T5W#520-Top 5 Moments from the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing “Operation 30th” Anniversary Video

Holy freaking crap what a time to be a Gundam fan in 2025.  For the first time ever (at least I think so), the Gundam Franchise had a huge presence at San Diego Comic Con last weekend and much of that spotlight was on the Gundam series that made it all possible: Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.  As the series hits its 30^th Anniversary this year, it also celebrates the 25^th Anniversary of when Gundam Wing landed on US shores and changed the US Anime playing field forever.  As such not only did several of the original English VA cast show up for panels but we also got a freaking gorgeous special 30^th Anniversary Video that made every Gundam Wing fan stop and go “Holy S***”.  There’s a lot to unpack from Operation 30, including debates as to whether or not its just an anniversary vid or a prelude to something bigger Gundam Wing related.  On today’s Top 5 Wednesday, I’m just gonna talk about how freaking cool the whole video was and the bits and references that stood out to me the most.  Suit up for my T5W#520-Top 5 Moments from the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing “Operation 30^th” Anniversary Video.

BTW: If for some reason you havent checked this video out yet, here's the link: Go watch it and LOVE IT!!!

 
#5-The Animation is GOD Tier

If there’s any cause to consider Sunrise possibly planning a new iteration of Wing, it’s their fault for making this entire video freaking gorgeous.  Every single frame of this just over 3 minute video is a flawless recreation or update of existing material from the look of our favorite characters to seeing their kick ass Mobile Suits move like never before.  How the hell can you not want more Gundam Wing after watching this video?  Episode Zero? Frozen Teardrop?  Glory of the Losers?  I don’t care, GIMME MOOOOORRRRREE!!!!  (ahem, sorry about that).

 

#4-Hey there Meilan

Only featured in the Episode Zero manga up until now, Meilan is Wufei’s wife from just before his time as a Gundam pilot.  In fact, Meilan was originally supposed to be the Shenlog Gundams pilot before she died from wounds sustained saving her colony alongside her husband.  Seeing as how this whole trailer is a celebration of the whole of Wing’s history, its nice to see them acknowledge Meilan’s existence and animated her striking Wufei’s Just Communication pose from the first Gundam Wing OP, almost as a reminder of what could have been.

 

#3-Brand New Rhythm Emotion

Not only does Gundam Wing get it’s own Marvel Cinematic Universe intro with a gorgeous instrumental rendition of Just Communication but the main Operation 30^th Video has a brand spanking new remix of Rhythm Emotion blasting throughout.  I want this released as a single so badly cause Rhythm Emotion has never sounded this good and it’s a sweet song already.  It’s perfectly mixed alongside the action and there are plenty of visual nods to the original Second OP’s animation too, showing the animation staff and Directors attention to detail with this iconic Wing theme.

 

#2-Frozen Teardrop Animated (Mission Accepted?)

The last stretch of Operation 30^th features the very first animations for the Gundam Wing sequel novel series, Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop.  Set decades after Endless Waltz, Frozen Teardrop features a new generation of Gundam pilots and their predecessors thrust into a rather complicated conflict on Mars and for some reason the histories of Heero and Treize play a factor?  I’ll admit I don’t know much beyond that but still, this is post Endless Waltz Gundam we’re seeing.  New models Gundams (especially Sandrock with duel machine pistols), weird cryo pods, Heero in a jacket?  Not to mention there’s a cryptic post credits message: “Mission Accepted”.  Could that mean what we want it to mean?  Is Frozen Teardrop the best possibility of a new Wing project?  Seriously how could any fan not be asking these questions after seeing that message?

 

#1-Heero Sticks the Landing and walks towards the Future

This moment hits right in the feels.  This climactic scenes mirrors Heero’s famous almost one way trip escape from an Alliance Hospital in Episode 3.  Rather than pull his parachute last second, here he pulls it right on time and sticks the landing, much to the amusement and relief of his four waiting comrades, all smiles (even Wufei).  It just brings a tear to my eye seeing Heero without a death wish embracing the team that’s become the closest thing he has to family.  Also, and I didn’t notice this til the boys of Operation Meatier screenshotted this: while we do see Duo, Trowa, Quatre and Wufei waiting for Heero post landing, when Heero starts walking towards them, their characters have changed to the next generation of Gundam pilots from Frozen Teardrop, who I assume Heero is fighting alongside cause shenanigans.  God the Easter Eggs in this masterpiece are awesome.