Before diving in, I do want to mention that I’ve watched Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- compilation film and my first impression will likely be a comparison of the difference in terms of structure. Otherwise, the story, animation and other aspects would be the same. So, if you haven’t already, you can check out my unsolicited thoughts on the compilation film here.
As I’m writing this, episodes one and two have been released, on a weekly basis, and given the context I mentioned above, I have to say that there’s a definite rhyme and reason behind why GQuuuuuuX did a V Gundam with the opening two episodes. Don’t worry, I’ll explain what that meant for those unfamiliar or who haven’t watched V Gundam.
Episode one of GQuuuuuuX opens with “The Red Gundam” and is basically the middle segment of the Beginning compilation film. We’re introduced to the world of U.C. 0085 after the Principality of Zeon won the One Year War, along with our key characters like Amate (Machu), Nyaan and Challia Bull along with the folks at the assault ship Sodon. We also get a glimpse of the mobile suit combat thanks to the crisp animation as you’d expect from Studio Khara and Sunrise working together. Overall, this is a clear attempt to hook new fans into the franchise.
The V Gundam comparisons come in as soon as the episode two preview is shown, where we would be thrown back several years to U.C. 0079 and how things led to where we are in 0085. To those unfamiliar, V Gundam started with what is technically episode four, and this was done because Bandai wanted the new Victory Gundam to appear in the first episode, for obvious marketing reasons. The order-reorder situation might be similar but the rationale is different.
Episode two opens with a shot-per-shot recreation of how episode one of the original Mobile Suit Gundam starts, except that we have Char Aznable in the Side 7 reconnaissance mission instead of Gene, which ultimately triggers the timeline split. Newer fans would definitely pickup how the episode gives all the vibes of the original, from the retro soundtrack, to the old school character design, all the while presented in gorgeous modern animation. Older fans, on the other hand, would definitely get a kick with this one, especially with the eyecatchers inserted within the episode. Following episode two, everything mentioned in episode one should’ve been covered: why Challia Bull has been looking for Char Aznable and the Red Gundam, along with the “Zeknova” phenomenon.
Comparing episode two to the Beginning segment of the compilation film, most of the omitted scenes are during the battle at Solomon and how the Zeknova phenomenon was triggered. This included a reveal of several key characters from the original series and is really meant for fans familiar with the original. Ultimately, the compilation film would cover episodes one to three of the series, and the extended Beginning segment is targeted to older fans. The series is still able to provide context based on how episode two is presented, but doesn’t make watching the original series mandatory. But it will be an enough tease that those curious might want to finally jump in and watch older Gundam.
Not all franchises have the opportunity to unite generations of fans yet GQuuuuuuX is doing an amazing job. I’m inclined to think the folks over at Bandai Namco/Sunrise have this planned and executed in such a manner.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is being released weekly every Tuesday midnight Japan time, and is exclusive internationally to Prime Video.
