After Wars Gundam X

A promising yet really underrated Gundam series - Revised February 2026

One of the AU Gundam series I watched back at the end of 2011, After War Gundam X is a show that had the potential to be great but ultimately became a mediocre end product. The series was cut short at 39 episodes instead of the planned 50, and that premature ending made it a victim of timing and circumstances. Despite its flaws and unfulfilled potential, Gundam X remains my second favorite AU series after Mobile Fighter G Gundam.

Unlike other alternate-universe Gundam series, Gundam X takes place in a parallel setting to the UC timeline, where the One Year War never ended. The conflict between the Earth Federation and the Spacenoids becomes a long, brutal stalemate. Fifteen years before the story begins, the Federation’s devastating satellite cannon deals heavy losses to the Spacenoids. In retaliation, the Spacenoids drop space colonies onto Earth, resulting in total devastation. Fifteen years later, Earth is a barren wasteland where survivors scavenge and fight using mobile suits, earning the name “Vultures.”

As in most Gundam series, the story centers around a teenage protagonist. In this case, it’s 15-year-old Garrod Ran, a trickster who survives by stealing and selling mobile suits. His life changes dramatically when he meets a young girl named Tiffa, who is being pursued by people who suspect she is a Newtype and want to exploit her. Garrod falls in love with her at first sight and tries to protect her ever since. During their escape, he stumbles upon a legendary mobile suit from the war 15 years earlier, Gundam X. Soon after, he joins a Vulture group called the Freeden to protect Tiffa and travel the ruined world called Earth.

Among all AU Gundam series, I find Gundam X has one of the most interesting settings. Its post-apocalyptic angle opens up many possibilities for compelling storytelling. Like G Gundam, the cast is solid, both the main characters and supporting roles are equally well-written. Garrod might be one of the weaker Gundam protagonists because he doesn’t possess any special powers, but he’s likable and makes up for his weakness with sheer tenacity. His character fits well with a teenage archetype, and he and Tiffa form one of the most genuine and touching couples in the entire Gundam franchise.

The series was cut short largely due to low ratings, likely because audiences were becoming fatigued by Gundam’s annual releases throughout the 1990s. Gundam X became a victim of this exhaustion despite having solid production values. 

However, the series also partly contributed to its own downfall. As a story-driven show, it had potential, but the mecha action was slightly disappointing and didn’t deliver consistently. Some mecha designs, especially the Gundam DX, didn’t seem to resonate with fans. While Gundam X itself is a strong design, DX feels bland and less memorable. 

The main antagonists, the Frost Brothers, are also less compelling than they could have been. Though they have moments of depth, they can be annoying, and their motives remain underdeveloped even by the end of the series.

If Gundam X had aired for the full 50 episodes, the series legacy might have been very different. It could have delivered a strong anti-war message similar to War in the Pocket, and we might have seen the Gundam DX upgraded, the G-Falcon docking with the Leopard, and the Airmaster Gundam in action. Although the series reaches a somewhat decent conclusion, the buildup is insufficient to make the story truly memorable. Still, Gundam X manages to deliver some meaningful messages, and I believe its overall story is stronger than many recent Gundam series.

I wish Bandai would stop treating this series like a forgotten stepchild and give it more recognition. I’d love to see a Master Grade release, especially for Gundam X and the Divider as a bonus. I strongly recommend watching After War Gundam X if you’re looking for a story-driven AU Gundam series. However, if you’re seeking intense mecha action, you may be disappointed. Fans of the series may also enjoy playing Gundam Ace 3: Final or Super Robot Wars Z, which include some great moments featuring the Gundam X cast.