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| “ | I should be back in Zeon in two months, Father. But, before that, I want to claim one decisive triumph. I don't want the people to laugh at me for being made an admiral simply because I'm your son. | ” |
—Garma Zabi's final video letter to Degwin Sodo Zabi | ||
Garma Zabi (ガルマ・ザビ) was the fourth child of the Zabi family and the commander of the Principality of Zeon Earth Attack Force during the One Year War.
History[]
Early Life[]
Garma was born in U.C. 0059 to Degwin Sodo Zabi and Naliss Zabi. Since Naliss died when he was young, he was doted on by his father, Degwin.[1][2] In U.C. 0075, he entered the officers academy, where he became classmates and friends with Char Aznable.[3][4]
Following the outbreak of the One Year War on January 3, U.C. 0079 and the signing of the Antarctic Treaty on January 31 of the same year, Zeon began its invasion of Earth.[5] To that end, Rear Admiral Kycilia Zabi reorganized and reinforced the Mobile Assault Force 1st Mobile Infantry Division into the Earth Attack Force.[6] Garma, now a Captain in the Mobile Assault Force,[1] was given command of the Earth Attack Force.[6]
Early One Year War[]
On March 11, Garma led the Second Landing Operation, an Earth landing operation aimed at conquering North America and advancing on the Earth Federation Forces headquarters Jaburo in South America. After Zeon forces took over the city of New Yark through an extensive carpet-bombing campaign by Gaw Attack Carriers,[1][7] Garma established the Earth Attack Force headquarters there, using the former official residence of the mayor as his own residence.[8] The former mayor, Eschonbach harbored a strong hatred towards Zeon, but still cooperated with Garma to ensure the safety of New Yark's people. Garma also became infatuated with Eschonbach's daughter, Icelina Eschonbach.[4]
Battles with the White Base[]
On September 23, the Federation's White Base Corps descended onto Earth. Though it intended to land at Jaburo, Char Aznable, who pursued the White Base Corps since its escape from Side 7, engaged the Corps during atmospheric entry. Though he failed to sink the White Base, he successfully forced it to alter its trajectory and land in Zeon-controlled North America. Upon entering the atmosphere aboard a Komusai, Char immediately contacted his old friend Garma and requested his assistance.[4][9]
In response to Char's request, Garma deployed from the Earth Attack Force headquarters aboard a Gaw attack carrier.[9] After recovering Char's Komusai, Garma briefly conversed with his old friend, who promised that sinking the ship would be worthy of a Zeon Cross. When Garma asked if he had come to help him impress Kycilia, Char laughed. Smiling, Garma told him not to laugh with his men watching.[4][10]
Garma-Guevil Squadrons Battle[]
The Gaw deployed two Dopp squadrons: the Guevil Squadron and the Garma Squadron, with Garma personally leading the latter. Despite Char assuring Garma that he did not have to sortie, Garma still chose to do so to prove himself to his sister.
As the Dopps began their attack runs, Humble's craft scored a direct hit on the White Base's left engine block. Seeing this, Garma ordered his squadron to concentrate fire on the left engine. When the White Base deployed the RX-75 Guntank, Garma remarked that it was a defective mobile suit and nothing more than a ground weapon, before ordering the Guefil Squadron to destroy it.
Soon after, Char, who had been placed in command of the ground units by Garma, ordered Magella Attack tanks to move against the White Base, which sent out the RX-77-2 Guncannon in response. Seeing two enemy mobile suits, Garma asked Char to deploy additional ground units. When Char asked if the white mobile suit - the RX-78-2 Gundam - had appeared, Garma confirmed that it had not, and questioned whether the two "defective" mobile suits he saw were really worth the Zeon Cross.
With the arrival of more Magella Attacks and continuing attacks from the Dopps, the White Base was put at a severe disadvantage. At this point, the White Base launched the Gundam, which quickly turned the tide of the battle. Not only did it destroy many Magella Attacks, but it also shot down several Dopps by jumping into the air using its powerful thrusters. Garma reported the Gundam's appearance to Char, who deployed in the Komusai.
Garma engaged the Gundam in his personalized Dopp, but the Gundam sliced off the Dopp's left wing using its beam saber. As the Gundam pursued the damaged Dopp, Garma attempted to lure the Gundam into range of the Gaw's beam cannon. However, by this time, Char's Komusai reached the battlefield and Char launched in his MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type. While the Gundam was engaged with Char's Zaku, Garma returned to the Gaw and pulled back his forces.
Soon after, Char was forced to disengage when the White Base fired missiles at him. Garma then contacted Char and asked him to pull back, saying they needed to rethink their strategy.[10][4]
Party[]
Following the battle, Garma invited Char back to his residence in the New Yark base. While Char was taking a shower, Garma thanked him for saving his life and stated that he was already working on another plan against the White Base. When Char reassured him that he would support whatever plan Garma had, Garma expressed his gratitude and invited him to a party that night. Unbeknownst to Garma, Char was making his own plan to kill him.
During the party, Garma was approached by several local figures who attempted to flatter him to improve their standing with Degwin. He expressed his distaste for them to Char and his desire to avoid causing unrest in the city by sending a large force against the White Base. He then introduced Char to the former mayor Eschonbach before leaving to meet with Icelina Eschonbach in private.
Icelina told Garma that his father would not allow her to be married with a son of the Zabi family. Icelina told Garma that she loved Garma regardless, and would even betray her father to be with him. Garma stated that he could not betray his father or Zeon, but he believed that his father would allow him to be with her once he suceeds in acquiring Federation secrets, and that he would betray Zeon if he refuses after that. As the two kissed, Char watched the two with quiet amusement.
At this point, one of Garma's subordinates reported that the White Base had reached S-3 point, Zeon's final line of defense before they reach Federation-controlled airspace. Garma stated that he had anticipated this and deployed defenses there. He then asked a mobile squadron to be prepared and for Char to be informed to prepare for sortie. Before he left, he invited Icelina to the Zeon homeland once he captures the Federation's new weapons. They then shared one last kiss.[4]
Death[]
At S-3 point (formerly known as Seattle), Garma's mobile squadron, which consisted of three Gaw attack carriers and numerous Dopp fighters, attempted to corner the White Base in the ruined city. In response, the White Base hid in the half-destroyed dome of a baseball stadium, hiding it from the Zeon air force. Meanwhile, Garma was getting anxious that his patrols were unable to locate the White Base. At the suggestion of Char, he began carpet bombing the ruins of the city using the Gaws. However, the White Base was shielded from the worst of the bombing by the stadium dome.
As the White Base still did not appear, Garma grew even more anxious while Char remarked that the ship's crew had grown experienced from battles. Garma wanted to search for the White Base from the ground, but Char offerred to deploy in his stead. Char then stated that Garma was being hastier than usual, and that he should not impatient for a woman. After Char left, Garma spoke to himself, insisting that he was calm.
After leading a mobile suit team to the ground and briefly engaging the Gundam, Char realized that the Gundam was leading them away from the White Base and soon discovered the ship's hiding place. However, he intentionally mislead Garma by reporting that the Gundam was heading toward the White Base, causing his squadron to chase after it. As the squadron passed the baseball stadium, the White Base, the Guntank, and the Guncannon fired all weapons at the rear of the squadron, devastating it.
Garma's Gaw was heavily damaged by the massive barrage. When he was informed by the pilot that the Gaw was unable to increase altitude, he ordered the pilot to turn around and ram the plane it into the White Base. At this point, Char radioed the Gaw and gloated to Garma, saying that he should blame the misfortune of his birth. Char then stated that while Garma was a good friend, it was his father who was at fault before laughing at him.
Finally realizing Char's betrayal, Garma threw away his headset in anger and took over the Gaw's controls, remarking that a man of the Zabi family cannot die in vain. Aboard the White Base, Captain Bright Noa realized Garma's intent and ordered the White Base to ascend as it continued to fire at the Gaw. As Garma's Gaw exploded harmleslly, he cried out his last words, "Glory to the Principality of Zeon!" His final thoughts were of Icelina, running towards him with a smile on her face.[4]
Legacy[]
When informed of Garma's death by her father, Icelina was heartbroken. Meanwhile, when news of Garma's death reached the Zeon homeland, Sovereign Degwin Sodo Zabi was so stricken with grief that his cane slipped from his grasp. He then recalled Dozle and Kycilia back to Zum City for a meeting. Dozle, in particular, expressed sadness and anger at the loss of Garma. However, Gihren was unphased, simply stating that the war cannot be won by dwelling on the past.
Despite Degwin's wish for a quiet funeral, Gihren insisted on holding a state funeral and using Garma's death to boost morale. Degwin ultimately relented, but became greatly disillusioned with the war. Garma's state funeral was held on October 6, U.C. 0079. During the funeral, which was broadcast to the entire Earth Sphere, Gihren gave the following speech:
| “ | We have lost a hero! But does this mean we are finished?! No! We are only beginning!
Zeon's national strength is less than 1/30th that of the Earth Federation. In spite of that, how is it that we've been able to fight for so long? My people! It is because the Principality of Zeon's aims in this war are just!
As you all know best, we were forced off of the Earth to become space colonists. For 50 years, a handful of elite have extended the Earth Federation's control out to space! How many times has the Federation quashed our demands for freedom? God will not abandon the Principality of Zeon so long as each one of us is fighting for our freedom! My younger brother, Garma Zabi, who was beloved by you all, is dead! Why?!
History demands that we, the chosen nation, must dominate this new age! Therefore, we must straighten our shoulders, and for the sake of all mankind, commit ourselves to winning this war! The hardships of living in space have also served to train our civilization for this day! Zeon Deikun said that the rebirth of man would begin with us, those who live in space!
However, the cowardly moles in the Earth Federation presume to rule over us! Over all mankind! And so they wage war upon us! All of you have lost fathers and sons to the Federation's senseless resistance. Keep this sadness and hatred alive within you! That is what Garma died to show us!
If we gather this hatred we share and smash the Federation Forces, then true victory will be within our grasp! And that victory will be the ultimate vindication to all of those who have died in this conflict!
My people! My people, transform your grief into rage and arise! Never forget we, the citizens of Zeon, are the chosen! We, the superior race, shall save mankind!
SIEG ZEON! |
” |
—Gihren Zabi | ||
Immediately after learning of Garma's death, Dozle ordered a special duties team led by Lieutenant Ramba Ral to descend onto Earth, with the sole goal of avenging Garma. Also, because of Char's failure to protect Garma, Dozle had him demoted.[10][4]
Garma's death threw Zeon's Earth Attack Force into chaos, allowing the Earth Federation Forces to launch a series of counterattacks, which would eventually culminate in Operation Odessa. Meanwhile, the White Base Corps' reputation as a Newtype Corps began to grow.[11][12]
Side Story Appearances[]
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Battle Tales of Flanagan Boone[]
In the manga, Mobile Suit Gundam: The battle tales of Flanagan Boone, Garma's role as the commander of the earth attack force is expanded upon. He is shown being in direct command of Lieutenant Flanagan Boone at Zeon's California base. He personally requested for Boone to be the pilot of the MS-06M Zaku Marine Type. His relationship with Boone is shown to be very friendly, Garma even inviting Boone to dinner with him and Icelina after Boone catches a flat fish during the testing of the Zaku Marine Type. These positive interactions would later leave Boone extremely distraught upon the news of Garma's demise, motivating him to try and take revenge on the Federation's Gundam.
After his death Garma only appears in Boone's flashbacks and nightmares.
Personality & Character[]
Garma Zabi, the youngest son of Degwin Sodo Zabi, was known to be extremely popular among the people of Zeon.[13] It was said that this was not only the result of his elegant appearance and natural charisma, but due to the fact that he was used to enact Zeon propaganda with the Earth Occupation Front. [1] However, underneath his charming exterior, Garma was plagued by a constant need for validation and acceptance from his family, primarily that of his elder sister Kycilia Zabi, who had been responsible to assigning Garma to his position as commander of Zeon's Earth occupation. Used as a tool to propagate Zeonic ideologies, Garma carried a strong inferiority complex and often worked towards furthering Zabi goals vs that of the Spacenoid people. Desperate and determined to prove to the masses that he did not receive his position based on family connections alone, Garma studied military stratagem and tactics intensely, though not with the same merit as his would be friend Char Aznable.
In private, Garma demonstrated an ignorant sense of purity and immaturity befitting of his young age, going as far as to promise his lover Icelina Eschonbach that he was "prepared to abandon Zeon" to marry her. Ignorant and sheltered to the machinations of the war due to his upbringing, Garma fatally in his genuineness considered Char Aznable to not only be his dear friend, but to be devoid of any ulterior motives.
Due to his nervousness and self imposed perfectionism, Garma developed quirks befitting of an individual who suffered from either CPTSD or anxiety, his notable tic of curling the stray hair of his bangs apparent alongside his hyper awareness of how he was perceived, once scolding Char for laughing in the company of his soldiers. Garma appeared to not have situational awareness of the feelings of others to an extent, quite notably stating that Char didn't know what it was like to have a family as his family members were dead.
Skills & Abilities[]
Garma's abilities as a military commander, while subject of much debate, were competent though unimpressive. Due to his multiple failed engagements with the White Base Corps, Garma came to doubt himself, though in death, demonstrated his will to sacrifice his life for the cause in which he uheld. Garma is shown to be able to pilot aircraft, such as the Dopp fighter, and in some materials, was given a custom MS-06FS Zaku II, though his mobile suit piloting skill was unknown.[14] This suit never was shown or used during the original broadcast and only in MSV. Many of Garma's achievements would later be documented in texts and materials not published during 1979 to 1980.
Garma's tactical level while engaging in direct battles did not reflect his ability as a strategist. In addition to his final defeat and death being a result of the Char Aznable's intentional sabotage, Garma's skills as a strategist in understanding the Earth's environment could be seen by his use of aircraft and land combat dispatches. Dozle Zabi stated after Garma's death that he was looking forward to Garma becoming an admiral who could order him around, though it was unclear whether this was because he believed Garma had great strategic acumen or simply out of love for his brother.[1]
Garma's stratagem with aircraft in particular could be noted when RX-78-2 Gundam pilot Amuro Ray, and even after losing his right wing, he managed to lure the Gundam within range of his Gaw beam cannon range, his plan only failing because Char had sabotaged the Gaw's radio.[15]
Garma's authority and influence within Zeon's Earth Attack Force was also a matter of debate. By one account, he only had de facto command over Zeon's North American forces despite his title as Commander of the Earth Attack Force.[16] However, it was also said that Garma's death threw the Earth Attack Force into chaos and allowed the Earth Federation Ground Force to execute its counterattacks, eventually culminating in Operation Odessa.[11]
Gallery[]
.png "Garma(SD G Generation).png (39 KB)")
Notes & Trivia[]
- Garma's Japanese voice actor, Katsuji Mori would later voice the diner owner that speaks with Mineva in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
- Garma Zabi became, arguably, the most iconic villain of Mecha anime during the late 1970s. Due to his popularity with female fans, Garma's reputation post his death in broadcast has allowed him to live on as one of the most ranked characters in a mecha franchise.
- Garma Zabi boasts a large international fanclub of members who participate in "Garma Day", an event in which individuals create artwork and memorabilia to commemorate his death.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 皆川ゆか (2001-03-21). 機動戦士ガンダム 公式百科事典 GUNDAM OFFICIALS [Mobile Suit Gundam Official Encyclopedia GUNDAM OFFICIALS] (in Japanese). 講談社 [Kodansha], pp. 132-135. ISBN 9784063301106.
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam (Novel)
- ↑ (2006-07-26) 〈復刻版〉機動戦士ガンダムモビルスーツバリエーション (2) ジオン軍MS・MA編 (in Japanese). 講談社編 [Kodansha], p. 186. ISBN 9784063721768.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Mobile Suit Gundam I
- ↑ (1991-11-01) 機動戦士ガンダム 戦略戦術大図鑑~1年戦争全記録 [Mobile Suit Gundam Big Book of Strategy and Tactics ~ One Year War Complete Collection] ENTERTAINMENT BIBLE.39 (in Japanese). Bandai. ISBN 9784891891770.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 (2006-07-26) 〈復刻版〉機動戦士ガンダムモビルスーツバリエーション (2) ジオン軍MS・MA編 (in Japanese). 講談社編 [Kodansha], pp. 154-159. ISBN 9784063721768.
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front
- ↑ 皆川ゆか (2001-03-21). 機動戦士ガンダム 公式百科事典 GUNDAM OFFICIALS [Mobile Suit Gundam Official Encyclopedia GUNDAM OFFICIALS] (in Japanese). 講談社 [Kodansha], pp. 482-483. ISBN 9784063301106.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 皆川ゆか (2001-03-21). 機動戦士ガンダム 公式百科事典 GUNDAM OFFICIALS [Mobile Suit Gundam Official Encyclopedia GUNDAM OFFICIALS] (in Japanese). 講談社 [Kodansha], pp. 475-476. ISBN 9784063301106.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 皆川ゆか (2001-03-21). 機動戦士ガンダム 公式百科事典 GUNDAM OFFICIALS [Mobile Suit Gundam Official Encyclopedia GUNDAM OFFICIALS] (in Japanese). 講談社 [Kodansha], pp. 129-132. ISBN 9784063301106.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 (2006-07-26) 〈復刻版〉機動戦士ガンダムモビルスーツバリエーション (3) 連邦軍編 (in Japanese). 講談社編 [Kodansha], pp. 149-150. ISBN 9784063721775.
- ↑ 皆川ゆか (2001-03-21). 機動戦士ガンダム 公式百科事典 GUNDAM OFFICIALS [Mobile Suit Gundam Official Encyclopedia GUNDAM OFFICIALS] (in Japanese). 講談社 [Kodansha], pp. 135-136. ISBN 9784063301106.
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 11, Icelina- Love's Remains
- ↑ (2006-07-26) 〈復刻版〉機動戦士ガンダムモビルスーツバリエーション (1) ザク編 (in Japanese). 講談社編 [Kodansha], p. 9. ISBN 9784063721751.
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 9, Fly! Gundam
- ↑ (1991-11-01) 機動戦士ガンダム 戦略戦術大図鑑~1年戦争全記録 [Mobile Suit Gundam Big Book of Strategy and Tactics ~ One Year War Complete Collection] ENTERTAINMENT BIBLE.39 (in Japanese). Bandai, p. 77. ISBN 9784891891770.