Summary
2010’sMobile Suit Gundam: Gundam Unicornis one of the celebrated entries in theGundamfranchise, helmed by the powerfulUnicorn Gundam. The Unicorn is piloted by the kindBanagher Links, who the Unicorn chooses to bring forth the true potential of humankind and become the ultimateNewtype. Banagher and the Unicorn face the dangerousSleeves, remnants ofNeo Zeonthatseek freedom from theFederation’s rule. Led byFull Frontal,the Sleeves are deadly foes, but the Unicorn was made for the task.
The true extent of Unicorn’s power is debated among fans. How strong he is in base form and how overpowered he becomes in hisAwakened Stateseems a bit confusing. Unicorn goes beyond his powerful weaponry as a Gundam like no other.
The Unicorn’s Unique Weaponry
The Finest Tools for the Finest Machine
The Unicorn is equipped with an array of extremely powerful weapons that Banagher puts to use against the Sleeves. Not only is the suit capable of incredible versatility, but his tailormade weapons make him deadly in just his base form.
Making Use of Beam Sabers and Beam Tonfas
The Unicorn is equipped with two beam sabers stored on his back. While this is standard for most Gundam-type mobile suits, the Unicorn’s sabers pack higher density than regular blades used by the Federation. This allows Unicorn to damage sturdy machines like theKshatriyawith ease. Unicorn also wields two sabers on his forearms, and in Destroy Mode, these move outwards, enabling their use as Beam Tonfas. This gives him excellent close-quarters combat.
The Unicorn Gundam’s Hyper Bazooka
Similar to theHyaku Shikiused byQuattro Bajeena, Unicorn uses a powerful beam-powered Bazooka with a spray shot. This weapon, while cumbersome, is effective against groups of enemies, and packs a heavy punch if hit from a close distance.
The Unicorn Gundam’s Beam Gatling
Unicorn’s Beam Gatling can shoot continuous shots strong enough to pierce any mobile suit’s armor. While this weapon is less used in base form, Banagher employs it to great success in Full Armor and Awakened forms.
The Unicorn Gundam’s Beam Magnum
The most iconic of Unicorn’s arsenal. The Beam Magnum is the single strongest one-handed rifle in the entirety of the Universal Century. While there are powerful ranged weapons likeHyaku Shiki’sMega Launcheror theHi-Nu Gundam’s Hyper Mega Bazooka. The Magnum’s compact size and ease of use make it far more practical in battle. However, the Beam Magnum can only be used by the Unicorn, as its shot is filled with so much force that it damages the arm of theDelta Plus, a Gundam-like suit, when Riddhe Marcenas shoots the Beam Magnum. The Beam Magnum was purposely made for the Unicorn. Its shot is massive and travels a far distance. And it’s seen destroying aGeara Zuluby merely passing near it. It completely decimated the cockpit of theShamblo, a massive mobile armor. Simply using the Beam Magnum makes Banagher and the Unicorn deadly to any foe in their crosshairs.
The Unicorn Gundam’s Shield Funnels
During his Awakened State, the Unicorn turns the three shields he wore in his Full Armor Mode into Funnels similar to those used by theNu Gundam. The Funnels can shoot with the attached Beam Gatling and join together to generate an impenetrable I-Field.
Destroy Mode, The Beast of Possibility
Over the Rainbow: A True Newtype
The Unicorn is usually seen in his white-clad Unicorn Mode. Where he seems like nothing more than a high-end GM akin to theJesta. But when Unicorn senses an enemy Newtype, and he wants to protect Banagher, he transforms into the Destroy or Newtype-Destroyer Mode, NTDfor short. By separating the plates in his armor, exposing his Psycho-Frame, and turning his face into that of a Gundam, Unicorn becomes themost powerful mobile suit seen in theUniversal Century. During this transformation, Unicorn becomes blinding fast and generates a continuous I-Field over him. He also gains a level of sentience, as he sometimes acts separately from Banagher’s commands. The NTD makes Unicorn almost invincible for any mobile suit besides Full Frontal and hisSinanjuor his sister unit, theBanshee.
Entering a New Awakened State
By resonating with the desires of Banagher and everyone around him, the Unicorn enters an Awakened State where his Psycho-Frame turns green and experiences a temporary surge in power. This form is reminiscent of theAxis Shockincident seen duringChar’s Rebellion. During this transformation, Unicorn uses his Shields as Funnels and can fire his weapons without touching them. He’s also able to control Psycho-Frame powered devices, as seen with theRozen Zulu’s INCOM.
Ultimate Form: Luminous Crystal Mode
The Unicorn’s ultimate form. By reaching beyond the limits of both Banagher and Unicorn, they evolve together into a true Newtype. Banagher reaches a higher level of conscience and the Unicorn gains full sentience. The Unicorn can manipulate space and use telekinesis. He was able to render an army of Rezel’s completely useless by simply waving his hand. In the manga adaptation of Gundam Unicorn, it is stated that by entering this form and traveling through time with Full Frontal and his Neo Zeong. Unicorn accidentally created branches in the timeline, giving birth to Alternate Universes likeGundam Wing, Gundam 00, orGundam SEED. Going by the manga, Unicorn is responsible for all the non-Universal Century series.
The Unicorn is easily the most overpowered Gundam in the entire franchise, a machine that transcended its mechanical nature and became a living being, evolving into a higher life form alongside its pilot, Banagher Links.
