In the audio commentary for Mobile Suit Gundam UC Re:0096 Episode 15, "What Awaits in Space," the original author, Harutoshi Fukui, shared an interesting story.
The guest voice actors asked, "What exactly is a Newtype?", a question that is of great interest to any Gundam fan.
I found his unique perspective very insightful, so I'd like to summarize it here.
What is a Newtype?
If someone asked me this question, I would probably explain it like this:
"A Newtype is a human being with expanded cognitive abilities."
Just as living organisms adapted to life after moving from the sea to land, humans adapted to space after venturing into it.
"With increased cognitive abilities, they can exhibit psychic-like abilities in combat, such as foresight and prediction."
The explanation would probably go something like this.
However, the Newtype theory presented by Harutoshi Fukui (the original author of Unicorn) in the audio commentary for the TV series version of UC was completely different."Newtypes are like mediums."
It allows access to "the other side," where the souls of all deceased people, from the past to the distant future, are gathered.
In other words, it allows access to the knowledge and information of great figures from the past, such as Aristotle and Plato."
So, that's the story.
When I first heard it, I had a vague feeling of understanding, but also not really understanding.
However, after hearing the story of how Mr. Fukui came to that conclusion, I found it very convincing.
Descriptions in each series
According to Harutoshi Fukui, there comes a point in the Gundam series when it becomes impossible to empathize with the main character.
This is because touching "the other side" creates distance between it and "this side."
- In the case of the first Gundam
For example, consider Amuro in the original Gundam.
In his case, it seems that from around the time Lalah died, Mr. Fukui completely lost the ability to empathize with the character.
I thought he'd be really depressed after Lalah's death, but he seems surprisingly cheerful.
This could also be interpreted as being connected to "the other side" and being able to meet Lalah anytime.
Then, at A Baoa Qu, they sense the Solar Ray, which they shouldn't have known about, and help the White Base.
Furthermore, he suddenly declares, "The real enemy is the Zabi family."
This is something I only learned because I went to "the other side."
And once their role is complete, they return to "this side."
- In the case of Zeta Gundam
The same applies to Z; it connects to "the other side" around the time Four dies.
After Four's death, he seems strangely unfazed, just like he was after Amuro's death.
And when he confronts Scirocco, he charges at him in a fit of rage, as if to say that Scirocco is the root of all evil.
In Camille's case, he was described as the protagonist who went to "the other side" and never came back.
- In the case of ZZ Gundam
In ZZ, Judau makes a connection with the other side around the time Leena dies (or is thought to have died).
While everyone was expressing concern for Leena, Judau confused everyone by saying something like, "Huh? Leena's alive?"
It seems that Judau knew Leena was alive because he was connected to the other side.
・In the case of UC
In the case of UC, it feels like it completely crossed over to the other side around the time Marida died.
Whether Banagher ends up staying there like Camille is up to him.
But as long as Mineva exists, I think he'll come back.
summary
Mr. Fukui realized that everything made sense when he considered it in this way, and he was impressed.
I still feel that Director Tomino is a truly extraordinary person.
That concludes Harutoshi Fukui's theory on Newtypes, and for now, I'll support it.
Indeed, it fits perfectly when applied to the series, and I intuitively feel that it's correct.
When I read Fukui's works, I get the feeling that he's very good at explaining things in a persuasive way.
Even the original novels that served as the basis for Gundam UC are much easier to understand than the original Gundam series written by Director Tomino.
(Director Tomino's High Streamer from Char's Counterattack is very easy to understand, though.)
Being easy to understand can, conversely, mean that it leaves no room for imagination.
However, for someone like me who can't come up with a new interpretation, I appreciate that it offers an enjoyable interpretation.
作中で触れた、福井晴敏氏によるガンダムUCの原作小説はこちら
ユニコーンの日(上) 機動戦士ガンダムUC(1)（福井晴敏）
Rakuten Market: ユニコーンの日(上) 機動戦士ガンダムUC(1)（楽天ブックス）