what is gundam?

Answer 1

Do you mean Gundam anime or MS Gundam?

If you mean Gundam anime then Gundam (ガンダム) is one of the longest running series of anime featuring giant robots. Gundam is the collective term for the Universal Century (UC) series like Mobile Suit Gundam and series in alternative timelines, such as Gundam Wing, made by Sunrise Inc..

The name "Gundam" itself stems from a variety of theoretical sources, most commonly attributed to a need to conform with common giant robot naming conventions during the 1970s.

If you mean MS Gundam then Gundam is the name or nickname of several mobile suits or mobile fighters, although some works such as G-Saviour and Mobile Suit Gundam: MS IGLOO do not have units named Gundams.

Gundam has several distinct characteristic compared to other MS (or other robot from other anime), though some Gundam don't have some of these characteristic :
- Has "Gundam" name labeled to it
- Humanoid
- Has face with two human-like eyes, which flash when the unit is activated
- Has ornament on head resembling a V-shape, sometimes units possess two V-shapes
- A prominent red, blue or yellow "chin" or goatee, initially thought to be a mere stylistic touch, but may actually be a cover for a port to transfer data between the Gundam and an outside computer.
- In any given series, at least one Gundam, usually the one piloted by the hero of the story, will have a blue torso and white limbs and head. Yellow and/or red highlights are often added.

If you want to learn more about Gundam, like what Gundam means in each series of Gundam anime, etc. visit links below.

Btw, mobile suit is term for robot, gear, or mech in Gundam universe. So may be you'll want to take a look.

Answer 2

The original Mobile Suit Gundam was an animated science-fiction series which debuted on Japanese television in 1979. In this groundbreaking series, the traditional giant robots of Japanese anime were for the first time portrayed as realistic war machines instead of invincible superheroes. The people who used these machines to fight in a futuristic space war were complex characters whose motivations and beliefs didn't break down into simple good and evil, and the story encompassed human drama and social commentary as well as thrilling robot battles.

Mobile Suit Gundam's popularity led to a series of sequels and followups - first a three-part movie compilation, then a succession of new television serials, original videos, and theatrical films. After more than two decades, this Gundam saga has expanded to include nine television series, four video series, ten movies, and countless novels, comics, and original video game adventures. This saga encompasses six different worlds, each with its own unique history and society, and showcases the work of the most celebrated talents of the anime industry.

Although this saga's stories encompass centuries of future history and span several alternate worlds, they all share a single unifying element - the legendary line of fighting machines which bear the name of Gundam. From the prototype RX-78 Gundam featured in the original series, to the unique and colorful machines which star in later stories like G Gundam and Gundam Wing, all these stories recount the adventures of heroic Gundams and their brave pilots.

The Gundam saga made its North American debut in 1998, and in the following years Bandai Entertainment has continued to release new chapters of this epic saga. Meanwhile, Bandai America has produced a wide range of merchandise for Gundam fans young and old, including fully poseable action figures and a selection of the astonishing model kits for which Gundam is justly famous. As you explore this Web site, we hope you'll enjoy learning about this fascinating and ever-evolving saga.

Answer 3

In a nutshell, it is a Sci-fi anime featuring giant robots piloted by humans.

If you want the meaning of the acronym G.U.N.D.A.M. from the Gundam Seed series' Operating System here it is:

OMNI Enforcer:

General
Unilateral
Neuro - Link
Dispersive
Autonomic
Maneuver
G.U.N.D.A.M Synthesis System

ZAFT:

Generation
Unsubdued
Nuclear
Drive
Assault
Module
G.U.N.D.A.M Complex

There are a lot more variations to this but it would make this explanation longer than it should, but if you are interested, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Suit_Operation_System