Anime enthusiasts, rejoice! A highly anticipated chapter in the Gundam series is on the horizon: GQuuuuuuX, debuting next week, promises to offer a thrilling new twist on over 45 years of giant robot lore. Curious about where to dive in? Look no further.
Overview of Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Set in the year 0085 within the Universal Century timeline—though not the version that longtime
Gundam fans are familiar with—GQuuuuuuX introduces an alternate history. In this reality, six years prior, the secessionist colony known as the Principality of Zeon triumphed in the One Year War against the Earth Federation, successfully commandeering the prototype Gundam.
In this adaptation of the conflict, the Gundam and its iconic pilot, Char Aznable, vanish but reemerge in 0085 with a young boy named Shuji Ito at the helm. While Shuji evades Zeon forces on his tail, he encounters two other characters: Nyaan, a war refugee turned smuggler courier, and Machu, an enthusiastic girl thrown into the underground world of Mobile Suit battles known as “Clan Battles”. Unbeknownst to her, Machu eventually pilots the groundbreaking Mobile Suit, the titular GQuuuuuuX.
Do You Need to Watch Previous Gundam Installments Before GQuuuuuuX?
Theoretically, you can jump in fresh—but it’s a bit more nuanced than that.
Given that GQuuuuuuX unfolds in a “what if” alternate reality of the primary Gundam timeline, it pulls from a plethora of familiar elements, including mecha designs and character archetypes. Whether or not these references will significantly impact the narrative remains to be seen. The prequel film Beginning retells the One Year War’s alternate outcomes, which might help fence-sitters get context. However, the core narrative centers on Shuji, Machu, and Nyaan, offering enough new material to grasp the storyline without prior knowledge.
Still, if you haven’t seen Beginning, it would benefit you to be familiar with some iconic moments from the original 1979 Gundam. Watching 43 episodes might feel daunting; alternatively, a trilogy of compilation films existing condenses the original into a few hours, but crucial characters, like the Zeon commander Challia Bull, are notably excluded.
The original Gundam series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, and it’s well worth a watch as it continues to influence the mecha genre.
What Sets GQuuuuuuX Apart From Other Gundam Titles?
While alternate realities have appeared in various forms across Gundam‘s vast media—from video games to manga—none have delved into a principal series with a direct parallel as boldly as GQuuuuuuX.
Additionally, the show boasts an impressive roster of creative talent. Developed by studio Khara (famous for Evangelion), it features direction by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for his work on FLCL, Diebuster, and the Evangelion rebuild films. The writing team includes Yoji Enokido, who has a notable track record with works like Revolutionary Girl Utena and Sailor Moon, along with contributions from Evangelion‘s creator Hideaki Anno.
Ikuto Yamashita, well known for his mecha designs in Evangelion, takes charge of GQuuuuuuX‘s mechanical aesthetics, while character design is led by Take, famed for shaping modern Pokémon characters. The creative force behind this series distinctly sets it apart, appealing not just to die-hard Gundam fans but to the greater anime community!
Where to Watch Gundam GQuuuuuuX?
Gundam GQuuuuuuX will premiere globally on April 8 via Amazon Prime Video. While the release schedule has yet to be announced, viewers can expect weekly episodes, both subtitled and dubbed, to become available simultaneously.
How Do You Pronounce GQuuuuuuX?
It’s a valid question given the complex title! Although the English dub’s pronunciation remains under wraps, the Japanese katakana rendering is Jīkuakusu, which phonetically translates to something like “G-Kwux.” Intriguingly, the title references Qux, a term often utilized in programming as a placeholder—hinting at the Mobile Suit’s place in Zeon’s developmental lineage, derived from reverse-engineered Gundam technology.
The show’s narrative will likely reveal whether the Mobile Suit retains its Qux designation or ultimately adopts a more distinguished name.
Why So Many U’s in GQuuuuuuX?
The reasoning behind the extensive usage of ‘u’s remains a mystery. Yet, it undeniably adds a visually striking element to the logo.
Interestingly, the title isn’t merely a stylistic choice. In-universe, the Mobile Suit’s designation is officially gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX. Characters in the show comically acknowledge the peculiar spelling, further blurring the line between creator and consumer.
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FAQ About Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Can I watch Gundam GQuuuuuuX without knowing the previous series?
Yes, GQuuuuuuX offers a fresh perspective, but some context from the original saga might enhance your experience.
What streaming service will Gundam GQuuuuuuX be available on?
The series will stream on Amazon Prime Video starting April 8.
Are there any key characters from earlier Gundam series in GQuuuuuuX?
Yes, characters like Char Aznable have significant roles, though GQuuuuuuX introduces new protagonists like Shuji Ito.
How long will Gundam GQuuuuuuX episodes be?
Episode length has not been officially announced, but they typically range around 24-30 minutes in similar series.