Jobaaj Stories
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Review: A Winning Start?
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, a prequel film to the upcoming anime series, landed in Japan on January 17th, 2025, and internationally on February 28th, 2025. This isn't your average Gundam movie; it marks a landmark collaboration between Studio Sunrise and Studio Khara (Neon Genesis Evangelion fame), boasting a stellar creative team including director Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL), writers Yoji Enokido (Revolutionary Girl Utena) and Hideaki Anno (Shin Godzilla), and designers Take and Ikuto Yamashita.
An Alternate Timeline
GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- throws viewers into a Universal Century timeline drastically altered by a single event: a malfunctioning Zaku during the attempted theft of the RX-78-02 Gundam. This seemingly minor detail leads to Char Aznable piloting the Gundam instead, changing the course of the One Year War. Zeon wins, but at a terrible cost, with a devastating explosion, the Zeknova, ultimately outlawing psychocommu systems. Char's ambiguous fate leaves a major cliffhanger.
New Characters, Familiar Themes
The film introduces engaging new protagonists: Amate "Machu" Yuzuriha and Nyaan, who become entangled in illegal mobile suit "Clan Battles" on Side 6. These battles offer a compelling contrast to Witch from Mercury's duels, being far more brutal and clandestine. The return of Char and his Red Gundam, rumored to be on Side 6, drives the plot forward, alongside Lieutenant Colonel Bull's investigation and Xavier Olivette's dangerous pursuit in the GQuuuuuuX Gundam. The introduction of Shuji ItĹŤ as the new pilot of the Red Gundam adds another layer of intrigue.
Burning Questions and Expectations
GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- masterfully reimagines familiar events from the Universal Century, raising intriguing questions. What happened to Amuro Ray? How has this alternate victory for Zeon affected the Spacenoids? The answers to these and more will surely be explored in the upcoming series.
Final Verdict: A Compelling Prequel
While demanding prior knowledge of the Universal Century, GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- offers an exciting and well-executed entry point for veteran fans. The film is a strong hook, cleverly blending nostalgia with innovative storytelling. As Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX begins airing on April 8, 2025, expectations are high. Prepare to dive into this intriguing alternate timeline!
