Sayla Mass
The sister of Char Aznable, whose story is central to *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin*.
Sayla Mass is the civilian name of Artesia Som Deikun, the younger sister of Casval Rem Deikun (more famously known as Char Aznable). She appears in the original video animation adaptation *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin*, which focuses on the stories of Casval and Artesia. Produced by Sunrise and released between 2015 and 2018 in six parts, the OVA series was chief directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, with Takashi Imanishi as director and Katsuyuki Sumisawa as scriptwriter. A 13-episode television recompilation titled *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin: Advent of the Red Comet* aired on NHK General TV in 2019.
- Role
- Civilian Support / Diplomat
- Affiliation
- White Base Crew, Earth Federation Government
- First Appearance
- Mobile Suit Gundam (0079)
- Status
- Alive
- Relation
- Amuro Ray (Childhood Friend)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The OVA adaptation of *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin* focuses on the stories of Casval Rem Deikun (Char Aznable) and his sister Artesia (Sayla Mass). The manga, written and illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, is a retelling of the 1979 anime *Mobile Suit Gundam*, of which Yasuhiko was the original character designer. The plot of the manga follows the crew of the warship *White Base* as they ferry the experimental RX-78-02 Gundam from Side 7 to the Federation base at Jaburo, Brazil. Yasuhiko's version tells the entire backstory of the *Mobile Suit Gundam* universe, including the downfall of Zeon Zum Deikun, the rise of the Zabi family, and the origin of Casval Deikun's 'Char Aznable' identity, all recounted from the viewpoints of Sayla and Char.
In Their Own Story
The source material does not provide a narrative story for Sayla Mass beyond her role as Artesia, sister of Casval Rem Deikun. The OVA adaptation focuses on the stories of Casval and Artesia, but no specific plot events or character moments for Sayla are detailed in the provided text.
Reader's Guide
Sayla Mass is introduced in the *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin* OVA series as Artesia, the sister of Casval Rem Deikun. The OVA, produced by Sunrise and released from 2015 to 2018, centers on their stories. The manga, written and illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, includes an in-depth flashback told primarily from the viewpoints of Sayla and Char, recounting the downfall of Zeon Zum Deikun, the rise of the Zabi family, and the origin of Char's identity. The television recompilation *Advent of the Red Comet* aired on NHK General TV in 2019. No further details about her role, abilities, or specific actions are provided in the source.
Did You Know?
- Sayla Mass is the civilian name of Artesia Som Deikun, the sister of Casval Rem Deikun, who is more famously known as Char Aznable.
- The *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin* OVA series, released from 2015 to 2018, focuses on the stories of Casval and Artesia.
- Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the original character designer for the 1979 *Mobile Suit Gundam*, wrote and illustrated the *The Origin* manga and served as chief director of the OVA adaptation.
- The manga's in-depth flashback, telling the backstory of the *Gundam* universe, is told primarily from the viewpoints of Sayla and Char.
- A 13-episode television recompilation of the OVAs, titled *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin: Advent of the Red Comet*, aired on NHK General TV in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sayla Mass?
She is the civilian alias of Artesia Som Deikun, who is secretly the younger sister of Char Aznable. After escaping the Zabi forces, she joined the Earth Federation's White Base crew to fight against the Principality of Zeon.
What role does Sayla Mass play in the story?
She serves primarily as a civilian support member and mechanic aboard the Space Battleship White Base during the One Year War. Later in her life, she transitions into a diplomatic role within the Earth Federation Government.
How is Sayla Mass related to Char Aznable?
She is biologically his younger sister, both being children of Zeon Zum Deikun before he was assassinated. This hidden familial bond creates significant tension throughout their conflict during the war.
What happens to Sayla Mass after the One Year War?
Following the end of the conflict, she remains alive and continues her work as a politician and diplomat for the Earth Federation. She maintains close ties with childhood friends like Amuro Ray throughout subsequent timelines.
Why is Sayla Mass considered important to the Gundam franchise?
She bridges the personal histories of major protagonists like Amuro Ray and antagonists like Char Aznable through her dual identity. Her presence highlights the human cost of war beyond just the mobile suit battles.
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Related in Mobile Suit Gundam
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