Gundam Seed or Gundam Wing?

[Spiny Norman]

I'm trying to decide which Gundam series to collect next. I've always been more of a fan of the Universal Century stuff, but I've pretty much seen everything in the UC continuity thats been released here in the States with the exception of Char's Counterattack and F91, but I'd like to see ZZ Gundam before watching them (hopefully it'll be licensed someday). Anyway, as far as the alternate universe Gundam shows go, which is better: SEED or Wing? Opinions, please.

[Leon_Belmont]

[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
I'm trying to decide which Gundam series to collect next. I've always been more of a fan of the Universal Century stuff, but I've pretty much seen everything in the UC continuity thats been released here in the States with the exception of Char's Counterattack and F91, but I'd like to see ZZ Gundam before watching them (hopefully it'll be licensed someday). Anyway, as far as the alternate universe Gundam shows go, which is better: SEED or Wing? Opinions, please.

[/ QUOTE ]

SEED is closer to a UC show. People die. Until the sequel screws it up. Wing is closer to Rambo. Both have political maneuvering and emotion, but SEED tries harder with the drama and Wing with an almost non-sensical number of political swerves.

[itsuka]

I prefer Seed vastly over Wing. Wing really has a pacing problem, though some of the storyline isn't bad.

Seed is really welldone, but if you've seen all UC, then you might feel that Seed is really a sort of modern remake of the original Gundam series. It didn't bother me, the character dynamics are quite different, so it may not be a problem. But if you're able to rent, you should try before buying, just to see whether it bothers you or not.

[samwise]

I guess I'll put in a vote for Wing just to balance this out.

I couldn't say exactly why, but between the cheap CGI and the somewhat goofy character designs (seemingly just steps away from qualifying as super-deformed) I have trouble taking SEED seriously.

Add to that the fact that most of the characters are a little TOO serious (you could say the same about Wing, but at least that one has colorful bad guys), and I really don't know what to think. I wouldn't write it off... I have the series and I even intend to finish it someday.

Wing has got some annoying main characters, and I think the series would do just fine if you took them out and cut the episode count in half. Its also got a classy wardrobe. And I think its complicated politics are more believable. The absence of CGI goes a long way toward improving the animation quality. Oh, and Relena Peacecraft is less annoying than Lacus Clyne.

IMHO Wing is the strongest of the AU Gundams released in R1. It's not exactly saying much, but I definitely prefered it over G or SEED.

-sam

[DiGiKerot]

As a show, I vastly prefer SEED over Wing, though Wing does have significantly better looking animation (to me at least).

[takachsh]

Never seen WING but I love SEED to no end. /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[Trey-Trey]

Even though Gundam Wing was one of the very first anime shows I ever watched and I loved it to death, SEED just blew it outta the water. And I watched SEED after becoming an enbittered Anime fan with very finicky tastes.

[Keith Palmer]

I've seen more of Seed (all of the first series) than of Wing (chunks of the YTV broadcasts of a few years back), and in some ways I just took Seed more seriously than Wing; its characters and story appealed more to me and worked their way into my head. Of course, when I was just starting out with Seed, I noticed the multiple Gundams and multiple young pilots and thought there just might be a bit of Wing mixed in with what I accepted from the start as a remake of the original...

[Leon_Belmont]

[ QUOTE ]
Trey-Trey said:
Even though Gundam Wing was one of the very first anime shows I ever watched and I loved it to death, SEED just blew it outta the water. And I watched SEED after becoming an enbittered Anime fan with very finicky tastes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same with me as well, though I started anime about 3 years or so before Wing aired. However, I can't help but think Seed might lose its luster in my memories a little quicker. Especially considering it almost seemed liked Destiny set out to destroy any fondness I had for the Seedverse.

[Chacranajxy]

SEED is actually better in every conceivable way. Characters, storyline, animation (obviously) -- everything is excellent in SEED.

[DanielJr]

I liked them both the same. Or should I say, they balance each other out. I found that Wing has better character design and mecha, but Seed has better characterization and story.

[Fencedude]

[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
I'm trying to decide which Gundam series to collect next. I've always been more of a fan of the Universal Century stuff, but I've pretty much seen everything in the UC continuity thats been released here in the States with the exception of Char's Counterattack and F91, but I'd like to see ZZ Gundam before watching them (hopefully it'll be licensed someday). Anyway, as far as the alternate universe Gundam shows go, which is better: SEED or Wing? Opinions, please.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just for the record, ZZ has essentially nothing to do with either CCA or F91.

Its really not worth holding off on them.

As for your quesiton...Both.

Both are good, for different reasons.

Also, most of the complaints you'll hear about Wing are from people who obviously didn't pay a damn bit of attention to the show. (Not saying it doesn't have its flaws, it does, but most of the things people bitch about are just horribly inane)

[joelgundam01]

[ QUOTE ]
Fencedude said:


As for your quesiton...Both.

Both are good, for different reasons.


[/ QUOTE ]

I agree! You should go after both.

If you go after Wing, make sure you go after the Graphic Novel "Gundam Wing: Episode Zero". This GN is also by Katsuyuki Sumisawa (Gundam Wing's story writer) and it contains deleted scenes from the series (the pilots' past).

[jejune]

Wing is awesome. I've seen all 52 eps and loved every minute. I watched two eps of SEED and didn't bother to check out any more. Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance, but it was too much like all of the UC series, which I universally can't stand. (pun definitely intended)

Though my FAVORITE Gundam is SD Gundam Force, so maybe it'd be a good idea to not listen to my opinions. /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[k_chan]

[ QUOTE ]
Itsuka said:
I prefer Seed vastly over Wing. Wing really has a pacing problem, though some of the storyline isn't bad.

Seed is really welldone, but if you've seen all UC, then you might feel that Seed is really a sort of modern remake of the original Gundam series. It didn't bother me, the character dynamics are quite different, so it may not be a problem. But if you're able to rent, you should try before buying, just to see whether it bothers you or not.

[/ QUOTE ]

as a huge fan of UC Gundam and having seen pretty much all of it, i have to agree. while SEED is good, it is, imo, a "pretty" version of the UC story. while it's not necesarily a bad thing, and it does have its merrits, i prefer the classic. otoh, because it is a modern remake of the classic, it is better than Wing, imo.
though relena is still DAMN hot imo! /images/graemlins/noseblef.gif

[Vicserr]

[ QUOTE ]
joelgundam01 said:
[ QUOTE ]
Fencedude said:


As for your quesiton...Both.

Both are good, for different reasons.


[/ QUOTE ]

I agree! You should go after both.

If you go after Wing, make sure you go after the Graphic Novel "Gundam Wing: Episode Zero". This GN is also by Katsuyuki Sumisawa (Gundam Wing's story writer) and it contains deleted scenes from the series (the pilots' past).

[/ QUOTE ]

and I agree with both, both series got their good points

and if you go for Gundam Wing, remember to also pick up the awesome Endless Waltz movie with the main Wing mecha re-designed by Katoki /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[joelgundam01]

[ QUOTE ]
Vicserr said:

and if you go for Gundam Wing, remember to also pick up the awesome Endlass Waltz movie with the main Wing mecha re-designed by Katoki /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

OMG! I can't believe that I forgot to mention that one. /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif

[jindo]

Watched and own both series but definitely Seed over Wing series. Better storyline and character developement IMO.

[ibby]

Having seen both I prefer Seed over Wing due to the I found some of the characters in Wing not likeable, and that Seed's story was easier to follow. If you can rent either of these shows beforehand I would recommend that you do it before you buy.

[Mark]

[ QUOTE ]
Chacranajxy said:
SEED is actually better in every conceivable way. Characters, storyline, animation (obviously) -- everything is excellent in SEED.

[/ QUOTE ]

I question the animation. Barring the predictable high quality animation in robot battles, scenes where characters at the base are just conversing looks painfully bad. Like early hentai cgi bad. I haven't been able to look at Seed since.

[Bullfrog]

It's been a while since I saw Wing, however I'd recommend SEED, as it is significantly closer to the UC Gundam. However, both series are good.

The advantage of Wing is that there are two collections coming soon (March 28 and May 9) which are significantly cheaper than SEED at present. Rightstuf has them both listed for 37.49 each, and it should be possible to get further discounts via Got anime and $X off $Y type coupons.

And in either case, don't forget to pick up the movies.

[Kyhn 666]

I haven't seen all of it yet, but I much prefer Gundam Seed to Gundam Wing.

Mostly because the characters are much better developed in Seed than in Wing, and they are not all complete lunatics which is a bonus.

[Leon_Belmont]

[ QUOTE ]
LokiLeysmith said:
I haven't seen all of it yet, but I much prefer Gundam Seed to Gundam Wing.

Mostly because the characters are much better developed in Seed than in Wing, and they are not all complete lunatics which is a bonus.

[/ QUOTE ]

*cough*Flay*cough*

[lostnomad84]

Seed follows the UC story line too close in the beginning. However, after the first 26 episodes, it becomes it's own story and gets very good.

Wing is just another alternative story and it is unique. I enjoyed the art, story, and music of the series. It is very action based and I had a lot of fun watching it

Seed is the better of the two, but I will say Wing left more of an impression on me since it was the first Gundam I was introduced to.

[Fencedude]

[ QUOTE ]
LokiLeysmith said:
I haven't seen all of it yet, but I much prefer Gundam Seed to Gundam Wing.

Mostly because the characters are much better developed in Seed than in Wing, and they are not all complete lunatics which is a bonus.

[/ QUOTE ]

Congratulations!

You have totally failed to comprehend anything about the characters in Wing.

Good Job!

[SnowfairyX]

[ QUOTE ]
Fencedude said:
[ QUOTE ]
LokiLeysmith said:
I haven't seen all of it yet, but I much prefer Gundam Seed to Gundam Wing.

Mostly because the characters are much better developed in Seed than in Wing, and they are not all complete lunatics which is a bonus.

[/ QUOTE ]

Congratulations!

You have totally failed to comprehend anything about the characters in Wing.

Good Job!

[/ QUOTE ]
I kind of agree with him, but I don't think they were all crazy. Dorothy Catalonia and Duo Maxwell are the first characters that come to mind who seemed pretty sane, and actually likeable as well. I have to admit though, the series for me, was actually pretty decent because of the characters overall. Not that I liked them, (I hated them) but I just had to keep watching to see what crazy stuff that they were going to do next. It was especially entertaining seeing Heero Yuy and Relena Peacecraft in action /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif. They are two of the most despicable characters that I've ever seen in anime but I was still entertained by them and I think I remember I got in a few good chuckles /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif. If I took the series seriously though, I might have hated it.

[evilarrex]

Both series have deep major flaws (then again which series with impossible giant mechanical robots isn't?). That said I hated Gundam Wing and enjoyed Gundam Seed.
Gundam Wing has - perhaps discussion-wise regarding war and politics etc a more interesting story than Seed. It has a number of interesting characters esp Trieze and Noin. However, my take is if you want a War/Politics series - go with CotS or better still - wait for Legend of the Galatic Heroes. Both Wing and Seed pale as hack amatuerish attempts.
The entire Wing series was killed by ham-fisted pacing and moments of "wtf are they bothering to show this?". Much better off as a 30 episode series,
Not to mention ridiculous amounts of animation recaps (this also plagues Seed btw - but I noticed it less in Seed). Characterisation is awkward and poorly executed. Certain characters act as if they have had a frontal lobotomy at times.
The other problem with Wing is that no matter what the circumstances you never thought for a moment "OMG he might die" of any of the Gundam pilots at anytime. (Actually I was wanting a couple of them to die)
And nothing can compare to Wu Fei in terms of "annoying git factor". Flay in Seed was evil and a pain - but she had the advantage of being a girl and hot.
Seed is perhaps too character focussed and has a much higher melodramatic factor than Wing. You'll need to watch it with the melo-drama switch on "off" then its all good.
Seed has much better BGM than Wing.
As an aside the Wing dub is much better than the dub for Seed.

[Spiny Norman]

First off I'd like to thank everyone for their input. So far the consensus seems to be that Seed is the better of the two shows, but both have their problems.

I guess I'll get Seed first and Wing later. The little bit of Seed that I've seen seemed really derivative of some of the UC stuff (Zaft = Zeon, Coordinators = Newtypes, the Archangel = the White Base, etc.), but that's not necesarily a bad thing IMHO.

I think I saw some of Wing back in the Toonami days, but all I remember from it was that there was some blonde dude who was always plaintivly yelling "Heero!!" all the time...

Just as an aside to this whole Gundam conversation, does anyone know if the live action G-Saviour movie is considered an official part of the UC continuity? I haven't seen it but I've heard it's really god-awful...

[Vicserr]

[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
First off I'd like to thank everyone for their input. So far the consensus seems to be that Seed is the better of the two shows, but both have their problems.

I guess I'll get Seed first and Wing later. The little bit of Seed that I've seen seemed really derivative of some of the UC stuff (Zaft = Zeon, Coordinators = Newtypes, the Archangel = the White Base, etc.), but that's not necesarily a bad thing IMHO.

[/ QUOTE ]

Undestandable, as Seed is basically a play on lots of UC Gundam Themes

[ QUOTE ]
I think I saw some of Wing back in the Toonami days, but all I remember from it was that there was some blonde dude who was always plaintivly yelling "Heero!!" all the time...

[/ QUOTE ]

That's Relena Peacecraft... and She ain't a dude (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=relena+peacecraft&fr=FP-tab-img-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8)

[ QUOTE ]
Just as an aside to this whole Gundam conversation, does anyone know if the live action G-Saviour movie is considered an official part of the UC continuity? I haven't seen it but I've heard it's really god-awful...

[/ QUOTE ]

Technically G-Savior is the final UC Gundam, taking place at UC 223 and it's Not that bad... for a cheap live action movie (http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=4 54), review from Anime Jump

[theworld]

I prefer Wing to SEED mainly because of the political intrigue. Also, SEED's character designs and rather crappy CGI and animation didn't help when I initially first saw it.

[Spiny Norman]

[ QUOTE ]
Vicserr said:


That's Relena Peacecraft... and She ain't a dude (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=relena+peacecraft&fr=FP-tab-img-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8)



[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I meant this guy:
http://www.gundamofficial.com/www_ac/gw/characters/char_quatre.html

[shokoti]

[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
[ QUOTE ]
Vicserr said:


That's Relena Peacecraft... and She ain't a dude (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=relena+peacecraft&fr=FP-tab-img-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8)



[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I meant this guy:
http://www.gundamofficial.com/www_ac/gw/characters/char_quatre.html

[/ QUOTE ]
That would be one of Heero's groupies.

[treatment]

[ QUOTE ]
shokoti said:
[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
[ QUOTE ]
Vicserr said:


That's Relena Peacecraft... and She ain't a dude (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=relena+peacecraft&fr=FP-tab-img-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8)



[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I meant this guy:
http://www.gundamofficial.com/www_ac/gw/characters/char_quatre.html

[/ QUOTE ]
That would be one of Heero's groupies.

[/ QUOTE ]

Quatre's Trowa's bit..., errr, "buddy". /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif /images/graemlins/relief.gif:

[AbeChinchilla]

Skip SEED.

I say this because Gundam Wing was the only series that ever kept my interest, and for 49 episodes and a 3-part OVA.

[TuxedoFred]

[ QUOTE ]
AbeChinchilla said:
Skip SEED.

I say this because Gundam Wing was the only series that ever kept my interest, and for 49 episodes and a 3-part OVA.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. I haven't been able to get into SEED, but I really liked Wing. Of course, all of them pale in comparison to the greatest Gundam anime of all time of all time - G-Gundam.

[Vicserr]

[ QUOTE ]
shokoti said:
[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
[ QUOTE ]
Vicserr said:


That's Relena Peacecraft... and She ain't a dude (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=relena+peacecraft&fr=FP-tab-img-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8)



[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, I meant this guy:
http://www.gundamofficial.com/www_ac/gw/characters/char_quatre.html

[/ QUOTE ]
That would be one of Heero's groupies.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well. Relena has more "Heero" yelling time that anybody else in the series /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Spiny Norman]

TuxedoFred said:[ QUOTE ]
[b][i]Of course, all of them pale in comparison to the greatest Gundam anime of all time of all time - G-Gundam.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, that one is a lot of fun. That was actually the first Gundam show I ever watched all the way through. First one I ever bought on DVD, too. It's kinda hard to top a show that has a Tequila Gundam.

[lostnomad84]

[ QUOTE ]
Spiny Norman said:
Just as an aside to this whole Gundam conversation, does anyone know if the live action G-Saviour movie is considered an official part of the UC continuity? I haven't seen it but I've heard it's really god-awful...

[/ QUOTE ]

1) It is part of the UC timeline, 2) AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS! It is terrible!

[sher59]

I'd suggest Gundam Wing. There are a lot of good Gundam shows (08th MS Team, 0080,Zeta, 0083) but if I had to choose between Seed and Wing it would have to be Wing.