Mobile Suit Gundam has been a fixture in the anime landscape for over 45 years, serving as the bedrock of the mecha genre. It has captivated audiences by weaving a rich tapestry that not only introduces viewers to thrilling stories but also seamlessly invites them into the world of model kit building—a feat accomplished years prior to Pokémon adopting a similar cross-appeal strategy.
Enter Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, a collaboration between Bandai Namco, the esteemed studio Sunrise, and the renowned studio Khara, famous for Evangelion. Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, well-known for his pivotal roles in projects like FLCL and the Rebuild of Evangelion films, this new series is creating a buzz among long-time anime fans.
Moreover, the show boasts a remarkable writing team featuring Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno and Yoji Enokido, who has an impressive portfolio that includes Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena. Adding further credibility is Ikuto Yamashita, noted for his work on Evangelion and prominent games like Metaphor: ReFantazio, who leads the mech design. Character designs are crafted by the famed Take, known for his work on Pokémon.
This powerhouse team has laid the groundwork for GQuuuuuuX to achieve great success, potentially rivaling the previous successes of the franchise.
Set in a space colony, GQuuuuuuX follows three young protagonists: Yuzuriha Amate (nicknamed Machu), Nyaan, a tech smuggler with a mysterious background, and Shuji, a boy with a destiny intertwined with the others. Their quest leads them to discover a powerful mobile suit and thrusts them into the exhilarating underground world of mech duels, known as Clan Battles.
We had the pleasure of speaking with director Tsurumaki about the collaborative creative process and how diverse visions came together to create a new gem within the Gundam franchise.
What challenges did you face in honoring the legacy of Mobile Suit Gundam while creating a new narrative?
According to Tsurumaki, the initial concept proposal surprised them when Bandai Namco accepted it. The collaboration presented a unique opportunity for an outside studio to bring a bold idea to life—making it advantageous for both parties.
How did the extraordinary creative fusion come together with personalities like Hideaki Anno and Yoji Enokido?
Tsurumaki mentions that having known Enokido for over ten years made collaboration easier. Meanwhile, he expressed excitement about working with Take, who, despite being known primarily for Pokémon, he had admired since his early illustration days.
Did integrating distinctive artistic styles pose any challenges?
Tsurumaki explained that while every team member shared a love for Gundam, their individual interpretations differed. It became essential to communicate these differences clearly to avoid confusion and ensure a coherent vision.
Could you provide an example of differing understandings within the creative team?
As Tsurumaki shares, a seemingly minor dispute arose regarding the strength of the GM and the Rick Dom. Through spirited discussion, they discovered differences revealing deeper interpretations of overall power dynamics within the series.
Was there a specific reason for resurrecting Challia Bull instead of more popular characters?
Tsurumaki revealed that although other characters like Ramba Ral or Garma Zabi could have been utilized, he personally favored Challia Bull and was pleasantly surprised by the team’s enthusiasm for this choice.
Why did you choose to structure the series and the film differently?
Tsurumaki explained that the original series was produced first, leading to a later decision to create a film that presented a different sequence of events. This reshaping allowed for a unique storytelling experience.
How did your experience in past projects shape your direction for GQuuuuuuX?
Tsurumaki reflected on his extensive background in robotic animation, including work on Gunbuster 2, and emphasized how this experience enabled him to navigate the mobile suit concepts with passion and knowledge.
What inspired the decision to shift away from character-like qualities in the mobile suits?
Tsurumaki revealed that mechanical designer Ikuto Yamashita advocated for a more utilitarian design approach, focusing on functionality over characteristics that evoke human traits. This led to innovative designs aimed at more dynamic movements within the mobile suits.
What legacy do you hope GQuuuuuuX will leave within the Gundam franchise?
Tsurumaki expressed a desire to reach younger generations who may not be familiar with the original Gundam. By creating engaging new content, he hopes to inspire a renewed interest in the older series.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is available for streaming on Prime Video, offering a unique opportunity for fans to expand their horizons within this iconic universe.
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