Animerica's
Gundam Official Guide: The Ultimate Guide to the Entire Gundam
Universe
by Paul Simmons, Benjamin Wright and the editors
of Animerica Magazine
Review
by : Troy
Brownfield 
It's
a rare pop culture guide that can simultaneously provide enjoyment
while examining the minutiae of a phenomenon. David Wild managed
it with his book about the first season of "Friends". David
J. Skal crafted a genuine work of art with his cultural examination
of horror films, "The Monster Show". I'm pleased to add the
"Gundam Official Guide" to the list. This is a thoroughly
indispensable aide for new Gundam fans, and is almost a bookshelf
necessity for the long-timers.
"The Official
Guide" takes on the anime, the models, the action figures
and more, delivering clinical precision with linear methodology.
What that means is that the book organizes all the disparate
series into proper viewing order, something that newer fans
can find horribly confusing. Each series is broken down into
an overview, an examination of the main characters, and a
look at the important mechas. Every crucial character and
mecha is pictured, enabling the first-time viewer to jump
right in. It's brilliantly done. Also, each series has a glossary
entry, explaining relevant terms for each batch of episodes.
Need to know, for example, what the Sanc Kingdom is in "Gundam
Wing"? It's right there.
The volume
opens with a look at the history of the Gundam franchise.
It lays the groundwork, names the particular creators, and
sets up the chronology. This is great stuff for anyone who
is fascinated by the genesis of an animated series. Following
the series breakdowns, you get a section on Mobile Suit science
and history, and examinations of the Gundam modeling and action
figure collecting hobbies. Also, time is spent dealing with
the various Gundam video games and manga offshoots.
Obviously,
there are two prime audiences for this type of book: the converted,
and those who wish to be. The truly hardcore will find it
enjoyable, even if they already know all the stories backward
and forward. For the new Gundam fan, I give this my highest
possible recommendation.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-in-Chief of Shotgun Reviews. He has
more shelf-space dedicated to Gundams than most Target stores.
Email Troy at psikotyk@aol.com
|
