In the expansive universe of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (IBO), one mobile suit stands out not only for its sleek, sinister design but also for the mystery surrounding its pilot and true purpose — the Gundam Vidar. Introduced in the second season of IBO, this mobile suit becomes a symbol of vengeance, secrecy, and intense rivalry.
This article takes a closer look at Gundam Vidar’s design, its history in the series, and what makes it one of the most compelling machines in the Iron-Blooded Orphans universe.
Origins and Purpose
The Gundam Vidar first appears when the mysterious pilot Vidar (later revealed to be Gaelio Bauduin) joins the Gjallarhorn forces to exact revenge on McGillis Fareed. Its true identity, however, is more complicated than it seems. Vidar is actually the rebuilt Gundam Kimaris (another powerful suit from the Bauduin family), disguised to hide Gaelio’s return from death.
While Kimaris symbolizes honor and tradition, Vidar embodies the thirst for revenge, deception, and justice — elements mirrored in Gaelio’s personal journey.
Design and Aesthetic
Gundam Vidar’s design is sleek, agile, and menacing. Its darker color scheme — dominated by black and dark blue — gives it a cold, calculating appearance. The slim silhouette makes it stand out compared to bulkier Gundam frames, suggesting its agility and speed over raw power. Key features include:
- Leg-mounted thrusters: Designed for fast, dynamic movement, Vidar is incredibly agile on the battlefield, allowing it to outmaneuver enemies with ease.
- Sleek, aerodynamic frame: The thinner armor plates, along with sharp edges, give it a modern, predatory look.
- Vidar Sword and Rifle: Vidar’s primary weapons are a sword for close combat and a rifle for ranged attacks, emphasizing its versatility.
- Retractable Heel Spikes: One of Vidar’s unique features is the retractable spike weapons hidden in its feet, used for sudden close-range attacks.
This balance between sleek design and hidden weaponry represents Vidar’s dual nature — the outward appearance of justice concealing a darker, vengeful core.
Battle Performance
In battle, Gundam Vidar is a force to be reckoned with. Its agility is its greatest asset, allowing it to engage enemies in close combat with precision and retreat to mid-range distances when necessary. Unlike some of the other Gundam Frames in Iron-Blooded Orphans, Vidar isn’t built purely for brute strength. Instead, it relies on speed and advanced tactics, mirroring Gaelio’s intellect and strategic approach to combat.
Some of Vidar’s most notable battle moments include its fight against McGillis Fareed, where the combination of swordplay and ranged attacks put the rival pilot to the test.
Symbolism: The Gundam of Revenge
Vidar is more than just a mobile suit — it is the embodiment of Gaelio’s quest for justice against McGillis. After being betrayed and left for dead by his former friend, Gaelio returns under the alias “Vidar,” piloting this new Gundam to hide his true identity. The name “Vidar” itself is significant — in Norse mythology, Vidar is the god of vengeance, a fitting name for a machine built on the desire for retribution.
The transformation from Gundam Kimaris to Vidar also reflects Gaelio’s transformation. As Kimaris, Gaelio was a noble soldier fighting for honor and duty. As Vidar, his motivations are more personal, driven by the need to confront the man who betrayed him.
Behind the Pilot: Gaelio Bauduin’s Journey
The story of Gundam Vidar cannot be separated from its pilot, Gaelio Bauduin. Once a high-ranking Gjallarhorn officer and loyal friend to McGillis, Gaelio’s world is shattered when McGillis betrays him. After surviving what seemed to be a fatal blow, Gaelio returns under the alias Vidar, hiding his face behind a mask and biding his time to strike back.
His journey is one of personal growth, from a naive soldier who trusted too easily to a more hardened, but still honorable man seeking justice. His use of Gundam Vidar reflects this transformation. In many ways, Vidar serves as both a tool and a reflection of Gaelio’s need to resolve his inner conflict with McGillis.
Gundam Vidar in Gunpla
For Gunpla enthusiasts, the Gundam Vidar model is a must-have due to its unique design and poseability. The High Grade (HG) 1/144 Vidar model is especially popular, featuring the mobile suit’s distinctive leg thrusters, sleek body frame, and retractable heel spikes. Fans appreciate the model’s flexibility, allowing them to recreate dynamic battle poses.
Advanced modelers can take things a step further by customizing the Vidar with weathering techniques or adding LED lighting to the thrusters for added realism.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Gundam Vidar
Gundam Vidar stands out not just for its design and performance, but for the story it represents. It encapsulates themes of vengeance, identity, and justice, serving as both a powerful mobile suit and a symbol of its pilot’s emotional journey. In Iron-Blooded Orphans, where personal motivations often blur the lines between hero and villain, Gundam Vidar remains one of the most memorable mobile suits, making an impact both on-screen and in the world of Gunpla.
Whether you’re a fan of its menacing aesthetic or the complex story of Gaelio Bauduin, Gundam Vidar is a mobile suit that continues to captivate Gundam enthusiasts around the world.