Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (Japanese: 機動戦士ガンダム0083 STARDUST MEMORY, Hepburn: Kidō Senshi Gandamu Daburuōeitīsurī Sutādasuto Memorī) is a 13-episode anime OVA series set in the Gundam universe. The first volume containing two 30-minute episodes was released in Japan on May 23, 1991.[1] Subsequent volumes, containing one 30-minute episode each, followed every one or two months; the final volume went on sale on September 24, 1992. The series was directed by Mitsuko Kase (episodes 1–7) and Takashi Imanishi (episodes 8–13). The characters were designed by Toshihiro Kawamoto. Mechanical designs were by Shoji Kawamori (of Macross fame) and Hajime Katoki.

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
Theatrical poster of the compilation film The Last Blitz of Zeon/Afterglow of Zeon
機動戦士ガンダム0083 STARDUST MEMORY (Kidō Senshi Gandamu Daburuōeitīsurī Sutādasuto Memorī)
Genre	Mecha, military science fiction,
Original video animation
Directed by	Mitsuko Kase (eps. 1-7) Takashi Imanishi (eps. 8-13)
Written by	Fuyunori Gobu (eps. 1-4) Akinori Endo (eps. 5-7) Ryōsuke Takahashi (eps. 8-10) Asahide Ookuma (eps. 11-13)
Music by	Mitsuo Hagita
Studio	Sunrise
Licensed by	^NA Sunrise
Released	May 23, 1991 – September 24, 1992
Episodes	13
Anime film
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: The Last Blitz of Zeon
Directed by	Takashi Imanishi
Studio	Sunrise
Licensed by	^NA Sunrise
Released	August 29, 1992
Runtime	120 minutes

Gundam 0083:Stardust Memory was licensed in North America by Bandai Entertainment and was available on VHS and DVD. The OVA series aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim in 2002.

Plot

The year is Universal Century 0083, and three years have passed after the One Year War ended with the Principality of Zeon's defeat. The Delaz Fleet, a group of Zeon remnants, launched an attack on the Earth Federation's Torrington Base, stealing the prototype Gundam GP02A "Physalis", a mobile suit with nuclear launch capability. Kou Uraki, a test pilot at Torrington Base, joined the Pegasus-class carrier Albion as it pursued the stolen GP02A in order to stop the Delaz Fleet's ultimate goal: "Operation Stardust".

Characters

Main characters

Mora Bascht, Chap Adel, Bernard Monsha, Kou Uraki, Chuck Keith, Alpha Bate

Kou Uraki (コウ・ウラキ)

Voiced by: Ryo Horikawa (Japanese); Paul Stephen (English)

Main mecha: RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 "Zephyranthes"; RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb "Zephyranthes" Full Burnern; RX-78GP03 Gundam GP03 "Dendrobium"

Other mecha: MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2

A 19-year-old Federation test pilot stationed at the Torrington base in Australia. When Anavel Gato steals the Gundam GP02A, Kou goes after him in the Gundam GP01. He is later assigned to the Albion's mobile suit team under the command of Lieutenant South Burning with orders to either recapture or destroy the GP02A. Uraki matures during his stay aboard the Albion and develops a relationship with Anaheim Electronics systems engineer Nina Purpleton. Following Burning's death, Uraki is promoted from Ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade by Captain Eiphar Synapse. In the aftermath of Operation Stardust, Uraki is court-martialed and sentenced to one year in hard labor, but his criminal record is erased when the Federation decides to sweep the Gundam Development Project under the rug. In U.C. 0084, after being demoted to Ensign, Uraki is relocated to Oakly Base in North America, where he reunites with Nina, as well as his former wingman Chuck Keith.

Anavel Gato (アナベル・ガトー, Anaberu Gatō)

Voiced by: Akio Ōtsuka (Japanese); Kirk Thornton (English)

Main mecha: RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A "Physalis"; AMX-002 Neue Ziel

Other mecha: MS-14A Gelgoog; YMS-09R-2 Prototype Rick Dom Zwei

A former member of the Principality of Zeon's elite palace guard unit. At the Battle of Solomon during the One Year War, Gato earned the nickname "Nightmare of Solomon". He joined Aiguille Delaz's fleet late in the war and departed with them following the fall of A Baoa Qu. Gato returns to Earth in October U.C. 0083 to seize the Gundam GP02A and later uses this mobile suit's nuclear weapon against the Federation's Naval Review in Episode 9. He dies in Episode 13 leading a kamikaze run against the Earth Federation fleet after inputting the Island East colony's final impact point, having fulfilled his mission.

Nina Purpleton (ニナ・パープルトン, Nina Pāpuruton)

Voiced by: Rei Sakuma (Japanese); Dorothy Elias-Fahn (English)

A 21-year-old Anaheim Electronics systems engineer in charge of the project that developed the two Gundams, which she is extremely protective over. She reluctantly allows Uraki to pilot the Gundam GP01 in order to recapture the Gundam GP02A and they both slowly begin a romantic relationship. She is later revealed to have a romantic past with Anavel Gato.

Albion crew

Eiphar Synapse (エイパー・シナプス, Eipā Shinapusu)

Voiced by: Chikao Otsuka (Japanese); Simon Prescott (English)

The captain of the ship Albion, which is given the tall order of recapturing the stolen Gundam GP02A. During the events of Operation Stardust, Synapse goes against Federation orders and acquires the GP03 Dendrobium as a means to stop the Delaz Fleet from fulfilling their mission. In the aftermath of the operation, Synapse is charged with mutiny and sentenced to death.

South Burning (サウス・バニング, Sausu Baningu)

Voiced by: Masashi Sugawara (Japanese); Paul St. Peter (English)

Mecha: RGM-79C GM Type C; RGM-79N GM Custom

A 39-year-old senior pilot at the Federation's Torrington base, Lieutenant South Burning serves as mobile suit company commander for the Albion. He serves as a mentor for the rookies Kou Uraki and Chuck Keith. Burning dies in the eighth episode when his GM suddenly explodes after a brief encounter with Cima Garahau, but not before picking up a briefcase carrying details of what is known as "Operation Stardust."

Chuck Keith (チャック・キース, Chakku Kīsu)

Voiced by: Yoshiharu Yamada (Japanese); Sean Mitchell (English)

Mecha: RGC-83 GM Cannon II; MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2; MS-14F Gelgoog Marine

Uraki's wingman at Torrington Base, he is likewise reassigned to the Albion as part of its mobile suit team. Over the course of the series, he has a romantic connection with Albion chief mechanic Mora Bascht. After the events of Operation Stardust, Keith is reassigned to Oakly Base in North America.

Bernard Monsha (ベルナルド・モンシア, Berunarudo Monshia)

Voiced by: Chafurin (Japanese); Dougary Grant (English)

Mecha: RGM-79N GM Custom

One of three mobile suit pilots assigned to the Albion after the Delaz Fleet's assault on Torrington. Monsha takes an immediate dislike to Uraki and Keith, especially Kou for being chosen to pilot the Gundam GP01 despite a lack of experience. When he is not on duty, Monsha likes to drink, gamble, and chase women, and often sexually harasses Nina.

Alpha A. Bate (アルファ・A・ベイト, Arufa Ē Beito)

Voiced by: Kouji Totani (Japanese); Mike D'Gord (English)

Mecha: RGM-79N GM Custom

Another reinforcement pilot who served under Lieutenant Burning alongside Monsha and Adel during the One Year War. Although he is calmer and less obnoxious than Monsha, Bate has a tendency to encourage his friend's misbehavior, but that does not prevent him from being promoted to deputy commander of the mobile suit team. He and Monsha, plus the rest of the Albion's bridge crew are eventually drafted into the Titans.

Chap Adel (チャップ・アデル, Chappu Aderu)

Voiced by: Yuji Mikimoto (Japanese); Daran Norris (English)

Mecha: RGC-83 GM Cannon II

The third reinforcement pilot assigned to the Albion and the most mild-mannered of the three.

Mora Bascht (モーラ・バシット, Mōra Bashitto)

Voiced by: Kazue Ikura (Japanese); Mari Devon (English)

A tall, big-boned female mechanic who serves as chief of maintenance aboard the Albion and friend to Nina. She takes a liking to Chuck ever since she met him.

Ivan Pasarov (イワン・パサロフ, Iwan Pasarofu)

Voiced by: Kazuhiko Kishino; Ryuji Nakagi (episode 1)

The Albion's helmsman.

Jacqueline Simone (ジャクリーヌ・シモン, Jakurīnu Shimon)

Voiced by: Kae Araki

A bridge officer of the Albion.

Peter Scott (ピーター・スコット, Pītā Sukotto)

Voiced by: Masami Kikuchi (Japanese); Jonathan Fahn (English)

A bridge officer of the Albion.

Akram Harida (アクラム・ハリダ, Akuramu Harida)

Voiced by: Daiki Nakamura

The Albion's navigator.

William Morris (ウィリアム・モーリス, Uiriamu Mōrisu)

Voiced by: Naoki Makishima (Japanese); Jonathan C. Osborne (English)

A communications officer of the Albion.

Earth Federation

John Kowen (ジョン・コーウェン, Jon Kōuen)

Voiced by: Takeshi Watabe (Japanese); Beau Billingslea (English)

A Federation Admiral stationed at Jaburo base who is the Albion's direct contact. Kowen is arrested under Jamitov Hyman's orders for insubordination during the final phase of Operation Stardust.

Nakahha Nakato (ナカッハ・ナカト)

Voiced by: Shinya Ōtaki (Japanese); Richard Cansino (English)

A Federation Major stationed at the La Vie en Rose space station. He kills Anaheim Electronics engineer Lucette Audevie while preventing Uraki from boarding the GP03 Dendrobium before he is ordered to drop his gun by Captain Synapse and his men.

Principality of Zeon

Aiguille Delaz (エギーユ・デラーズ, Egīyu Derāzu)

Voiced by: Kiyoshi Kobayashi (Japanese); Richard Barnes (English)

Commander of the Delaz Fleet (デラーズ・フリート, Derāzu Furīto). A strong supporter of Gihren Zabi's ideals, self-promoted Vice-Admiral Delaz was a colonel of a Zeon flotilla during the One Year War. He refuses to join the survivors retreating to Axis and spends the next three years in a secret colony base called the Garden of Thorns (茨の園, Ibara no En). Delaz initiates Operation Stardust (星の屑作戦, Hoshi no Kuzu Sakusen) as a means to undermine the security of the Earth Federation. He dies at Cima Garahau's hands in Episode 12 after encouraging Gato to push ahead with the colony drop.

Cima Garahau (シーマ・ガラハウ, Shīma Garahau)

Voiced by: Mari Mashiba (Japanese); Carol Stanzione (English)

Mecha: MS-14Fs Gelgoog Marine Commander Type; AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra

Commander of a group of former Zeon marines who are called upon by Delaz to help him execute Operation Stardust. It is later revealed that Cima is working for the Earth Federation, as she felt betrayed by the Principality of Zeon when her home colony was evacuated and converted into a colony laser. Cima guns down Delaz during the final phase of Operation Stardust, but is eventually killed by Uraki when her Gerbera Tetra is impaled by the beam cannon of Uraki's GP03 Dendrobium.

Kelly Layzner (ケリィ・レズナー, Kerii Rezunā)

Voiced by: Tesshō Genda (Japanese); Richard Epcar (English)

Mecha: MA-06 Val-Walo

A former Zeon lieutenant who fought alongside Gato during the One Year War, ultimately losing his left arm. When Uraki is beaten up by hoodlums in Von Braun City, Kelly helps him recover his mental faculties and the two become friends as Uraki helps him repair the Val-Walo mobile armor in his warehouse. However, they are both well aware that if they meet in battle, they will have no choice but to fight each other. Upon discovering that the Cima Fleet will not take him to the Delaz Fleet due to his disability, Kelly launches the Val-Walo to challenge the Gundam GP01Fb to a battle to prove them wrong. He is defeated by Uraki and dies in the explosion, as he never installed an escape system in the mobile armor.

Anaheim Electronics

O'Sullivan (オサリバン, Osariban)

Voiced by: Osamu Ichikawa (Japanese); Sam Strong (English)

An Anaheim Electronics Director based in Von Braun. Despite supporting the Federation, he secretly makes deals with Cima Garahau to supply her fleet with resources such as the Gerbera Tetra prototype mobile suit. In the aftermath of Operation Stardust, O'Sullivan commits suicide in his office.

Lucette Audevie (ルセット・オデビー, Rusetto Odebī)

Voiced by: Masako Katsuki

An Anaheim Electronics systems engineer in charge of the GP03 Dendrobium at La Vie en Rose. Lucette shows high interest in assigning the GP03 Dendrobium to Uraki, despite Nina's objections. She is killed by Nakahha Nakato while helping Uraki board the Gundam prototype.

Nick Orville (ニック・オービル, Nikku Ōbiru)

Voiced by: Yoku Shioya (Japanese); Jack Emmet (English)

An Anaheim Electronics employee stationed aboard the Albion who is revealed to be a Zeon spy. Orville escapes from the Albion and attempts to make contact with the Kimbareid forces in Africa, but is shot down to prevent the Albion from discovering the location of the secret Zeon base.

Others

Latuera Chapra (ラトーラ・チャプラ, Ratōra Chapura)

Voiced by: Yuko Kobayashi (Japanese); Lia Sargent (English)

Kelly Layzner's girlfriend, who is completely against him returning to battle.

Mecha

Earth Federation

RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 "Zephyranthes" (ガンダム試作1号機（ゼフィランサス）, Gandamu Shisaku Ichi-gōki (Zefiransasu))

The first unit of the Gundam Development Project by the Earth Federation and Anaheim Electronics. The Gundam GP01 is a redesign of the RX-78-2 Gundam, with a 30% increase in performance over its predecessor. Like the original Gundam, the Gundam GP01 features the Core Block System, which incorporates the FF-XII Core Fighter II (コア・ファイターII, Koa Faitā Tsū) as the suit's control unit and escape system. While it excels heavily in ground combat, it is not suitable for space battles; this is evident when Ensign Kou Uraki recklessly launches it in space and the unit is heavily damaged by Cima Garahau's Gelgoog Marine.

RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb "Zephyranthes" Full Burnern (ガンダム試作1号機フルバーニアン（ゼフィランサスFb）, Gandamu Shisaku Ichi-gōki Furu Bānian (Zefiransasu Furu Bānian))

An upgraded version of the Gundam GP01, specifically for space use. The Gundam GP01Fb is equipped with giant thrusters on its backpack and numerous verniers on its shoulders and legs for increased maneuverability. It duels with the Gundam GP02A following the destruction of the Federation naval review until both units destroy each other.

RX-78GP03 Gundam GP03 "Dendrobium" (ガンダム試作3号機（デンドロビウム）, Gandamu Shisaku San-gōki (Dendorobiumu))

The third unit of the Gundam Development Project, the GP03 Dendrobium is a massive mobile armor designed to destroy enemy fleets. It is armed with multiple missile pods, a large beam cannon, and two giant beam sabers. In addition, it is equipped with an I-field, which shields it against beam attacks. Controlling the mobile armor is the RX-78GP03S Gundam GP03S "Stamen" (ガンダム試作3号機（ステイメン）, Gandamu Shisaku San-gōki (Suteimen)), which has extending arms to quickly grab weapons during combat. During the final phase of Operation Stardust, the GP03 Dendrobium is heavily damaged, but the Gundam GP03S Stamen remains intact; it is last seen shooting at Bask Om's fleet.

RGM-79N GM Custom (ジム・カスタム, Jimu Kasutamu)

An upgraded version of the Federation's mass production mobile suit. While it boasts superior maneuverability, production costs limit the GM Custom to elite pilots. Furthermore, it excels at nothing other than being a well-balanced general purpose mobile suit. During a duel with Bernard Monsha's GM Custom, Uraki comments on it as "remarkable for being unremarkable".

RGC-83 GM Cannon II (ジム・キャノンII, Jimu Kyanon Tsū)

A medium-range attack mobile suit that is a successor to the RX-77 Guncannon and RGC-80 GM Cannon. Unlike its predecessor, the GM Cannon II is armed with shoulder mounted beam cannons instead of units that fire solid shells. It is also equipped with Chobham armour, which protects it from heavy attacks at the cost of maneuverability.

RGM-79C GM Type C (ジム改, Jimu Kai)

A late production variant of the RGM-79 GM. Several units are stationed in Torrington Base in Australia, as well as various fleets in space.

RGM-79C Powered GM (パワード・ジム, Pawādo Jimu)

A modified GM Type C equipped with a new backpack and shock absorbers on its legs, intended to serve as a testbed unit for the Gundam Development Project. The backpack emits a significantly higher output than standard backpacks, enabling the Powered GM to easily outmaneuver most Federation and Zeon mobile suits. During the pursuit outside Torrington Base, the Powered GM is destroyed by a Dom Tropen's bazooka shot at close range.

RGM-79Q GM Quel (ジム・クゥエル, Jimu Kuueru)

A redesign of the GM Custom for use by the Titans. It is briefly seen toward the end of episode 13.

MSC-07 Albion (アルビオン, Arubion)

The Earth Federation's newest Pegasus-class mobile suit carrier, named after the old name of the island of Great Britain. It is sent from Anaheim Electronics' headquarters on the moon to deliver the Gundam units GP01 and GP02A to Torrington Base. After the Gundam GP02A is stolen, the Albion is assigned to track down and recover the unit from the Delaz Fleet.

Principality of Zeon

RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A "Physalis" (ガンダム試作2号機（サイサリス）, Gandamu Shisaku Ni-gōki (Saisarisu))

The second unit of the Gundam Development Project. The Gundam GP02A is equipped with heavy shielding and an atomic bazooka that is capable of firing a nuclear warhead. Upon its arrival in Torrington Base, the Gundam GP02A is stolen by Anavel Gato, who later uses it to fire the warhead on the Federation's naval review on Konpei Island. Following this incident, it duels with the Gundam GP01Fb until both units are destroyed.

AMX-002 Neue Ziel (ノイエ・ジール, Noie Jīru)

A prototype mobile armor given to Gato by the Axis Zeon forces for the second phase of Operation Stardust. The Neue Ziel is armed with multiple particle beam cannons and missiles, as well as an I-field. It is also equipped with multiple verniers for high mobility and computer-controlled sub-arms that allow non-Newtypes to execute all-range attacks. After inflicting heavy damage on Federation fleets, the Neue Ziel is destroyed when Gato and the remaining Delaz Fleet mobile units do a kamikaze run on the surrounding Federation forces.

MS-14A Gelgoog (ゲルググ, Gerugugu)

Gato's original mobile suit during the One Year War. It was painted blue and green.

YMS-09R-2 Prototype Rick Dom Zwei (プロトタイプリック・ドムツヴァイ, Purototaipu Rikku Domu Tsuvai)

Gato's second mobile suit during the One Year War, the Prototype Rick Dom Zwei is briefly seen in the flashback introduction in episode 1 when Delaz stops him from boarding the mobile suit. It is also featured in the 2016 animated short Mayfly of Space 2.

MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 (後期生産型ザクII, Kōki Seisan-gata Zaku Tsū)

A later variant of the MS-06 Zaku II. Several units are in service with the Delaz Fleet while some units have been captured by the Earth Federation and used for aggressor combat.

MS-09F/trop Dom Tropen (ドム・トローペン, Domu Torōpen)

A later variant of the MS-09 Dom.

MS-14Fs Gelgoog Marine Commander Type (ゲルググマリーネ（指揮官用：シーマ・ガラハウ専用機）, Gerugugu Marīne (Shiki Kan'yō: Shīma Garahau Sen'yō-ki))

Cima Garahau's custom Gelgoog Marine unit, equipped with additional verniers and a large beam rifle.

AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra (ガーベラ・テトラ, Gābera Tetora)

A prototype mobile suit donated to the Cima Fleet by Anaheim Electronics. It was originally the unfinished RX-78GP04G Gundam GP04G "Gerbera" (ガンダム試作4号機（ガーベラ）, Gandamu Shisaku Yon-gōki (Gābera)) before Anaheim cancelled the project, but the Zeon-influenced engineers behind the project secretly completed it with a different design that is closer to Zeon mobile suits. After attacking the GP03 Dendrobium, the Gerbera Tetra is impaled by its beam cannon.

MS-14F Gelgoog Marine (ゲルググマリーネ, Gerugugu Marīne)

A variant of the MS-14 Gelgoog originally assigned to Zeon marine units. Following the One Year War, some units are used by the Federation for aggressor combat.

MA-06 Val-Walo (ヴァル・ヴァロ, Varu Varo)

A Zeon mobile armor piloted by Kelly Layzner. The Val-Walo is equipped with beam cannons, claw arms, and Plasma Leaders that trap enemy units by jamming their electronics. In addition, it is modified to allow Kelly to pilot it with only one arm. The Val-Walo is defeated by the Gundam GP01Fb outside Von Braun.

YMS-16M Xamel (ザメル, Zameru)

A massive prototype mobile suit designed for long-range artillery combat. The Xamel inflicts major damage on Torrington Base, but is later on defeated by South Burning's GM Type C.

MS-21C Dra-C (ドラッツェ, Dorattse)

A space type assault mobile suit constructed by the Delaz Fleet using parts from the MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 and the Gattle fighter bomber.

Gwaden (グワデン, Guwaden)

A Gwazine-class space battleship and the flagship of the Delaz Fleet. The Gwaden is destroyed by Cima after she assassinates Delaz.

Peer Gynt (ペール・ギュント, Pēru Gyunto)

A Musai-class Late Production Type light cruiser assigned to Gato, the Peer Gynt is named after the Norwegian play. It is sliced in half by the GP03 Dendrobium's beam saber during the final phase of Operation Stardust.

Lili Marleen (リリー･マルレーン, Rirī Marurēn)

A Zanzibar-class mobile suit carrier and the flagship of the Cima Fleet, the Lili Marleen is named after the 1915 poem. It is destroyed by the GP03 Dendrobium's beam cannon during the final phase of Operation Stardust.

Nibelung (ニーベルング, Nīberungu)

A Musai-class Late Production Type light cruiser that is part of the Cima Fleet, the Nibelung is named after the dwarf race in Der Ring des Nibelungen. It is destroyed by the GP03 Dendrobium's chain mine during the final phase of Operation Stardust.

Anime

From episodes 1-7, the opening theme is "The Winner" by Miki Matsubara while the ending theme is "Magic" by Jacob Wheeler.[2] From episodes 8-13, the opening theme is "Men of Destiny" by MIO while the ending theme is "Evergreen" by MIO.[2] For episodes 1 & 6, "Back to Paradise" by Miki Matsubara was used as a insert song.

#	Title
01	"Gundamjack" "Gandamu Gōdatsu" (ガンダム強奪)[3]
In the prologue (set during the Battle of A Bao A Qu in December U.C. 0079), Zeon ace pilot Anavel Gato returns from combat to find Admiral Aiguille Delaz telling him of the deaths of Gihren and Kycilia Zabi, as the Zeon forces surrender. Despite the shock defeat, both men retreat and plan the return of Zeon. In October U.C. 0083, the Federation space carrier Albion delivers two Gundam Development Project (GDP) prototypes, the RX-78 GP01 Zephyranthes and the GP02A Physalis, to the Torrington Base in Australia for ground testing under the aegis of Anaheim Electronics engineer Nina Purpleton. Because of lax security, a Zeon mole helps Gato infiltrate the base and hijack the GP02 just after its nuclear weapon is loaded in the middle of the night. Having witnessed Gato activate the mobile suit, Ensign Kou Uraki takes over the Zephyranthes and prepares to face him just as Zeon forces assault the base.
02	"Endless Pursuit" "Owarinaki Tsuigeki" (終わりなき追撃)[3]
After a failed confrontation with Gato at the Torrington Base, Kou, his friend Chuck and veterans South Burning and Dick Allen follow Gato through the outback in an attempt to recapture the Physalis. Zeon forces ambush them and kill Allen as Gato awaits a Komusai shuttle for extraction. Kou destroys the shuttle, but his efforts were in vain - the forces of Zeon had another avenue of escape prepared in the form of a submarine that provided covering fire during the Torrington base attack. Federation forces led by Burning managed to corner Gato, but it was all for naught as the wily Zeon pilot makes his escape on the submarine, leaving Kou's first battle marked with disgrace.
03	"Into Battle, Albion!" "Shutsugeki Arubion" (出撃アルビオン)[3]
Back at Torrington, Federation General John Kowen assigns Burning to lead the Albion's pursuit of Gato with a new crew of pilots to help him. Kou and Keith join the mission. Lt Bernard Monsha, one of the new additions, doubts Kou's capability to fly the GP01. Despite Nina's assurance that Kou handled the mobile suit well, Monsha challenges him to a first-shot mobile suit duel to see who better deserves to pilot the Zephyranthes. Although Kou wins the match, Burning intervenes and sends both pilots to one week in the brig. Meanwhile, Gato heads for the Kinbareid diamond mine in East Africa, which is still occupied by Zeon holdouts from the One Year War.
04	"Attack and Retreat on the Burning Sand" "Nessa no Kōbōsen" (熱砂の攻防戦)[3]
Somewhere in East Africa, the Albion goes on patrol, while Monsha faces Albion chief engineer Mora Bascht's wrath for hitting on the ship's female crew and trying to sabotage Kou's landing after his search patrol. Gato arrives at Kinbareid and boosts the morale of the soldiers. Meanwhile, Orville - the Zeon mole who helped Gato's infiltration in the first episode - has been unmasked and flies out in a Core Fighter II to warn Kinbareid of the Albion's patrols but could not find the base complex and is shot down by a Zaku patrol. The Zeon forces mobilize and attack the Albion to buy time for Gato and the GP02 to fly into orbit using one Heavy Launch Vehicle still in the base. The base holdouts surrender as soon as Gato flies away.
05	"Gundam, to the Sea of Stars" "Gandamu, Hoshi no Umi he" (ガンダム、星の海へ)[3]
Gato flies back to the Garden of Thorns, a secret Zeon colony base in the Shoal Zone, to present the GP02 to Delaz. However, a chance encounter with Zeon commander Cima Garahau rankles him when their ships almost collide. Upon delivering the GP02, Delaz makes an Earth Sphere-wide declaration of war, explaining that the GP02 and its nuclear weapon is proof of the Earth Federation's military buildup. Meanwhile, aboard the Albion, Nina tries to get closer to a dense Kou when the alert sounds. Kou and the rest of the Albion's mobile suit pilots engage the Zeon intruders. However, Nina's warning about the GP-01's poor mobility in space without the so-called Full Vernian backpack proves true as Kou crash lands in the Albion under heavy damage.
06	"The Warrior of Von Braun" "Fon Buraun no Senshi" (フォン・ブラウンの戦士)[3]
The Albion arrives at Von Braun City on the Moon to have the GP01 upgraded to Full Vernian while the crew goes on shore leave. A snide comment from Monsha at a bar prompts Kou to wander around the city where he is beaten up by some thugs. A one-armed man named Kelly Layzner rescues him and brings him to a junkyard where he lives with his lover. Kou learns of Kelly's origins as a Zeon pilot and helps him fix a Val Varo mobile armor that has been hidden for years. He returns to the Albion and begins testing the Full Vernian-equipped GP01. Elsewhere in the city, Cima blackmails Anaheim boss Gilbert O'Sullivan with a colony drop if he talks to the Federation about her. She also tells Kelly to get the Val Varo ready for action.
07	"With Shining Blue Fire" "Aoku Kagayaku Honō de" (蒼く輝く炎で)[3]
Cima's blackmailing apparently works, as Anaheim asks Nina to be reassigned away from the Albion and out of the mobile suit development team altogether. Keith, who dates Mora, offers Kou movie tickets so he can ask Nina out after a field test. He does make a move, but a remark about the tests angers Nina again. Meanwhile, Kelly gets paid in gold bullion for his work on the Val Varo, but is shocked to hear that the Zeon forces do not want him piloting it for the new campaign. Incensed, Kelly takes out the mobile armor and challenges Kou to fight him so he could prove himself worthy of joining the Delaz Fleet again. When Nina gets in the way, Kou finally admits his feelings for her and defeats Kelly, who does not bail out from the exploding Val Varo because he never installed an escape system.
08	"Conspiracy Sector" "Sakubō no Chūiki" (策謀の宙域)[3]
A few days out of Von Braun, Burning continues to train Kou and Keith, who later eggs him to try giving Nina a chance. Keith also earns Mora's ire for showing him Monsha's private collection of Nina pictures. A resupply rendezvous by a Federation ship is cut short as the Albion detects the Federation flagship Birmingham, with General Green Wyatt aboard - meeting with Cima. In the midst of the ensuing battle, Burning retrieves a briefcase that contains files for something called "Operation Stardust" and talks with Kou about them. However, a minor hit on Burning's GM Custom during the battle turns fatal, as the mobile suit careens out of control and explodes. Uraki is promoted to junior lieutenant as the crew mourns Burning's death.
09	"The Nightmare of Solomon" "Soromon no Akumu" (ソロモンの悪夢)[3]
Kou and Keith continue to fight Zeon forces while on patrol near Konpeitoh (Solomon). As Delaz welcomes the Axis Advance Fleet into the Earth Sphere, Gato prepares for his own part of an attack on Konpeitoh, which is hosting the Naval Review. The Delaz Fleet keeps probing the Federation defenses, keeping Kou occupied. A defense satellite detects Gato breaking through another sector and Uraki is ordered to intercept him before he crashes the Review. He fails to get to Gato in time, as the Zeon pilot fires the GP02's MK82 nuclear bazooka at the Federation fleet with the Birmingham in the center of his sights.
10	"Colliding War Zones" "Gekitotsu Sen'iki" (激突戦域)[3]
Gato retreats after the nuclear strike destroys two-thirds of the Federation's fleet, but runs into Kou. As Nina breaks down watching them fight, both of their mobile suits take heavy damage and the pilots flee before they explode. Meanwhile, Cima's fleet hijacks two colonies in transport and later blow off one mirror each from them. When the Albion crew is informed of the colonyjack, Nina correctly theorizes that the colonies will crash into each other, with one in direct course for the Moon. She also reveals the existence of a third Gundam built under the GDP.
11	"La Vie En Rose" "Ra Bi An Rōzu" (ラビアンローズ)[3]
The Albion arrives at Anaheim Electronics' La Vie En Rose research ship to get the GP03 Dendrobium Stamen, where they are met by designer Lucette Auduvie and Federation officer Nakaha Nakato. Almost immediately, Nakato tells the crew that the GDP has been suspended and they are all confined to the Albion until further notice. Lucette shows Kou the GP03's diagrams and later sacrifices her life to stop Nakato killing Kou as he takes over the GP03 with the Albion crew's help and leave La Vie En Rose. Meanwhile, the Federation command expresses indifference at the upcoming Zeon colony drop on the Moon. The Konpeitoh survivors mobilize and try to stop it, but run out of fuel when Cima maneuvers to have Von Braun City's laser station activate the colony's engines to redirect it toward Earth. Gato also meets up with the Axis Advance Fleet, where he gets the massive Neue Ziel mobile armor and tries it against a small Federation patrol.
12	"Assault on the Point of No Return" "Kyōshū, Soshi Genkaiten" (強襲、阻止限界点)[3]
Kou and Gato, now in their mobile armors, finally take each other on as the Albion crew tries to stop the colony before it passes the minimum limit for terminal entry. Cima's crew takes Delaz hostage aboard his flagship, the Gwaden. At Jaburo, General Kowen desperately tries to convince EFSF supreme commander Gen Gene Collini of mobilizing the military's full might to stop the colony, but Jamitov Hymem has Kowen taken away. Delaz discovers that the Federation has deployed the Solar System II mirror array past the terminal entry point and encourages Gato to see the operation through - before Cima kills him. Out of rage, Gato drives one of the Neue Ziel's claws at the Gwaden bridge.
13	"A Storm Raging Through" "Kakenukeru Arashi" (駆け抜ける嵐)[3]
The battle to stop the colony goes full-blast, with the Federation and Cima's forces working together to protect the Solar System II on one hand and the Delaz fleet shepherding the colony on the other while the Axis Advance Fleet stands back. Kou kills Cima in the fracas. The Solar System II fires, but Gato destroys the command ship, resulting in a weaker blast that barely damages the colony. As it breaks through the solar array, Gato enters the colony and inputs the final course corrections. Kou tries to stop him, but Nina interferes and protects Gato as they leave, revealing that they were once lovers. The two pilots continue to fight after Gato has Karius bring Nina to safety. The Solar System II remnants fire again, with many forces on both sides destroyed as the colony crashes into the Midwest. The Federation orders the Axis Advance Fleet to leave the Earth Sphere immediately, having overstayed their welcome, but Gato leads the Delaz Fleet survivors to attempt a breakthrough and dies in a kamikaze attack on a Federation ship. Several weeks later, Hymem and Bask Om announce the creation of the Titans. All records of Operation Stardust and the GP are erased, including Kou's one-year hard labor sentence. He eventually reunites with Nina, Keith, and Mora.

Releases

Compilation film

Just before the completion of the Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory OVA in September 1992, the series was reformatted into a compilation film which was released under the title Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: The Last Blitz of Zeon (ジオンの残光 Jion no Zankō), which opened in Japanese theaters on August 29, 1992.[4] The ending theme is "True Shining" by Rumiko Wada. * "Mon Etoil" by Rumiko Wada was used as a insert song.

Home media

A special VHS sneak peek of the first episode titled GxG Unit was given to advance ticket purchasers of Mobile Suit Gundam F91.

The series was reissued in DVD format in Japan on four volumes; the first R2 disc went on sale on January 25, 2000.

In 2006, a "5.1 ch DVD Box" was released in Japan. Along with remastered footage, this release featured a brand new audio track featuring completely re-recorded dialogue, altered sound effects and music and a new surround sound experience.

Bandai Entertainment licensed the series for the US market. The series was released on VHS in dubbed and subtitled versions in 1999 to coincide with the Gundam Big Bang Project. It spanned 7 VHS volumes and was also available in a box set. Volume 1 of the R1 DVD went on sale in January 2002. Cartoon Network premiered the series on U.S. television a month later on its Adult Swim Action block, where it remained until November 2002. Due to the closure of Bandai Entertainment, the OVAs have been out-of-print. On October 11, 2014 at their 2014 New York Comic-Con panel, Sunrise announced they will be releasing all of the Gundam franchise, including Stardust Memory in North America through distribution via Right Stuf Inc., beginning in Spring 2015.[5]

The compilation movie was released on DVD in the UK, Ireland and throughout Europe by Beez Entertainment on 15 May 2006 under the title The Afterglow of Zeon. It was only in Japanese, but with a variety of subtitles, including English. It was released in North America in 2017.[6]

Bandai Visual released a DVD boxed set in Japan on May 27, 2011, as part of the series' 20th anniversary.[7]

The series later received a Blu-ray Box in Japan in 2016. This release contained both the original stereo 2.0 audio and the 2006 5.1 re-recording. It also included a two part picture drama entitled "Mayfly of Space" focusing on Cima Garahau and the Zeonic soldiers.

A Blu-Ray/DVD set based on this release was put out by Rightstuf on April 4 2017, including both English and Japanese options,[8] though the Japanese selections are only based on the 2006 "5.1 ch" re-recording.

Models

With the release of the original series in 1991, Bandai produced 1/144 scale model kits of the GP01 and GP01Fb, GP02A, GP03S, and AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra. All five units were later released in the 1/144 scale High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) line, which included a special version of the Gundam GP02A with an MLRS launcher and a Linkin Park edition of the Gundam GP01Fb. The GP03 Dendrobium was also released in 1/144 scale and in 1/550 scale alongside the Val-Walo and the Neue Ziel. At least six mobile suits from the series have been released either under Bandai's Master Grade (MG) line.

The GP01 and GP01Fb were released as part of the Perfect Grade (PG) line in 2003 and the Real Grade (RG) line in 2013 while the original version of the AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra, the Gundam GP04G Gerbera, was released in 2015 under the Reborn One-Hundred (RE/100) line.

Radio drama

Gundam 0083's canon includes two radio dramas on CD format billed as Cinema CDs. Both drama CDs were directed by series director Takashi with dialogue by Asahide Ōkuma (writer for 5 of the 0083 episodes).

Runga Offing Cannonade Battle (ルンガ沖砲撃戦, Runga-Oki Hōgekisen)

Runga Offing narrates events between Episodes 7 and 8, when the Albion engages a Chivvay-class Zeon warship. It introduces a new character named Aristide Hughes, the Albion's Gunnery Lieutenant.

Mayfly of Space (宇宙の蜉蝣, Uchū no Kagerō)

Mayfly of Space reveals Cima's backstory in flashbacks as she reflects on her past prior to the events of Episode 13. It reveals that Cima and her Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) poisoned a Side 5 colony using G-3 nerve gas under orders, but were treated as pariahs afterwards by their own countrymen for committing such an atrocity. At the end of the war, her superior refused to let her retreat to Axis. Because their home colony Mahal had been converted into a weapon, Cima and her men were left stranded and homeless.

Both of these stories appear in the PlayStation 2 game Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space. Portions of Mayfly of Space were adapted into two animated short features; the first in 1993 and the second in 2016.

Print

Kadokawa Shoten released a three-part novelization of the series. Penned by Hiroshi Yamaguchi, the books contain illustrations by Toshihiro Kawamoto, Hirotoshi Sano, and Hajime Katoki. It was made available online via BOOK WALKER on May 26, 2014.[9]

Viz Communications also released all episodes in a comic book format from 1994 to 1995. However, instead of a manga, they used screenshots from each episode for the panels. Line art and descriptions of all units were inserted as well.

A manga reboot titled Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Rebellion (機動戦士ガンダム0083 REBELLION, Kidō Senshi Gandamu Daburuōeitīsrī Riberion) was first published on Kadokawa Shoten's Gundam Ace on June 26, 2013.[10] The manga is written by the OVA's director Takashi Imanishi and illustrated by Masato Natsumoto.[10]

References

1. "List of Works - Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory". Sunrise. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
2. "Staff & Cast". Sunrise. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
3. "Story". Sunrise. Retrieved 2020-10-28./index.html
4. "List of Works". Sunrise. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
5. "Sunrise Partners with Right Stuf to Release Gundam Franchise Stateside". Anime News Network. 2014-10-11. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
6. Ressler, Karen (2016-07-01). "Right Stuf Announces Gundam 0083 Afterglow of Zeon, Galaxy Angel, More Gundam License Rescues". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
7. "Gundam 0083". Archived from the original on 2011-07-24.
8. "Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy Blu-ray and Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Coming April 2017 from Right Stuf, Inc. and Sunrise Inc". Anime News Network. 2017-01-05. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
9. "BOOK☆WALKER adds "Gundam U.C. 0094 Across the Sky" and five other e-book titles on May 26th!". Gundam.info. Sunrise. 2014-05-25. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
10. "機動戦士ガンダム0083 REBELLION". Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved 2020-10-28.

Bibliography

• Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory. Gundam Film Book Series 5. ISBN 4-7511-0262-1.

External links

• Official Website: Anime
• Gundam official 0083 site in English at the Wayback Machine (archive index)
• Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia