Top 10 Gundam Pilots

Top 10 Gundam Pilots

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New Types, Innovators, Coordinators, X-Rounders - Whatever you want to call them, these pilots are the best of the best. Welcome to Watchmojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Gundam Pilots. For this list, we’re excluding characters that have either never piloted a Gundam Mobile suit, such as Paptimus Scirroco (She-Roh-Ko) or ones that are associated more so with other suits, like the Red Comet, Char Aznable. We’re also ruling out any characters from the Build Fighters series ‘cause plastic models just aren’t the same!

Kicking off our list is one of the prettiest, no nonsense pilots around. Christina, or Chris to her friends, was a test pilot for the Gundam Alex stationed at the neutral colony Libot. When Zeon forces found the testing grounds, Chris didn’t hesitate to hop in and put the Gundam through its paces. She does an incredible job, especially considering that the Alex was originally intended for Amuro Ray. Able to pilot a mobile suit meant for a legend, combined with a kind heart and good looks, Chris may not have been the first woman to pilot a Gundam. But she’ll always be our favorite.

Flit Asuno is the first of three protagonists in Gundam Age. A victim of the long running war with the mysterious Vagans, Flit dedicated much of his life to building his own Gundam. Kicking off the counterattack against the Vagans, Flit becomes something of a legend at a young age. His piloting and mysterious precognitive abilities, coupled with his hatred for Vagans, make him a beast in battle. Flit also goes on to assist both his son and grandson when they take up the reigns of battle. Thus, Gundam piloting becomes something of a family business for the Asunos.

Some pilots are in it for the glory, others for money. For junk dealer Judau, it’s a bit of both and but mostly for family. Cocky and self-assured, Judau’s heart is in the right place when it comes to helping his friends and younger sister survive during the war with the Neo Zeons. Coming to the aid of the Anti-Earth Union Group, Judau is given the keys to the Double Zeta Gundam. Fighting alongside his friends in the AEUG builds up Judau’s skills, making him a capable leader for the resistance Gundam Team. Although ZZ often gets bad rap, Tomino himself has stated that Judau could be the strongest of the Newtypes - And he also has a knack for making the ladies fall in love with him.

#7: Heero Yuy (You-ee) “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing” (1995-96) & “Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz” (1997)

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A Gundam pilot shrouded in mystery. Beyond the fact that Heero Yuy is a codename rather than his real name, not much is known about this solitary warrior, besides how much ass he can kick in a Gundam. Leaping into action in the Wing Gundam or later the Wing Gundam Zero, when Heero shows up on the battlefield, you know something is going down. From blowing up bases with a shot from his beam rifle or even self-destructing his own Gundam, no job is too small for this breaker of ladies hearts.

As the top pilot for the Anti-Earth Union Group, Kamille is in charge of handling the powerful Zeta Gundam. Despite being a naturally gifted pilot, Kamille’s selfish and arrogant behavior often lands him in more trouble than necessary. Luckily, he’s got the mentorship of legendary aces, Char Aznable – uhh, we mean Quattro Bajeena, to guide his developing Newtype abilities. When the AEUG’s war with the Federation’s Titans heats up, Kamille is at the forefront, giving the Titans a true enemy to fear. Oh and whatever you do, don’t tell him his name sounds girly.

A common trait amongst most Gundam pilots is their pacifistic nature, seeking peace as a first option before turning to battle. Enter Loran Cehack, a member of the Moonrace who was sent on a recon mission to Earth. Despite having loyalty to his people, Loran finds love for the planet the Moonrace intends to colonize. Thus, Loran becomes a sort of middle ground, fighting to defend his new home with the Turn AGundam. All the while he tries to find a way for both sides to co-exist peacefully. And before you say anything, yes, Loran is a man - A beautiful, beautiful, man.

Hailing from Neo Japan, Domon is the country’s chosen rep in the 13th Gundam Fight on Earth. As a student of the Martial Arts legend, Master Asia, Domon inherited his hot-blooded fighting nature and knack for yelling out cool attack speeches. Thanks to the cockpit’s unique design, Domon’s moves and motions can be mimicked precisely - making the Shining and Burning Gundam martial arts titans. His unshakable willpower, proficiency in battle, and iconic fashion-sense propel the King of Hearts to the high ranks of our list.

#3: Kira Yamato “Mobile Suit Gundam Seed” (2002-03) & “Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny” (2004-05)

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Sometimes those with kind hearts make the greatest warriors. Kira wanted nothing to do with the war until it came to his colony and threatened his loved ones. His ability to compensate for even the slightest changes in battle conditions makes Kira a sharp pilot. He’s perfectly adept at disabling Mobile Suits without doing any harm to the pilots. What’s more, Kira has one of the biggest followings out of any Gundam pilot, managing to stay on Newtype Magazine’s top male characters for over a decade after the series finale. Even poor Shin couldn’t hold onto his title as the Seed Destiny protagonist thanks to Kira’s huge fan base.

Celestial Being is littered with excellent Gundam Meisters, such as sniper Lockon Stratos. However, it’s their star pilot, Setsuna F.Seiei, who always steals the show. As a child soldier from a war torn county, Setsuna already had a bevy of combat experience well before he sat in the cockpit of the Gundam Exia. During his time with the Meisters, however, Setsuna grew as an individual. Being one of humanity’s first Innovators, Setsuna eventually confronted his dark past in order to move forward. His new abilities, plus the power of his blade laden Gundam, make Setsuna one of the deadliest and coolest Gundam Pilots in existence. Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions: Garrod Ran “After War Gundam X” (1996) Banagher Links “Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn” (2010-14) Bellri Zenam “Gundam Reconguista in G” (2014-15) Shiro Amada “Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team” (1996-99) Uso Ewin “Mobile Suit Victory Gundam” (1993-94)

Our number one pick is also the first Gundam pilot in the franchise’s history. Appearing in two series and one movie, Amuro Ray is both the longest serving custodian of the Gundam and also the most developed. Over a nine-year stretch from the releases of UC 0079 to UC 0093, we witness Amuro’s evolution from whinny rebel to confident leader. His skills improve as well. When he first piloted the RX-78, he was a natural. By the time he piloted the Nu Gundam in Char’s Counterattack, Amuro was a master. Newtype, groundbreaker, idealist, legend, Amuro is many things, including, perhaps, the greatest Gundam Pilot of all time. Do you agree with our list? Who is your most beloved Gundam pilot? For more Mecha busting Top 10’s published daily, accept your mission to subscribe to Watchmojo.com