G-Gundam or 08th MS, who are all these "Non-Gundam" fans that love Gundam Seed? Seriously, that series was the biggest load of convoluted crap since Metal Gear... At least Metal Gear was good though.

Well being the only ones that I managed to watch w/o feeling totally confused or repulsed at all of the potential yaoi shipping. I suppose you could say that G-Gundam and 08th MS Team are my "favorites".

I have yet to take a crack at the Gundam universe. Is there a recommended series that those who are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Gundam lore can watch as a fairly stand-alone series while also getting a good "feel" for the mood and style of the franchise?

Gundam Wing
Gundam Seed
Gundam 00

Take your pick!

Gundam 0080, Gundam 0083 and Gundam The 08th MS Team could also work, but they are OVAs. G Gundam is also a standalone, but it's a bit unique compared to the others.

Personally I would go with Gundam 00, since it's the newest one.

08th MS team is short, (12 or 13 episodes) and set in the UC timeline (the same timeline that the original series is set in.) It is a pretty good look, IMO, of what Gundam is all about (though perhaps a bit more sad than the other series.) It works as a stand-alone series just fine.

If you don't mind going in for a longer haul, I recommend Gundam Wing as a good starting point (50+ episodes if you count the movie/OVA Endless Waltz.) It is not set in the original UC timeline, but in its own timeline strictly for its series, so it acts as a complete stand-alone work while still keeping the "Gundam" feel to it.

I have not seen enough of Gundam Seed to pass judgment, and I have heard views of both loving it and hating it by people, so I really don't know either way on that one.

It's definitely one of those "love it or hate it" type of series', not to much gray area on that one honestly...

I own all the Gundam stuff except for G-Gundam and Superior Defender Gundam. I didn't like G (although my wife did) and didn't buy S.D. because it was for kids. I think all the series' have their good and bad points, but I think I like the latest, Gundam 00, best. The quality of the production gets better with each new series and 00 is very contemporary as well. Gundam is an acquired taste and I understand that some people don't like it, BUT I LOVE IT!

I hope Bandai releases that series locally on Blu-Ray. I know they have it on Blu-Ray in Japan, but I only see the DVDs for preorder right now here in the US.

My fav by far is Gundam Seed & then Destiny.But I got most Gundam seris thats been dubbed. But I dont have the original Gundam which I really want..I havent seen Gundam 00 yet.I really like to see Bandai dub ZZ Gundam.I got Zeta Gundam,Gundam Wing,Gundam 0080 Gundam 0083, Gundam 08th MS Team, Gundam F91.