Gundam Wing Episodes: 49 Genre: Action/Drama Director: Masahi Ikeda Age Rating: 12 and up Commercial Release: Bandai Entertainment

Overview:
In the near and possible future for earth, man has moved outside their home and has begun to colonize space, establishing space colonies around and high above the planet they once stood on. However, all is not well, as those on the Space Colonies and those on Earth are in continuous conflict and underlying tension. In order to combat the Earth force's "mobile suits" (humanoid-like space combat weapons), the Colonies each make their own specialized mobile suits, called "Gundams", and send out the best among their young pilots to ensure their independance. But are these young teenage pilots themselves aware of the enormity of the battle they fight in, not just with Earth, but with each other?

Some Characters of Note:

Heero Yuy : The pilot of Gundam 01, also known as the Wing Gundam (after which the series is named). Heero has led a somewhat sheltered childhood, raised by the scientist Dr. J to be the "Perfect Soldier", an assassin with no peer. As a result, Heero has occupied himself with nothing else except achieving this goal, turning out to be quite an unemotional person for a teenager. However, his encounter with others in the series forces him to question his feelings as well as his motives.

Relena Peacecraft : The wealthy daughter of Vice Foreign Minister Darilan, Relena is admired by her friends because of her noble associations, but as a result she feels estranged from them. She also attempts to get the attention of Heero Yuy, who is a classmate of hers, but to no avail. However, her continued association with Heero is one of the main catalysts in his development and change during the course of the series.

Duo Maxwell : Optimistic and seemingly high-spirited, Duo Maxwell is the pilot of the Gundam Deathscythe, and has skills comparable to any of the other pilots in battle. Of all of the pilots, Duo is perceived to be the most "normal", though he does harbor secret thoughts of his own about the war and its impact on him and the space that is being fought over.

Zechs Merquise : Nicknamed the "Lightning Baron" for his battle prowess with his mobile suit, Zechs works with an organization called OZ that looks to overthrow the United Earth Sphere Alliance. However, OZ has its own secret and deceptive agenda to achieve its goals, and Zechs' own sense of chivalry and fairness conflicts with this. Zechs comes into conflict with the Gundam pilots many times and though they are at times bitter foes, he respects their determination and courage in battle, something which he feels he lacks.