Gundam is a series known for its mecha designs, space battles and intergalactical politics. Iron-Blood Orphans has added a new dimension to this historical formula by putting the conundrum of being a child at the forefront of the plot, whilst the political themes took a backseat. This show succeeded in addressing multiple controversial themes, including relationships, child abuse and war.

Raw Power and Unlimited Potential

“They are efficient with minds unclouded by years of experience” – Think like a Freak by Daniel Levitt

The main protagonist Mikazuki Angus is a child with untold potential and a human weapon like no other. As people encountered Mika, they eventually want to use him for themselves as he was the perfect weapon. Determined, powerful and unwavering. The story put Mika as the specimen that epitomes the power of a child. A force that can be fashioned for whatever purpose suits with minimum baggage whilst potently young.

Mika throughout the series maintained the most childlike behaviour which correlated with his power. His simple mindedness allowed him to make key, fast decisions during and outside of battle. I don’t think he had a single “weak moment” or lapse of concentration throughout the whole series. He truly had a soldier’s level of focus and made you wonder if he actually started to mature whether he would lose his distinct advantage over his peers.

By the end of the story you realised how tempting exploiting children as soldiers would be for someone ethnically unhinged enough to put aside their morals. This was a tale of a world filled with adults that were all trying to take advantage of the same kids they abandoned for their own selfish purpose. These kids would spend their lives trying to survive long enough to not be disposed of, making their unofficial title Human Debris cunningly, relevant.

Manipulation

This wasn’t Games of Thrones politics but manipulation on a personal, individual level. Orga, Mika and Kudelia were being manipulated simultaneously by many parties from all directions. Luckily they also had the mental fortitude to withstand the assaults on their integrity, but it wasn’t without many mistakes along the way. But when it was Tanaka’s turn to fall victim to the schemes of one, he lost entirely at a heavy price. This reminded the audience that these were still children in unknown territory without the guidance or experience to take on unforeseen challenges, especially once isolated.

Child Relationships – The Good, Bad and Ugly

For a Gundam series there was a lot more romance than expected. It is easy to forget that these kids develop feelings and have urges like everyone else even if they spend every waking on the verge of death. I was very impressed how varied and natural every single relationship felt. For example, the gay relationship between Eugene Sevenstark and Yamagi Gilmerton caught me unawares. Then what seemed a polygamous relationship between Mikasuki, Kudelia and Atra leading to his son having 2 mothers to raise him in place of his father. I don’t remember many shonen animes that explore romantic themes beyond the binary male/female contract so I can only applaud the progressiveness of how they were presented here.

But not all relationships were healthy. Child exploitation is something society fights everyday across the world and the show didn’t shy away from the consequences of children who fall to those who prey on them. McGillis Fareed upbringing was touched upon including his abusive father. It was a chilling inclusion illustrated in enough detail to capture the grotesque nature without feeling graphic. Fareed then went on to show his more empathic side with his handling of his engagement with Almiria Bauduin. It was an uncomfortable relationship to watch blossom considering she was 9 arranged to marriage a fully grown man. I personally spent the whole series questioning the genuinity of his intentions but cannot fault how it was depicted in the anime without appearing “creepy”.

The Price of War

When it comes to war the rulebook on humanity gets thrown into the bin. Human lives go from priceless and just another statistic. But there are exceptions, women and children. There’s always been something about being comfortable with the lives of men being taken away in battle but the unacceptability of women and children getting caught in the crossfire. And what better way to take on this issue but through the eyes of child soldiers. Isn’t it ironic that they are nicknamed “human debris” ie as disposal as a soldier in wartimes? The Gundam series have always had child soldiers but they have seldom been childlike physically or mentally. The Iron Blooded Orphans are both which makes watching them fight a war a bitter pill to swallow. They are treated like both children and soldiers making their situation hypocritical at its core.

The price of war was laid bare many times throughout the story but no scene hit home as hard as watching a crippled Mikasuki rallying Orga to use Mikasuki as nothing more than a weapon. The ultimate sacrifice.

I don’t think another anime will be able to take on such sensitive topics concerning children as well as Iron Blooded Orphans. It was done in a tasteful manner whilst remaining raw enough to leave a lasting impact.