SECRETS OF THE ZZ GUNDAM’S SIX GREAT SUPERWEAPONS

1. HYPER MEGA PARTICLE CANNON
This is a beam cannon with an output of 50 megawatts! A mere graze has the power to obliterate a mobile suit. However, it can be fired only once per sortie.

2. HYPER BEAM SABER
Slice the enemy in two with a single stroke! The length of its beam blade is unprecedented, setting it apart from all others.

3. VULCAN GUN
An indispensable weapon for any Gundam, essential for its arsenal.

4. BEAM CANNON
More powerful than the Guncannon’s cannon, this beam weapon can also transform into a beam saber!

5. MISSILE POD
Equipped with a total of forty-two missiles. Unleashing them all at once can decimate an entire army of mobile suits in a single blow!

6. MEGA BEAM RIFLE
A potent twin-beam rifle, while not as powerful as the Hyper Mega Particle Cannon, it allows for rapid-fire capabilities.

[WILL SCAN IMAGE LATER]
This is the enhancement plan for ZZ we’ve brainstormed in the editorial department!
The invincible ZZ will undoubtedly need to power up in anticipation of the enemy’s enhancements. Thus, we’ve considered some early-stage modification ideas for ZZ! (Hey, you there! Don’t take this too seriously.)

Proposal A: Rocket Punch + Cutter Weapon
Sharpen the edges of the arm shields and use rocket propulsion to slice through enemies!

Proposal B: Heat Dissipation Weapon
Equip the shoulder shields with high-temperature generators to incinerate the enemy.

Proposal C: Variable Beam Saber
Since the current beam sabers produce only a single pattern of beam blade, why not enable various shapes, like a tomahawk blade, for versatility? (We’re struggling to come up with logical explanations here.)

Proposal D: Scattering Mega Particle Cannon
Adopt a beam scattering method to maintain consistent coverage over a wide area of enemies.

FOUR GREAT GUNDAM PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS

Deciding which Gundam reigns supreme has always been a burning question among fans. In this section, we embark on a detailed comparison of the four major Gundams to settle the debate.

7 FIREPOWER SUPREME
While the Z Gundam’s Hyper Mega Launcher is formidable, it falls short of the ZZ Gundam’s Hyper Mega Particle Cannon, relegating the original Gundam to the lowest rank.

8 ARMOR INTEGRITY
Both Z and ZZ Gundams share the same Gundarium Gamma armor. However, the ZZ’s shield is equipped with an anti-beam barrier, making it the top contender. The MK II, with its Titanium-Ceramic Composite, ranks lowest.

9 MELEE COMBAT EXCELLENCE
Here, we consider a fight without beam weapons. In a brawl, the robust original Gundam would likely emerge victorious. Z and ZZ’s complex transformation mechanisms make them susceptible to impact despite their strong armor, especially if the original Gundam wields its hammer; it would be invincible.

10 JUMP CAPABILITY
In a contest of pure jump ability, without using verniers, the Mk II’s more humanoid structure gives it the edge. However, with verniers, the advantage shifts, and the Zeta would likely come out on top.

11 SPACE FLIGHT CAPABILITY
Judged on maximum acceleration, fuel capacity, and maneuverability, Z tops the charts. But, when firepower is factored in, ZZ takes the lead.

12 ATMOSPHERIC FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Unlike in space, cruising range is emphasized. Consequently, the Z Gundam’s rank is lowered due to its lower fuel capacity. Consequently, the Z Gundam’s rank is lowered due to its lower fuel capacity. The ZZ Gundam excels overall and boasts the ability to enter the atmosphere, solidifying its position at the top.

13 OVERALL EVALUATION
The ZZ Gundam secures first place with unmatched firepower, rivaling the Psycho Gundam, all while maintaining a mobile suit sized frame. This is truly remarkable. The Z Gundam takes second place, lauded for its firepower and flight capabilities, notably not requiring additional power-up parts like the Defender or G-Armor. The Mk-II ranks third, with the original Gundam, unfortunately, showing its age with seven-year-old technology, coming in last.

NEWTYPES

14 WHAT EXACTLY ARE NEWTYPES?
Newtypes are individuals with a completely new sense of perception, adapted for the space age. In terms of evolution, as humanity continued to evolve in the fluctuating environment of Earth’s gravity, a new breed of humans adapted to zero gravity and infinite expanse of space emerged. However, the narrative of “Gundam” is set at the dawn of the Newtype era, suggesting that truly complete Newtypes have yet to emerge.

15 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEWTYPE AND CYBER-NEWTYPE?
Newtypes are a natural evolution, whereas Cyber-Newtype are a kind of modified human, artificially endowed with Newtype abilities.

16 WHO COINED THE TERM NEWTYPE?
The term was coined by Zeon Zum Deikun in the 0060s, who advocated for the independence movement of the Spacenoids and predicted the emergence of a new breed of humans adapted to the space age.

17 WHY CAN NEWTYPES PILOT MOBILE SUITS SO WELL?
Even a Newtype cannot operate a mobile suit without basic knowledge. Individuals like Amuro, Kamille, and Judau had, at the very least, knowledge of mobile suits. Their innate mechanical intuition is unparalleled, but that alone wouldn’t surpass a skilled pilot. Their abilities extend beyond trained skills, notably in anticipating an opponent’s next move—akin to the ultimate skill of a master swordsman. Their intuitive grasp of space, a domain without scale, also gives them an advantage.

18 WHAT IS THE “PRESSURE” OFTEN MENTIONED BY CHAR AND SCIROCCO?
The most fitting term would be “killing intent.” In the world of Gundam, this emanation of “aura” from people is scientifically termed as psycho-waves. Newtypes with heightened abilities emit stronger waves and are also more sensitive to these waves. In battles between Newtypes, the clash of psycho-waves can overwhelm the mentally weaker, leading to their defeat. These waves can convey emotions, allowing one to discern the identity of others.

19 DO NEWTYPES REVERT TO ORDINARY HUMANS UPON RETURNING TO EARTH?
While individual experiences may vary, it’s likely that the Newtype sensibilities would dull over time when removed from the space environment. This is why the Federation forcibly kept the crew of the White Base on Earth.

20 WHY CAN NEWTYPES HEAR THE VOICES OF THE DEAD?
There are two theories: one suggests that Newtypes can hear the voices of departed souls like a medium, while the other proposes that the memories of the deceased manifest as a personality, reviving within someone’s consciousness. The ending of Z Gundam might lean towards the former, but alternative interpretations could exist.

21 IS THERE A NEWTYPE LAB ON AXIS?
Research materials on Newtypes from the Flanagan Institute were brought to Axis, where research continued. Haman Karn is said to be the last Newtype of the Flanagan Institute. The reason she wasn’t deployed in the One Year War was due to her young age and her father’s high-ranking position within the Zabi family. The results of this research are embodied in the Qubeley, which is considered an advanced version of the Elmeth.

22 HOW DO THE FEDERATION NEWTYPE LABS DIFFER FROM ZEON’S?
The research facilities of the Federation are located on Earth, fundamentally different from the Principality of Zeon, which operates in the space environment where Newtypes naturally occur. Additionally, the Federation primarily focuses on research into Earthnoids becoming Newtypes, with the development of Cyber-Newtype being pursued along the same lines. Subjects for enhancement are treated like guinea pigs, with abilities induced through drugs and hypnotherapy. However, both approaches are ultimately geared toward military applications.

23 PRINCIPLES OF THE PSYCOMMU
Developed by the Flanagan Institute and seized by the Federation Forces following Zeon’s defeat, the research on the psycommu system continued at newly established Newtype research facilities and by remnants of Zeon who fled to Axis. The principle behind the psycommu system is to mechanically amplify a Newtype’s psycho-waves and transmit them wirelessly or via cable to another machine. A significant advantage of psycho-waves is their immunity to Minovsky particles, making them highly valuable militarily. The Psycho Gundam and Bound Doc are equipped with psycommu systems and even have systems that can control the pilot’s will, effectively forcing them into combat.

MOBILE SUITS

24 THE SECRET BEHIND THE Z GUNDAM’S POWER-UP
The Z Gundam incorporates a secondary control system known as the bio-sensor. This system receives the psycho-waves emitted by the pilot and translates them into commands for the maneuvering system, allowing for faster and more nuanced control than traditional stick and console operations. During the battle at Gryps 2, Kamille’s peak mental energy seemed to turn the system into a sort of psychic amplification device, creating a barrier of energy that also powered up the Z.

25 MONO-EYE VS TWIN-EYE: WHICH IS SUPERIOR?
The “eyes” of a mobile suit are a collection of various sensors, including electronic optical lenses and laser sensors. Unlike human vision, the necessity for two “eyes” to perceive depth and distance does not apply. However, employing two devices to mutually correct aiming accuracy is not a bad idea, though it makes the system more complex and expensive in terms of cost and maintenance compared to the mono-eye system.

26 IS THE GM MONO-EYED?
The GM is a mass-produced version of the Gundam, optimized for cost reduction and improved productivity in all aspects. Particularly, the main camera adopted the mono-eye system, deemed more suitable for mass production than the twin-eye, following the example of Zeon models. However, to maintain the prestige of the Federation Forces, a visor was added in front of the camera. This design was quickly developed, thanks to prototypes tested on the Guncannon.

27 WHY WAS THE CORE FIGHTER REVIVED IN ZZ
Originally, the Core Fighter was a transformable escape pod designed to provide mobility and a modicum of combat capability. It was not adopted in mass-produced models to enhance mobile suit performance. However, given the low survival rate of pilots using standard escape pods, the concept has been revisited. In ZZ, it became an essential component of the combining system.

28 DOES THE CORE FIGHTER FEATURE A PANORAMIC SCREEN?
At the time of the One Year War, neither linear seats nor panoramic screens were developed. However, they have since become indispensable in mobile suit design. The new Core Fighter models, due to cockpit volume constraints, do not use linear seats but are equipped with panoramic screens.

29 CAN MOBILE SUITS FLY IN ATMO?
Recent mobile suits have significantly improved thrust, granting them substantial jumping capability. Yet, for atmospheric flight, most still rely on auxiliary units like the Base Jabber or Dodai Kai. This limitation stems from the inherent design of mobile suits as humanoid machines. However, research into variable systems has made transformation to enhance thrust characteristics possible, leading to the concept of anti-air intercept mobile suits (MA) such as the Asshimar and Gaplant. Z Gundam and Byarlant are also capable of flight.

30 ARE IMAGES ON THE PANORAMIC SCREENS REAL?
Cameras mounted all around the mobile suit capture images that are processed by computers and projected as computer-generated simulations onto the cockpit screens. The comparison shows space as viewed from the cockpit on the left. The screen’s perspective is set to that of the mobile suit’s head. (Sorry, I didn’t scan the image here)

31 WHAT EQUIPMENT IS INSTALLED IN A MOBILE SUITS HAND?
Post-One Year War mobile suit models come equipped with devices capable of deploying (or spraying) birdlime, signal flares, and extinguishing agents. While there are exceptions, most are installed at the base of the fingers. Birdlime is used for emergency repairs on colony exteriors, and signal flares are essential for communication in Minovsky particle-dense areas. Since there are many types of signal flares, there are dedicated launchers located at six points when both arms are joined.

32 HOW DO MOBILE SUITS IDENTIFY DISTANT ENEMIES?
Images captured by the mobile suit’s main camera are analyzed by a computer, which matches them against stored data to identify the model. Infrared sensors also contribute to this identification process. The system corrects image fuzziness based on graphic data in memory, projecting the enemy on the cockpit screen. A limitation is its inability to correct images of new models not in memory or heavily damaged units.

33 WHICH IS STRONGER: MOBILE SUIT OR CRUISER?
Post-One Year War space combat ships, designed with mobile suit deployment in mind, can’t easily be compared to the question of whether an aircraft carrier without its complement of fighter jets is stronger than the fighters themselves. If forced to choose, a mobile suit’s main guns have the power to penetrate cruiser armor, and cruisers’ anti-air guns can’t keep up with the maximum acceleration of a mobile suit. However, in reality, cruisers typically carry interceptors, making it challenging for mobile suits to sink them.

34 THE LARGEST MOBILE SUIT (MOBILE ARMOR)?
The Big Zam stands out with its height of 59.3 meters.

35 THE STRONGEST MOBILE SUIT (MOBILE ARMOR)?
While the original Gundam might be noted for its high mobile suit/armor kill count, the Psycho Gundam Mk-II surpasses it in firepower.

36 WHY DIDN’T THE PSYCHO-GUNDAM MK-II TRANSFORM?
It lacked the necessary shield for transformation due to it not being ready for its first and last sortie. Reflective bits were also absent for similar reasons.

37 WERE AXIS MOBILE SUITS DEVELOPED BY FORMER ZEON ENGINEERS?
Axis’s mobile suit engineers are divided into two camps: those developing units based on old Zeon designs and those introducing entirely new concepts. Examples of the former include Zaku and Gouf to Galbaldy Beta and Gyan to R-Jarja, while the latter includes the Gaza series and others like Zssa and Hamma Hamma.

38 WHICH MOBILE SUIT (MOBILE ARMOR) IS THE FASTEST UNDERWATER?
Unquestionably, the Grabro takes the lead.

39 WHICH MOBILE SUIT (MOBILE ARMOR) CAN TRAVEL THE FARTHEST IN SPACE?
The Galpant is renowned for its range.

40 HOW MANY TYPES OF WORKER MOBILE SUITS ARE THERE?
Numerous models have been developed by civilian manufacturers for various purposes.

41 WHERE ARE MOBILE SUITS DEVELOPED?
As of “Z Gundam,” key Federation mobile suit development bases included Luna II, Solomon, Granada, the Gate of Zedan, Gryps, Kilimanjaro, New Guinea, and Jaburo, with Newtype Labs also conducted at Murasame and Augusta. However, the war significantly damaged many bases, reducing the Federation’s development capabilities. The AEUG often uses Federation-made mobile suits but primarily outsources development and manufacturing to Anaheim Electronics on the Moon, which also supplies the Federation Forces.

42 WHICH IS MORE POWERFUL: MEGA BAZOOKA LAUNCHER OR ZZ’S HYPER MEGA PARICLE CANNON?
Both possess comparable power, but the ZZ’s cannon is limited to a single use per sortie, whereas the Launcher, with an auxiliary power unit mobile suit, can be used up to three times. However, the more compact ZZ is considered more practical for combat situations.

WORLD

43 SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE COLONIES
Colonies are constructed at Lagrange points, positions of gravitational stability created by the Earth and Moon. Each colony cluster, comprising 35 to 40 colony “clusters,” is designated as a “Side,” with Sides 1 through 6 recognized as official Sides. Side 7 was under construction when the One Year War broke out and was halted before it could be formally designated as a Side. Being the most remote and thus easiest to keep secret, it was militarized in Zeta. The term “Earth Sphere” refers to Earth and its surrounding colonial habitats.

44 WHAT BECAME OF AXIS?
Axis, a base carved from an asteroid within the asteroid belt, was transported to the Earth Sphere using nuclear pulse engines. After colliding with the Gate of Zedan, its main block was set on a collision course with Granada but was redirected into lunar orbit by the colony laser. The whereabouts of its detached section, Moussa, remain unknown.

45 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GATE OF ZEDAN?
Following the collision with Axis, the Gate of Zedan was shattered into two, rendering it unusable as a base.

46 EARTH’S ENERGY SITUATION
The primary energy source is the solar power satellites stationed in geostationary orbit. These satellites, with panels spanning about 20 kilometers, convert sunlight into electricity and transmit it to ground receiving facilities via microwave beams. This transition is due to the depletion of Earth’s cheap fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, as well as efforts to mitigate Earth’s greenhouse effect.

47 CURRENT STATE OF THE FEDERATION FORCES
Following Jamitov Hymen’s death, the Federation adopted a neutral stance towards Axis and did not participate in the Gryps 2 conflict. The Titans fleet, led by Scirocco, was completely destroyed, effectively dissolving the Titans. The Federation Forces, having lost a strong leader, has seen a resurgence of bureaucracy, with military and political leaders on Earth vying for dominance.

48 THE SITUATION WITH THE AEUG
The AEUG, having also suffered significant losses in ships and personnel during the Gryps 2 conflict, struggles with reorganization. However, with the weakening of the Federation Forces, the AEUG has the opportunity to regain its strength, paving the way for a political resurgence. The industrial superiority of space colonies (including the Moon and various Sides) over Earth has contributed to the AEUG’s resurgence, attracting support from the weakened Federation Forces stranded in space.

49 AXIS’S PERSONNEL STRENGTH?
Axis’s forces primarily consisted of youths who were too young to participate in the fighting at the time of Zeon’s defeat. Despite having fewer personnel compared to the Federation Forces and the AEUG, Axis is actively recruiting from various colonies in preparation for an invasion of Earth.

50 WILL THE ARGAMA HEAD PLANETSIDE?
Following Axis’s invasion of Earth, the Argama will descend to the planet using a ballute system. A hover movement system will be installed for this purpose. Once it descends, it will not be able to return to space, necessitating the preparation of a second ship.

51 THE STATE OF EARTH’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Earth was already suffering from severe air pollution and desertification due to the greenhouse effect before space colonization began. While temporarily alleviated by mass migration and the relocation of industrial facilities to space, the dropping of a colony during the One Year War scattered large amounts of soil into the atmosphere, leaving a haze in the upper atmosphere seven years later. Moreover, pollution seems to have worsened further due to events like the destruction of Jaburo with nuclear bombs during this war. The AEUG advocates for temporarily removing humanity from Earth to protect it.

52 WHAT DO THE ARGAMA CREW TYPICALLY EAT?
Typical meals include croissants, salad, mini-steaks, potage soup, milk, and coffee.

53 IS HELIUM MINING ON JUPITER STILL ONGOING?
The Federation government has already decided to scale back its operations within the Earth Sphere, with the last transport ship being the Jupitris.

CHARACTERS

Translation coming soon