As such, a lot of iconic female Gundam characters come not just in the form of the protagonist’s love interest, but also ship captains, crew members, soldiers, and even other Gundam pilots! With Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury starring the first female Gundam protagonist, it’s about time to see other female characters who were just as awesome in their own shows.
8 Lacus Clyne (SEED, Destiny)
When one thinks of Gundam, one might almost immediately think of a pink-haired female protagonist - and everyone can blame this to Lacus Clyne of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and its sequel SEED Destiny. While at first a damsel in distress with a unique kind of naivete that seems odd during an ongoing war, it seems this meek nature is a front for Lacus Clyne’s true nature: that of someone promoting peace.
Originally tasked to become an idol figure to motivate the ZAFT Forces, Lacus Clyne eventually uses her heritage to help stop the war all around her. She eventually becomes the co-commander of the Clyne Faction and even leads the Three Ships Alliance, convincing her lover Kira Yamato and former fiancee Athrun Zala to unite and stop the First Alliance-PLANT War. Such is her influence that she maintains her presence as a neutral faction in the sequel.
7 Haman Karn (Zeta Gundam, Gundam ZZ)
Unlike other female characters in a Gundam series, Haman Karn of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and sequel Gundam ZZ remains iconic for one reason: becoming one of the most terrifying villains in the series. Although sincere in her belief that Earth had to be reformed to a better place, her vision of the world has no place for Earthnoids and believes they should be saved by Spacenoids instead - particularly with her at the helm.
It doesn’t help that Haman Karn has exactly all the skills she needs for the job. Protagonist Judau Ashta already senses a malevolent aura about her, which she constantly masks for being extremely cool, collected, and charismatic. Deep inside, however, Haman Karn is ruthless, merciless, and won’t hesitate discarding anyone to achieve her goals.
6 Relena Darlian (Wing)
While initially appearing as a damsel in distress, Relena Darlian of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is perhaps one of the fiercest female characters in a Gundam series. Originally Relena Peacecraft, Relena’s encounter with Gundam pilot Heero Yuy will have her embroiled in a war between the Earth and the colonies outside the planet.
However, it’s her drive for peace that allows her to use her legacy for the good of mankind. Throughout the series, Relena cements her authority over her heritage and leads a path towards pacifism - something her family truly devoted themselves to. However, her kindness and eye for a better tomorrow allows her to be one of the more iconic Gundam characters out there.
5 Fumina Hoshino (Build Fighters Try)
In a world where Gunpla Battles has inspired a lot of builders and pilots to create unique Gunpla models, Fumina Hoshino of Gundam Build Fighters Try is a high-schooler whose caring nature and drive for success fuels her comrades Sekai Kamiki and Yuuma Kousaka. While female characters in traditional Gundam series would have Fumina stand behind skilled fighter Sekai and skilled builder Yuuma, Fumina always has tricks up her sleeve that surprised even the most elite of their opponents.
Throughout the series, Fumina comes up with unique methods of utilizing her team’s strengths in combat. For one, her signature Winning Gundam was thought to be only a Core Booster when it can actually transform into an SD Gundam - giving her two machines in one. Its upgraded SD form, the Star Winning Gundam, can actually transform into a real-type. Not only that, but she’s made sure that the components of the team’s Gundams can be switched with one another, ensuring that one machine can always use the parts of the others.
4 Soma Peries (Gundam 00)
When the threat of Celestial Being and the Gundams against all of warfare in Mobile Suit Gundam 00 has spiraled the world’s powers into finding a solution to this problem, the Human Reform League has reactivated its Super Soldier Program to produce pilots of specialized mechas - with Soma Peries being their best candidate for the job. Goal-oriented and tactically-acute, Soma Peries can use a bulkier and slower mecha to contend with the likes of Allelujah Haptism and his extremely fast Gundam Kyrios.
However, it’s revealed that Soma is actually an alternate personality born out of the strain of the Super Soldier Program. Her original personality, Marie Parfacy, is a spiritual person with a love for peace. And when Marie’s memories returned, the Soma persona didn’t contend with it at all, instead opting for coexistence in one’s mind. As such, Soma and Marie are the perfect balance of a merciless fighter especially when her loved ones are threatened.
3 Sayla Mass (Mobile Suit Gundam)
Perhaps one of the first supporting female characters to ever be introduced in a Gundam series, Sayla Mass of Mobile Suit Gundam is the epitome of competence in a conflicting era of war. Originally Artesia Som Deikun of Zeon (which makes her Char Aznable’s sister), Sayla was taken to the Side 7 colony. The ensuing battle there had Sayla Mass taken to the White Base, eventually aiding the Earth Federation as a communications officer.
And even then, Sayla Mass has demonstrated nothing but competence despite her position in the sidelines. On top of guiding the pilots under her wing, she’s not afraid to state her opinions and fight anyone who shows cowardice in front of her.
2 Rain Mikamura (G Gundam)
While Mobile Suit G Gundam protagonist Domon Kasshu provides more than enough hot-blooded entertainment in the series, it’s his assistant and companion Rain Mikamura that provides the much-needed voice of reason when things get out of hand. Originally studying to become a doctor, Rain returns to Neo Japan and becomes the mechanic and assistant of sorts in Domon’s efforts to win the Gundam Tournament.
Such is her skill in various specializations that Rain is sort of a one-woman team for any job possible. Aside from her medical training, her familiarity with the Shining Gundam allowed her to pilot it when necessary, even getting her own Gundam in the form of the Rising Gundam. Empathic and compassionate, Rain is a “no one left behind” kind of gal, and is more than capable of talking and even shooting her way to land her point across. She eventually becomes the pilot of a Core Fighter, aiding Amuro in their battles with other Mobile Suits.
1 Roux Louka (Gundam ZZ)
It’s one thing to be recognizable for good looks, and another thing to be equally deadly in one’s field - and this one-two- punch combination is what makes Roux Louka of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ quite the iconic female character. While everyone in the series is almost immediately stunned at her appearance, Roux can almost immediately use this to her advantage - especially with her nature as an ace pilot.
In fact, such is the recognition for her piloting skills that she inherits none other than the Zeta Gundam from its pilot Kamille Bidan. This alone proves that Roux has what it takes to pilot the revolutionary mecha, and can stand on equal ground with the likes of rookie Judau Ashta in the AEUG’s war against Neo Zeon.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury will air in October 2022.
More: Must-Play Gundam Games For Mecha Fans, Ranked
