The highly anticipated series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, is set to make its debut on April 8, 2025. Preceding its release, a prequel film titled Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- premiered in Japan on January 17, 2025, later being made available internationally on February 28, 2025.
This film represents a groundbreaking partnership between Studio Sunrise (also known as Bandai Namco Filmworks) and Studio Khara, famous for its work on Neon Genesis Evangelion. The character designs are by Take, known for Pokémon Sun and Moon, while the mechanical designs come from the talented Ikuto Yamashita of Gunbuster and Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water fame.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- marks a significant milestone as it showcases female protagonists as central figures, similar to Witch from Mercury. Nevertheless, unlike its predecessor, this film necessitates a solid understanding of the Universal Century timeline, as it inundates both newcomers and veteran fans with a plethora of background information.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- and other works within the Gundam franchise, including the original Mobile Suit Gundam (0079). The views expressed are solely those of the author.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-: Merging Old and New in an Alternate Timeline
Consequences of Fate: The One Year War Redefined
In Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, we witness a striking reinterpretation of historical events, encapsulated by a modern twist on the old proverb “For Want of a Nail.”The premise illustrates how even seemingly minor mishaps can lead to catastrophic outcomes, akin to how Char Aznable took center stage when mechanical failure struck the original Zaku pilot.
Char’s decisive victory over the RX-78-02 Gundam led not only to the destruction of White Base’s bridge—claiming the lives of Captain Paolo Cassius and others—but dramatically altered the trajectory of the One Year War. The success of this operation resulted in the Republic of Zeon reverse-engineering both the Gundam and White Base technologies, paving the way for the formidable gMS-α Gundam, also known as the “Red Gundam.”
Char’s Newtype abilities manifested early, and alongside his ally Challia Bull, he orchestrated a plan to deceive both Zeon and Federation forces. However, his betrayals were thwarted by unexpected challenges, culminating in an explosive finale that reshaped history as Solomon was dislodged, leading to Zeon’s dark triumph.
A New Generation and Fresh Faces
After a time jump to Universal Century year 0085, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- reveals significant shifts in the storyline:
- Bull has now ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, tasked with tracking down Char and the elusive Red Gundam.
- The fabled Red Gundam is rumored to have been spotted at the independent colony known as Side 6.
- The Zeon Republic has established a space force, counterbalancing the Titans from Zeta Gundam.
To investigate the Red Gundam’s return, Bull dispatches Xavier Olivette, piloting the new gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX Gundam. However, Xavier’s struggle to control the Omega psycommu system puts his life in jeopardy. Complications arise as military police intervene, leading to Xavier’s arrest amidst the chaos.
The film introduces a diverse cast of characters, including Amate “Machu”Yuzuriha, a young idealist in pursuit of freedom, and Nyaan, a courier with a refugee background. The connection between Machu and Nyaan is forged through a chance encounter when they mistakenly swap bags while fleeing from military authorities. This incident inadvertently drags them into the world of “clan battles,”an underground scheme fueled by illegal mobile suit combat.
Clan Battles vs. Duels: A Comparative Analysis
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- introduces the concept of clan battles, providing an engaging contrast to the sanctioned dueling circuits seen in Witch from Mercury. While some fans express reservations regarding these battles, viewing them as a potential weak point, others find the shift intriguing.
The key differences between clan battles and duels are substantial. In Witch from Mercury, duels are officially regulated by a student committee and come with non-lethal stakes, ranging from academic funding to social status. Conversely, clan battles of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- are clandestinely organized, with lives on the line during these two-on-two encounters. This format reflects the tactical maneuvers reminiscent of Char and Bull during the One Year War.
Machu and Shuji’s initial struggle in their clan battle highlights their inexperience and underscores the high stakes of their situation, especially in contrast to the more straightforward victories depicted in Witch from Mercury.
Unanswered Questions and Fan Speculation
Fans of the Gundam series are well-versed in diverse universes, from the After Colony timeline of Gundam Wing to the corporate-controlled Ad Stella of Witch from Mercury. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- captivates audiences by presenting an alternate rendition of the well-trodden Universal Century timeline, where the Republic of Zeon emerged victorious.
This twist sparks debates among fans, culminating in numerous burning questions:
- What has become of Char? The timeline diverges, suggesting different fates than those witnessed in Char’s Counterattack.
- What is Amuro Ray’s fate? His absence raises eyebrows and has significant implications for the storyline.
- What do these events mean for the plight of Spacenoids in the current scenario?
The ramifications of altered key events might dramatically reshape the destinies of several beloved characters, leaving fans pondering the outcomes of narratives like War in the Pocket, Stardust Memory, and the fates of iconic figures like Lalah Sune.
Concluding Reflections
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- serves as a compilation movie of the initial episodes of its subsequent series. Unlike Witch from Mercury, which catered to audiences unfamiliar with Gundam lore, GQuuuuuuX appears to be crafted to engage long-time fans through its deliberate incorporation of legendary figures like Char Aznable and the complex alternate timeline.
With its official premiere set for April 9, 2025, in Japan, fans are encouraged to re-familiarize themselves with the rich lore of the original series. Essential viewing materials include the original Mobile Suit Gundam (both on Crunchyroll and Netflix), The Origin, Zeta Gundam, and Char’s Counterattack.
As Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX makes its debut on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, anticipation continues to build, with eager fans awaiting answers to their many questions.