Gundam X is the only AU gundam to deal with the idea of Newtypes. Indeed, even more so than the UC gundams newtypes are the focus of Gundam X. The Frieden’s goal isn’t to fight some space threat seeking to colonize Earth, but just to search for and protect newtypes. Starting with episode 10 the show introduces the first newype other than Tiffa, Caris Nautilus (the tradition of nonsensical gundam names continues) and what an introduction it is. Caris doesn’t want to be rescued or protected and is actually an elite soldier under Mayor Namoa of Fort Severn. He pilots the unique newtype suit the Vertigo, which reminds me a lot of the Quebley with its curves and use of bits. Long story short, he kicks Garrod’s oldtype ass and kidnaps Tifa.

The Fort Severn arc is basically all about the rivalry between Garrod and Caris. There’s some other stuff in there also, like a vengeful colonist and the biggest mobile armor ever, but the relationship between Garrod and Caris, and in extension Tiffa, is the heart of the drama. Once Caris beats Garrod it sends him into a deep funk, which only Jamil’s manly training can kick him out of. But even back to normal Garrod laments his own weakness and wishes for the power to defeat Caris. This is a pretty normal shounen element, and since the Gundam X is upgraded into the Gundam X Divider you could say Garrod gets his power, but then the show goes and turns the idea upside down.

It’s discovered that Caris is actually a cyber-newtype, the latest in a long line of failures. And unlike the cyber-newypes of Zeta Caris actually wanted the treatment, just so he could get the power to change the world. Caris is also a great deal more sane than the Zeta newypes, but that’s just my observation. There’s then a final twist on the story, as it’s revealed that Caris didn’t know that natural newtypes like Tiffa existed. This throws his whole life out of array as he suddenly feels guilty for all the lives that were sacrificed for him. Garrod also starts to think that maybe power at any cost isn’t worth it and actually starts to empathize with Caris.

This being gundam, the two meet in battle once again and Garrod can’t bring himself to fight Caris. Jamil then gives him the greatest piece of advice in gundam ever: “When a man strays from the right path, a kind man needs the courage to raise his fist and correct him.” So badass. Garrod and Caris engage in an epic fight in the middle of a raging blizzard, matching the storms raging inside them. At one point you can only distinguish the light of the beam sabers clashing. It’s one of the best fights I’ve seen in gundam, cinematically and emotionally. Garrod eventually comes out on top, showing that newype power isn’t everything. The story easily could of gone the redemption is death route here and killed Caris, for a moment it looks like he is dead, but instead he survives, partly because the really big mobile armor needs him as a power source.

The fight with the Patulia isn’t as good as Garrod and Caris’s fight, but it is pretty grand with explosions and lasers everywhere. Mostly the fight works because it has the creepiest sounding music I’ve ever heard in gundam. It’s a low orchestral piece with dissonant male and female vocals moaning in the background and even the occasional hellish shriek. Just insanely evil and weird sounding. The Fort Severn arc ends with Caris going back to his hometown to help rebuild it. It’s a bit disappointing because I wanted him to join the Frieden crew. Him and Garrod work so well together, but at least he didn’t die like he probably would’ve in a Tomino gundam. Gundam X really is the best gundam I’ve seen so far with being able to pull out such an emotional arc early on. I’m eager to go on for more.