Katz Howan

Overview

Katz Howan (also known as Katz Kobayashi) is a character appearing in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, as well as their related media. Originating as a war orphan from Side 7 during the One Year War, he was taken in aboard the White Base and later adopted by Hayato Kobayashi and Fraw Bow. During the Gryps Conflict, he joins the anti-Earth Federation forces Karaba and the AEUG, helping motivate Amuro Ray back into action while taking up arms himself as a mobile suit and support craft pilot.

Appearance

During the One Year War, he is depicted as a young child aboard the White Base. By the time of the Gryps Conflict at age 15, he is shown with brown hair and wears the standard green-and-yellow AEUG military uniform or pilot suit.

Personality

As a young child during the One Year War, Katz had a quiet, mild-mannered demeanor alongside his fellow orphans. Upon reaching adolescence during the Gryps Conflict, his personality became far more turbulent and rebellious. Driven by strong emotions and a longing to be a hero, he frequently ignores orders and conducts unauthorized sorties. While displays of headstrong determination allowed him to push Amuro Ray back into action, his intense infatuation with enemy pilot Sarah Zabiarov led to emotional instability and reckless behavior.

Abilities

At the end of the One Year War, Katz demonstrated emerging Newtype sensitivity by mentally sensing Amuro Ray and guiding his Core Fighter out of A Baoa Qu. During the Gryps Conflict, he transitioned from maintenance assistant to combat pilot, operating machines such as the Nemo, G-Defenser, and Gundam Mk-II. Although his piloting suffers from severe lapses in attention—ultimately colliding with floating debris and space rock—he demonstrated enough combat aptitude to pressure Yazan Gable, protect colonies from Titan attacks, and save Kamille Bidan from danger.

Background

Orphaned during the attack on Side 7, Katz survived the One Year War aboard the White Base. After the war, he was adopted by former crewmates Hayato Kobayashi and Fraw Bow, taking the surname Kobayashi. During the Gryps Conflict, he confronted the sidelined Amuro Ray to reignite his fighting spirit, then launched into space to join the AEUG aboard the Argama and Radish. His trajectory shifted tragically after meeting Titans pilot Sarah Zabiarov; his feelings for her led to severe misjudgments, culminating in him accidentally shooting Sarah when she shielded Paptimus Scirocco. During the final battle of the Gryps Conflict, he was killed in action during an engagement with Yazan Gable's forces.

Relationships

During his childhood on the White Base, he was inseparable from fellow orphans Letz Cofan and Kikka Kitamoto, and was later taken in by adoptive parents Hayato Kobayashi and Fraw Bow. He viewed Amuro Ray as a personal icon, directly demanding his return to the front lines. His repeated insubordination earned him physical discipline from both Hayato and Captain Bright Noa. He developed a complex camaraderie with Kamille Bidan, repeatedly coming to his rescue. His intense affection for Titans pilot Sarah Zabiarov ultimately ended in tragedy when he unintentionally took her life in battle.

Trivia

Katz originally held the surname Howan during the One Year War before changing it to Kobayashi upon his adoption by Hayato. In various video game adaptations, he is formally categorized as a Newtype pilot, though his rash choices and controversial story arc in the original animated series continue to spark debate among franchise fans.