Few anime franchises have as many upsetting, tragic deaths as Mobile Suit Gundam. No matter which timeline, there’s a good chance that your favorite character is going to meet a tragic end. Even the protagonists aren’t able to escape terrible fates, with at least one protagonist perishing at the end of one of the main stories. It should go without saying, but virtually everything in this list is a spoiler.
There were so many characters that didn’t get on this list that frankly, should have. As long-time Mobile Suit Gundam enjoyers, it took some really serious work to narrow a list of something like 20-30 characters down to this 7. Whether protagonist or antagonist, if that character has a name, the odds of them having a tragic moment are pretty high.
Which deaths were the most tragic in Mobile Suit Gundam?
1) Emma Sheen (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam)
Honestly, we could have made this entire list just Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam character deaths, and it would have been understandable. Especially in the final couple of episodes of the series. Once a member of the Titans, Emma Sheen defected and joined the A.E.U.G. instead, fighting against tyranny.
However, during the final moments of the series, when the A.E.U.G. were in a pitched battle at the Gryps 2 Colony Laser, she watched the entire crew of the Radish get destroyed by Yazan Gable. After her fateful duel with Reccoa Londe, Yazan returned, blowing up Reccoa’s mobile suit – the shrapnel from which fatally injured Emma.
Even though Kamille retrieved her body, she’d die, and her body destroyed by the Gryps 2 Colony Laser while laying aboard an abandoned vessel. She was one of the many tragic casualties of the final major battle of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.
2) Lalah Sune (Mobile Suit Gundam 0079)
The first Mobile Suit Gundam series, colloquially known as 0079 (the in-storyline year it took place in) featured several important Newtypes – the next stage in human evolution. Char Aznable and Amuro Ray were among the most important ones, but Lalah Sune was one who emotionally became attached to both of those men.
Lalah Sune was a young Indian woman, whom Char Aznable discovered, doing his best to nurture her talents. Her death was perhaps one of the most tragic of all. Amuro Ray did battle with her while she piloted the Elmeth, and as he finally realized who the pilot was, through the Newtype bond they shared, he tried to stop the fight.
Char Aznable was never far away at this time, and in the ensuing melee, Amuro Ray removed one of Char’s mobile suit’s arms. When going in for the fatal blow to defeat Char once and for all, Lalah Sune flew in the way, and the Gundam’s beam saber pierced her suit, killing her instantly. It would have a long-lasting effect on the two men for years to come.
3) Treize Khushrenada (Mobile Report: Gundam Wing)
Treize Kushrenada was one of the more fascinating characters in Mobile Report: Gundam Wing and his death was equally tragic. He was a fan of war and knew exactly how many people had died for him throughout the current conflict.
Many died in his name, as the leader of the Oz Faction. During one of the series’ battles, Treize tried to duel Milliardo (Zechs Merquise), but Milliardo, disgusted with his rival, opened fire with the Libra battleship. Sadly, this was also the death of Une, who took the shot for Treize.
In the duel, the two discussed the number of people who died for Treize and his ideals, to which the Tallgeese-II pilot knew the exact number. In an odd moment, Treize charged Wufei and perished. The charge came after saying that none of those who died in battle were in vain and that his own death wouldn’t be either, so many feel that it was a suicidal charge, and he intended to die in this battle.
4) Carta Issue (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans)
Carta Issue, as a character, is one of the more interesting ones in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and her death is truly one of the sadder ones. A woman of noble birth, she deeply resented some of the tactics she was forced into using. Despite being a commander, she lacked real battle experience, which led to the Tekkadan faction getting the better of her.
She was beaten time and again throughout Iron-Blooded Orphans. Later in the series, she challenged Mikazuki and the Tekkadan to a three-on-three duel, in an honorable fashion. Mikazuki, still enraged by the death of Biscuit, slew Carta’s allies and easily defeated her. By the time she was rescued, she had suffered hypothermia, as well as the injuries of battle. She would pass, apologizing to her loved ones.
5) Bernie Wiseman (Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket)
Bernie Wiseman is easily one of the most popular characters in the tragic Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, despite being a member of the Principality of Zeon. He was a very likable person, and just happened to be on the other side of the war. His death was truly tragic, and many fans of 0080 cite him as a favorite character.
He was bested in battle by Christina Mackenzie, and despite their friendly nature, and attraction to one another, were enemies on the battlefield. In their duel during Operation Christmas, Christina ran her beam saber through his Zaku, causing it to explode. His death is easily one of the most tragic, and unfortunate deaths in the whole of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. It was only made worse by Christina never realizing who she killed in battle. Al would lie to her later, not informing her of Bernie’s death at her hands.
6) Astonaige Medoz (Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack)
Astonaige Medoz’s tragic death in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack is more about all the things he survived up until that point. He wasn’t even a mobile suit pilot. Medoz was a mechanic aboard the Argama during Zeta Gundam and Double Zeta Gundam. He survived both the Gryps Conflict and the First Neo Zeon War.
However, he was transferred to the Londo Bell to assist during the Second Neo Zeon war, alongside the love of his life, Kayra Su. Not too long after she died in battle, Astaonaige went out to try and stop Chan Agi from launching in a broken-down mobile suit.
While doing this, a laser from the heated battle outside destroyed him, taking his life immediately. He wasn’t a combatant, but his death showed just how dangerous and terrible these wars were.
7) Master Asia (Mobile Fighter G Gundam)
Throughout much of the ridiculous but fun Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Master Asia was a primary antagonist. The teacher of protagonist Domon Kasshu was known as the Undefeated of the East. A martial artist and mobile suit combatant without equal, he was also the former King of Hearts.
Master Asia had good motives for using the Devil Gundam to destroy humanity, weird as that statement is. He, like Char Aznable, blamed humanity for the state of the Earth. Once humanity was cleared from the planet, the Earth could regenerate. Domon’s assertion was that humanity was a part of nature, though.
As he died, Master Asia revealed to Domon he had no DG Cells in his body. Everything he did was through his own sheer power and will. He also revealed that he was suffering a terminal illness and that ultimately, he realized he was wrong. They recited the litany once more, and then Master Asia died with the sunrise. It was a beautiful moment, but woefully tragic.
One thing that has kept Mobile Suit Gundam interesting is these tragic, awful moments. Even the most beloved of characters can fall in battle. These sad moments live on with fans forever, as just a small sampling of the many who have fallen in battle in times of war.
