As I’ve written many times on J-List, the Gundam franchise is so voluminous that it could consume your leftover attention just covering it. Much the same could be said of the saga’s large cast of memorable women. There are so many, in fact, that narrowing down a list of gravity-defying waifus can seem a daunting task. That doesn’t mean we can’t try.
This is by no means definitive. Chances are, you’ll have your own favorites. But whether you’re a longtime fan or a complete newcomer, let this guide serve as an enticing first step into an alluring rabbit hole. As you’ll soon see, though, it can be pretty deep.
Sayla Mass (UC Gundam)
No piece about Gundam waifus would be complete without Sayla Mass from the original Mobile Suit Gundam. Also known as Artesia Som Deikun, younger sister to the infamous “Red Comet” Char Aznable, Sayla remains the benchmark for many other female characters in the franchise.
This blonde beauty first appears on-screen as one of many aboard the White Base and forced to survive the One Year War. However, it doesn’t take long before she proves to be more than an average ’70s Shonen love interest. Whether it’s her aloof yet caring personality, sheer determination, or remarkable talent with military hardware, she’s by no means a pushover. Combined with her true identity and a desire to achieve her father’s Newtype ideals far more peacefully, these all lend an air of mystery and allure that carry over into her later appearances.
Unfortunately, it’s not as much as you’d think. Though Sayla has shown up in Zeta Gundam and had a role in Gundam ZZ as a wealthy investor, it wouldn’t be until more recent Universal Century works would feature her more frequently. Still, despite it all, she continues to enchant fans and leave a haunting echo down the years.
Haman Karn (UC Gundam)
UC Gundam‘s works have no shortage of attractive and dangerous waifus. Few, though, combine both as much as Haman Karn. Though only introduced in the latter half of Zeta Gundam, she still leaves a strong impression on the franchise as one of its most memorable villains.
While by no means the series’ first female antagonist, Haman certainly stood out in the mid-’80s. Beautiful yet cold, she has no qualms about making ruthless decisions or backstabbing allies if it means getting things her way, whether in the name of Neo-Zeon or for herself. More than not being weighed down by gravity, however, she’s also more than capable as a Mobile Suit pilot. And if her skills don’t do her enemies in, then chances are her potent Newtype abilities would.
Haman’s popularity not only led to her becoming one of the main villains in Gundam ZZ but also making appearances in various games and manga, most notably Char’s Deleted Affair, from 2001 to 2009. Regardless of which portrayal, however, you can’t go wrong with one of the franchise’s most competent and attractive female villains.
Lady Une (Gundam Wing)
For Western fans, Gundam Wing has been the gateway into the saga, for better or worse. Although, one major highlight of that series would have to be the ladies. Lady Une is one of the anime’s most memorable, whether for her distinct split personality or elegant-yet-deadly looks.
A loyal aide to Trieze Kushrenada, Une might not, at first glance, come off as a gravity-defying waifu. Something is alluring, however, of a firm woman in uniform whose devotion is so absolute that she will go so far as to fight in a Mobile Suit if it means victory. There is likewise something fascinating about how her alter-ego, the gentler “Saint Une” persona, still manages to be consistent while retaining her sheer determination.
Lady Une remains a haunting presence among longtime fans, whether in official material or doujins and fanart long after the series stopped airing. Which is pretty impressive, given the rest of the cast.
Dianna Soreil and Kihel Heim (Turn A Gundam)
Turn A Gundam is nowadays seen as one of the best entries in the franchise rather than just being Yoshiyuki Tomino’s grand return after the infamous Victory Gundam. Aside from Syd Mead’s contributions, it is partly due to the fascinating duo of Earth-born heiress Kihel Heim and Dianna Soreil of the Moonrace. Two attractive ladies who, despite radically dissimilar backgrounds, seem incredibly alike.
At a glance, it seems challenging to tell Kihel and Dianna apart, especially given how they change clothes and occasionally are seen without them. But there’s much more to them than having long blonde hair and supple bodies. What starts out as a discreet agreement between the two to swap places turns into a poignant glimpse at the plight of both sides in a lopsided conflict. But rather than being mere witnesses, however, they waste no time taking matters into their own hands, even if it means leaving everyone they know behind.
Whether you stay for the fanservice or their utter tenacity in the face of death, it’s hard to brush off how there’s something mysterious about Kihel and Dianna even now. Given how memorable they are, it also means that there’s more to go around.
Miorine Rembran (G-Witch)
No discussion of waifus not weighed down by gravity can go without mentioning the recently-concluded Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. While much has been said of the titular heroine, Suletta Mercury, her personal waifu, Miorine Rembran, is a close second. While she’s not as directly involved in the action, what’s not to love about a no-nonsense boss with a heart?
The daughter of Benerit Group president Delling Rembran, Miorine is introduced as an aloof, seemingly sheltered heiress. Thanks to Suletta, however, she not only comes out of her shell but proves to everyone, including her father, that she can make a difference on her own terms. She’s by no means perfect, though. Her crisp, impeccable looks gradually wear down as the consequences of her actions sink in. Yet even at her worst, she never sunk to being unlikable.
More than being just a girl boss love interest, it’s not for nothing that she’s one of the most relatable waifus in G-Witch, or modern Gundam, for that matter, all while retaining much of what makes them special going back to Sayla Mass. Whatever happens next to her and Suletta, you can be sure that fans will keep a close eye.
These are by no means the only gravity-defying waifus in the franchise. Whether it’s someone like the tomboyish Allenby Beardsley from G Gundam, to the regal Newtype Mineva Zabi, there’s bound to be more than one that might catch your interest. Speaking of waifus, J-List has some charming doujin artwork featuring Miorine available for shipping and more!
