Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (pronounced “G-Quacks”) is the latest chapter in the iconic Gundam franchise, blending the legendary mecha series with the bold, psychological storytelling of Hideaki Anno, the mastermind behind Neon Genesis Evangelion. Released in 2025, this anime has sparked excitement and debate among fans for its daring alternate timeline and fresh take on Gundam’s Universal Century (UC) lore. Here’s everything you need to know about this ambitious series, its creators, and why it’s a must-watch for anime fans in 2025.
A New Gundam with a Familiar Vision
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is a collaboration between Sunrise, the home of Gundam since 1979, and Studio Khara, founded by Hideaki Anno. Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Evangelion), with scripts co-written by Anno and Yoji Enokido (Revolutionary Girl Utena), the series dives into an alternate UC timeline where Zeon wins the One Year War after Char Aznable steals the RX-78-02 Gundam, renaming it the “gMS-α Red Gundam.” This pivotal twist sets the stage for a world where Zeon’s victory reshapes the Gundam universe, culminating in Char’s mysterious disappearance in a phenomenon called Zeknova.
The story follows Amate Yuzuriha, a high school girl in a space colony, who gets pulled into the underground world of illegal mobile suit duels called Clan Battles. Under the alias “Machu,” she pilots the titular GQuuuuuuX, a sleek new Gundam designed by Evangelion veteran Ikuto Yamashita. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Nyaan, a war refugee, and Shuji, a boy piloting a mysterious Gundam pursued by both Zeon forces and the police.
Why GQuuuuuuX Stands Out
1. A Female-Led Gundam with Depth
GQuuuuuuX is only the second Gundam TV series to feature a female protagonist, following The Witch from Mercury. Amate, voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa, is a fiery, rebellious character whose journey in the Clan Battles explores themes of freedom and identity in a Zeon-dominated world. While some critics, like Ashley Bardhan, have pointed out the “merciless sexualization” of Amate in the theatrical cut GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, others praise her as a compelling lead who breaks from the stoic male archetypes of past Gundam pilots.
2. A Bold Reimagining of the Universal Century
The series reworks the UC timeline in a way that’s both nostalgic and innovative. The opening of GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, a compilation film released in Japanese theaters on January 17, 2025, recreates iconic moments from the original Mobile Suit Gundam with stunning fidelity, only to flip the script with Char’s theft of the Gundam. This “what-if” scenario hooks longtime fans while offering newcomers a fresh entry point, though some knowledge of the original series enhances the experience.
3. Studio Khara’s Signature Flair
Hideaki Anno’s influence is unmistakable, from the psychological depth of characters to surreal “kira-kira” sequences that echo Evangelion’s metaphysical style. Kazuya Tsurumaki’s kinetic direction, paired with Enokido’s sharp writing, infuses the series with a playful yet dark tone. The mechanical designs by Ikuto Yamashita are a highlight, with the GQuuuuuuX and Red Gundam shining in dynamic battle scenes that blend traditional Gundam action with FLCL-inspired energy.
4. Stunning Visuals and Soundtrack
The animation, a joint effort by Sunrise and Khara, is a visual feast, with vibrant colony settings and fluid mobile suit battles. The opening theme, “Plazma” by Kenshi Yonezu, and the ending theme, “Mō Dō Natte mo Ii ya” by Hoshimachi Suisei, perfectly capture the series’ mix of intensity and emotion. Additional insert songs, like “Yoru Ni Saku” and “Midnight Reflection,” add to the immersive experience.
Critical Reception and Challenges
GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, the theatrical cut of the first four episodes, premiered in Japan on January 17, 2025, and hit North American theaters on February 28, 2025, via GKIDS. Critics praised its visuals, character designs, and bold narrative choices, but some noted pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies. The film’s prologue, which revisits the One Year War, can feel dense for newcomers, while the shift to Amate’s story midway through confused some viewers.
The TV series, which began airing on Nippon TV on April 9, 2025, and streams worldwide on Amazon Prime Video with dubs in 10 languages, has been called both “visually spectacular” and “narratively scattershot.” The slow buildup of the Clan Battle subplots and Anno’s abstract flourishes occasionally disrupt the story’s flow, but the series’ ambition and style keep it engaging.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
You can stream Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX on Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday starting April 8, 2025. The series is expected to run for 12 episodes, following the one-cour format of recent Gundam shows. For those wanting to dive deeper, the original Mobile Suit Gundam and other UC entries are available on Crunchyroll to provide context for GQuuuuuuX’s alternate timeline.
Bandai has also released 1/144-scale Gunpla kits of the GQuuuuuuX and other mobile suits, delighting collectors and fans. With the series positioned as a milestone for Gundam’s 45th and 50th anniversaries, expect more merchandise and potential sequels to expand this bold new vision.
Should You Watch It?
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is a thrilling mix of Gundam’s mecha legacy and Studio Khara’s avant-garde storytelling. It’s a must-watch for fans of Anno’s work, Gundam enthusiasts, and anyone craving a fresh take on the mecha genre. While its dense UC references and uneven pacing may challenge newcomers, its vibrant characters, stunning animation, and bold narrative make it a standout in 2025’s anime lineup.
