Athrun Zala

In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Athrun is one of the genetically enhanced humans known as Coordinators who joined the military organization ZAFT that battles the regular humans, the Naturals, in the Bloody Valentine War.{{cite web |url=http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/background/timeline.html |title=Timeline |access-date=2008-02-09 |work=GundamOfficial |publisher=Bandai America Incorporated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040501040533/http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/background/timeline.html|archive-date=2004-05-01}} His appearance begins at the start of the series Athrun is a member of Rau Le Creuset's team which carries out a ZAFT raid on the neutral colony Heliopolis. The team steals several advanced mobile suits created by the Earth Alliance; Athrun himself confiscates the {{nihongo|GAT-X303 Aegis|GAT-X303 イージス}}. During the raid he finds that his childhood friend Kira Yamato has become the pilot of the mobile suit GAT-X105 Strike.{{cite web |url=http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/seed/characters/chara_athrun.html |title=Athrun Zala Gundam SEED profile |access-date=2007-06-09 |publisher=GundamOfficial|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210037/http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/seed/characters/chara_athrun.html|archive-date=2007-09-27}}{{cite episode|airdate=October 19, 2002|number=3|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=Collapsing Land}} As ZAFT is assigned to destroy the Earth Alliance ship Archangel, Athrun encounters Kira at times as the latter was protecting the ship to protect his friends.{{cite episode|airdate=December 7, 2002|number=10|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=Crossroads}} When Kira kills one of Athrun's comrades in combat, Athrun tries to kill Kira by self-destructing the Aegis alongside the Strike, escaping just before its detonation.{{cite episode|airdate=May 3, 2003|number=30|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=Finishing Blades}} He is found by Cagalli Yula Athha of the neutral country Orb, who despite being angered by Kira's supposed death, allows him to return to ZAFT after both discuss the reasons for killing.{{cite episode|airdate=May 10, 2003|number=31|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=Grieving Skies}}

After returning to ZAFT, Athrun is given the mobile suit {{nihongo|ZGMF-X09A Justice|ZGMF-X09A ジャスティス}} by his father Patrick Zala for his achievements in war. Patrick orders him to track and recapture or destroy the mobile suit ZGMF-X10A Freedom, which was stolen by Athrun's fiancée Lacus Clyne and to eliminate her.{{cite episode|airdate=June 14, 2003|number=36|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=In the Name of Justice}} He is unable to follow his orders after he learns that Kira is alive and is the pilot of the Freedom.{{cite episode|airdate=July 5, 2003|number=39|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=Athrun}} As the Archangel plans to face both ZAFT and the Earth Alliance to end the war, Athrun decides to talk to his father. Patrick reveals that he intends to continue the war on until all the Naturals have been exterminated. Upon Athrun's refusal to reveal the location of Freedom and Justice, Patrick's soldiers arrest him.{{cite episode|airdate=July 26, 2003|number=42|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=Lacus Strikes}} He is later saved by the Clyne faction and joins the newly formed resistance group called the Three Ships Alliance which includes the Archangel.{{cite episode|airdate=August 2, 2003|number=43|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=What Stands in the Way}} To end the war, Athrun and Cagalli go into Jachin Due. There they find Patrick was shot by a ZAFT commander before he could fire the superweapon GENESIS. Athrun then destroys GENESIS by detonating the nuclear-powered Justice inside it, to stop ZAFT's attack.{{cite episode|airdate=September 27, 2003|number=50|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|network=TBS|title=To a Future that Never Ends}}

Two years after the war in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Athrun is living under the pseudonym {{nihongo|Alex Dino|アレックス・ディノ|Arekkusu Dino}} working as Cagalli's bodyguard, who rules Orb.{{cite web |url=http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/destiny/characters/chara_athrun.html |title=Athrun Zala Gundam SEED Destiny profile |access-date=2007-06-09 |publisher=GundamOfficial |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023846/http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/destiny/characters/chara_athrun.html|archive-date=2007-09-30 }} In the declaration of the Second Bloody Valentine War, Athrun returns to ZAFT, hoping to avert the war. Athrun meets with ZAFT Chairman Gilbert Durandal, who appoints him a member of the elite special forces, FAITH. Athrun is assigned the new mobile suit {{nihongo|ZGMF-X23S Saviour|ZGMF-X23S セイバー}} and joins the ship Minerva from ZAFT.{{cite episode|airdate=December 18, 2004|number=10|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=A Father's Spell}}{{cite episode|airdate=January 22, 2005|number=15|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Return to the Battlefield}} There, Athrun becomes commander of the mobile suit pilots, becoming a mentor to Shinn Asuka, though the two do not always get along well.{{cite episode|airdate=February 19, 2005|number=18|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Attack the Lohengrin}} In the fights against the Earth Alliance, the Archangel interferes to reduce the number of casualties, but Athrun decides not to return with them, stating that they are making the situation worse.{{cite episode|airdate=April 9, 2005|number=25|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=The Place of Sin}} During a clash between the three groups, the Saviour is destroyed by Kira's Freedom, leaving Athrun without a mobile suit.{{cite episode|airdate=April 30, 2005|number=28|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Life Remaining and Life Scattered}} Following ZAFT's attack on the Archangel, Athrun begins to question their motives.{{cite episode|airdate=June 18, 2005|number=35|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Eve of Chaos}} Later, he learns that Durandal is preparing to frame him as a traitor. Athrun escapes from ZAFT with Meyrin Hawke in a stolen mobile suit, which is later destroyed by Shinn.{{cite episode|airdate=July 2, 2005|number=37|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Thunder in the Dark}}{{cite episode|airdate=July 9, 2005|number=38|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=A New Flag}} The pair is rescued by the Archangel. During ZAFT's invasion of Orb, Lacus gives Athrun the {{nihongo|ZGMF-X19A Infinite Justice|ZGMF-X19A インフィニットジャスティス}} mobile suit, which he uses to join Kira and the Archangel to fight against ZAFT.{{cite episode|airdate=August 6, 2005|number=42|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Freedom and Justice}}{{cite episode|airdate=August 13, 2005|number=43|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=A Call for Counterattack}} Athrun goes into space aboard the Archangel and fights alongside them in their attempt to stop Durandal from implementing his plans.{{cite episode|airdate=September 24, 2005|number=49|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=Rey}} In the final battle against ZAFT he assists in the destruction of the superweapon Requiem, defeating Shinn along the way.{{cite episode|airdate=October 1, 2005|number=50|credits=Director: Mitsuo Fukuda|series=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|network=TBS|title=The Final Power}}

In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, one year after the events of Destiny, Athrun is not a member of Compass like the other cast, but works as an agent of Terminal, alongside his former ZAFT colleague Meryin. Interestingly, he does not pilot the upgraded Immortal Justice, instead opting to let his mentee, Shinn, pilot it in his stead. He makes a surprise appearance later in the film, assisting Kira and the Compass team after they are ambushed by the Black Knights, piloting a Z'Gok. He reveals the true nature of the Foundation to the rest of the protagonists, as well as their plans involving the use of Requiem and the Destiny Plan, and snaps Kira out of his depression to renew his will to fight. In the film's climactic battle, he engages the Black Knights ace pilot, Shura, revealing within the Z'Gok is his original Infinite Justice, now upgraded to the Inifnite Justice Type II. He is able to defeat Shura by humorously thinking of Cagalli sexually; freaking Shura out to avoid being mind controlled (Shura yells at Athrun for having an "impure fantasy;" a conversation Cagalli hears, who gets annoyed and blushes when she realizes what Athrun was thinking), and reunites with her at the end of the film on Earth, where it is revealed she still has the ring he gave her from Destiny.

Athrun appears in the original video animation Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Final Plus that expands his role from the sequel's finale.{{cite video |date = April 15, 2008 |title = Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny: Final Plus

|type = DVD |publisher = Bandai Entertainment|author=Mitsuo Fukuda (Director)}} Author Chimaki Kuori had enjoyed Athrun's character in the Gundam SEED Destiny which resulted in the manga series Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: The Edge, telling the events from the TV series from Athrun's point of view. Author Chimaki Kuori had enjoyed Athrun's character {{cite book |title=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: The Edge 2 |last=Kuori |first=Chimaki |year=2005 |publisher=Kadokawa Shoten |isbn= 4-04-713748-0|page=174 }} In the Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny manga, author Masatsugu Iwase tries to make him look gallant while not making him look too feminine as he wanted to make Athrun look affected by Kira.{{cite book |title=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Manga |last=Iwase |first=Masatsugu |year=2004 |publisher=Del Rey Manga |location=New York |isbn=0-345-47045-1 |page=169}}{{cite book |title=Gundam SEED Destiny 4 |last=Iwase |first=Masatsugu |year=2007 |publisher=Del Rey Manga |location=New York |isbn=978-0-345-49277-7 }}

Athrun appears in the two series of films compilations of Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny, and is the narrative figure from the latter ones. He remains as an Orb soldier in the latter series' end, working alongside his former ZAFT comrades.{{cite video |date = July 11, 2005 |title = Gundam SEED: Special Edition: The Empty Battlefield|type = DVD |publisher = Bandai Entertainment|author=Mitsuo Fukuda (Director)}}{{cite video |date = June 17, 2008 |title = Gundam SEED Destiny: Special Edition: The Shattered World|type = DVD |publisher = Bandai Entertainment|author=Mitsuo Fukuda (Director)}} He has been featured in two character CDs from the series with tracks performed by his Japanese voice actor, Akira Ishida.{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00009WKRZ/ |title=機機動戦士ガンダム SEED スーツ CD (5) アスラン×イザーク×ディアッカ |access-date=May 9, 2011 |language=ja |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016224818/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00009WKRZ/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000BX4CJ6/ |title=機動戦士ガンダムSEED DESTINY SUIT CD Vol.9 ATHRUN ZALA×∞JUSTICE GUNDAM |access-date=May 9, 2011 |language=ja |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809192904/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000BX4CJ6/ |url-status=live }}

Athrun reappears in the sequel film Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom. Unlike the other protagonists, Athrun is not a member of COMPASS, but is a member of its pregenitor group, Terminal. He also does not pilot a Gundam for the majority of the film, instead piloting a Z'Gok in his signature red colors. In the climax of the film during the final battle, the Z'Gok is revealed to be a shell unit for his true mobile suit, the ZGMF-X191M2 Inifinite Justice Type II. He is later seen flying over the skies of Orb with Cagalli, confirming they did reunite.

In the Game Boy Advance game, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: Tomo to Kimi to Senjou de, the players walks around with Athrun asking people what a good gift would be. In Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T. and Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T. II, Athrun can be playable in both modes, as a ZAFT pilot or as an Orb pilot.{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/event/2005/09/17/264,1126948826,43596,0,0.html|script-title=ja:【イベント】ガンダムバトルステージにアムロ・レイが登場!|date=September 17, 2005|publisher=Famitsu|language=ja|access-date=April 24, 2011|archive-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004140115/https://www.famitsu.com/game/event/2005/09/17/264,1126948826,43596,0,0.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.seed-vs.com/ps2-2/ms/orb.html |title=Mobile Suits Orb |publisher=Namco Bandai |language=ja |access-date=April 25, 2011 |archive-date=June 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630152621/http://www.seed-vs.com/ps2-2/ms/orb.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.seed-vs.com/ps2-2/ms/z006.html|title=Mobile Suits ZAFT |publisher=Namco Bandai|language=ja|access-date=May 10, 2011|archive-date=April 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421224812/http://www.seed-vs.com/ps2-2/ms/z006.html}} Athrun is a pilot in Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 and Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 with Infinite Justice as a playable mobile suit.{{cite web|url=http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/318/318782/index-3.html|script-title=ja:｢ガンダム無双3｣複数の視点でプレイできるストーリーモードや新要素を紹介!!|access-date=May 13, 2011|date=November 12, 2010|publisher=ASCII Media Works|language=ja|archive-date=November 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118053314/http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/318/318782/index-3.html|url-status=live}} Athrun appears in Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam and its sequel, Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam Next, piloting the Aegis. The Saviour and Infinite Justice also appear as Mobile Assists for the Force Impulse (original Gundam vs. Gundam only) and the Strike Freedom respectively. In Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs., Athrun is playable in the Infinite Justice.{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1229858_1407.html|title=機体別攻略 イージスガンダム｢機動戦士ガンダム ガンダムVS.ガンダムNEXT PLUS｣|access-date=May 10, 2011|date=December 23, 2009|publisher=Famitsu|language=ja|archive-date=May 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528190722/http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1229858_1407.html|url-status=live}} Another crossover game in which he is playable is Gundam Assault Survive, piloting the Aegis.{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1232106_1407.html|title=｢機動戦士ガンダム00｣、｢機動戦士ガンダムSEED｣のシナリオを紹介!!｢ガンダムアサルトサヴァイブ｣|access-date=May 10, 2011|date=February 19, 2010|publisher=Famitsu|language=ja|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010123104/https://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1232106_1407.html|url-status=live}} Athrun appears along with many other Gundam SEED characters in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3. Athrun appears in Another Century's Episode 3 piloting the Justice and in Another Century's Episode R piloting the Infinite Justice.{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2007/07/25/104,1185364935,75852,0,0.html|title=登場機体が続々判明!｢Another Century's Episode 3 THE FINAL(アナザーセンチュリーズエピソード3 ザ ファイナル)｣|access-date=April 24, 2011|date=July 31, 2007|publisher=Famitsu|language=ja|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201114442/https://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2007/07/25/104,1185364935,75852,0,0.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/05/21/ace_r_release_date/ |title=Another Century's Episode R Dated |access-date=April 25, 2011 |date=May 21, 2010 |publisher=Andriasang |author=Gantayat, Anoop |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524150937/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/05/21/ace_r_release_date/ |archive-date=May 24, 2010 }}

Athrun's character has been well received by anime fans, having appeared in the Anime Grand Prix popularity polls in the category of favorite male characters. He came in second in 2002,{{cite web|script-title=ja:>>第25回アニメグランプリ [2003年6月号] |url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2003.html |date=June 2003 |publisher=Animage |access-date=August 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523151929/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2003.html |archive-date=May 23, 2010 }} fourth in 2003,{{cite web|script-title=ja:>>第26回アニメグランプリ [2004年6月号] |url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2004.html |date=June 2004 |publisher=Animage |access-date=August 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716175939/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2004.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }} first in 2004,{{cite web|script-title=ja:>>第27回アニメグランプリ [2005年6月号] |url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2005.html |date=June 2005 |publisher=Animage |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627174422/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2005.html |archive-date=27 June 2009 |url-status=dead }} second in 2005,{{cite web|script-title=ja:トップ > 第28回アニメグランプリ [2006年6月号](現在位置) |url=http://animage.jp/gp_new/index.html |date=June 2006 |publisher=Animage |access-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626122359/http://animage.jp/gp_new/index.html |archive-date=26 June 2009 |url-status=dead }} and third in 2006.{{cite journal | journal=Animage | publisher=Gakken | title=29th Anime Grand Prix 2006-2007| date=May 2007 | language=ja}} In a Newtype poll, Athrun was voted as the third most popular male anime character from the 2000s.{{cite journal | journal=Newtype | publisher=Kadokawa Shoten | title=Newtype's Top 30 Male and Female Characters of Each Decade | date=March 2010 | language=ja}} Two Sunrise polls asked fans what was the most memorable characters from Gundam SEED and from Gundam SEED Destiny; Athrun was fifth in the former and third in the latter.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ガンダム国勢調査 第124回|url=http://www.gundam.info/content/384|publisher=Sunrise|access-date=May 9, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722025233/http://www.gundam.info/content/384|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:ガンダム国勢調査 第125回|url=http://www.gundam.info/content/388|publisher=Sunrise|access-date=May 9, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509010312/http://www.gundam.info/content/388|archive-date=May 9, 2011|url-status=dead}} In the poll focused in the best team ups between former enemies, he and Kira were second.{{cite web|title=Gundam Poll: Favorite Former Enemies Who Team Up|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-04/gundam-poll/favorite-former-enemies-who-team-up|date=May 4, 2012|author=Kimlinger, Carl|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=May 5, 2012|archive-date=October 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008134336/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-04/gundam-poll/favorite-former-enemies-who-team-up|url-status=live}} In an online poll from 2012, Athrun was voted as Gundam SEED{{'}}s second most popular character.{{cite web|script-title=ja:機動戦士ガンダムSEED 最強パイロットは誰だっ!? |url=http://gundam.yahoo.co.jp/seed/result.html |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=January 1, 2013 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120133507/http://gundam.yahoo.co.jp/seed/result.html |archive-date=January 20, 2012 }} His Japanese voice actor Akira Ishida won as the most popular voice actor in the Seiyu Awards 2004 for his portrayal as Athrun in the category "Best Actors in supporting roles".{{cite web|title=Results of Japan's First Ever Seiyuu Awards Announced|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-05/results-of-japan%27s-first-ever-seiyuu-awards-announced|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=April 4, 2011|date=March 5, 2007|archive-date=November 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101104842/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-05/results-of-japan%27s-first-ever-seiyuu-awards-announced|url-status=live}} Athrun, along with five other notable mecha and pilots from the Gundam series, were recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in Japan in 2005.{{cite web|title=Animation Hero and Heroine Series II|url=http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/05jpn/05kine/050801c1.html|publisher=Yusho.or.jp|access-date=August 9, 2009|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405205441/http://yushu.or.jp/english/e_sdate/05jpn/05kine/050801c1.html|url-status=live}}

Critical reception for Athrun's character has often been positive. THEM Anime Reviews' Derrick L. Tucker cited him as strong character with his questions regarding war resembling Kira's.{{cite web|title=Gundam Seed|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=293|author=L. Tucker, Derrick|publisher=THEM Anime Reviews|access-date=April 15, 2011|archive-date=January 13, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113094725/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=293|url-status=live}} Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment stated that while Gundam SEED was primarily focused on Kira's growth, Athrun often "stole the show in a lot of ways" citing their rivalry and his angst displayed during its final episodes.{{cite web|title=Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny Collection 1 |url=http://www.mania.com/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-destiny-collection-1_article_78059.html |date=January 13, 2006 |author=Beverdige, Chris |publisher=Mania Entertainment |access-date=April 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810025247/http://www.mania.com/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-destiny-collection-1_article_78059.html |archive-date=August 10, 2011 }} Comments have also been focused on Athrun's and Kira's relationship with IGN's Andy Patrizio disliking the number of times they shouted each other's names.{{cite web|title=Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: Grim Reality|url=http://dvd.ign.com/articles/534/534252p1.html|date=July 28, 2004|author=Patrizio, Andy|publisher=IGN|access-date=April 14, 2011|archive-date=July 10, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710163353/http://dvd.ign.com/articles/534/534252p1.html|url-status=live}} Writing for Mania Entertainment, Kim Wolstenholme was worried about how much would Kira's and Athrun's relationship would be focused in Gundam SEED, but liked how Lacus's introduction added tension to it, because of how she and Kira started relating despite Athrun being engaged with her.{{cite web|title=Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Vol. #02|url=http://www.mania.com/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-vol-02_article_77643.html|date=September 15, 2005|author=Wolstenholme, Kim|publisher=Mania Entertainment|access-date=April 14, 2011|archive-date=October 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018053655/http://www.mania.com/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-vol-02_article_77643.html|url-status=dead}} Moreover, Ross Liversidge from UK Anime Network enjoyed the development from their rivalry as it resulted in well done fight scenes from each of their mobile suits.{{cite web|title=Anime Review: Gundam Seed Vol. 1-2|url=http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Gundam_Seed_Vol._1-2.html|date=February 7, 2005|author=Liversidge, Ross|publisher=UK Anime Network|access-date=April 14, 2011|archive-date=October 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003174606/http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Gundam_Seed_Vol._1-2.html|url-status=live}} Furthermore, Athrun's confrontations with Cagalli across the series were praised due to how their characters' were developed while talking with each other.{{cite web|title=Anime Review: Gundam Seed Vol. 5-6|url=http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Gundam_Seed_Vol._5_%26_6.html|date=September 25, 2005|author=Liversidge, Ross|publisher=UK Anime Network|access-date=April 14, 2011|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701021105/http://www.uk-anime.net/Anime/Gundam_Seed_Vol._5_%26_6.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Vol. #07|url=http://www.mania.com/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-vol-07_article_77969.html|date=January 19, 2006|author=Wolstenholme, Kim|publisher=Mania Entertainment|access-date=April 29, 2011|archive-date=January 3, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103163241/http://www.mania.com/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-vol-07_article_77969.html|url-status=live}}

Reviewing the manga of Gundam SEED Destiny Julie Gray from Comic Book Bin praised his relationship with Cagalli, emphasizing how integral is it to the story.{{cite web|title=Gundam Seed Destiny: Volume One|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/gundamseeddestinyvolone663.html|date=August 26, 2006|author=Gray, Julie|publisher=Comic Book Bin|access-date=April 26, 2011|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035420/http://www.comicbookbin.com/gundamseeddestinyvolone663.html|url-status=live}} Don Houston from DVD Talk commented on Athrun's background regarding his actions against his father to stop his plans "in the name of super greater calling". Houston wondered about his future actions in Gundam SEED Destiny regarding his return to ZAFT as well as how his relationship with Durandal would be developed.{{cite web |title=Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny, Vol. 2

|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/23879/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-destiny-vol-2/ |date=September 18, 2006|author=Houston, Don|publisher=DVD Talk|access-date=April 26, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110606152919/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/23879/mobile-suit-gundam-seed-destiny-vol-2/| archive-date= 6 June 2011 | url-status= live}} Athrun's last battle against Shinn Asuka in Gundam SEED Destiny was Liversidge's favorite moment from the DVD he reviewed mainly due to how the former gives the latter "a much deserved kicking" with Athrun losing his temper.{{cite web|title=Anime Review: Gundam Seed Destiny 10|url=http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Gundam_Seed_Destiny_10.html|date=February 7, 2008|author=Liversidge, Ross|publisher=UK Anime Network|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=September 19, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919121453/http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Gundam_Seed_Destiny_10.html|url-status=live}} Samuel Vincent's portrayal as Athrun in Gundam SEED Destiny was pointed by Carl Kimlinger from Anime News Network as one of the strongest ones from the casting.{{cite web|title=Gundam SEED Destiny: Final Plus DVD|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/gundam-seed-destiny-final-plus/dvd|date=May 6, 2008|author=Kimlinger, Carl|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=April 15, 2011|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719075114/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/gundam-seed-destiny-final-plus/dvd|url-status=live}}

According to the website {{ill|Real Sound (website)|lt=Real Sound|ja|リアルサウンド (ニュースサイト)}} the couple Cagalli and Athrun is highly popular and the film Gundam Seed Freedom alongside its novelization cheered up the fans thanks to its focus on them and this can be explored further more as parallel to Kira and Lacus.{{cite web|script-title=ja:『小説 機動戦士ガンダムSEED FREEDOM 下』から読み取れる、ラクスの思いとアスランの破廉恥な妄想|url=https://realsound.jp/book/2024/03/post-1613068.html#google_vignette|website={{ill|Real Sound (website)|lt=Real Sound|ja|リアルサウンド (ニュースサイト)}}|publisher=Blueprint Co., Ltd.|language=ja|date=March 27, 2024|access-date=November 19, 2024}}

{{Wikiquote|Gundam Seed#Athrun Zala|Athrun Zala}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Cosmic Era characters 2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zala, Athrun}}

Category:Fictional admirals

Category:Fictional attempted suicides

Category:Fictional bodyguards

Category:Fictional military captains

Category:Male characters in animated television series

Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 2002

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Category:Fictional genetically engineered characters

Category:Fictional characters with post-traumatic stress disorder

Category:Fictional inventors

Category:Fictional special forces personnel

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Category:Mobile Suit Gundam SEED characters

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