universe theory was in their construction (Or at the very least, we can guess, as with The Big O). It makes the world feel realer to me, and don’t get me wrong, I love giant robots, but it feels wonderfully cohesive when there’s an in-universe justification. I don’t typically forget the out-of-universe justification “to sell toys” but it feels less “Johnson, quarterly earnings aren’t looking good, make a property we can merchandise things out of” and more “Hey, this guy’s got an idea for a cool show about robots, maybe there’ll be a market for cool toys there?”.

Weird tangent on the relationship between entertainment and merchandising aside, I like Universal Century because it’s got a strong “thesis” - mobile suits were designed primarily as an anti-ship weapon that would engage at visual range, due to the effects of Minovsky particles rendering most long-range weapons difficult to aim. They’re fast, and carry handheld weaponry both for ease of use, maintenance and operability and they’re an extension of “armoured space suits”. There’s even the military angle of “a secret weapon to to win us the war against a foe that could beat us conventionally”, and I’d assumed that, with a few exceptions like Wing and G Gundam, most of Gundam followed that same thesis.

However, I realised that’s perhaps not quite true with Iron-Blooded Orphans (or at least it’d be interesting to consider why it might not be true). The above graph is an illustration of the breakdown of forces used in the calamity war, and how they were deployed depending on the field. Quote: The unit formation deployed against the mobile armors depended on where the battlefield was. On Earth and Mars, the Gundam Frames served as the main fighting units, and they destroyed the mobile armors one by one with assistance from other mobile suits and supporting units. In space, the Dáinsleifs were used as the main weapon, and were assisted by mobile suits, including Gundam Frames, and other supporting units. On the Moon, mobile suit teams like the one deployed on Earth and Mars were also used in addition to the aforementioned use of the Dáinsleif.

So I got to wondering if Post Disaster (or I guess Current Disaster) mobile suits had a different development ethos, since they were deployed largely terrestrially.

Mobile suits were only used during the Middle and Late stages of the war, which implies they were developed during it. The above Rodi and Hexa Frames were developed first, with the Gundam And Valkyrja Frames following in the later stages of the War. It’s also stated that, quote: The beginning of the Calamity War was the result of AI-equipped, self-sustaining weapon systems going out of control. Before the outbreak of the Calamity War, automated machinery was a symbol of wealth and abundance, and humans were actively promoting the automation of wars. With the risk of losing valuable soldiers reduced as the weapons were AI operated, and the introduction of the semi-permanent Ahab Reactor as a power source, mobile armors became the ideal weapon that can fight efficiently and persistently. So, it’s possible that after the Mobile Armours were unleashed, there was a rush to adapt previously autonomous weaponry into something human-controlled, with the Rodi and Hexa Frames representing these early steps. Furthermore, it’s stated that Mobile Armours acquired Nanolaminate Armour, so beam weaponry would presumably have been used in the early stages of the war.

So, could Mobile Suits in IBO be autonomous weaponry adapted for human use, as opposed to the Universal Century’s “Armoured Space Suits” line of thinking? We know that Alaya-Vijinana works best with forms closer to the human form - hence the Gundam Frames being constructed as close to the human form as possible. Another angle might be that of upsized Knights, here to slay the mechanical monsters that threaten humanity.

So it’s an interesting angle compared between the series - in one, mobile suits were built for wars in space, fought between nations. In the other, mobile suits were built to be used terrestrially, in response the threat of extinction by mechanical foes humanity unwittingly unleashed upon itself.

(Also, it’s interesting to look at how common mobile armours and automated weaponry were in the pre-post disaster setting, since I just imagine Treize Kushrenada from Gundam Wing being distinctly unhappy)