The NHK E-television variety show Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita is rolling out a Gundam special on the 29th, featuring guests like actor Kanata Hongo and comedian Osamu Wakai to dive deep into their lives as Gundam superfans.
What's really getting fans hyped is the show's massive poll, which surveyed over 10,000 Gundam enthusiasts on everything from "Favorite Classic Scenes" and "Favorite Music" to "Favorite Mobile Suits/Mobile Armors." Ahead of the broadcast, the show has already dropped a sneak peek at the "Favorite Character" rankings.
▼ A glimpse of the Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita Gundam special
While this is a poll of Japanese fans and might not perfectly match your personal list, it's a fascinating look at which characters are currently dominating the popularity charts.
▼ #10: Setsuna F. Seiei
The protagonist of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and the man behind the iconic line, "I am Gundam."
▼ #9: Banagher Links
The hero of Mobile Suit Gundam UC and pilot of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam.
▼ #8: Heero Yuy
The star of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, and the legendary, tank-top-wearing, self-destruct-happy pilot.
▼ #7: Suletta Mercury
The protagonist of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, this rare female lead is affectionately known to fans as the "tanuki."
▼ #6: Shalian Bull
This brand-new character design from Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX has apparently been a huge hit since his debut, with fans calling him the "Green Uncle" who gives the main cast a run for their money.
▼ #5: Amuro Ray
The original protagonist from the first Mobile Suit Gundam, and the OG pilot in everyone's hearts.
▼ #4: Athrun Zala
Hailing from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, his reputation might have taken a wild turn in the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM movie, but his popularity over the last 20 years remains unshaken.
▼ #3: Cagalli Yula Athha
Well, look at that—the power couple nabbed third and fourth place! Also from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, she's the twin sister of protagonist Kira Yamato.
▼ #2: Kamille Bidan
The protagonist of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, he's known as the "most perfect Newtype" in the Universal Century and the originator of the legendary "correction" punch.
Have you guessed who number one is? Or are you still reeling that your favorite didn't make the cut?
▼ #1: Char Aznable (aka Quattro Bajeena / Casval Rem Deikun)
Of course, the crown had to go to the single coolest man in Gundam history. With more aliases than anyone can count, it's no surprise that Char snatched the top spot. His decades-long reign of popularity is simply untouchable.
The Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita Gundam special airs on November 29th and will reveal the full rankings for "Favorite Classic Scenes," "Favorite Music," and "Favorite MS/MA." If you've got a way to watch, don't miss it!