Series & First Appearance
Marida Cruz is a character from the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn, which is based on the novel series written by Harutoshi Fukui. She first appears in Episode 1: "The Day of the Unicorn," originally aired in 2010. The character designs were created by Ryūichi Takada, with animation handled by SUNRISE.
Profile at a Glance
Marida Cruz is an 18-year-old female character classified as a Cyber Newtype. She is affiliated with Neo Zeon, specifically the Glemy Faction and "The Sleeves," as well as the Vist Foundation. Serving as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, she is primarily known for her exceptional piloting skills, especially in the AMX-004G Qubeley and NZ-666 Kshatriya mobile suits, utilizing advanced combat techniques that involve the use of funnels and beam weaponry.
Personality & Motivations
Marida exhibits a complex personality marked by her loyalty and emotional struggles. Initially, she sees herself as a weapon for Neo Zeon and harbors a strong disdain for Gundams, viewing them as the ultimate enemy to be destroyed. She refers to her superior, Captain Zinnerman, as "Master," an act that often irritates him. Her development takes a significant turn after her encounters with Banagher Links, revealing a deeper kindness and vulnerability behind her tough exterior. This evolution reflects her inner conflict between her programmed identity and her emerging humanity.
Abilities / Powers
Marida is renowned for her piloting proficiency, especially in mobile suits like the NZ-666 Kshatriya, which she operates with remarkable skill. As a Cyber Newtype, she possesses enhanced reflexes and spatial awareness that provide her with advantages in battle. Her combat style primarily leverages a combination of 18 funnel drones for multi-directional ranged attacks, thus overwhelming opponents swiftly. When necessary, she incorporates beam sabers for close-quarters engagements and holds back her mega particle cannons for critical moments. However, her experiences as a combatant also result in psychological scars, impacting her emotional stability and combat effectiveness over time.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Marida’s journey begins as a weapon of war during the First Neo-Zeon War, where her clones fight under Glemy Toto. Following intense battles, including a confrontation with Chara Soon, Marida becomes one of the few surviving clones. Her storyline significantly evolves when she is captured and examined aboard the Nahel Argama, where it is revealed that she can no longer bear children due to her traumatic past. This knowledge catalyzes her transformation as she grapples with her identity beyond being a tool for warfare. Her pivotal interactions with Banagher Links serve as a catalyst for her growth, allowing her to explore her qualities beyond combat and warfare.
Notable Relationships
- Glemy Toto: The one who awakened her; serves as a mentor but also exposes her to the horrors of war.
- Banagher Links: A significant figure in her development, whose kindness challenges her perceptions and emotions.
- Captain Zinnerman: Her superior, who represents authority but also misunderstands her complexities.
- Elpeo Ple: Marida’s genetic donor, connecting her to an overarching narrative of Newtypes and the ethics of genetic experimentation.
- Ple Two – Eleven: Her sisters, representing a stark reminder of the tragic life she leads as a clone.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Marida’s most touching moments occurs when she reflects on her existence and past experiences after her recovery from the Banshee’s cockpit. Her burgeoning kindness is encapsulated in the phrase, "I… just want to know what it means to be human." This line resonates with viewers, highlighting her internal struggle and desire for identity beyond being a weapon.
In her fierce determination to confront Gundams, she famously states, "I will annihilate you!" in reference to her obsession with destroying them. This encapsulates her initial motivations and the conflicts throughout the series, drawing fans into her emotionally charged narrative.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Marida Cruz has garnered a decent fanbase, achieving 273 member favorites owing to her complex characterization as a tortured soul trying to navigate the war-torn world around her. Voice actor Kaori Nazuka lends her voice in the Japanese version, while the English counterpart is performed by Caitlin Glass. In popularity polls for characters within the series, she often ranks well among fans for her depth and tragic backstory, embodying themes of sacrifice and identity that resonate throughout the Gundam franchise. Furthermore, Marida’s narrative touches on significant issues surrounding cloning and the ethical considerations in warfare, paralleling real-world implications and philosophical discussions.
Marida Cruz remains an integral part of the Gundam: Unicorn narrative, showcasing the tragic consequences of war and the quest for personal identity amidst chaos. Her story serves as a reminder of the humanity often lost in the machinery of conflict.
