Ahead of Its Time? The Unusual Zaku from "Mobile Suit Gundam" – Its Roundness Now at the Cutting Edge

"Is this really a Zaku...?" Fans were bewildered by the strangely round and sleek Zaku, known as the "Doan Zaku," which appeared in episode 15 of the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam."

The White Base receives an emergency signal from the Earth Federation Air Force, prompting Amuro Ray (voiced by Toru Furuya) to head to an island for reconnaissance. There, he encounters a mysterious Zaku, beloved by children, that fights by throwing rocks. Gundam is synonymous with beam rifles and sabers, while Zaku is known for its Zaku Machine Gun. This unconventional combat style that defied such norms was truly unique.

Moreover, upon closer inspection, this Zaku's form is different from the usual Zaku. Its shoulders taper, and its overall build is slender. This rounded design oddly aligns with the "smart and approachable" form of the Zaku set to appear in the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," scheduled to air sequentially from April 8, 2025. In hindsight, it can be said that its visuals were ahead of its time.

Of course, this wasn't a deliberate artistic choice but rather a result of the animation being somewhat off. In an era without SNS or even the internet, the debut of such a uniquely expressive mobile suit naturally became a legend and continues to be talked about.

In the story, it is revealed that Doan continued to pilot his Zaku, not as a weapon, but as a shield to protect the children, while avoiding conflict. To him, the Zaku was not just a tool of war but an integral part of his life with them. Its appearance, which exuded a sense of gentleness, upon closer inspection, had a unique charm that cannot simply be dismissed as a drawing error.

In 2022, a theatrical version titled "Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island," based on this episode, was released, featuring a completely new design for Doan's Zaku. However, the distinctive roundness and quirks that are present in the original version have an appeal that cannot be fully replicated in modern times.