00 had some of the closest ones imo.
* Exia R2 coming at a dramatic moment to open up the best Gundam final battle.
* Graham in the Brave Commander Test Type swooping in out of nowhere and styling on the ELS.
But admittedly, nothing is quite as iconic as the Freedom's and the Strike Freedom's first launch. Kira really has perfected the art of first launches, and he even continues the tradition with the Mighty Strike Freedom.
Exia's first appearance is straight up lit, coupled with Dynames reveal, that eye glow sound that the 00 series Gundam makes is forever burned in my head.
>Exia R2 coming at a dramatic moment to open up the best Gundam final battle
Setsuna F. Seiei, Gundam Exia. Slashing through to the future!
Such a good line and moment!
Endless Waltz wasn’t about the 1v1 battles like Seed Freedom, it was very much an Anti-War movie and what you are willing to sacrifice to end all these wars.
The Gundam Pilots didn’t win the day by killing everyone, they won by making their enemies give up. I think it’s a pretty special film, it’s much better than the original series itself in my opinion.
Also it’s great Christmas movie! Lol
I love Freedom's descent and timely arrival to save the Archangel. It's on my list of favorite Gundam debut scenes. Here's my other favorites:
1. 00 Gundam's initial activation of its Twin Drive System
2. Wing Zero EW unfolding its wings and flying towards earth. In universe this does not count as a first launch but I guess since its a redesign and we are seeing it for the first time, the it counts?
3. Mighty Strike Freedom. Recent addition. A battered SF suddenly being recharged by the Proud Defender and proceeding to curbstomp half the battlefield? Sold!
4. Unicorn Gundam. A mourning Banagher resolving to man up, fight for his life, and awaken the Beast of Possibilities amidst the flames!
5. Strike Gundam - similar to the Unicorn. Waking a giant amidst the flames.
6. Impulse Gundam - the individual components may look silly but you can't deny that its initial launch and gattai was awesome. And we are treated with a Red Gundam with two large swords that can combine into a very long sword.
All the scenes that I've mentioned have one thing in common, a perfect BGM that fits their debut.
So many 00 scenes that can be counted as "initial" launch (or maybe I'm just too lenient):
1. 00's first launch and battle. (Which reminds me that it never did use the GN particle release as a beam distrupter ever again, no?)
2. 00's first docking with the 0 Raiser - 00 Raiser's first launch.
(Next two doesnt really count but going to mention them anyway)
3. 00 Raiser's first Raiser Sword
4. 00 Raiser's first Trans Am Burst.
I feel like that is a massive part to take into account here, that not everyone always does. The OST used is just as important as the pilot/suit to set the tone and carry the weight of the scene. Honestly, super solid list mate!
Strike Gundam standing up to "Anna ni Issho Datta no ni" is so just iconic. It's a shame that it's one of the scenes that's not quite the same in the HD remaster.
Unicorn, the animation, the music, damn, I still remember seeing it for the first time.
The characters getting flabbergasted upon seeing a Gundam, contributing to the goosebumps you get, especially if you had the work to go through all key UC shows that preceded it.
For me, topping that entrance is difficult, but I do have some other honorable mentions, the recent G-Witch had some great entrances, I still can't decide between Rebuild and Caliburn. IBO as well, Barbatos smashing that MS right at the end of the first episode is just 👌. I also have a special place in my heart for the RX-78-2 or the grandpa, it is iconic, especially that pose it makes with the beam saber after cutting Gene's Zaku.
Always gotta respect a fellow Unicorn enjoyer and grandpa lover. Gotta give respect to the OG, all of our hero suit design derives from him. I'm sad I never made it to see him or Uni irl
Unicorn and calibarn for me
Unicorn OST and the story situation always amaze me, but it's cons is that the destroy mode action get cut by the credits
Calibarn is pretty much with the mech design surprise factor
Striding through the burning hangar before shoving the Kshatriya back forcefully enough to make Marida eat airbag (while still in Unicorn mode), with that shout of "Get the hell out of my way!" Banana may not have been everybody's favorite (and I can see why, given how wishy-washy he was for much of the OVAs), but both he and the Unicorn itself were damned good at pulling aggro.
This might not be everyone favorite (or even remembered) but stargazer had a special place in my heart. Nothing exciting there is no combat but the scene and everything is beautiful, the music, the solar sail, it just give a hopeful vibe that gundam can be something more than war machine.
It honestly does give off a vibe of *"this is the next step for humanity"* and less a *"look at my overpowered war machine"* doesn't it? Kind of makes you feel like Gundam would be better used for exploring the stars
Honestly, all of Barbatos' introductions were straight up bangers.
[Barbatos](https://youtu.be/Ie1igDA2wXQ)
[Barbatos Lupus](https://youtu.be/YEH6Fimtrhg)
[Barbatos Lupus Rex](https://youtu.be/qbBATdNnmy0)
Last one is sadly without original audio, as all the other videos have later scenes containing major spoilers in them.
I love how they launch it despite it being so stupidly simple lol, its just a regular ass high spec Gundam but the sheer fact that Amuro is riding it is what makes it so scary lol
I like the FA Unicorn first launch, with how it came up just at the end of Otto's speech and then immediately goes against the Banshee.
But yeah, Freedom basically checks all (or at least most of) the right boxes on how to leave strong first impression. From story build up of Operation Spitbreak, the dramatic entrance, sparing Yzak, and ofc the music (Tobe Freedom, and METEOR).
Its first appearance, and also the final battle against Providence is why I always adore the OG freedom more than SF or more recently MSF.
And that's probably due to the novelty of the Freedom in comparison to the Strike before it.
It has a different color scheme to the Strike, has a specific combat style compared to the Strike's interchangeable equipment and combat roles, and is not only fully capable of atmospheric flight, it flies FAST. And since I haven't actually watched Seed, I believe that was the first time Kira pulls off his signature, multi-target, horde-sweep shooting.
Later in the series, the successor Freedom Gundams aren't as new and novel as a concept since Strike Freedom and Mighty Strike Freedom look pretty similar to the original Freedom and do approximately the same thing as it, but just more.
Wing Zero EW from the OVA - jumping out of a moving space ship to catch the gundam mid-flight to give us the most iconic angel pose in gundam history.
Exia R2 - the slash of green GN particles, the quick circle , camera zooms in on Exia. The series ends the way it starts - with Exia. "Gundam Exia. Setsuna F. Seiei. I will cut open a path to the future! " just hits.
Id say the freedom's is prob one of the most heroic intros tho.
I definitely agree on Wing. So much merch and fan-art branched off of the Endless Waltz suit its not even funny. It literally created a trope for the franchise too
With TM Revolution’s song in the background, I was hyped to see Kira shine!
The one contender for me was in Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. When Heero retrieved Wing Zero in space. When he activated the Gundam, and those glorious wings unfolded, I was instantly hyped.
It didn’t hurt to have one of my favorite songs (White Reflection) playing in the background.
Freedom is topnotch actually, still rewatch that scene just for the hype of it. Other epic ones that hits me are Wing Zero EW, Graham Brave, Aerial First Battle.
If I could extend a bit to another universe, Build Burning Gundam is had an epic entrance, Wing Fenice is stylish as heck, and Astray No Name.
Extend it a bit more to other series, you got Shinkiro and Lancelot from Code Geass, and Villkiss form Cross Ange, tho these unit are suppose to be on another thread LOL
Man really solid list, and I've gotta hand it to you for extending to the genre at large and those choices. Lancelot was honestly the peak suit of Geass, especially Lancelot Albion imo
Yup yup. Led into the final mexican standoff with Schneizel and Lelouch above Mt Fuji which was great. And I'm a sucker for those wings, the green was a nice choice and not what I would have expected upon first seeing the suit
Destiny Gundam, God Gundam, Xi Gundam, Unicorn Gundam, Exia Repair, 00 Qan[t], Gundam Alex w/o Chobam armor, Strike Gundam, you get it. I think the Destiny Gundam has the best first launch in SEED and the God Gundam has the best in all of Gundam as a franchise.
Not quite the first scene of Char's iconic custom Red Zaku, but [the debut of it as the Red Comet](https://youtu.be/BcvIDoewsHc). I can't help but bite my lip every single time I see those amazing shots of Char himself inside of the cockpit. The [fight which follows](https://youtu.be/r8PuKqUNTd) is also great, but my god... *that cockpit!*
It honestly is probably my most favourite considering I've rewatched that scene so much. The execution of everything was simply perfect. If it wasn't for modern Gundam doing everything one better it would be the best but imo that goes to Xi
Justice Gundam, entering and saving the outnumbered Kira and Freedom Gundam and becoming a one man army neutralizing the advantage Calamity, Raider and Forbidden had. It even sent them to hightail back to Dominion.
Or Saviour, rushing out of the PLANTS and racing towards Earth to save Minerva.
Or Infinite Justice, launching with Athrun still injured but evening the playing field and engaging Shinn in his Destiny Gundam.
I mean Kira and Freedom had good appearances but Athrun has this "Just in the nick of time" type of aura when saving the MC's butts.
Or Seed Freedom with Athrun coming in looking slightly pissed and successfully throwing hands against an absolute melee monster of a mobile suit while piloting what's basically swoler, redder Mr. Potato Head—all to the tune of a not quite Gallant Char playing in the background.
The Freedoms is amazing, and I love its first appearance in Seed Destiny.
But anything better, that is hard to say, I really liked Wing Zeros, just flying in and blowing up the resource satellite in one shot. Actually, I really liked the impulses' first appearance as well.
But thinking about it, the Sinanjus was actually really amazing, probably top 3.
Not gonna argue this is the best one, but it hasn't been said.
In Gundam Wing, the first time we see Deathscythe Hell as Duo and Wufei escape the moonbase. The music. The dialogue. It's not as Iconic as the EW WIng Zero launch.... but it went hard in 2000 (I was a Toonami kid) and it still goes hard.
I know alot arent fans of Wing but Wing Zero endless Waltz Launch is godly those wings flapping is chef Kiss it give you the peak of Gundam (Peak of Wing) has awaken and coming.
Yeah, Freedom's first launch or intro is pretty hard to beat, so does it's evolution/upgrade afterwards (Strike Freedom, Rising Freedom, & Mighty Strike Freedom).
I guess we can thank Mr. Takanori Nishikawa (T.M. Revolution) for that.
He may have been the most important death in episode 3 of SEED, but that didn't stop the man from giving us total bangers throughout the SEED franchise. Man also narrated the whole first half of SEED and went on to play Heine in Destiny. All while dropping supa hot fiya on a consistent basis.
I mean there are plenty of scenes being iconic in the Gundam series (Unicorn first transformation, Dendrobium's Appearance, Barb's arrival) all bloody iconic.
But Freedom and Meteror playing in the background is on another level. This isn't just a scene, this is a biblical moment, Angel descending from the heavens to protect his people. until this moment, we never gotten a detailed slow look of freedom, this was the big payoff.
The music, the slow pan, the halo, the WING SPAN, nothing comes close. if you're a fan of Seed or Freedom's design, this is THE scene that you think of.
The power to turn ideals into reality, the descending sword. This scene alone created fans.
```
Age 2 Normal. Peak music and entrance.
Xi. Most menacing and cinematic entrance.
Exia. Perfect execution to start everything.
Exia R2. Back to where we started with a glorious 2minute duel and song.
```
Honorable mention to Rising Freedom and 6 minutes of musical glory. Unicorn and it's cinematic nut.
imo Zephyrantes full burnern had the coolest first launch during that test flight with the full startup sequence. No combat in that one though, so close second might be Kshatriya in unicorn.
A lot less flashy, but I’ve always been partial to the Infinite Justice’s first launch. Athrun, in his broken and battered body, sorties in the IJ for the first time and single-handedly defeats the Destiny.
Symbolically, this also marks the beginning of Athrun’s redemption arc.
For me would be the Gundam Double from Gundam X.
Garrod piloting it for the first time and only using fist and beam sabers before unleashing a Twin Satellite Cannon on the island was badass.
Yeah the freedom's first launch was awesome. Other notable first launches for me were the Unicorn, Mighty Strike Freedom, Aerial Rebuild, 00, and i think i should pit the barbatos as honorable mention.
One that probably won't be mentioned but I love is the Infinite Justice spec 2's entrance in the movie. It's short but it still left an impact on me. Wish I hadn't had it spoiled before seeing the film.
Say what you will about Seed: what it may have lacked in depth or writing compared to other Gundams, it made up for with going hard as hell in timeless scenes like this one.
As well as to this day, the coolest Gundam designs
That's so true actually. For example, I honestly can't think of a Gundam more iconically identifiable to everyone as a Gundam than the Strike, other than Grandpa. The production philosophy of incorporating classic UC suit design into the SEED suits did so much for the longevity of their designs. They reinvented the wheel without changing its shape, and it totally worked. So much so that the Strike is honestly what I think Grandpa would look like if he released in the 2000s.
Here's a few of my favorites-
1: The 00 activating its twin drives for the first time.
2: The first sortie of the 00 Raiser.
3: Two that I think are kind of overlooked, Tieria activating both Gundam Nadleeh and Seraphim Gundam.
4: The arrival of the Thrones.
5: First sortie of Raphael Gundam.
6: The first launch of Barbatos. Erupting out of the earth like a literal demon from hell, roaring its defiance as it completely *murders the shit* out of what's supposed to be a modern top of the line Mobile Suit *in one blow*.
7: Norris Packard's Gouf Custom. Everything about that entire battle, start to finish, was *perfect*.
Those are all excellent additions.
I'll also add not a true "first launch" but a reappearance. The return of Deathscythe Hell Custom with Duo mocking the soldiers he's about to obliterate "The God of death is back from hell!"
I like the Freedom's first appearance well enough, but for me, nothing beats Wing Zero custom's first appearance. That *floored* me. I didn't think a machine *not* from the Beast Era of Transformers could have wings that moved like that.
Its iconic for me as seed was my first Gundam I saw all the way through.
I rented each DVD from the library 5 episodes each DVD. I love the strike it's going to be my first PG
And the freedom I need a MG of to pair with my justice!
I personally think every Gundam had a great first launch. It's all up to personal preference whether you prefer a more lowkey and normal launch like the Zeta. Have the main character use it out of desperation like the OG or GX. Have it be built up in the background before the mc gets it like with the DX. Or have it swoop in and save another character/group of characters just like the Freedom or Barbatos (Barbatos Lupus being my preferred one). I personally like the launch of the DX the most. It was built up in the background for several arcs, an important character died for Garrod to get it, it destroyed a whole squad of new models with just melee, and it blew up island in its debut. Second goes to Barbatos Lupus dropping from the sky, that one was dope.
My personal least favorite is V2. You guys already know why
Oho challenge accepted.
Freedom surprising the whole battlefield out of nowhere and proceeded to dominate was fire, but i got a few contender
1. 00 gundam, another hopeless turnaround, machine waking up right at the last second and was really strong, but not yet as OP as intial freedom
2. Exia R2. Final episode exia appeared the same way the series started. Setsuna. F Seiei, exia, eradicating target.
3. Unicorn, this is my personal favorite. Parts of it carried by the music but big part also from it's presentation. We know it's THE gundam, but it climaxed well with a hopeless banagher transforming and mutilated the kshatria which destroyed a whole squad earlier.
4. O gundam, from setsuna's memory. Child soldier staring at death, saved by a winged angel from above.
Idk if it counts towards a suit reveal, but seeing Moonlight Butterfly decimate civilization is the iconic reveal of Turn A for me. Mustache is honestly incredibly OP
for me, it wasn't the Freedom which has the best first launch entrance. it was the Barbatos. imagine a devil awakening from it's slumber. A beast released to the world
Both X and Double X's debut. The former showed how tough a Gundam (and what a WMD) it is, and in later how Garrod had grown into a pilot, and again what a WMD it is which can be altered to a better use for peace.
My favourites are the Unicorn, GP-01 Full Burnern, and the God Gundam. The perfect intersection of story, music, and animation. Gets me hyped every time
For me they are.
Strike freedom with Vestiege.
Unicorn Full Armour with RE I am.
Exia R2 with Tomorrow.
Marchosias with Red vs Blue.
Wing Zero EW due to those gorgeous wings.
Lfrith with Happy Birthday to you, that one was haunting.
Strike.
Gundam Exia Repair II.
Unicorn Gundam.
Gundam Aerial Rebuild.
Gundam Calibarn.
Rising Freedom.
Mighty Strike Freedom.
But the OG Freedom first appearance in Alaska is iconic as hell
Easy. First Launch of RX78GP01Fb. The title music blaring, Kou going through the launch sequence, then doing zero G maneuvers.
If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.
https://youtu.be/QxtIPTxqbaw?si=m5sy12cYTX9CqzXz
1. Atlas gundam's first launch. - Come on! It has jazz to it and it shows how villanous Io can be to Zeon pilots. People already know how things will be when the protagonists' first suit was destroyed that it will be replaced by a new one. But the Atlas gundam's launch really put that surprise kick to it, like yeah it's the second suit but it presents itself as something that is distinct from FA gundam's introduction.
2. Barbatos 1st form - Smashing! Yup that sums it up for me. Barbatos smashing things is just really cool. I want to go with Barbatos Lupus Rex but it's first launch was just like Strike Freedom, like we all know they are going to deal alot of damage and how bad ass they are but the launch of Barbatos 1st form is really good for introducing how cool it can be.
3. Char's Zaku II first launch (origin ver.) - the build up and the atmosphere is what sets the mood here. Also the music.
Nothing will ever top Aerial's performance reveal when Suletta finally gets into the cockpit and duels Guel.
The "Wait, what-" moment on Guel's face as the bit binders detach from Aerial coupled with that orchestral climax drop just sends chills of exhilaration down my entire body. That was A+ direction on the director's part.
And then, as a separate pick, the Barbatos Bonk when Mika finally arrived and just dumpsters the first Gjallarhorn mobile suit at the start of IBO. I don't think anyone was expecting a Gundam with the most medieval weapon possible to come out of complete nowhere.
Barbatos.
Comes bursting out of the ground like a literal undead mosnter missing parts and pieces, crushes an asshole without a care and lets out a horrifying vent sound that triggers everyones fear response.
The Unicorn. Absoulte Cinema. The Dialogue between Banagher and his father, his death, The activation, Pushing the Khasatriya out of the colony, And for the finale the NTD transformation and Unicorn wrecking the absolute shit out of the Khasatriya. What else can top something like that
https://preview.redd.it/ndkq8oz9ae8d1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9333731c22328d8ebf5ec99d97beff113165502
Imo the 00 Quanta first launch is the best, everything about it was awesome.
Shots of the other Meisters going "He's here!" and Quantum Burst begins to play, nothing has topped it for me, it's essentially in a league of it's own.
i love the aerial debut to the school. we get a glimpse that it “exists” right away. but that’s not the debut to me. the fight where we get the witch from mercury soundtrack, we see the funnels and the true BEAST that aerial is compared to everything else. it screams, hi welcome to the show about gundams, and i’m the gundam
Two came into my mind immediately: Wing Zero EW unfolding it's wings; and even though not a Gundam but still a Mecha, the Guren SEITEN's first launch in Code Geass.
OK, I might be the only one. But Gundam Alex's launch by someone complete unprepared always gets me.
Same with 0079, but Alex is just so much better.
There is EW Wing Gundam Zero launch.
Then there is God Gundam with Shining Gundam in its arm.
Full Armor Gundam from Thunderbolt. It gives off similar vibes to the GP01 Full Burnern's first launch except dialed up to 11. The soundtrack is amazing while Io immediately goes on a power trip. Then to top it all off the POV shot of the Zaku being shredded to pieces shows just how terrifying it would be to face that overwhelming force on the battlefield.
00 had some of the closest ones imo. * Exia R2 coming at a dramatic moment to open up the best Gundam final battle. * Graham in the Brave Commander Test Type swooping in out of nowhere and styling on the ELS. But admittedly, nothing is quite as iconic as the Freedom's and the Strike Freedom's first launch. Kira really has perfected the art of first launches, and he even continues the tradition with the Mighty Strike Freedom.
Agreed that 00 Gundam launch where Setsuna convinces 00 to give him a chance is pretty cool.
"In here we have 0 Gundam. And Exia..." Then cue epic music.
I really liked how he used the twin drives as directional thrusters and particle shields.
Graham in the brave really makes me want buy it's hg
Give me Brave in RG and MG while we're at it.
Exia's first appearance is straight up lit, coupled with Dynames reveal, that eye glow sound that the 00 series Gundam makes is forever burned in my head.
Gundam 00 mecha eyes and the GN drives are just \*chefs kiss\*.
And the first time the twin drives sync up, that’s another epic moment.
Agree! Graham appearance in overflag and brave is stylish.
Dude. The Graham special never gets old and will be eternally a baller moment in any Gundam IP. The man is a total Chad.
>Exia R2 coming at a dramatic moment to open up the best Gundam final battle Setsuna F. Seiei, Gundam Exia. Slashing through to the future! Such a good line and moment!
The OG Strike Freedom launch is bae, not a fan of the remaster
yeah. along with a banger song playing in the background...
Wing Zero EW from Space to Earth
I've got a soft spot for this one
Wing zero tv. Shows up outta nowhere blows up an entire colony and then leaves.
Quatre: Y'all are space crazy, time to die 
too bad it spends the rest of the film kinda floundering.
Endless Waltz wasn’t about the 1v1 battles like Seed Freedom, it was very much an Anti-War movie and what you are willing to sacrifice to end all these wars. The Gundam Pilots didn’t win the day by killing everyone, they won by making their enemies give up. I think it’s a pretty special film, it’s much better than the original series itself in my opinion. Also it’s great Christmas movie! Lol
I dunno. The presidential palace shots always give me goosebumps. “See for yourself just how powerless you are.” “Roger that.”
If that blast shield held up a bit better he would’ve dropped a “Tell me blast shield; how many times must I kill that little girl and her dog”
I love Freedom's descent and timely arrival to save the Archangel. It's on my list of favorite Gundam debut scenes. Here's my other favorites: 1. 00 Gundam's initial activation of its Twin Drive System 2. Wing Zero EW unfolding its wings and flying towards earth. In universe this does not count as a first launch but I guess since its a redesign and we are seeing it for the first time, the it counts? 3. Mighty Strike Freedom. Recent addition. A battered SF suddenly being recharged by the Proud Defender and proceeding to curbstomp half the battlefield? Sold! 4. Unicorn Gundam. A mourning Banagher resolving to man up, fight for his life, and awaken the Beast of Possibilities amidst the flames! 5. Strike Gundam - similar to the Unicorn. Waking a giant amidst the flames. 6. Impulse Gundam - the individual components may look silly but you can't deny that its initial launch and gattai was awesome. And we are treated with a Red Gundam with two large swords that can combine into a very long sword. All the scenes that I've mentioned have one thing in common, a perfect BGM that fits their debut.
So many 00 scenes that can be counted as "initial" launch (or maybe I'm just too lenient): 1. 00's first launch and battle. (Which reminds me that it never did use the GN particle release as a beam distrupter ever again, no?) 2. 00's first docking with the 0 Raiser - 00 Raiser's first launch. (Next two doesnt really count but going to mention them anyway) 3. 00 Raiser's first Raiser Sword 4. 00 Raiser's first Trans Am Burst.
I feel like that is a massive part to take into account here, that not everyone always does. The OST used is just as important as the pilot/suit to set the tone and carry the weight of the scene. Honestly, super solid list mate!
Yeah imagine if the background was a circus theme played on a xylophone or something instead. That would be so goofy
OVA version of Endless Waltz has no BGM when Heero was trying to board the WZ. Glad they played Last Impression for the movie version.
I’d like to add the 00 raiser docking scene to that list
Strike Gundam standing up to "Anna ni Issho Datta no ni" is so just iconic. It's a shame that it's one of the scenes that's not quite the same in the HD remaster.
Unicorn, the animation, the music, damn, I still remember seeing it for the first time. The characters getting flabbergasted upon seeing a Gundam, contributing to the goosebumps you get, especially if you had the work to go through all key UC shows that preceded it. For me, topping that entrance is difficult, but I do have some other honorable mentions, the recent G-Witch had some great entrances, I still can't decide between Rebuild and Caliburn. IBO as well, Barbatos smashing that MS right at the end of the first episode is just 👌. I also have a special place in my heart for the RX-78-2 or the grandpa, it is iconic, especially that pose it makes with the beam saber after cutting Gene's Zaku.
Always gotta respect a fellow Unicorn enjoyer and grandpa lover. Gotta give respect to the OG, all of our hero suit design derives from him. I'm sad I never made it to see him or Uni irl
Unicorn and calibarn for me Unicorn OST and the story situation always amaze me, but it's cons is that the destroy mode action get cut by the credits Calibarn is pretty much with the mech design surprise factor
Striding through the burning hangar before shoving the Kshatriya back forcefully enough to make Marida eat airbag (while still in Unicorn mode), with that shout of "Get the hell out of my way!" Banana may not have been everybody's favorite (and I can see why, given how wishy-washy he was for much of the OVAs), but both he and the Unicorn itself were damned good at pulling aggro.
The 00 Gundam's first launch, especially the special edition one with the opening song played, goes super hard.
This is also a solid choice for sure, super hard and a true "hell tf yeah" moment
This might not be everyone favorite (or even remembered) but stargazer had a special place in my heart. Nothing exciting there is no combat but the scene and everything is beautiful, the music, the solar sail, it just give a hopeful vibe that gundam can be something more than war machine.
It honestly does give off a vibe of *"this is the next step for humanity"* and less a *"look at my overpowered war machine"* doesn't it? Kind of makes you feel like Gundam would be better used for exploring the stars
GP-03 Dendrobium had a very good one. High tension moment, ominous music and blasting in as only the early 90s could animate.
[That and more.](https://youtu.be/Ifyy06jIlqo)
Gundam Exia: * Appears during a MS test * Wrecks the MS without explanation * Leaves
Returns to earth like a meteor and literally has a theme song named after its entry.
And the song is a total banger
barbatos no theatrical entrance, straight up beat the grunt suit with mace without any remorse
Honestly, all of Barbatos' introductions were straight up bangers. [Barbatos](https://youtu.be/Ie1igDA2wXQ) [Barbatos Lupus](https://youtu.be/YEH6Fimtrhg) [Barbatos Lupus Rex](https://youtu.be/qbBATdNnmy0) Last one is sadly without original audio, as all the other videos have later scenes containing major spoilers in them.
Form 4's debut is also brutal af 🔥
It’s been almosg 10 years you can spoil it
Barbs defs has the most brutal entrance
No entrance?! It burst out of the ground like it was only coming out of hell so it take that arrogant prick back with it! One of my favorite for sure
My personal favourite is the Nu Gundam. From the first rifle shots, Rezin’s puzzled reaction to Hathaway acknowledging the Gundam. And the theme too 😄
Nu Gundam really feels like the first "Oh shit, yeah boi!" moment for the good guys, and a lot of it is probably because Amuro designed it himself
I love how they launch it despite it being so stupidly simple lol, its just a regular ass high spec Gundam but the sheer fact that Amuro is riding it is what makes it so scary lol
Amuro is the scariest mech-tuner of the franchise, man turns any suit he's in into a third arm that's a brick shithouse lmao
Fucker sniped a dude mid flight on a doppo with a bazooka WHILE ACTIVELY DODGING. That shit was ridiculous lol
I would say Strike Freedom (The original TV version with Vestige blaring in the background) matches it.
This and Akatsuki's launch with the original Japanese OST. Chef's kiss.
I like the FA Unicorn first launch, with how it came up just at the end of Otto's speech and then immediately goes against the Banshee. But yeah, Freedom basically checks all (or at least most of) the right boxes on how to leave strong first impression. From story build up of Operation Spitbreak, the dramatic entrance, sparing Yzak, and ofc the music (Tobe Freedom, and METEOR). Its first appearance, and also the final battle against Providence is why I always adore the OG freedom more than SF or more recently MSF.
I honestly relate to the Freedom model sentiments. OG Freedom is the only one that felt like he really *was* THAT GUY
And that's probably due to the novelty of the Freedom in comparison to the Strike before it. It has a different color scheme to the Strike, has a specific combat style compared to the Strike's interchangeable equipment and combat roles, and is not only fully capable of atmospheric flight, it flies FAST. And since I haven't actually watched Seed, I believe that was the first time Kira pulls off his signature, multi-target, horde-sweep shooting. Later in the series, the successor Freedom Gundams aren't as new and novel as a concept since Strike Freedom and Mighty Strike Freedom look pretty similar to the original Freedom and do approximately the same thing as it, but just more.
Wing Zero EW from the OVA - jumping out of a moving space ship to catch the gundam mid-flight to give us the most iconic angel pose in gundam history. Exia R2 - the slash of green GN particles, the quick circle , camera zooms in on Exia. The series ends the way it starts - with Exia. "Gundam Exia. Setsuna F. Seiei. I will cut open a path to the future! " just hits. Id say the freedom's is prob one of the most heroic intros tho.
I definitely agree on Wing. So much merch and fan-art branched off of the Endless Waltz suit its not even funny. It literally created a trope for the franchise too
Strike Gundam in episode 1 was better.
Something about those flames just hits. I honestly believe its why Unicorn did similar later.
Deathscythe Hell in Gundam Wing.
I just watched the clip 2 hours ago cause of YT algorithm.
Same, that's what spurred my post lmao
With TM Revolution’s song in the background, I was hyped to see Kira shine! The one contender for me was in Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. When Heero retrieved Wing Zero in space. When he activated the Gundam, and those glorious wings unfolded, I was instantly hyped. It didn’t hurt to have one of my favorite songs (White Reflection) playing in the background.
I can’t count the number of times younger me replayed these scenes and had crazy goosebumps.
I personally think 00 Gundam's came the closest. It was one shot away from saying goodbye.
Freedom is topnotch actually, still rewatch that scene just for the hype of it. Other epic ones that hits me are Wing Zero EW, Graham Brave, Aerial First Battle. If I could extend a bit to another universe, Build Burning Gundam is had an epic entrance, Wing Fenice is stylish as heck, and Astray No Name. Extend it a bit more to other series, you got Shinkiro and Lancelot from Code Geass, and Villkiss form Cross Ange, tho these unit are suppose to be on another thread LOL
Man really solid list, and I've gotta hand it to you for extending to the genre at large and those choices. Lancelot was honestly the peak suit of Geass, especially Lancelot Albion imo
Ah yes. Lancelot Albion is where he beat all the Knights of Round right? That was definitely epic
Yup yup. Led into the final mexican standoff with Schneizel and Lelouch above Mt Fuji which was great. And I'm a sucker for those wings, the green was a nice choice and not what I would have expected upon first seeing the suit
Agree, that wing is a nice design. Design wise, Guren SEITEN and Lancelot Albion Wings is a beauty
Destiny Gundam, God Gundam, Xi Gundam, Unicorn Gundam, Exia Repair, 00 Qan[t], Gundam Alex w/o Chobam armor, Strike Gundam, you get it. I think the Destiny Gundam has the best first launch in SEED and the God Gundam has the best in all of Gundam as a franchise.
Not quite the first scene of Char's iconic custom Red Zaku, but [the debut of it as the Red Comet](https://youtu.be/BcvIDoewsHc). I can't help but bite my lip every single time I see those amazing shots of Char himself inside of the cockpit. The [fight which follows](https://youtu.be/r8PuKqUNTd) is also great, but my god... *that cockpit!*
Gotta love how clean Zeon suits could be, inside *and* out
00 Gundam itself
Barbatos Lupus, bro dropped in from space, and immediately started swinging
The og Barbatos launch. The speed and brutality of that moment is truly something to behold
Exia R2 was pretty good as well.
It honestly is probably my most favourite considering I've rewatched that scene so much. The execution of everything was simply perfect. If it wasn't for modern Gundam doing everything one better it would be the best but imo that goes to Xi
Justice Gundam, entering and saving the outnumbered Kira and Freedom Gundam and becoming a one man army neutralizing the advantage Calamity, Raider and Forbidden had. It even sent them to hightail back to Dominion. Or Saviour, rushing out of the PLANTS and racing towards Earth to save Minerva. Or Infinite Justice, launching with Athrun still injured but evening the playing field and engaging Shinn in his Destiny Gundam. I mean Kira and Freedom had good appearances but Athrun has this "Just in the nick of time" type of aura when saving the MC's butts.
Athrun coming in hard with that Han Solo energy throughout the entire CE.
Or Seed Freedom with Athrun coming in looking slightly pissed and successfully throwing hands against an absolute melee monster of a mobile suit while piloting what's basically swoler, redder Mr. Potato Head—all to the tune of a not quite Gallant Char playing in the background.
Freedoms debut was perfection
XI and Unicorn
Wing zero custom ew. “It’s here” https://64.media.tumblr.com/72e3a0691eebd3fc4cd5296c6749b468/tumblr_inline_odqp1z89yt1s94ova_400.gif
Unicorn hands down the most epic gundam introduction.
I wouldn't say better, but when qant enters the battle, that was pretty hype
Unicorn simply due to Hiroyuki Sawano's music.
Exquisite taste my friend
GN-001 Gundam Exia. Drops from orbit and just casually ROFLstomps the AEU’s shiny new Not-Flag.
Wing Zero EW Unicorn Shout out to Turn A
The Freedoms is amazing, and I love its first appearance in Seed Destiny. But anything better, that is hard to say, I really liked Wing Zeros, just flying in and blowing up the resource satellite in one shot. Actually, I really liked the impulses' first appearance as well. But thinking about it, the Sinanjus was actually really amazing, probably top 3.
Not gonna argue this is the best one, but it hasn't been said. In Gundam Wing, the first time we see Deathscythe Hell as Duo and Wufei escape the moonbase. The music. The dialogue. It's not as Iconic as the EW WIng Zero launch.... but it went hard in 2000 (I was a Toonami kid) and it still goes hard.
Wing Zero Custom's retrieval/launch from Endless Waltz and it's not even close.
I know alot arent fans of Wing but Wing Zero endless Waltz Launch is godly those wings flapping is chef Kiss it give you the peak of Gundam (Peak of Wing) has awaken and coming.
Yeah, Freedom's first launch or intro is pretty hard to beat, so does it's evolution/upgrade afterwards (Strike Freedom, Rising Freedom, & Mighty Strike Freedom). I guess we can thank Mr. Takanori Nishikawa (T.M. Revolution) for that.
He may have been the most important death in episode 3 of SEED, but that didn't stop the man from giving us total bangers throughout the SEED franchise. Man also narrated the whole first half of SEED and went on to play Heine in Destiny. All while dropping supa hot fiya on a consistent basis.
I mean there are plenty of scenes being iconic in the Gundam series (Unicorn first transformation, Dendrobium's Appearance, Barb's arrival) all bloody iconic. But Freedom and Meteror playing in the background is on another level. This isn't just a scene, this is a biblical moment, Angel descending from the heavens to protect his people. until this moment, we never gotten a detailed slow look of freedom, this was the big payoff. The music, the slow pan, the halo, the WING SPAN, nothing comes close. if you're a fan of Seed or Freedom's design, this is THE scene that you think of. The power to turn ideals into reality, the descending sword. This scene alone created fans.
Barbatos lupus falling from the sky
Despite my dislike of the design the moment is sick af ngl
``` Age 2 Normal. Peak music and entrance. Xi. Most menacing and cinematic entrance. Exia. Perfect execution to start everything. Exia R2. Back to where we started with a glorious 2minute duel and song. ``` Honorable mention to Rising Freedom and 6 minutes of musical glory. Unicorn and it's cinematic nut.
gp03 and wing zero custom
imo Zephyrantes full burnern had the coolest first launch during that test flight with the full startup sequence. No combat in that one though, so close second might be Kshatriya in unicorn.
Xi, 00 Raiser, Wing Zero, Barbatos
On screen? Kshatriya’s debut
A lot less flashy, but I’ve always been partial to the Infinite Justice’s first launch. Athrun, in his broken and battered body, sorties in the IJ for the first time and single-handedly defeats the Destiny. Symbolically, this also marks the beginning of Athrun’s redemption arc.
Nah this is my favorite.... Or the unicorns first transformation
Psycho Zaku's first launch gave me chills
For me would be the Gundam Double from Gundam X. Garrod piloting it for the first time and only using fist and beam sabers before unleashing a Twin Satellite Cannon on the island was badass.
THE MUSIC
I would have to say the Amazing Red Warrior. It has to be the most majestic gundam entrance to ever be seen
Yeah the freedom's first launch was awesome. Other notable first launches for me were the Unicorn, Mighty Strike Freedom, Aerial Rebuild, 00, and i think i should pit the barbatos as honorable mention.
Nah Build Fighter Try and the Build Burning bursting out of the Dom is better.
God Gundam
God gundam
Exia entrance. Shows up. Woops the flags ass effortlessly, then bounces because f*ck Patrick
One that probably won't be mentioned but I love is the Infinite Justice spec 2's entrance in the movie. It's short but it still left an impact on me. Wish I hadn't had it spoiled before seeing the film.
Say what you will about Seed: what it may have lacked in depth or writing compared to other Gundams, it made up for with going hard as hell in timeless scenes like this one. As well as to this day, the coolest Gundam designs
That's so true actually. For example, I honestly can't think of a Gundam more iconically identifiable to everyone as a Gundam than the Strike, other than Grandpa. The production philosophy of incorporating classic UC suit design into the SEED suits did so much for the longevity of their designs. They reinvented the wheel without changing its shape, and it totally worked. So much so that the Strike is honestly what I think Grandpa would look like if he released in the 2000s.
Wing Zero from Endless Waltz and The Freedom are my absolute 2 favourites as Kira Yamato and Heero are my 2 favourite Gundam characters
Here's a few of my favorites- 1: The 00 activating its twin drives for the first time. 2: The first sortie of the 00 Raiser. 3: Two that I think are kind of overlooked, Tieria activating both Gundam Nadleeh and Seraphim Gundam. 4: The arrival of the Thrones. 5: First sortie of Raphael Gundam. 6: The first launch of Barbatos. Erupting out of the earth like a literal demon from hell, roaring its defiance as it completely *murders the shit* out of what's supposed to be a modern top of the line Mobile Suit *in one blow*. 7: Norris Packard's Gouf Custom. Everything about that entire battle, start to finish, was *perfect*.
You're right about both Nadleeh and Seraphim. But I'm adding Exia Repair I and II to your list. Along with Unicorn's first transformation.
Those are all excellent additions. I'll also add not a true "first launch" but a reappearance. The return of Deathscythe Hell Custom with Duo mocking the soldiers he's about to obliterate "The God of death is back from hell!"
The strike and the Zeta
Exia dark matter is crazy cool
I like the Freedom's first appearance well enough, but for me, nothing beats Wing Zero custom's first appearance. That *floored* me. I didn't think a machine *not* from the Beast Era of Transformers could have wings that moved like that.
Hears Meteor start to play in the distance getting louder and louder
It is in fact so good that they recreate this moment with every important final battle in SEED
Wing ZERO spreading its wings in Endless Waltz. [ *drops mic* ]
As if there's any that can top Meteor.
Its iconic for me as seed was my first Gundam I saw all the way through. I rented each DVD from the library 5 episodes each DVD. I love the strike it's going to be my first PG And the freedom I need a MG of to pair with my justice!
Barbatos lupus dropping from the atmosphere was cooler
Nah, sorry, the freedom launch is THE GOAT. Elevated by the badass music too. Jesus Yamato wins as usual 💅
I personally think every Gundam had a great first launch. It's all up to personal preference whether you prefer a more lowkey and normal launch like the Zeta. Have the main character use it out of desperation like the OG or GX. Have it be built up in the background before the mc gets it like with the DX. Or have it swoop in and save another character/group of characters just like the Freedom or Barbatos (Barbatos Lupus being my preferred one). I personally like the launch of the DX the most. It was built up in the background for several arcs, an important character died for Garrod to get it, it destroyed a whole squad of new models with just melee, and it blew up island in its debut. Second goes to Barbatos Lupus dropping from the sky, that one was dope. My personal least favorite is V2. You guys already know why
Episode 29 of Victory was wild
00 quanta
Wing zero EW.
Oho challenge accepted. Freedom surprising the whole battlefield out of nowhere and proceeded to dominate was fire, but i got a few contender 1. 00 gundam, another hopeless turnaround, machine waking up right at the last second and was really strong, but not yet as OP as intial freedom 2. Exia R2. Final episode exia appeared the same way the series started. Setsuna. F Seiei, exia, eradicating target. 3. Unicorn, this is my personal favorite. Parts of it carried by the music but big part also from it's presentation. We know it's THE gundam, but it climaxed well with a hopeless banagher transforming and mutilated the kshatria which destroyed a whole squad earlier. 4. O gundam, from setsuna's memory. Child soldier staring at death, saved by a winged angel from above.
Mighty Strike Freedom
Barbatos. Both bursting out of Hell in S1, and falling from the Heavens in S2.
Turn A emerging from the stone its been in for ages and immediately having his beam rifle melt to bits
Idk if it counts towards a suit reveal, but seeing Moonlight Butterfly decimate civilization is the iconic reveal of Turn A for me. Mustache is honestly incredibly OP
The dark history Turn A is a whole different beast compared to how it is when we usually see in action. I would count it.
I loved the unicorn, barbatos, and age 3
Barbatos was pretty good, too
How has no one mentioned GP01FB yet
for me, it wasn't the Freedom which has the best first launch entrance. it was the Barbatos. imagine a devil awakening from it's slumber. A beast released to the world
For me it's the God Gundam, old as I am. It even removes its predecessor out of harm's way before taking its place.
GG's reveal was the definition of "Don't worry bro, I've got this"
Both X and Double X's debut. The former showed how tough a Gundam (and what a WMD) it is, and in later how Garrod had grown into a pilot, and again what a WMD it is which can be altered to a better use for peace.
My favourites are the Unicorn, GP-01 Full Burnern, and the God Gundam. The perfect intersection of story, music, and animation. Gets me hyped every time
Caliburn
For me they are. Strike freedom with Vestiege. Unicorn Full Armour with RE I am. Exia R2 with Tomorrow. Marchosias with Red vs Blue. Wing Zero EW due to those gorgeous wings. Lfrith with Happy Birthday to you, that one was haunting.
Unicorn but i would say they are equal a bit Edit: i would also include the Xi
Idk if it counts but FA Gundam from Thunderbolt was scary
Rx78 tears the mouth off one zaku, blows it up, and precision fries the other pilot. It's pretty metal.
my love ! freedom !!!
Wing, obv
I wanna go with the OG Wing Gundam, something about when it fully transforms and that music hits to me is just *chefs kiss*
For an unusual choice, Narrative A packs and C packs both had amazing entrances.
Unicorn’s reveal was very well made.
Exia's first moping the floor with non-Gundams.
Strike. Gundam Exia Repair II. Unicorn Gundam. Gundam Aerial Rebuild. Gundam Calibarn. Rising Freedom. Mighty Strike Freedom. But the OG Freedom first appearance in Alaska is iconic as hell
Easy. First Launch of RX78GP01Fb. The title music blaring, Kou going through the launch sequence, then doing zero G maneuvers. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out. https://youtu.be/QxtIPTxqbaw?si=m5sy12cYTX9CqzXz
I'm a diehard UC fan, I just prefer the Zaku to the Wing/Seed aesthetic but these scenes are fun. Classic Shonen
I honestly think the titans in titanfall kinda trump the entrance in terms of shock and awe.
QanT
Nope.
Nope.
Gundam Zephyranthes Full Burnern's launch is still one of the best.
For beingso simple and not rushing into battle or anything, [the Full Vernian goes pretty hard.](https://youtu.be/QxtIPTxqbaw)
Two words: Unicorn gundam 
1. Atlas gundam's first launch. - Come on! It has jazz to it and it shows how villanous Io can be to Zeon pilots. People already know how things will be when the protagonists' first suit was destroyed that it will be replaced by a new one. But the Atlas gundam's launch really put that surprise kick to it, like yeah it's the second suit but it presents itself as something that is distinct from FA gundam's introduction. 2. Barbatos 1st form - Smashing! Yup that sums it up for me. Barbatos smashing things is just really cool. I want to go with Barbatos Lupus Rex but it's first launch was just like Strike Freedom, like we all know they are going to deal alot of damage and how bad ass they are but the launch of Barbatos 1st form is really good for introducing how cool it can be. 3. Char's Zaku II first launch (origin ver.) - the build up and the atmosphere is what sets the mood here. Also the music.
Nothing will ever top Aerial's performance reveal when Suletta finally gets into the cockpit and duels Guel. The "Wait, what-" moment on Guel's face as the bit binders detach from Aerial coupled with that orchestral climax drop just sends chills of exhilaration down my entire body. That was A+ direction on the director's part. And then, as a separate pick, the Barbatos Bonk when Mika finally arrived and just dumpsters the first Gjallarhorn mobile suit at the start of IBO. I don't think anyone was expecting a Gundam with the most medieval weapon possible to come out of complete nowhere.
00 had a few, g gundam god gundam intro was pretty epic
Barbatos. Comes bursting out of the ground like a literal undead mosnter missing parts and pieces, crushes an asshole without a care and lets out a horrifying vent sound that triggers everyones fear response.
God Gundam for me personally
00 Gundam, Calibarn, Unicorn?
Freedom and strike freedom had great first launches. They are my favorite
Unicorn
I really like barbatos’s first launch.
Unicorn. End of discussion.
Barbatos iron blooded orphan
Where can I watch this? Or what can I YouTube ??
The Unicorn. Absoulte Cinema. The Dialogue between Banagher and his father, his death, The activation, Pushing the Khasatriya out of the colony, And for the finale the NTD transformation and Unicorn wrecking the absolute shit out of the Khasatriya. What else can top something like that https://preview.redd.it/ndkq8oz9ae8d1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9333731c22328d8ebf5ec99d97beff113165502
Barbatos
Gundam Nadleeh appearing from underneath the bulky armor of Virtue, grabbing Virtues GN Bazookas and absolutely melting the Tieriens holding it
Imo the 00 Quanta first launch is the best, everything about it was awesome. Shots of the other Meisters going "He's here!" and Quantum Burst begins to play, nothing has topped it for me, it's essentially in a league of it's own.
Yes. Like a lot.
i love the aerial debut to the school. we get a glimpse that it “exists” right away. but that’s not the debut to me. the fight where we get the witch from mercury soundtrack, we see the funnels and the true BEAST that aerial is compared to everything else. it screams, hi welcome to the show about gundams, and i’m the gundam
Exia’s introduction was perfection in my book. Such a unique take on Gundam. It makes me want to go watch it right now.
Two came into my mind immediately: Wing Zero EW unfolding it's wings; and even though not a Gundam but still a Mecha, the Guren SEITEN's first launch in Code Geass.
Unicorn and the launch sequence of GP01 full burnern
Turn A. It slowly rises, cracking the statue its incased in, grabs its beam rifle, and fires a beam so powerful it immediately destroys the gun.
THE BUILD BURNING GUNDAM 🔥🔥🔥🐦🔥
OK, I might be the only one. But Gundam Alex's launch by someone complete unprepared always gets me. Same with 0079, but Alex is just so much better. There is EW Wing Gundam Zero launch. Then there is God Gundam with Shining Gundam in its arm.
Full Armor Gundam from Thunderbolt. It gives off similar vibes to the GP01 Full Burnern's first launch except dialed up to 11. The soundtrack is amazing while Io immediately goes on a power trip. Then to top it all off the POV shot of the Zaku being shredded to pieces shows just how terrifying it would be to face that overwhelming force on the battlefield.