The latest installment in the legendary Gundam franchise, “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (Zeek Ax),” is making waves in Japan. Its theatrical pre-release version, “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-,” has become a box office juggernaut, surpassing a milestone previously held by the original trilogy’s conclusion.
GQuuuuuuX “Zeek Ax” Ascends the Ranks
As of February 17, 2025, “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” has drawn an impressive 1.55 million viewers and amassed over ¥2.5 billion ($16.5 million) in box office revenue. This remarkable achievement propels it past “Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space” (1982), which earned ¥2.3 billion ($15.2 million) during its original run. Now, “GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” proudly stands as the second highest-grossing Gundam film in history.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy, considering it is a theatrical re-edited version of the upcoming “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” TV series. This unique release strategy has clearly resonated with audiences, generating considerable buzz and anticipation for the full series.
A New Gundam Era
The meteoric rise of “GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” signals a new era of popularity for the Gundam franchise. The film’s opening weekend alone brought in a staggering ¥599 million (approximately $3.8 million), demonstrating its ability to captivate audiences and dominate the box office.
During the weekend of February 14–16, 2025, the film maintained a strong presence, ranking 7th in audience attendance, according to Kōgyō Tsūshinsha (Japan’s Box Office Reports). This sustained performance underscores the film’s enduring appeal and its potential for continued success.
Gundam’s Box Office Titans
While “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” has secured its place as a top contender, it still has ground to cover to claim the top spot. The highest-grossing film in the Gundam series remains “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM,” released in 2024. “SEED FREEDOM” set a record 42 years after “Encounters in Space”, earning a total of ¥5.38 billion ($35.5 million).
Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing Gundam films at the Japanese box office:
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM (2024): ¥5.38 billion ($35.5 million)
- Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- (2025): ¥2.5 billion ($16.5 million)
- Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982): ¥2.3 billion ($15.2 million)
- Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway (2021): ¥2.23 billion ($14.7 million)
Storyline of Gundam GQuuuuuuX
“Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” takes place in a space colony where Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student, lives a peaceful life. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Nyaan, a young war refugee.
This meeting plunges Amate into the clandestine world of illegal mobile suit duels known as “Clan Battles”. Using the alias “Machu,” she pilots the mysterious GQuuuuuuX, engaging in fierce battles.
As the Galactic Military and Space Police close in, Amate finds herself fighting not just for survival, but for a new era in space.
Clash of Gundams
The stakes escalate further with the appearance of a secretive Gundam piloted by a boy named Shuji, placing Amate at the center of a major conflict. This confrontation promises intense battles and political intrigue, adding depth to the storyline.
Collaboration Between Studio Khara & Sunrise
This Gundam series marks a unique collaboration between Studio Khara and Sunrise, renowned studios behind the Evangelion and Gundam franchises. The series is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for his work on FLCL and Rebuild of Evangelion, with scripting by Hideaki Anno, creator of Evangelion, and Yoji Enokido. Character designs are handled by take, and mechanical designs by Ikuto Yamashita, who designed the EVA Units.
Meet the Main Characters
- Amate Yuzuriha (MACHU): Voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa, Amate is a high-school student who feels disconnected from her daily life. She pilots the GQuuuuuuX in Clan Battles.
- Nyaan: A war refugee who draws Amate into the world of Clan Battles.
- Shuji: The mysterious pilot of an unidentified Gundam, pursued by both the space force and the police.
The Mobile Suit: GQuuuuuuX
The GQuuuuuuX is a state-of-the-art mobile suit piloted by Machu in Clan Battles as part of the Pomeranians team. Its advanced capabilities and mysterious origins are central to the story.
TV Anime and North American Release
The TV anime version of “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” is scheduled to air on Nippon TV. Furthermore, the theatrical re-edited edition, “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-“, will be released in North American theaters starting February 28, 2025.
Gundam’s Enduring Legacy
The Gundam franchise has been a cultural phenomenon for decades, captivating audiences with its intricate storylines, compelling characters, and groundbreaking mecha designs. From its humble beginnings in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, the franchise has spawned numerous anime series, films, manga, video games, and model kits, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Japanese popular culture.
Exploring the Gundam Universe
One of the key elements that has contributed to Gundam’s enduring success is its rich and complex universe. Unlike many other mecha anime of its time, Gundam delved into deeper themes of war, politics, and the human condition. It presented a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of conflict, exploring the motivations and consequences of war on both sides.
The Evolution of Mobile Suit Designs
The mobile suits themselves have also played a significant role in the franchise’s popularity. Designed by some of the most talented mechanical designers in the industry, the Gundams are iconic symbols of power and technological prowess. Over the years, the designs have evolved, reflecting advancements in animation technology and shifting aesthetic preferences.
Gundam Model Kits: A Global Phenomenon
No discussion of Gundam would be complete without mentioning the model kits, known as Gunpla. These highly detailed and articulated model kits have become a global phenomenon, attracting hobbyists and collectors of all ages. Building Gunpla is not just a pastime; it’s a way to connect with the Gundam universe and express creativity.
The Future of Gundam
As the Gundam franchise continues to evolve and expand, it remains a vital force in the world of anime and pop culture. With new series, films, and merchandise constantly being released, Gundam shows no signs of slowing down. The success of “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” is a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences across generations.
