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Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The ‘GQuuuuuuX' Endgame Is About the Messiest Relationship in All of ‘Gundam'
What is Mobile Suit Gundam about? Sometimes, it's about cool robots. Sometimes, it's about the horrors of war. Sometimes, it's about the balance of power, and the exploitation of have-nots by the haves, a cycle of class conflict that is inextricably interwoven through the cycle of military conflict. But really, a lot of the time–especially in the series' foundational Universal Century setting–Gundam is a story about the two most divorced people to have ever not been married. And now Gundam GQuuuuuuX, in its own remixing of that timeline, is seemingly going to close out being about Char Aznable and Amuro Ray too. I've written before that GQuuuuuuX's narrative has been haunted from the very beginning by the 1979 anime's main characters. Char has been the most present of those specters, both in how the series has repeatedly flashed back to his exploits in the One Year War, to the man himself lurking in the background waiting for pieces of his plan to fall into place. Now, in GQuuuuuuX's penultimate episode, Char begins making his moves in the open, casting off his 'disguise' as Shirouzu as he makes clear to everyone around him his aims: to stop the Rose of Sharon and its mysterious alternate Lalah from inadvertently destroying reality as this 'remix' of the Universal Century has come to know it. Char and our heroes alike, however, find themselves at odds. Machu can only see the struggles of the Lalah she encountered on Earth in this trapped alternate version of her, and so Char's desire to save the world by destroying her sees Machu race to stop him. It further turns out that Shuji, making his grand return to the story after mysteriously vanishing a few weeks ago, is by her side against Char: purportedly first as an extension of the dormant Lalah's psionic will, but then, in a climactic heel turn, through a revelation that he too is from the same reality as Lalah… pulled into this aberrant timeline in an attempt to erase it. How Shuji intends to do that, and why, is left unclear, save for GQuuuuuuX's most audacious twist in the episode's final moments: emerging beyond the Rose of Sharon's psionic gateway to another world comes a Gundam. The Gundam. Not the re-imagined Mobile Suit we've seen in the show's prior re-imagining of the One Year War; there is no lanky, skeletal, almost Evangelion-esque frame here. This is the RX-78-2, as seen in the classic Mobile Suit Gundam—and, presumably, inside it is some version of Amuro Ray. That bit remains uncertain, to be fair. Perhaps the reality Shuji is from is one where he is the pilot of the first Gundam, perhaps, just as Char said of Lalah, he is using his vast powers as a Newtype to somehow possess Amuro and fling him at his new foes like an attack dog. Perhaps it's someone else in there entirely, or no one, and it's the Gundam itself being puppeteered by Shuji. For what it's worth, GQuuuuuuX's invocation of 'Beyond the Time' in this episode, the rock-ballad anthem that acts as the ending theme of Char's Counterattack, almost feels like it has to be Amuro in some form or another, rather than a fake out. We already know Lalah has seen visions of other worlds that play out the fateful encounter between herself, Char, and Amuro that ended with her sacrifice in the original series over and over in infinite combinations. Surely now then, it is time to see that battle play out again, but this time with the fate of a universe at stake. Because after all what is the story of the Universal Century if not that of Char Aznable and Amuro Ray? The evolution of Char and Amuro from wartime rivals to uncertain allies, to once-again foes yearning to understand their confounding connection to each other, is one that plays out across Gundam as a series for the best part of its first decade. Bonded by Lalah and the emergence of them both as Newtypes—capable of this heightened connection and understanding, but forever only on the brink of actually understanding each other and their visions for the world they fight for—the cycle of Gundam, in the Universal Century at least, is largely defined by the relationship between these two men. We haven't seen a GQuuuuuuX version of Amuro throughout the series so far—his role in the alternate version of past events is left pointedly out of the picture. Perhaps that's the true aberration Shuji speaks of in the creation of this world is, in some ways, that there could be some version of Char's story without him, one that lacks this fundamental figure that defines so much of it in the original Gundam. If GQuuuuuuX is going to make reframing and remixing the original Gundam its defining trait, there's probably no other way it could've ended than Char and Amuro, in some form or another, making their deal the whole universe's problem.
Gizmodo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘GQuuuuuuX' Is Taking Its ‘Gundam' Remix to a Whole Other Level
Last week, I said that Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX's remixing of the original Gundam continuity was letting several of the original series' biggest characters haunt the narrative, from the absent Amuro Ray, to the slightly less absent Char Aznable, and then the one figure who's really been skirting around the edges of GQuuuuuuX's periphery in earnest, the mysterious Lalah Sune. This week, Lalah stopped skirting… and then some. To the surprise of no one after last week's setup, episode nine of GQuuuuuuX, 'The Rose of Sharon,' is indeed for the most part about Lalah Sune making her way into the series' narrative, as Machu manages to escape confinement with the GQuuuuuuX and head to Earth, where she finds Lalah forced to work at a lavish brothel. But while this Lalah is indeed a Newtype—regaling staff and Machu alike of the visions she sees in her dreams—she is not the Rose of Sharon that Machu was seeking in her hopes to be reunited with Shuji. Instead, this Lalah is almost haunted by what has come to pass, her Newtypism not really granting her a vision of the future, but what was, as GQuuuuuuX offers yet another spin on a classic scene from the 1979 anime. Floating in the cosmic glow that represents the connection forged between Newtypes, Lalah flatly explains that the future she sees is her own: the future of another Lalah, a young woman who meets a young Zeon officer in red who whisks her to the stars… a Lalah who falls in love with that man, and also his rival, as she dies in battle saving the former from the latter. What the Lalah of GQuuuuuuX sees beyond time, as she says to Machu, is the original story of Mobile Suit Gundam. The implication then that GQuuuuuuX's remixed timeline of the Universal Century co-exists alongside Gundam's original one, in some capacity, already raises a bunch of fascinating questions, but things only get more interesting in the episode's climactic moments, when we and Machu alike discover that the Lalah was right when she told them that she is not the rose neither she, nor Shuji, nor everyone else has been looking for after it went missing… Because another Lalah Sune is. The Lalah Sune, if you will. Hidden for years at the bottom of the ocean until Machu and the GQuuuuuuX find it, Lalah's mobile armor the Elmeth, locked in time from the moment of her death in the 1979 anime, has some how become an almighty object of vast psionic power, a Newtype beacon that has transitioned across this divergent timeline, calling out to the generation of Newtypes that forged it in the first place in characters like Char and Lalah, but also the generation that has grown beyond them in this new timeline, like Machu, Nyaan, and Shuji. Of course, Gundam is no stranger to the alternate reality trend that has become du jour in contemporary pop culture. It's been on it for decades at this point, when Mobile Fighter G Gundam created the first alternate Gundam universe to exist on TV outside of the stories that had been told in the Universal Century setting. Ever since we've had a bunch of other alternate realities to provide the setting to new Gundam series, we've had realities that, like GQuuuuuuX, has mirrored and riffed on the Universal Century stories to create their own echoes of its ideas. Hell, Turn A Gundam presented a vision where its setting was a far-flung future after a 'Dark History' that eradicated humanity back to a technological reset—one that touched upon every corner of Gundam continuity up to that point in some way, a comment on the cyclical nature of historical trends, while also symbolically honoring the entire metatext of the franchise up to that point, regardless of continuity. Suffice to say, the coexistence of a GQuuuuuuX timeline, with all its changes, and that potential of the original timeline alongside it, is not exactly unfamiliar territory that Gundam is wading into as it explores all this. With GQuuuuuuX having just a few more episodes to lay out what exactly it wants to say in all this remixing and meta-commentary, time will tell if all these self-referential reveals will result in the series creating something additive to that vast canon—or if its wild evocations are simply designed to spin the heads of diehard fans.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX episode 6 review: Chaos and conspiracy on side
Credits: Crunchyroll As Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 6 ('The Plot to Assassinate Kycilia') premieres on Amazon Prime, longtime fans and newcomers alike are in for a ride. For context, GQuuuuuuX reimagines the classic Universal Century Gundam saga in an alternate timeline. In this universe, ace pilot Char Aznable took the White Gundam (now the 'Red Gundam') and won the One Year War for Zeon, radically changing history. Five years later, a Space Colony called Side 6 has become the stage for underground mecha duels known as Clan Battles. The heroine is Amate 'Machu' Yuzuriha, a high-school girl who unexpectedly activates the experimental Gundam GQuuuuuuX and joins these duels alongside Shuji Ito (pilot of the Red Gundam). (If you're wondering, Clan Battles are basically illegal mobile-suit duels – think futuristic gladiator matches.) With Zeon operatives and even rogue Earth Federation agents on her tail, Machu 's life is anything but normal. Episode 6 deepens the intrigue by testing Machu's friendships and revealing a dangerous assassination plot – all while delivering the mecha action that audiences crave. Background: Alternate Gundam universe To set the scene: GQuuuuuuX takes place in a timeline where the Principality of Zeon won the One Year War, thanks to Char's bold move of stealing the Federation's Gundam. In this reality, characters who died in the original series (like Kycilia Zabi) are alive, and Earth forces are on edge. On Side 6, Machu (Amate) is just an ordinary colony student until she meets Nyaan, a war refugee. Their encounter drags Machu into the hunt for the missing Red Gundam. Zeon sends Lieutenant Xavier Olivette in the prototype GQuuuuuuX to capture it, but when his Gundam crashes on Side 6, Machu hijacks it and wipes out the corrupt Space Police. This dramatic moment leaves the GQuuuuuuX in the hands of the Pomeranians, a clan-battle gang. After meeting Shuji Ito (the Red Gundam pilot) and sensing a kindred spirit, Machu joins him as a teammate in Clan Battles. In short, a normal schoolgirl becomes a Gundam pilot overnight. Note for new viewers: the show mixes high-tech mecha battles with heavy political plots. As one reviewer warned, GQuuuuuuX 'leans heavily into pre-existing lore' and assumes some familiarity with Gundam history. But even without deep Gundam knowledge, you'll follow the main beats: rival pilots, powerful mobile suits, and a war of ideologies. Episode 6 recap In this episode, Machu and her friends face tests on every front. First, a personal crisis: Machu learns that Nyaan has awakened Newtype powers (advanced psychic abilities), and she can't help feeling jealous that Nyaan has an advantage that she lacks. This inner conflict makes Machu distance herself from Nyaan. Meanwhile, Zeon commander Challia Bull orders a secret delivery of the fearsome Kikeroga mobile armor to Side 6 – hinting that something big is coming. A Zeon informant warns Xavier that Kycilia Zabi (one of the Zabi royals) is about to visit the colony, and whispers of sabotage and moles swirl through the ranks. Then the drama really escalates: Annqi, the Pomeranians' leader, cuts a dark deal with Challia. She agrees to betray Machu by handing over the GQuuuuuuX and revealing Shuji's hideout to Zeon, all for a huge bounty. Machu accidentally overhears this perfidy. In a tense but heartfelt moment, she quickly reconciles with Nyaan and the pair rush off to warn Shuji of the impending attack. On another front, Federation agents – in fact members of the Titans faction – have infiltrated the colony with orders to kill Kycilia. We even see Titans veterans Bask Om and Gates Capa among the saboteurs. As Kycilia arrives on Side 6 for her secret meeting, everything erupts into chaos: Side 6 security forces attempt to assassinate the captured Xavier as a message to Zeon, but Challia suddenly intervenes to save him. The episode ends on a cliffhanger: loyalties are unclear (even Challia's), friendships have been tested, and an assassination plot is a hair's breadth from unfolding. Emotionally, Machu's guilt over hurting Nyaan gives way to relief when she reconnects with her friend – a touching beat amid all the tension. Overall, Episode 6 throws its characters into turmoil: jealousy, betrayal, and looming political violence all come to a head. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Essential Tips for Navigating Morocco Celebrities' Educational Journey Undo Story and character analysis Episode 6 digs into character relationships and themes of trust. Machu's jealousy and guilt over Nyaan's talent highlight the personal side of the story. For fans, it's a relief to see the two reconcile – showing that despite the violence around them, Machu's humanity remains intact. Shuji's determination (and Machu's loyalty to him) also shine through; their bond as Gundam teammates becomes more than just a title. The appearance of Annqi as a double-crosser raises stakes: no one in the Pomeranians can be fully trusted now. Meanwhile, Challia's ambiguous actions – saving Xavier at the end – underscore his murky loyalties. Is he just protecting his own interests, or does he secretly sympathize with Machu's cause? The episode suggests that the lines between friend and enemy are blurring, which is classic Gundam drama. As for pacing, the mix of school-scene angst and high-level scheming is uneven. Casual viewers might feel overwhelmed: the episode bounces from Machu's personal dilemma to Zeon's royal intrigue to underground deals. Hardcore fans, however, will enjoy catching the references (for example, Gizmodo noted that Episode 6 even tips its hat to events from Zeta Gundam ). Those nods add depth for veterans, even as they underscore the density of the narrative. In summary, Episode 6 is heavy on story setup and light on extended action, but it pays off by sharply raising the emotional and political stakes. What's next: Speculation With all these threads now in motion, fans are eagerly guessing where the story will go. The next episode's title, 'Machu's Rebellion,' suggests Amate may finally stand up against the establishment. Having worked through her jealousy and learned of Annqi's betrayal, Machu might fight back against Zeon influence or even the corrupted parts of Side 6 itself. Nyaan's Newtype awakening could also come into play – perhaps she'll take up the GQuuuuuuX or another Gundam to protect her friends. On the political side, Kycilia Zabi's visit is ominous. Will the assassination attempt succeed or be thwarted? And what will Challia do when his loyalties are tested by Kycilia versus the Char-aligned underground? The introduction of Bask Om and the Titans hints at a larger conspiracy. It's possible Episode 7 will feature a full-on clash with the Titan operatives (Bask Om was once a villain in Zeta Gundam ). At the very least, we expect more spectacular Clan Battles, now with even more on the line. One thing is clear: the conspiracy is out in the open, and Machu and her allies will have to fight not just in the arena, but in the shadows of Zeon and Federation politics. Whether it's more pyrotechnic robot duels or game-changing betrayals, the stage is set for a dramatic second half.
Forbes
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Gundam GQuuuuuuX' Unleashes The Black Tri-Stars, Sort Of
The new Rick Doms have a funky thruster "foot" at the rear. In the latest episode of Gundam GQuuuuuuX, we're finally introduced to the Black Tri-Stars, or what's left of them. This was a more surprising episode and actually added something more to the show. In that, the setup for a new clan battle against Ortega and Gaia from the Black Tri-Stars, we had a switcheroo with Pomeranian pilots. With Challia Bull and his team still trying to find the GQuuuuuuX, although in a rather laid-back manner on the part of Challia, we see what happens to veterans of the war. Hauling junk, Gaia and Ortega from the Black Tri-Stars aren't doing so great, while Mash is absent and living a more glamorous life. This leaves the remaining pair to enter clan battles in their old Rick Doms under the team name of Binarys and earn some extra cash. The Rick Doms in this continuity are pretty similar but have an additional thruster 'foot' at the rear that's deployed for high thrust maneuvers. It's pretty neat actually. In the original Mobile Suit Gundam, this also tracks as the Rick Doms were a space-only variant of the Dom, but were visually pretty much identical. So this design variance is a cool addition. In any case, Gaia and Ortega do their version of the Jet Stream Attack, and things pan out in a way neither really expects. For starters, Machu is late to the clan battle after defending Nyaan from some security guards, as she is apparently a refugee. After Machu kicks one of the guards squarely in the plums, Xavier saves her and they hide in a locker together. Xavier is convinced Machu is the pilot of his GQuuuuuuX, but when the Gundam launches without her, both Machu and Xavier are suitably confused. This is because Nyaan has taken Machu's place and for the initial fight, the Omega Psychommu isn't active and Nyaan gets hammered. This felt a lot like how Sayla Mass steals the Gundam in the original series, but Nyaan then breaks through and activates her Newtype abilities, which in turn activate the Omega Psychommu. The result is a surprising fight and one where Shuji and Nyaan work well together, to the jealous horror of Machu. While the re-jigged background of the series is a mess, this Newtype switch-up with Nyaan is interesting and implies more of a love triangle setup down the line, or even a more direct rivalry between Nyaan and Machu. I do feel the overall layout of the series feels very messy, especially after the carefully considered Witch from Mercury, but the characters and story are doing interesting and surprising things finally, and that's great. Gundam GQuuuuuuX is now streaming worldwide via Amazon Prime Video. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Gundam GQuuuuuuX' Bookends Its First Three Episodes With A Clan Battle
Machu takes on a Clan Battle in the third episode of 'Gundam GQuuuuuuX'. The last of the three episodes brings us in line with the Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie, and featured a clan battle. The latter is something that is very similar to the high-school mobile suit matches we saw in Witch from Mercury, where two sides battle out in mobile suits to determine a winner. The difference here, apart from the two-on-two setup, is that the background makes the battles more mysterious and engaging. In that, GQuuuuuuX finally explains what a MAV is, without clarifying what the acronym actually stands for. In this version of the timeline, when Minovsky Particles are at battle density, whichever mobile suit attacks first reveals their position and puts themselves at a disadvantage. This is where the wingman MAV setup comes in, because it allows either party to cover the other and level the playing field. It is a neat and tidy update to the way battle tactics operate when Minovsky Particles render your radar and other sensors useless. This is especially interesting considering that Yoshiyuki Tomino originally asked for Minovsky Particles from his planning team to force the mobile suits to fight closer together. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder This was because Tomino thought long-distance sniping battles wouldn't be very interesting to watch, but in this instance, the team behind GQuuuuuuX has actually evolved the concept, and I think that's rather great. We also get a bit of backstory that Challia Bull and Char Aznable originally created the MAV setup, which is cool. The other bit of nerdy timeline lore is that we see the appearance of Cameron Bloom. This was a minor character in the original series and Char's Counterattack, who was Mirai Yashima's rejected fiancé. In this version, it's clear that Cameron is already familiar with Challia and even respects him, almost in the same way Cameron respected Bright Noa in the original timeline. The good news in all this is that we've come to the end of the footage from the Beginning movie, and from the next episode onwards, it's all new. While the mecha designs have yet to grow on me, I am cautiously hopeful that the remaining episodes of GQuuuuuuX could end up being rather interesting. Gundam GQuuuuuuX is now streaming worldwide via Amazon Prime Video. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
