10 Best Gundam Characters Who Aren’t Char Aznable

In discussions about “Mobile Suit Gundam”, it’s usually the mechanical suits or mechas that come to mind rather than the human characters. The mobile suits are undeniably the main attractions of the franchise, often more recognizable than human characters such as Amuro Ray. However, there is one human character who stands out, and that is Char Aznable. He gained popularity in Japanese pop culture due to his distinctive clothing and Red Zaku suit, and he was the original rival character from the initial Gundam anime series.

In virtually every subsequent Gundam series, a character is depicted wearing a mask reminiscent of Char’s iconic one. Regrettably, Char’s influence is so significant that it often eclipses other human characters within the franchise, casting a long shadow. However, we believe that the diverse and fascinating cast of characters in Gundam deserve equal attention. So, here are ten remarkable characters from the Gundam franchise, excluding both Char and Amuro, to add some intrigue.

10) Amate Yuzuriha/Machu

Originally, Machu was considered among the strongest characters in the series. Yet, her development lacked the depth we anticipated. Machu, from the anime “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX”, reminded us of the troubled heroes common in traditional Gundam storylines. She often made questionable decisions and struggled with her mother’s relationship. Unfortunately, her main motivation was to win over a boy, a plot point that didn’t live up to the series’ usual intrigue. Despite this, we adore Machu for her spunky personality and expressive facial expressions.

9) Asemu Asuno

The television series titled “Mobile Suit Gundam AGE” is generally considered to have several shortcomings. Some questionable narrative choices were made throughout the show, including unclear character motivations and a rather unsatisfactory representation of female characters. However, one redeeming aspect of AGE is the character of Asemu Asuno and his storyline. The series is divided into three generations of Gundam pilots, with Asemu belonging to the second generation. Despite not having X-Rounder abilities, a unique skill that grants extraordinary agility and reaction speed to mobile suit operators – a trait his father possessed – Asemu manages to excel through compensatory efforts. He eventually ranks among the top pilots in the series. The intense rivalry between Asemu and Zeheart stands out as one of the strongest elements in Gundam AGE, making Asemu a standout figure in an otherwise rough show.

8) Emma Sheen

In contrast to the many emotional and impulsive characters found in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Emma Sheen stands out as a former Titans officer turned AEUG pilot who maintains composure amidst turmoil. Unlike most characters burdened by their feelings, Emma consistently upholds what’s right and just. When she uncovers the corrupt nature of the Titans, she swiftly defects to become one of the central hero pilots in Zeta. The profound impact of her demise during the 50th episode resonates with fans, as we grew attached to her throughout the series. Emma remains cherished by many, and it’s a pity that she couldn’t continue in subsequent installments.

7) Four Murasame

From the beginning in “Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam,” Four Murasame stood out with a mysterious demeanor. Her character was characterized by being both distant and reserved, suggesting she guarded her emotions closely. Although she appeared in only two arcs of the series, her presence left an indelible mark.

One of the franchise’s most memorable moments came when she piloted the Psycho Gundam, causing chaos in Hong Kong. This event remains among the franchise’s highlights. Another noteworthy aspect was her tumultuous romance with Kamille, which ranks as one of the saddest love stories in Gundam history.

Four Murasame’s design is distinctive and quintessentially 80s, making her one of the most iconic human characters in the Gundam universe.

6) Kamille Bidan

As a die-hard fan of Zeta Gundam, I’ve always found Kamille Bidan to be a fascinating character, though he can certainly be a handful! His aggressive nature and his persistent challenge against authority are undeniable. The sour taste left by his parents’ loveless marriage has molded him into a young adult with an inherent mistrust of adults. He’s also quite touchy about being mistaken for a girl, which I can certainly understand.

However, beneath Kamille’s rough exterior lies a character that is incredibly intricate and layered. His traits and beliefs are strongly tied to his upbringing, making his journey through Zeta Gundam one of the most riveting character arcs in the entire franchise. The haunting finale of Zeta Gundam serves as a chilling reminder that war has no true victors.

Thankfully, Kamille managed to find some semblance of happiness at the culmination of ZZ Gundam, offering him a well-deserved reprieve after his tumultuous past.

5) Haman Karn

In the opening scenes of “Zeta Gundam,” Haman Karn’s arrival made an immediate impact, dominating the stage with her no-nonsense demeanor, brutal tactics, and strategic intelligence. Emerging halfway through the series as a remnant of the Principality of Zeon, she became a third force in the ongoing conflict between the Titans and the AEUG. Haman’s presence injected political intrigue and moral ambiguity into “Zeta Gundam,” as both the heroes and villains vied for her allegiance. As the primary antagonist in “ZZ Gundam,” Haman proved to be a formidable foe, earning her recognition as one of the most memorable human characters in the entire franchise. The Gundam series could certainly benefit from more complex villains like Haman in the future.

4) Domon Kasshu

Domon Kasshu, the main character of Mobile Fighter G Gundam, is known for his boisterous and passionate demeanor. Despite his quick temper and aggression, he surprisingly demonstrates instances of insight during the series. The development of his emotional control and pursuit of inner calm forms the core theme of the show. Among all Gundam protagonists, Domon stands out for being older than most, at 20 years old when the series begins. This makes him young enough to be inexperienced about certain worldly matters and still provide ample opportunity for personal growth. His memorable catchphrases and frequent angry outbursts have endeared him to fans.

3) Suletta Mercury

In the anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury,” Suletta Mercury stands out as a unique protagonist. She’s sweet and somewhat clumsy in social situations, but don’t be fooled – she has an extraordinary ability to pilot mechas with precision, capable of crushing her adversaries like insects.

Unlike many other Gundam heroes who grapple with heavy doses of angst and drama, Suletta is remarkably simple and innocent, bordering on naivety. She blindly trusts what her mother tells her and is fiercely loyal to her friends, often to the point of excess. As the story unfolds, Suletta learns to question authority and make decisions based on her own beliefs, demonstrating personal growth.

Despite her maturation, Suletta manages to maintain a positive outlook, making her one of the most endearing characters in the franchise. Her romantic relationship with Miorine adds a fresh dimension to the series, marking Gundam’s first queer romance. This touching love story has resonated deeply with fans and contributed to the show’s significant financial success, making “The Witch from Mercury” one of the most profitable entries in the Gundam series.

2) Sayla Mass

In simpler terms, Amuro Ray is the main character in the original “Mobile Suit Gundam”, while Char plays a significant supporting role. Sayla Mass, on the other hand, can be considered the third most important character, often referred to as the tritagonist. The representation of female characters in this franchise has historically been challenging, but initially, they did well with Sayla. She was strong, genuine, and had depth, portraying complex emotions that made her feel real and relatable.

Sayla is unique because she’s Char’s secret sister and chose to fight for the Earth Federation, even piloting the famous Gundam mobile suit. Although she isn’t often in the spotlight after the original series, her influence remains significant across the franchise. A standout moment was her unexpected return at the end of “Gundam GQuuuuuuX”, which added a memorable touch to the conclusion.

1) Prospera

Char is quite a challenging act to surpass due to his legendary status, not just in Gundam, but across the entire anime genre. Few other villains can compare to the influence he wields. However, this changed when the series introduced Prospera in “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.” Initially presented as a compassionate mother and pilot for the Vanadis research, Prospera’s character took a dramatic turn when the Mobile Suit Development Council declared GUND technology illegal. As a result, the entire Vanadis research was wiped out, leaving Prospera and her daughter as the sole survivors.

In the introductory episode, we learn about Prospera’s past, while the rest of the series unfolds several years later. Throughout the anime, Prospera stands as the primary villain, driven solely by revenge. Her character is intriguingly complex, blending drama with a sense of calm that makes her motivations difficult to decipher. Both her Japanese and English voice actors deliver outstanding performances, capturing Prospera’s multifaceted nature exceptionally well. Despite her desire to destroy the universe, there’s an undeniable appeal to her character, making it challenging not to sympathize with her. In many aspects, Prospera embodies the legacy left by Char in the Gundam series.

Have we covered everyone on our list? Is there anyone missing? Feel free to share below who your preferred human Gundam character is!

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2025-09-08 22:44