First airing in the 1900s, this prevalent mobile suit appears in both Gundam Wing Endless Waltz, the OVA/movie Mobile Suit, and Glory of the Losers, the manga Mobile Suit.
From its iconic design to its impressive Zero system and its powerful armaments, it is little wonder Gundam enthusiasts often refer to it as the ultimate symbol of freedom and power.
Here, we delve into the world of Gundam anime to discover exactly why.
The Technology Behind the Design
First initiated by the five Gundam Scientists, the wing Gundam zero suit showcases an iconic design based on the Zero Frame technology – a highly advanced combat computer designed to heighten a pilot’s fighting abilities.
In a nutshell, this sleek design boasts an inner frame, complete with a wide range of components. The result? A visually striking creation complete with flowing lines, large wings, and a white hue, which gives the suit an angelic appearance of sorts. This design is extremely unique in that it differs dramatically from other mobile suits in the Gundam universe.
The initial blueprint, however, didn’t include energy conduits for weapons or armor plating’s. This is one of the reasons Wing Zero is so powerful, as even after succumbing 90% of its armor to enemies, it was still able to put up a fight!
Further Developments
In the Glory of the Losers manga, Wing Zero, despite this suit’s already impressive power, undergoes a powerful weaponry upgrade. It includes the introduction of a range of influential armaments, which only reinforces this suit’s powerful perception. These comprise the following:
- Shield: Developed by Howard upon the completion of Wing Zero’s upgrade to ensure the correct use in space, this shield is crafted from Gundanium Alloy. It bears some similarities to Proto Zero’s shield, only includes an anti-beam coating, and boasts a duo of Wing Vulcans. With its incredible aerodynamic performance, this shield takes center stage as the nose in Neo-Bird Mode. When charging, it also functions as a ram.
- Twin Buster Rifles: As the name suggests, this improvement came in the shape of a double-barrel type Buster Rifle. This device boasts double the power of XXXG-01W Wing Gundam’s Buster Rifle. In addition, the shield is directly connected to the generator, which makes rapid fire a possibility. These are said to be the most devastating weapons created for the Gundam Wing series.
- Drei Zwerg: This impressive beam rifle weapon was featured in the Glory of the Losers manga and was initially designed for the Proto Zero. Boasting a combination of three uniform component rifles that can be used individually, the Drei Zwerg can be teamed with the Twin Buster Rifle to heighten the latter’s firepower.
- This armor goes by the name ‘Drei Zwerg Buster Doppelt.’ One example of Wing Zero using this device, and another reason this suit is a symbol of freedom and power, occurs in Eve War’s finale. Wing Zero employed the Drei Zwerg Buster Doppelt to demolish the wreckage of Libra just in the nick of time and as it was on its way to crash into Earth.
- Machine Cannon: Seated on the shoulders of the suit, these two cannons come in the shape of weapons with a short to medium range. Due to the impressive internal drum structure, they are capable of rapid fire. When not in use, they are completely covered.
- Beam Saber: The beam Saber doubles up as slashing equipment for close combat. Crafted entirely from Gundanium Alloy, this armament heightens function, power, and durability.
The Suits Association with Freedom
All of the Gundams in this series bear an association with acts of freedom. One example of this is shown through the Gundam pilot’s beliefs, which, in their respective colonies, comprise feelings of self-determination and peace.
The Wing Gundam Zero is a further representation of freedom and an aspiration to achieve peace. This is further illustrated by the character Heero Yuy, a heroic pilot determined to showcase Wing Gundam as a symbol of power and hope, striving to achieve a better future for all.
Powerful Themes
Gundam Wing is renowned for its exploration of themes, including the consequences of war, pacifism, and the fight to achieve a better world to live in. As one of the main mobile suits in the series, the Wing Gundam Zero embodies just this.
Conclusion
This suit, due to its impressive ZERO system, iconic design, and powerful armaments, is certainly symbolic of freedom and power.
Furthermore, its capabilities, design, and the Heero Yuy character all contribute to this recognition, making it one of the most iconic mobile suits to grace the Mecha anime world.
With this in mind, it is little wonder this noteworthy suit is still a favorite amongst anime fans, with its role in the Gundam series continues to prove an interesting topic of discussion among Gundam enthusiasts today.
