The highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the newest installment in the Universal Century timeline, has unveiled a plethora of information, including new cast members, character details, and plot points. This Sunrise and Studio Khara joint production, directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Gunbuster 2: Diebuster), promises a fresh take on the classic Gundam formula while weaving in familiar elements for long-time fans.
New Characters and Cast Members Revealed
A wave of new cast members has been announced, breathing life into both original and returning characters. The voice actors and their respective roles are as follows:
- Amate Yuzuriha: Voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa
- Nyaan: Voiced by Yui Ishikawa
- Shūji Itō: Voiced by Shimba Tsuchiya
- Anki: Voiced by Mariya Ise
- Jeji: Voiced by Yukitoshi Tokumoto
- Pomeranian: Voiced by Kosuke Echigoya
- Navu: Voiced by Shoya Chiba
- Ken: Voiced by Yusuke Nagano
- Haro: Voiced by Rie Kugimiya
- Challia Bull: Voiced by Shinji Kawada
- Exabe Olive: Voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita
- Komori Harcourt: Voiced by Akane Fujita
- Char Aznable: Voiced by Shin Yuki
- Denim: Voiced by Kousuke Goto
- Dren: Voiced by Taichi Takeda
Storyline Overview: Clan Battles and a Mysterious Gundam
Gundam GQuuuuuuX introduces us to Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student residing in a peaceful space colony. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Nyaan, a war refugee, and becomes entangled in the world of “Clan Battles” – an illegal mobile suit dueling sport.
Amate, adopting the entry name “Machu,” pilots the GQuuuuuuX in these fierce battles. Her routine is disrupted by the appearance of an unidentified Gundam mobile suit and its pilot, Shūji, who are being pursued by both the space force and the police. This encounter sets the stage for a compelling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and the exploration of complex themes.
The Allure of Clan Battles
Clan Battles serve as a central plot device, highlighting the gritty underbelly of space colony life. These unsanctioned mobile suit duels provide a platform for Amate to showcase her piloting skills and become involved in a conflict that extends far beyond the arena.
Familiar Faces Return: Char Aznable and Zeon Remnants
The revelation of returning characters from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series has sent waves of excitement through the fanbase. The inclusion of Char Aznable, the iconic “Red Comet,” is particularly noteworthy. He will be voiced by Shin Yuki.
Challia Bull and Zeon’s Presence
The presence of Challia Bull, voiced by Shinji Kawada, further solidifies the connection to the original series. Challia, known as “The Man Who Returned from Jupiter,” is a Zeon Colonel, indicating that remnants of Zeon’s ideology and military power still exist within the Universal Century timeline. Other Zeon officers, such as Exabe Olive and Komori Harcourt, also play a role in the unfolding narrative.
New Takes on Classic Characters
While these characters are familiar, the casting of new voice actors suggests a fresh interpretation of their personalities and motivations. This approach allows GQuuuuuuX to honor the legacy of the original series while forging its own identity.
Production Team and Animation
The series boasts a talented production team:
- Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki
- Animation Studios: khara and Sunrise
- Series Composition & Script: Yoji Enokido and Hideaki Anno
- Character Designs: Take
- Mechanical Designs: Ikuto Yamashita
- Music: Yoshimasa Terui and Masayuki Hasuo
The involvement of Hideaki Anno, the creator of Evangelion, as a scriptwriter adds another layer of intrigue, given his penchant for thought-provoking narratives and complex character development.
Theatrical Release: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-
Prior to the TV broadcast, a theatrical compilation of the initial episodes, titled Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, is being screened in Japanese theaters. GKIDS will release the film in North American theaters beginning on February 28, 2025. This theatrical release offers fans an early glimpse into the world of GQuuuuuuX and sets the stage for the full TV series.
Kaneban Ltd. and Their Role
The newly announced characters include members of the salvage company Kaneban Ltd., who will intersect with Amate Yuzuriha. These characters will likely add another dimension to the storyline, potentially offering assistance or creating further obstacles for the protagonist.
Main Characters in Detail
- Amate Yuzuriha (MACHU): Voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa. A high-school student drawn into the world of Clan Battles after meeting Nyaan. She pilots the GQuuuuuuX mobile suit.
- Nyaan: Voiced by Yui Ishikawa. A war refugee who befriends Amate and introduces her to the underground dueling scene.
- Shuji Ito: Voiced by Shimba Tsuchiya. A mysterious boy piloting an unidentified Gundam mobile suit, pursued by the authorities.
- Challia Bull: Voiced by Shinji Kawada. A Zeon Colonel known as “The Man Who Returned from Jupiter.”
- Xavier Olivette: Voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita. A Zeon Second Lieutenant and top graduate of the Flanagan School.
- Comoli Harcourt: Voiced by Akane Fujita. An elite Zeon Second Lieutenant from the officer academy.
- Char Aznable: Voiced by Shin Yuki. The legendary “Red Comet,” rising from Major to Colonel.
- Denim: Voiced by Kousuke Goto. A Zeon Sergeant and Zaku pilot under Char’s command.
- Dren: Voiced by Taichi Takeda. Char’s adjutant, who later becomes a Zeon Captain.
Mobile Suits: The Heart of Gundam
As with any Gundam series, mobile suits are central to the story. While details about the specific mobile suits in GQuuuuuuX are still emerging, the presence of the GQuuuuuuX (piloted by Amate) and the unidentified Gundam (piloted by Shūji) suggests a diverse range of mecha designs and combat capabilities.
Conch: Shuji’s Quadrupedal Companion
Adding a unique element to the series is Conch, a quadrupedal walking robot owned by Shuji. This mechanical companion could play a significant role in supporting Shuji’s journey and providing comic relief.
Animation Character Design and Supervision
Yumi Ikeda and Shie Kobori are credited with Animation Character Design and Supervising Character Animation Director. Their expertise will be crucial in bringing the characters to life and ensuring visual consistency throughout the series.
A Promising Addition to the Gundam Universe
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX appears to be a promising addition to the Gundam universe, blending familiar elements with fresh ideas. The engaging storyline, compelling characters, and talented production team suggest a series that will resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The combination of underground duels, political intrigue, and the return of iconic characters creates a rich tapestry of narrative possibilities. The theatrical release of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- will provide an early indication of the series’ overall quality and its potential to capture the hearts of Gundam fans worldwide.
