, whose real name is ( ''Suran Ibrahim''), is a fictional character introduced as the protagonist of
Sunrise
Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects.
Terminology
Al ...
's
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
series ''
Mobile Suit Gundam 00
is a Japanese anime television series, the eleventh installment in Sunrise studio's long-running ''Gundam'' franchise comprising two seasons. The series is set on a futuristic Earth and is centered on the exploits of the fictional paramilita ...
''. Setsuna is a member of Celestial Being, an organization that aims to end all wars through the deployment of the revolutionary Gundam units in aggressive armed interventions. One of the Gundam pilots, also known as "Gundam Meisters," Setsuna remembers across the series his involvement in a war from the
Middle East
The Middle East ( ar, الشرق الأوسط, ISO 233: ) is a geopolitical region commonly encompassing Arabian Peninsula, Arabia (including the Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain), Anatolia, Asia Minor (Asian part of Turkey except Hatay Pro ...
and wishes to find another way to end the conflict. He has also appeared in the direct film sequel ''
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie: A Wakening of the Trailblazer'' as well as
video games
Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device to gener ...
and
manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
series related with the Gundam franchise.
Setsuna was created as a
Kurd ug:كۇردلار
Kurds ( ku, کورد ,Kurd, italic=yes, rtl=yes) or Kurdish people are an Iranian peoples, Iranian ethnic group native to the mountainous region of Kurdistan in Western Asia, which spans southeastern Turkey, northwestern Ir ...
because director
Seiji Mizushima
is a Japanese anime director who is known for such series as ''Shaman King'', ''Fullmetal Alchemist'', ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', ''Un-Go'', and ''Concrete Revolutio''. His first directorial film project, '' Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conque ...
wanted to explore the situation people in the Middle East go through which forces them to participate in wars. He was also made to contrast previous Gundam characters who were relatable with the audience. Setsuna has been a popular character in Japan, where voice actor Mamoru Miyano received an award for the role, and within the Gundam fanbase, ranking highly in various polls. However, critical reception to Setsuna's character from English-language publications for anime, manga and other media has been mixed, criticizing his silent personality but praising his growth across the series.
Character creation
Setsuna being a
Kurd ug:كۇردلار
Kurds ( ku, کورد ,Kurd, italic=yes, rtl=yes) or Kurdish people are an Iranian peoples, Iranian ethnic group native to the mountainous region of Kurdistan in Western Asia, which spans southeastern Turkey, northwestern Ir ...
was an intentional decision by Sunrise. This was done as critique to Japan's apathy towards religion. Director
Seiji Mizushima
is a Japanese anime director who is known for such series as ''Shaman King'', ''Fullmetal Alchemist'', ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', ''Un-Go'', and ''Concrete Revolutio''. His first directorial film project, '' Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conque ...
wanted to give viewers a close approach to the wars in the
Middle East
The Middle East ( ar, الشرق الأوسط, ISO 233: ) is a geopolitical region commonly encompassing Arabian Peninsula, Arabia (including the Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain), Anatolia, Asia Minor (Asian part of Turkey except Hatay Pro ...
, believing the problem would not be solved in a long time. Mizushima aimed to make the viewers understand Setsuna's feelings as a result of living under war conditions. In regards to his personality, Mizushima wanted the series' protagonist that could not be related with the audience. This was done to contrast previous Gundam protagonists and appeal to young viewers. While he saw his past as difficult to understand he might look appealing as a result. The staff also wanted to create a character the audience could relate to. Late in the series, Setsuna's Quanta system was introduced in order to convey his message that he wants war to end through communication rather than violence. This idea was explored once again in the movie where the plot was written so that nobody except Setsuna could end the conflict.
Appearances
Television series and film
Setsuna F. Seiei is the primary protagonist of ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00''. He was discovered by Celestial Being at the age of 16 for having special potential as a pilot. He is a Gundam Meister and pilots Gundam Exia, specialized in melee combat. The group pursues the complete eradication of armed conflict mainly through the deployment of the revolutionary Gundam units in aggressive armed interventions. Setsuna's real name is Soran Ibrahim; with Setsuna being his codename. He was once a child soldier of Krugis descent in the war-torn Krugis Republic, being the sole survivor of an ill-fated all-youth suicidal commando battalion created by Ali Al-Saachez. During this time, he murdered his own parents under
Ali Al-Saachez
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four Gundam (fi ...
's influence in order to prove his devotion to God, and hence bears a deep hatred towards Saachez. Due to his previous religious brainwashing (and awakening from it), Setsuna claims he no longer believes in God, yet still debates the role of God in people's lives, suggesting that he would like to believe in God. Across the series, Setsuna appears mostly stoic being indifferent to potential love interests such as princess
Marina Ismail
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four Gundam (fi ...
.
In the first season's ending, Celestial Being becomes the target of the United Nations Army and Setsuna goes
MIA
Mia, MIA, or M.I.A. may refer to:
Music Artists
* M.I.A. (rapper) (born 1975), English rapper and singer
* M.I.A. (band), 1980s punk rock band from Orange County, California
* MIA., a German rock/pop band formed in 1997
* Mia (singer) (born 1983) ...
in battle against
Graham Aker
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four mobile sui ...
. Four years later he rejoins Celestial Being as the pilot of 00 Gundam after Exia was severely damaged. During his fight against Innovators and then 00 QAN
Setsuna joins forces with his former neighbour
Saji Crossroad
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four Gundam (fi ...
who reclutantly pilots the GNR-010 0 Raiser which merges with the 00 Gundam to create the 00 Raiser. During his battles, Setsuna encounters the Innovators' leader
Ribbons Almark
This is a list of fictional characters from the Japanese anime television series, ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', the eleventh incarnation of the ''Gundam'' media franchise.
Celestial Being Gundam Meisters
The series focuses on the four Gundam (fi ...
who is responsible for his survival as a child. Being continuously exposed to the GN particles of the fully completed Gundam 00, Setsuna undergoes Innovation, becoming the first true Innovator with powers far greater than Ribbons and his group. He succeeds in defeating the Innovator and continues working with Celestial Being.
In the film sequel, ''
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie: A Wakening of the Trailblazer'', Setsuna and Celestial Being fight the ELS, an alien lifeform that has been attacking mankind. Setsuna falls into catatonia after attempting to share his consciousness which, by the burst of information he took, damaged his braincells but manages to recover upon seeing his lost allies in a dream. Piloting the GNT-0000 00 Qan
Setsuna makes contact with ELS, agrees to become humanity's liaison and uses the 00 Qan
and quantize to the ELS homeworld. Several years later, Setsuna, having become a part ELS, reunites with Marina.
In other media
Outside the anime series and the film Setsuna has also appeared in the printed media related with ''Gundam 00''. The
manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
adaptation of the film gives a different author's interpretation of the ending in which Setsuna marries Marina though it is not canon considered symbolic and representative of their understanding of ideals. Setsuna's childhood is also explored in the first chapter of the manga ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Blue Memories''. He also makes brief appearances in the manga ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00F''. His activities in the movie are also seen in ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00I 2314''.
Setsuna has also appeared in the ''Gundam 00'' video games ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'' and ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Gundam Meisters''.
In Gundam crossover video games Setsuna appears in ''
Dynasty Warriors
is a series of Japanese hack and slash action video games created by Omega Force and Koei (now is Koei Tecmo). The series is a spin-off of Koei's turn-based strategy '' Romance of the Three Kingdoms'' series, based upon the Chinese novel of ...
'' series and was introduced in ''
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3'' and in ''Gundam vs'' where he first appeared in ''
Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam Next''. He also made his debut in the ''
Super Robot Wars
''Super Robot Wars'', known in Japan as is a series of tactical role-playing video games produced by Bandai Namco Entertainment, formerly Banpresto. Starting out as a spinoff of the ''Compati Hero'' series, the main feature of the franchise is ...
'' series in ''Super Robot Wars Z2''. Additionally, he appeared in ''
Another Century's Episode Portable'' with Gundam Exia and 00 Raiser.
Shohei Hashimoto
is a Japanese actor and television personality. He first began making appearances in musical theatre and stage plays in 2013 and was also the host of the intelligence training segments on the children's variety show ''Shima Shima Tora no Shimaj ...
portrays Setsuna in the 2018 stage play adaptation.
Reception
Setsuna has been a popular character in Japan. In a ''
Newtype
is a monthly magazine publication originating from Japan, covering anime (and to a lesser extent, tokusatsu, manga, Japanese science fiction, seiyuu, and video games). It was launched by publishing company Kadokawa Shoten on March 8, 1985, with i ...
'' poll, he was voted as the 20th most popular male anime character from the 2000s.
He appeared twice in ''
Animage
is a Japanese anime and entertainment magazine which Tokuma Shoten began publishing in July 1978. Hayao Miyazaki's internationally renowned manga, ''Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind'', was serialized in ''Animage'' from 1982 through 1994. Oth ...
'' Anime Grand Prix polls, first as second most popular male anime character in the 29th poll and the following year he was fifth. In another poll focused on all the characters appearing in the ''Gundam'' franchise, Setsuna was voted as the fifth popular out of all of them. In another poll from Sunrise's site that asked fans which character from the franchise would they would want to meet, Setsuna was sixth. In a NHK poll, he was voted as the sixth best ''Gundam'' character.
Mamoru Miyano
is a Japanese actor and singer. He is best known for his roles on '' Steins;Gate'', ''Durarara!!'', ''Death Note'', '' Soul Eater'', ''Wolf's Rain'', ''Ouran High School Host Club'', '' Ajin: Demi-Human'', '' Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'', ' ...
, the voice actor for Setsuna, won the "Best Voice Actor" award at the 2008
Tokyo International Anime Fair
The Tokyo International Anime Fair also known as was one of the largest anime trade fairs in the world, held annually in Tokyo, Japan. The first event was held in 2002 as "Tokyo International Anime Fair 21". The event was held at Tokyo Big Sigh ...
. The role from the English voice actor,
Brad Swaile
Bradley Swaile is a Canadian voice actor. His major roles include Light Yagami in ''Death Note'', Rock in ''Black Lagoon'', and Nightcrawler in '' X-Men: Evolution''. In the 1990s, he voiced Mousse in ''Ranma ½'' and Teen Gohan in the Ocean ...
, was met with criticism in the series' beginning by Ramsey Isler from
IGN
''IGN'' (formerly ''Imagine Games Network'') is an American video game and entertainment media website operated by IGN Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc. The company's headquarters is located in San Francisco's SoMa distri ...
.
Overseas, Setsuna has received mixed criticism from English-language publications for anime, manga and other media. He has often been compared with the protagonist from ''
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
''Mobile Suit Gundam Wing'', also known in Japan as , is a 1995 Japanese mecha anime series directed by Masashi Ikeda and written by Katsuyuki Sumizawa. It is the sixth installment in the ''Gundam'' franchise, taking place in the "Afte ...
'',
Heero Yuy
This is a list of characters from the Japanese anime television series ''Mobile Suit Gundam Wing'', known in Japan as , and subsequent spin-offs. The codes after the characters' names indicate which series and manga the characters appear in:
...
, based on how inexpressive the two characters are.
This bothered Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment as the series appeared to be borrowing elements from previous shows despite finding Setsuna interesting. Ross Liversidge criticized Setsuna's personality and found the other members from the cast were far more appealing that him.
Carl Kimlinger from
Anime News Network
Anime News Network (ANN) is a news website that reports on the status of anime, manga, video games, Japanese popular music and other related cultures within North America, Australia, Southeast Asia and Japan. The website offers reviews and oth ...
agreed with Liversidge stating it was difficult to enjoy the character as he is "remarkable in his frosty unlikeability."
On the other hand, Setsuna's development across the series was the subject of praise. Nick Hartel from DVDTalk commented how Setsuna managed to stand as the series' hero in the first season thanks to his evolution. Kimlinger shared a similar a view as he commented on how Setsuna became "softer and more textured" which made him a more sympathetic character. In regards to his role in the movie Mark Sombillo from ANN compared his role with the one from ''
The Matrix
''The Matrix'' is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. It is the first installment in ''The Matrix'' film series, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantolia ...
''s main character Neo due to how Setsuna tries to understand his true purpose. Although Michael Toole from the same site noted that the audience liked the subplot involving his interactions with Feldt, it ended being "ooey-gooey romantic crap."
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Seiei, Setsuna F.
Characters
Character or Characters may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Literature
* ''Character'' (novel), a 1936 Dutch novel by Ferdinand Bordewijk
* ''Characters'' (Theophrastus), a classical Greek set of character sketches attributed to The ...
Male characters in animated series
Television characters introduced in 2007
Animated characters introduced in 2007
Fictional child soldiers
Fictional Kurdish people
Male characters in anime and manga
Orphan characters in anime and manga
Gundam characters