Merchandise has been released, including models, CD soundtracks and video games. A sequel series, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny followed in 2004. The series spawned three compilations films and was adapted into a manga as well as light novels. The television series was broadcast in Japan between 20, on the Tokyo Broadcasting System Television and MBS TV networks, beginning a broadcast partnership with the Gundam franchise. The story revolves around a young Coordinator Kira Yamato who becomes involved in the war between the two races after a third, neutral faction's space colony is invaded by the Coordinators. In this era, mankind has developed into two subspecies: Naturals, who reside on Earth, and Coordinators, genetically enhanced humans capable of amazing feats of intellect who emigrate to man-made orbital colonies to escape persecution by natural humans. The ninth installment in the Gundam franchise, Gundam SEED takes place in a future calendar era, in this case the Cosmic Era, the first to do so. Mobile Suit Gundam SEED ( Japanese: 機動戦士ガンダムSEED, Hepburn: Kidō Senshi Gandamu Shīdo) is an anime series developed by Sunrise and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda.
