The final episode of Gundam GQuuuuuuX compels its characters—both new generation and familiar figures—to envision futures that transcend the long-established legacy of earlier Gundam series. However, in its nostalgic moments, GQuuuuuuX reveals a significant flaw: it struggles to fully release its grip on the past.
The 12th and final episode centers around the revelation that the series’ reimagined setting is constructed by a version of Newtype Lalah Sune. This iteration of Lalah, saved from her tragic fate in battle, plunges into despair, leading her to shatter reality as she creates new timelines—ones that envision a future where Char Aznable survives.
This alternate narrative mirrors what fans witnessed in the original 1979 anime, where Lalah’s fate was bleak. The audience learns of this through a psionic flashback, showcasing a modern yet retro recreation of pivotal scenes from the original show’s 41st episode, “A Cosmic Glow.” During this nostalgic recreation, the voices of Char and Lalah return, brilliantly voiced by their original actors, Shuichi Ikeda and Keiko Han. Interestingly, Amuro Ray’s character remains silent. (In a delightful twist for the English dub, Keith Silverstein and Lipica Shah reprise their roles as Char and Lalah.)
Furuya, aged 70, recently faced backlash after disclosing an extramarital affair with a significantly younger woman in a May 2024 interview with Shūkan Bunshun. This scandal included allegations of physical altercations and pressure regarding a pregnancy termination.
As one of Japan’s most celebrated voice actors—known for iconic roles in Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and others—Furuya’s revelation prompted immediate fallout. Within a month, he was dropped from a role in Atlus RPG Metaphor Re:Fantazio, and he announced stepping down from notable roles in One Piece and Detective Conan. Toei later replaced him as Yamcha in Dragon Ball: Daima.
Despite the controversy, Bandai Namco, the studio behind Gundam, remained silent on whether Furuya would continue as Amuro. In June 2024, they acknowledged an ongoing review regarding Furuya’s situation. By October, they announced his return as Amuro Ray in Gundam ALC Encounter, reaffirming his connection to the franchise.
Gundam GQuuuuuuX had been in development long before Furuya’s scandal emerged. Yet, while the series sidesteps Amuro’s direct involvement, it still highlights Char and Lalah as central figures. With Furuya’s scandal surfacing prior to the show’s announcement, the choice to keep him for a single line raises questions. Was the connection to Amuro so crucial that alternatives were overlooked?
It seems that, unlike many studios, Bandai is unwilling to sever its ties to Furuya’s legacy—contradicting the thematic message of GQuuuuuuX that encourages moving forward and imagining new possibilities for the franchise. This inconsistency leaves a perplexing mark on an otherwise innovative conclusion to the series.
What insights can we draw from this finale? First, it shows the enduring legacy of anime and the importance of character continuity. In a landscape increasingly defined by cultural shifts and revelations, it’s a reminder that even beloved franchises must navigate the delicate balance between nostalgia and progress.
What are the implications of Furuya’s actions on his career? The fallout from his scandal highlights the impact personal choices can have on public personas, especially in the tightly-knit world of voice acting in Japan. Fans often grapple with the conflict between their admiration for a character and the actions of the person behind the voice.
What might the future hold for Gundam? As the series evolves, it may need to find new ways to connect with audiences that honor its storied past while also paving the way for fresh narratives.
If you enjoyed this analysis, there’s plenty more to explore in the vibrant world of anime. For more engaging content, be sure to check out Moyens I/O.