Gundam: Star Wars ripoff?

In 1979, Japan's studio released the series MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM; it soon became a massive cult hit spawning several sequels, and it's been compared to STAR TREK mostly in turns of popularity, since it was originally a fairly low-rated show that's been more sucessful in reruns. It is known primarily in America by three "Alternate universe" TV shows-G Gundam, Gundam Wing, and Gundam Seed. (Other Gundam series based on the original timeline don't quite stick with kids; they have been doing sucessfully on the video/DVD market).
However, when one gets down to it, there are somewhat disturbing similarities between the two franchises. One is the main hero: A technical wiz like Luke, he eventually finds himself becoming the pilot of a giant robot after he's forced to leave his home; later on in the series, he develops psychic/telekinetic powers which are very similar to the force. He even has an Obi-Wan "I saw millions of voices..." moment when a fleet is destroyed.
However, the most visual tip-off of the series is that the Gundams use giant weapons called "Beam Sabers" which are pretty much giant lightsabers (They even use the same or similar sound FX)

[image=http://www.5inall.com/gundam/gimages/msg2.jpg]

Then again, the concept of the lightsaber probably predates Lucas, so maybe I'm grasping at straws here.


Any thoughts?

 

I'm not a Gundam fan, but "beam sabers"? Not beam swords or energy swords? And they use the same sound effects?

Sounds like a blatant rip off to me.

 

That's what it's translated as, yes.

 

hey, dont be dishing gundams here, its just as good as SW, u probaly dont know that becausse u've probaly never even seen the show, if so i bet u havent seen at least one show from every series so how can u make these assumtions???!!!???

 

i think you could definately make the arugment that the laser sword in Gundam was directly influenced by Star Wars, but all similarities end there. they are drastically different stories. to call Gundam a ripoff of Star Wars is misguided.

 

I like Gundam, however Gundamw Wing was best. I see the similarities, but really doubt it was a ripoff. "Borrowed" ideas, maybe, but ripoff, hardly.

 

It was definitely made to capitalize on the popularity of Star Wars in the late seventies, then again just about EVERYTHING was back then. It borrowed SIGNIFICANTLY in regards to the civil war fought in space, Newtypes being Force-users, and the weaponry, but I wouldn't say it was a rip-off. Tomino was a huge Star Wars fan, and to say he ripped off Star Wars is to say George Lucas ripped off Hidden Fortress and Flash Gordon. Some elements pay homage to Star Wars, but the characters are definitely unique. Char Aznable's only resemblance to Vader is the fact he wears the same type of helmet, and that's about it. Amuro Rei shows much more depth and angst than Luke Skywalker did in the first Star Wars. There is no Princess Leia type character. We have elements of honor, revenge, and a mystery that was never in Star Wars. So no, it's not a rip off.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't call it a rip off. And I certainly wouldn't use Char Aznable's helmet as evidence of it either. Vader's helmet was derived from the samurai helmet which is what? Japanese!

Beam sabers? Ok, I'll grant that one

 

Yeah, I wouldn't call it a rip off. And I certainly wouldn't use Char Aznable's helmet as evidence of it either. Vader's helmet was derived from the samurai helmet which is what? Japanese!

Exactly, that's as close as the characters are gonna get in similarities. Both use samurai-type helmets, other than that mere coincidence, they have nothing in common.

Beam sabers? Ok, I'll grant that one

giant robots = cool
lightsabers = awesome

giant robots + lightsabers =

 

I like Gundam, however Gundamw Wing was best.

i think the original series is the best. the animation quality is dated, but the story and the characters are at their strongest in the original series.

Char Aznable is easily one of the coolest "noble enemy" characters ever written; walking somewhere on the thin line between "good" and "evil". and Amuro is much more emotionally complex than Luke Skywalker -- but equally is irritating.

it's one of those series, like Evangelion (though not nearly so oblique) that really questions the meaning of morality, "good vs. evil", family, frienships, what have you as well as being a ripping good war story.

i highly reccomend the original series. if you can look past the dated animation, you will find one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever written.