The New Gundam Anime Showcases Evangelion Influence and Delivers Absolute Brilliance

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. A significant allure of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX stems from its collaboration with Studio Khara, known for their iconic work on Neon Genesis Evangelion. As a longstanding fan of Evangelion, I was particularly eager to see how this partnership would unfold.

Initially, the touch of Evangelion on GQuuuuuuX appeared superficial; however, recent episodes have opened up a deeper, signature element of Evangelion’s storytelling. While some fans have expressed dissent, my enjoyment has escalated as GQuuuuuuX leans into this complex aspect of Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s legacy. As it stands, GQuuuuuuX is shaping up to be one of the most compelling anime of 2025, and I anticipate that this momentum will continue unabated.

How Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Embraced Teen Drama (And Why It Resonates with Me)

Why I Appreciate the New Direction of GQuuuuuuX

Scene from Episode 5
Scene from Episode 6
Scene from Episode 6
Scene from Episode 5

While Evangelion is renowned for its action-packed sequences and psychological depth, it is equally celebrated for its exploration of teenage issues. Much of the narrative tension arises from the characters’ personal struggles, particularly centered on self-esteem. This thematic approach has recently infiltrated GQuuuuuuX, which now mirrors Neon Genesis Evangelion by navigating the turbulent waters of teenage emotions.

From the outset, the character Machu has been portrayed as an eager yet troubled teenager seeking excitement. Her journey intertwines with the emergence of her Newtype abilities and burgeoning feelings for her comrade, Shuji Ito. However, the dynamic shifts when Nyaan, who also harbors feelings for Shuji, emerges as a strong Newtype contender, leading to tension not just among the characters, but within Machu herself as she grapples with her aspirations and interpersonal relationships.

GQuuuuuuX delivers vibrant action while infusing it with poignant teen angst, enriching Machu’s character development. The exaggerated seriousness these characters place on their struggles adds both entertainment and authenticity to their high-stakes scenarios, evoking a relatable authenticity that resonates with anyone who has faced similar challenges during their formative years.

Understanding Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX’s Narrative Through the Creators’ Previous Success

How FLCL Informed the Development of GQuuuuuuX

FLCL Cast

The compelling drama in GQuuuuuuX can be attributed to the creators’ rich experience in crafting narratives that examine the nuances of growing up. Key figures Kazuya Tsurumaki and Yoji Enokido, who previously collaborated on the iconic FLCL, bring this expertise to bear in the latest Gundam installment. Their foundation in coming-of-age storytelling provides a clear context for the development and direction of GQuuuuuuX’s plot.

Much like Evangelion, the influence of FLCL is vividly felt in GQuuuuuuX. FLCL explored the awkward melodrama of adolescence within a surreal framework. While GQuuuuuuX is less surreal, it still captures the eccentricities and complexities of growing up. The essence of FLCL’s thoughtful writing surfaces in GQuuuuuuX, promising a rich narrative as the series unfolds.

Why GQuuuuuuX Represents a Remarkable Improvement Over The Witch from Mercury

Witch from Mercury Part 2 visual

My admiration for GQuuuuuuX is driven primarily by its significant improvements over its predecessor, The Witch from Mercury. Although the latter started strong, its narrative quickly descended into a hasty and convoluted mess, undermining character development and story coherence. Despite the promising start, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury ultimately lost sight of its foundational strengths.

In contrast, GQuuuuuuX, despite a shorter runtime, showcases tighter storytelling and clearer direction. Unlike The Witch from Mercury, GQuuuuuuX grounds itself in its themes without resorting to unnecessary complexity. The improvements in character and plot development are evident, and my hope is that the narrative continues to maintain this high standard.

GQuuuuuuX Has a Winning Formula, But Could the Next Arc Compromise It?

GQuuuuuuX May Be Shifting Away from Its Strengths

Deux the Cyber Newtype

While I have thoroughly enjoyed GQuuuuuuX, the developments in episode #6 have caused me some concern. Amidst the emotional turmoil surrounding Machu, the storyline has taken a darker turn with Annqi betraying both Machu and Shuji, alongside the introduction of GQuuuuuuX’s version of the Titans, reminiscent of the antagonists from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Such changes suggest a potential for a dramatic pivot that may impact the show’s overall quality.

That said, I remain hopeful that GQuuuuuuX’s creative team will navigate this transition smoothly. They have consistently demonstrated an adept understanding of balancing complex narratives without sacrificing the elements that drew me to the show. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX stands as a remarkable achievement from Studio Khara since Neon Genesis Evangelion, and I eagerly await to see how it concludes.

New episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX are released every Tuesday on Amazon Prime.

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