Thanks to my experience with both the franchise and other anime in general, I’ll be talking from hopefully a different perspective from most people and even fans.

WFM is the most recent alternate universe entry in one of anime’s most integral franchises. Suffice to say, it carries on the legacy of this legendary series in more ways than one. An interesting note is that the reception it garnered when it aired almost mirrors the pattern of previous entries before it. I’ll be the one to say that the pattern WFM follows is one that has existed with Gundam from the very beginning. Many of the criticisms it got after it aired were also made to previous entries, and you’d think fans would get used to it but alas. That being it is still a great show that is in line with what the franchise is known for.

This is the pattern that led to certain reactions in the fandom: The start was strong with brand new concepts that weren’t explored in previous entries and everyone was the most excited. Then near the halfway point, the show shifted focus and went in a different direction from what was in the beginning. Finally the ending left many people unsatisfied and they thought it was “rushed”. I’ll tell you right now that this sequence of events for nearly every mainline Gundam. Right from beginning with 0079, to Zeta and ZZ, Char’s Counterattack, Victory, G, Wing, X, Turn A, Seed and Destiny, 00, Build fighters and Try, and finally Iron-Blooded Orphans that preceded Witch from Mercury. Whether you like it or not, this pattern happens to almost every single Gundam. Therefore WFM is just carrying the torch and knowing that this sequence of events will come is going to help appreciating what each one does differently.

The common stereotype about Gundam is that it is the same show over and over again. Yes, there are tropes and similar archetypes that are common amongst the shows but they are NOT the same. These similarities are just what makes a Gundam anime, a Gundam, and they help distinguish the series from other mecha. Each new alternate universe Gundam goes in very different directions in the way one tackles the overarching themes of the franchise and WFM isn’t an exception. Compared to other series, the conflict is a lot smaller and the beginning is unlike any other entry. But eventually its Gundam traits become more apparent as it goes on. The trademark themes of the horrors of war and the importance of understanding are present and as potent as they were in every other Gundam.

From the beginning the franchise always strived to push the boundaries and make unique works that break conventions. Every new entry will always be different compared to not only its predecessors, but other mecha of their respective eras. Unlike many Gundams before it, WFM puts a great focus on the development of the main characters. Many entries have great character development even with their large casts, but the reduced population allows the ones in this show to have a bigger spotlight on them. WFMs greatest strength is the relationship of the main duo. Romance in Gundam is usually very shaky and underbaked compared to other elements, but this is where the show’s writing is at its best. Beyond Suletta and Miorine every major character gets growth over the course of the story. This where the theme of understanding and changing to become better people to create peace comes in and WFM delivers that message beautifully.

Beyond the great story, characters and their development and themes, the show inherits the trait of Gundams being some of the best in mecha in terms of production. The animation is gorgeous when it comes to mecha battles. Everything in this world is presented in a way that makes sense as the setting is expertly crafted. One element that has been consistently great among every Gundam is the music. WFM is, yet again, not a slacker as the OST is top tier. The mecha designs are also great and very diverse. The differences between how the mechs look and operate are even integral to the plot and world of the show. Character designs are great and distinct from one another. An under-talked about element, across Gundam in general, is the amazing sound design. They give every action the mechs take a lot of impact and they are just satisfying to listen to. WFM is an amazing production all around as Gundams given their importance and legacy.

Is the show perfect? Absolutely not. Every Gundam has flaws in some areas and WFM is no exception. However it is still a great anime nonetheless. It carries on the Gundam lineage by doing things differently but still keeping the traits that make the franchise great. While it would have benefited from a larger episode count to explore the world in more depth, for it does provide, it does great job at it. The aspects that could’ve been fleshed have already been tackled in other Gundams before. This allows WFM to handle other themes and subjects that other entries have not given as much priority. Which the show does to great success. Witch from Mercury is as Gundam as you can get despite what others would have you believe. It accomplishes its mission to both bring the timeless messages of the series to a new generation and provide a unique experience for longtime fans.