Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is the latest installment in the Gundam franchise, and it’s taking viewers on a wild ride through an alternate Universal Century timeline. Episode 3, titled “Machu in Clan Battle,” has arrived, and it’s delivering a blend of action, world-building, and character introductions that are expanding on the Gundam universe in exciting ways. Let’s dive into what makes this episode a key piece of the GQuuuuuuX puzzle.
Setting the Stage: A Different Gundam History
GQuuuuuuX isn’t just another Gundam series; it’s a reimagining of the classic Universal Century (UC) timeline. In this alternate reality, Char Aznable, the legendary “Red Comet,” steals the RX-78-2 Gundam before Amuro Ray can pilot it. This single act dramatically alters the course of the One Year War, leading to Zeon’s victory. However, Char and the Red Gundam vanish in a mysterious event called “Zeknova,” leaving a void that shapes the future.
Five years after Zeon’s triumph, Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student on the Side 6 space colony, crosses paths with Nyaan, a war refugee. This encounter plunges Amate into a world of underground mobile suit duels known as “Clan Battles.” Piloting the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX, Amate, now known as “Machu,” finds herself fighting for survival and caught in a web of political intrigue.
Episode 3: “Machu in Clan Battle” – A Deep Dive
Episode 3 picks up the story in the present, after the flashback events of Episode 2, and focuses on Amate’s entry into the Clan Battle arena. It also introduces key members of the supporting cast, expanding the world of Side 6 and its inhabitants.
Plot Summary
Following the events of the first two episodes, Amate meets Shuji Ito, the pilot of the Red Gundam. Drawn to the sensation of the “glowing universe” they experienced together, Amate proposes forming a Mobile Armor Vehicle (MAV) team to enter the Clan Battle.
Nyaan is supposed to collect money from Shuji for a delivery job, but Shuji has lost the funds. To help them out, Amate suggests that Shuji become her Mav in the upcoming Clan Battle, offering to share the prize money. They decide to enter the competition under the name “MACHU.”
The episode culminates in Amate and Shuji’s spectacular Clan Battle debut, which raises eyebrows and establishes them as a force to be reckoned with.
Introducing the Cast
One of the most important aspects of Episode 3 is the introduction of the supporting cast:
- Shuji Ito: The somewhat eccentric pilot of the Red Gundam. Shuji is wanted by the military police for painting graffiti on the colony walls and participates in Clan Battles to earn money for a specific reason. He becomes Amate’s MAV partner.
- The Pomeranians: This underground team of mechanics, led by the junk dealer president Annqi, participates in Clan Battles. They take a chance on Amate and Shuji, recognizing their potential.
- Challia Bull and his Subordinates: Challia Bull, a character from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, plays a significant role in GQuuuuuuX. Episode 3 provides more screen time and better introductions to Challia’s subordinates aboard Zeon’s version of the White Base.
World-Building and Exposition
Episode 3 slows down the pace, delivering much-needed exposition and world-building. It delves into:
- The Politics of Side 6: The episode explores the shaky relationship between Side 6 and Zeon, highlighting the political tensions and complexities of this alternate timeline.
- Discrimination Against Refugees: GQuuuuuuX touches on the discrimination faced by war refugees in Side 6, adding a layer of social commentary to the story.
- The Colony’s Economic Divide: The episode sheds light on the economic disparities within the colony, showcasing the lives of those struggling to survive in this environment.
- Clan Battles: The rules, stakes, and culture surrounding the illegal mobile suit dueling sport are further explored.
- MAVs: The episode explains the concept of Mobile Armor Vehicles and their role in Clan Battles.
Key Themes and Motifs
- The Search for Freedom: Amate’s desire to leave Side 6 is a recurring theme, driving her actions and motivations.
- The Allure of the Glowing Universe: The connection Amate feels with Shuji and the Red Gundam hints at Newtype abilities and the mysteries surrounding the Zeknova phenomenon.
- The Weight of the Past: The episode explores the lingering impact of the One Year War and the shadow of Char Aznable on the present.
Production Details
- Direction: Kazuya Tsurumaki, Daizen Komatsuda, Tōko Yatabe
- Writer: Yoji Enokido
- Animation Character Design, Supervising Character Animation Director: Yumi Ikeda, Shie Kobori
- Animation Mechanical Design, Supervising Mechanical Animation Director: Sejoon Kim
- Studio: Sunrise, Khara
- Voice Actors: Tomoyo Kurosawa (Amate Yuzuriha/Machu), Yui Ishikawa (Nyaan), Shimba Tsuchiya (Shuji Ito), Shinji Kawada (Challia Bull), Yuki Shin (Char Aznable)
Reception and Analysis
Reviews of Episode 3 have been generally positive, praising its world-building, character development, and action sequences. Critics have noted that the episode:
- Delivers much-needed exposition and fleshes out the world of Side 6.
- Introduces the supporting cast and establishes their roles in the story.
- Balances action with character-driven moments.
- Expands on integral themes such as the shaky politics between Side 6 and Zeon, discrimination against refugees, and the colony’s economic divide.
Some reviewers have pointed out that the series may not be as welcoming to newcomers as it could be, but that the engaging characters and story make it worth watching.
Gundam GQuuuuuuX: A Promising Reimagining
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is shaping up to be a unique and inventive addition to the Gundam franchise. With its alternate timeline, intriguing characters, and blend of action and social commentary, GQuuuuuuX offers a fresh perspective on the classic Gundam formula. Episode 3, “Machu in Clan Battle,” is a crucial step in building this world and setting the stage for future conflicts and revelations.
