Gundam GQuuuuuuX: A Bold Fusion of Nostalgia and Innovation
The latest addition to the Gundam franchise, GQuuuuuuX – Beginning –, takes an ambitious approach by blending two distinct visual styles to reimagine and expand upon the legendary Mobile Suit Gundam universe. The first half of the film leans heavily into a classic aesthetic inspired by Yoshikazu “Yas” Yasuhiko’s Gundam: The Origin and Cucuruz Doan’s Island, presenting an art style that calls back to the 1979 anime. It meticulously recreates iconic shots, dialogue, and soundtrack cues, but with a fascinating twist—this time, the story is told from Char Aznable’s perspective. The result is a refreshing yet familiar experience that plays with audience expectations, recontextualizing key moments in ways that both honor and subvert the original narrative.
Much like Kazuya Tsurumaki’s Rebuild of Evangelion, which reinterpreted an iconic mecha series through both reverence and reinvention, Beginning constantly engages in a dialogue with its source material. It embraces its role as a tribute while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what Gundam can be. However, this is only the first layer of what GQuuuuuuXhas to offer.
As the film transitions into its second half, it moves beyond nostalgia to establish a new era. Set in 0085, five years after the One Year War, it shifts focus to a younger generation struggling to find their place in a world still reeling from conflict. While some familiar faces remain, such as Challia Bull—an initially minor character from the 1979 series who takes on a significant role here—the new protagonists bring fresh perspectives. The setting feels more in line with Zeta Gundam, exploring themes of political oppression, systemic disparity, and post-war disillusionment. Characters like Machu, Nyaan, and Shuji navigate a society that has left them disenchanted, mirroring real-world struggles of younger generations facing the consequences of conflicts they did not start.
Visually, the second half takes a striking turn, thanks to the artistic direction of Pokémon designer Take. The animation bursts with bold colors and a vibrant, pop-inspired sci-fi aesthetic, setting it apart from traditional Gundam designs. Alongside stunning mecha battles, the film deepens its exploration of Gundam’s signature philosophical themes—particularly the evolution of space-dwelling humans and the concept of Newtypes. This interplay between old and new solidifies Beginning as more than just a celebration of Gundam’s past; it’s a thoughtful evolution of its legacy.
With a limited theatrical release in the U.S. beginning February 28 and a TV anime slated to premiere in Japan on April 8, GQuuuuuuX is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers. By seamlessly blending nostalgia with innovation, it offers a compelling entry point into the Gundam universe while keeping its most devoted followers on the edge of their seats.
