VF-1S "Strike" Valkyrie
Designed by: Shoji Kawamori
Design: *****
Realism: ****
First featured in the 1984 Macross movie "Macross Ai Obete Imasuka?" (or "Macross: Do You Remember Love?" to the non-japanese literate). The Valkyrie was and still is a beautiful design. One of the ONLY proper transforming mecha ever created, the Valkyrie itsels has three modes. "Fighter", "Gerwalk" and "Battroid". The Valkyrie can also be upgraded by the addition of extra armaments. Based upon the pre-existing "Super" design that was featured in the 1982 TV series (and to a limited extent in the movie). The "Strike" version on first appearances isn't all that different from the rest of its other VF-1 counterparts, however the main difference is that it has a monstrous RÖ-X24 double beam cannon attached to one of its Super packs. It is nothing more than a simple variation but the fans still adore the "Strike" version over practically ALL the other Valkyries ever created. A truly classic mecha!
RX-78-2 Gundam
Designed by: Kunio Okunwara
Design: ****
Realism: ***
First featured in the 1979 TV series "Kidou Senshi Gundam" and also in the first two Gundam movies, it was probably the first semi-realistic design to be used in anime. Produced after the wake of the mid-70's Go Nagai super robot shows, such as "Mazinger Z" and "Getter Robo" it took Japan by storm. When the kits were first released in Japan it caused rioting because there weren't enough of them to go around. Despite the cheesy appearance of the RX-78 a LOT of shows still use the same design motifs.
MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam
Designed by: Kazumi Fujita
Design: ****
Realism: **
First seen in the 1986 TV series "Kidou Senshi Zeta Gundam", it was Studio Sunrise's attempt at cashing in on the transformable mecha craze that had been started by Macross. However, unlike the mecha in Macross, the Zeta Gundam had a poor transformation sequence, from "Mobile Suit" (Robot) mode into "Wave Rider" mode. The mecha DID transform but not into something that was in anyway realistic nor recognisable. Despite the shallowness of its design it is STILL very popular.
Heavy Metal L-Gaim Mk. 1
Designed by: Mamoru Nagano
Design: *****
Realism: **
First seen in the 1984 TV series "Heavy Metal L-Gaim", it was a truly classic design. Consisting of simple design features while also posessing a certain ethereal aesthetic (an aesthetic that has now made Nagano duly famous!). The Mk.1 was later outmoded by the Mk.2 which could transform into a "Flyer" mode (similar to the Zeta Gundam). Despite the Mk.2's transforming gimmick the Mk.1 is still the more popular design.
Aura Battler Dunbine
Designed by: Kazutake Miyatake
Design: *****
Realism: *
First seen in the 1983 TV series "Aura Battler Dunbine" and later in the OVA's, it is probably one of the most original mech designs to this day. The mecha itself looks remarkably similar to a giant insect. It was later upgraded to "Aura Battler Bilbine" which, following the commonly laid groundrules of mecha design, was transformable (however yet again it transformed into a non-sensical piece of plastic!). Set in the fantastical world of "Beston Well", a dimension between life and death, the mecha are truly bizarre. There have been many comparisons between "Aura Battler Dunbine" and "Tenku No Escaflowne", but I can assure these are mostly unfounded.
AV-98 Ingram
Designed by: Yutaka Izubuchi
Design: ****
Realism: ****
First seen in the 1987 TV series "Mobile Police Patlabor" and then in the consequent OVA's and films. It was Izubuchi's big break into the mech design arena, he managed to design a very realistic mecha which was then pitted in every day situations in a modern day Tokyo. At the time the concept was a massive eye-opener and one that has been copied ever since. The Ingram has been updated many times (and in some cases outdated) but it can still kick arse!
ATM-09-ST Scopedog
Designed by: Kunio Okunwara
Design: ****
Realism: *****
First seen in the 1983 TV series "Amored Trooper Votoms" and then in the consequent OVA's. It is one of the most realistic mecha ever designed, it is more akin to power armor than anything else. The series itself (created by Ryosuke Takahashi) is very depressing but the mecha are gorgeous and probably the series strongest point.
Knight of Gold "Lachesis"
Designed by: Mamoru Nagano
Design: *****
Realism: *
First seen in the 1987 manga "The Five Star Stories" featured in Newtype and then later in the one off OVA/film. Probably one of the silliest design concepts of all time. Made out of gold the "Knight of Gold" is ironically one of the most powerful mecha (known as "mortar headds") in the Five Star Stories universe, it is one of the only two mecha in FSS to carry a buster launcher, thus making it practically undefeatable!
Gunbuster
Designed by: Koichi Ohata
Design: *****
Realism: *
First seen in the Studio Gainax 1987 OVA "Gunbuster" it brought the super robot genre out of the closet and back into the light of day. Probably the hardest mecha of ALL time, able to waste large sections of a galaxy at a time, it has become a very popular design among anime fans. It may be ridiculously hard and look a bit silly but if YOU met it on a dark night you too would feel the need to refer to it as "sir".
GP-03 Dendrobium
Designed by: Hajime Katoki
Design: ****
Realism: **
First seen in the 1990 OVA and movie "Gundam 0083: Stardust Memories". The mecha didn't actually appear until quite late on in the plot (similar to the Zeta Gundam from the series of the same name), despite it's small appearance it is still a very popular design. Probably one of the only Federation mobile armors it packs a mean punch, with an I-Field, ordnance weapon bays and a positron rifle it is most certainly a tough adversary. The design was and still is one of Katoki's crowning glories, however many people would argue that his work for "Gundam Sentinel" is much better. Personally I like the Dendrobium over everything else he has ever done.
