Athrun Zala Missing! “Gundam SEED” New Visual Sparks Speculation: “Is He the Photographer?” “Did He Prepare the Bouquets?”
A commemorative illustration featuring the top-ranked characters and mobile suits from the fan voting event "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Series Grand Prix 2024" has been released for the anime series "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED."
This project visualizes the top three in each category, with plans for merchandise featuring these visuals. In the character category, Kira Yamato ranked second and Lacus Clyne third, with Cagalli Yula Athha taking the top spot. The MS/MA category saw the Freedom Gundam in first place, Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam in second, and Destiny Gundam SpecII in third, with each receiving their own assembled illustration.
However, online discussions have pointed out the absence of main character Athrun Zala, who finished fourth in the character category. Comments such as "Athrun must be taking the picture," "Wish Athrun was included with this group," "Is Athrun the photographer?" and "Disappointed Athrun isn't there, but I like to think the bouquet Lacus is holding was prepared by him," have surfaced on the internet.
The "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" series, which started broadcasting in October 2002 and was the first Gundam TV series of the 21st century, explores a conflict between genetically engineered humans (Coordinators) and natural humans (Naturals), divided into the military organizations ZAFT and the Earth Alliance. The series focuses on the protagonist, Coordinator Kira Yamato, detailing his struggles and growth through the war. The series gained a broad fanbase, including a significant number of female fans, and sparked a second Gundam model kit boom among elementary school students, becoming a defining series of the new generation. The sequel, "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY," aired from October 2004, surpassing its predecessor with a peak rating of 8.2% and achieving over four million in series total package sales, extending its influence beyond the TV series through music and events. The storyline of the completely new movie "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" continues from "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY," further advancing the story of Kira, Athrun, Shinn, and others in a world still ravaged by war.