Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt December Sky

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky – A Brutal, Beautiful War Story

If you’re a fan of the Gundam franchise, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky. Released in 2016 by Sunrise, this film compiles and expands the first season of the Thunderbolt ONA series, adding new footage and an English dub. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what makes this movie a standout—or a letdown—for fans and newcomers alike.

The Story: War Without Heroes

Set during the One Year War, December Sky focuses on the brutal conflict in the Thunderbolt Sector, a debris-filled battlefield where the Earth Federation and Zeon forces clash relentlessly. The film follows two pilots: Io Fleming, a cocky Federation ace piloting the Full Armor Gundam, and Daryl Lorenz, a Zeon sniper in the Psycho Zaku. Both are skilled, both are ruthless, and neither is a traditional hero.

Fans have praised the film for its unflinching portrayal of war. One viewer on MyAnimeList put it perfectly: “Thunderbolt really drives home the realities of the war and reminds that the franchise is not solely about the glorification of killing machines.” Unlike other Gundam entries, December Sky doesn’t shy away from showing the psychological and physical toll of combat. Limbs are lost, minds break, and the line between survival and madness blurs.

The Good: Animation, Music, and Raw Emotion

1. Jaw-Dropping Animation

The film’s visuals are a major highlight. The mecha battles are fluid, detailed, and downright savage. One fan described it as “the best-looking fights I’ve seen in a while.” The Full Armor Gundam and Psycho Zaku are beautifully designed, and their clashes are chaotic yet meticulously choreographed.

2. Jazz and War: A Strange but Perfect Mix

The soundtrack, filled with jazz and blues, is polarizing but unforgettable. Some fans found it jarring (“I really hated the jazz”), while others loved how it contrasted with the brutality on-screen (“Jazz just makes everything better”). Daryl’s theme, in particular, stands out—haunting and melancholic, it underscores the tragedy of his character.

3. No Heroes, Just Survivors

The characters aren’t your typical Gundam protagonists. Io is arrogant and reckless, while Daryl is a broken man clinging to duty. Their rivalry feels personal, not ideological. As one Reddit user noted, “This was a seriously gnarly Gundam. I’ve got to put Io right up there with Mikazuki on my list of all-time greatest Gundam pilots.”

The Bad: Pacing and Added Scenes

Not everyone was sold on the film’s changes. Some fans felt the new ending (“to be continued”) undermined the original ONA’s self-contained conclusion. One critic wrote, “The 4-part ONA had a nice ending that closed the conflict… This one feels less complete.” Others found the pacing uneven, with extended fight scenes that, while gorgeous, didn’t always add depth.

The English dub also sparked debate. While many praised Johnny Yong Bosch’s performance as Daryl (“The dub was on point as always”), others felt Io’s English voice lacked the sinister edge of the Japanese original.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Gundam Fans

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky isn’t for everyone. It’s dark, chaotic, and unapologetically brutal. But if you’re looking for a Gundam story that strips away the usual tropes and delivers raw, unfiltered war drama, this is it.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “This is easily the most brutal Gundam series. There really wasn’t a need for this anime to be so dark, but I did appreciate that Gundam Thunderbolt did dark the right way.”

Rating: 8.5/10 – A visually stunning, emotionally heavy ride that proves Gundam can still push boundaries.

What do you think? Did December Sky live up to the hype for you, or did it fall short? Drop your thoughts below!