Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX has finally launched, generating excitement for Episode 2 and beyond. This collaboration between Sunrise and Studio Khara, renowned for their work on Neon Genesis Evangelion, has garnered significant attention. It’s evident that GQuuuuuuX is meeting and exceeding expectations.
The series is set in an alternate version of the Universal Century timeline, where Char Aznable successfully steals the Gundam, leading to a Zeon victory in the One Year War. Five years after this pivotal moment, a tentative peace exists between Zeon and the Federation. Enter Amate “Machu” Yuzuriha, who pilots the stolen Gundam GQuuuuuuX in underground mobile suit battles known as Clan Battles, seeking the truth about her emerging Newtype abilities. This narrative offers a fresh perspective for both long-time Gundam enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The anticipation for Episode 2 is palpable, promising even greater developments.
When Does Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 2 Release?
Release Schedule for Episode 2
Viewers can catch Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX exclusively on Amazon Prime, accessible via their app or the Amazon website, but not through platforms like Crunchyroll. Provided there are no delays, Episode 2 is expected to air on Tuesday, April 15, at 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST), 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), and 5:00 PM British Summer Time (BST).
Overview of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 1
Production Insights: A Collaboration Between Sunrise and Studio Khara
The inaugural episode, titled “The Red Gundam,”unfolds five years after Zeon’s alternate victory in the One Year War—a period marked by a fragile peace with the Federation. Challia Bull, a former loyalist of Char Aznable, is in search of his whereabouts, driven by reports of the Red Gundam, the vehicle changed after Char’s theft. Bull dispatches Ensign Xavier Olivette in pursuit of the Red Gundam using the advanced Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
Meanwhile, Amate “Machu”Yuzuriha, an ordinary student, experiences a fateful meeting with courier Nyaan, which results in a bag swap. Machu insists that Nyaan accompany her to assist a struggling Clan Battle team located in a Spacenoid district. When Xavier’s confrontation with the Red Gundam spills into their area, military police respond with unwarranted aggression, targeting the local community under the guise of searching for the Gundam, causing significant destruction.
Outraged by the military’s overreach, Machu attempts to defend her neighborhood by piloting a Mobile Suit from the Clan Battle team. However, her lack of piloting experience leads her to the underground battleground alongside Xavier and the GQuuuuuuX. Machu ultimately seizes control of the GQuuuuuuX, despite her initial inexperience. In a dramatic turn, her latent Newtype abilities activate the Gundam’s Omega Psycommu control, enabling her to maneuver it with exceptional skill, surpassing even Xavier. The episode concludes with her triumphant victory.
Machu: A Compelling Hero in Comparison to The Witch from Mercury
The Appeal of Machu as a Protagonist
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX stands out, largely due to its vibrant protagonist, Machu. She is characterized as impulsive and spirited, demonstrating a strong desire for autonomy that compels her to pilot the GQuuuuuuX when faced with Federation oppression. Machu embodies the qualities of a quintessential Gundam hero—lively and resourceful—making her a compelling character to follow.
Contrasting Machu with Suletta Mercury from The Witch from Mercury enriches her character further. While Suletta is defined by her reticent and awkward traits, Machu’s assertive and dynamic nature sets her apart, ensuring GQuuuuuuX carves its unique identity within the franchise. This contrast is crucial, as it injects fresh energy into the narrative.
The interplay between Machu and Nyaan adds another layer of complexity. As a more reserved character, Nyaan often plays a supportive role, drawing parallels to Suletta and Miorine’s dynamic. Machu’s bold interactions with others solidify Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX as a distinct experience, broadening its appeal among fans of both series.
An Early Contender for Anime of the Year
Why GQuuuuuuX is a Must-Watch
Despite being only one episode in, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is already shaping up to be a strong candidate for anime of the year. The combination of well-developed characters, engaging storytelling, and exemplary animation—including impressive 3D graphics—offers substantial value to viewers. The initial reception has certainly lived up to the expectations set by the anticipation surrounding this series.
However, a curious aspect of the premiere was its chosen starting point. While the anime features a prologue detailing Char’s theft of the Gundam, it opts to kick off in the newly established timeline, potentially confusing newcomers to the series. It’s expected that these foundational events will be elucidated in Episode 2, but the decision raises questions about accessibility for fresh viewers. The hope is that subsequent episodes maintain clarity without similar narrative choices.
Don’t miss the chance to watch Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 2 when it airs on Tuesday, April 15.