Gundam GQuuuuuX: A Fresh Take on a Timeless Franchise

The latest installment in the iconic Gundam series, GQuuuuuuX, boasts one of the most intriguing premises in recent Gundam history. To appreciate this new direction, we must travel back 45 years to the original 1979 anime and consider a rather amusing concept.

The majority of Gundam GQuuuuuuX, as seen in its prequel/compilation movie GQuuuuuuX Beginning, which is now playing in American theaters for a limited time, is based on an alternate version of the Gundam “Universal Century” timeline. This new timeline presents an alternate outcome, where the antagonist forces of the original series, the secessionist space colony Zeon, emerge victorious against Earth.

GQuuuuuuX‘s narrative divergence from the original series occurs at the very beginning, recreating the first episode of the 1979 anime almost shot for shot. The story follows three Zeon mobile suits as they infiltrate the Side 7 colony to gather intel on the Earth Federation’s new prototype mobile suit. However, things take a different turn when Char Aznable, a Zeon ace pilot, takes the place of a pilot whose Zaku is being repaired. This alteration sets the stage for the alternate history presented in GQuuuuuuX.

This pivotal moment in GQuuuuuuX‘s timeline is built upon the original series’ first episode, where a character named Gene, who was meant to participate in the mission, fails to do so due to his Zaku being repaired. In the original series, Gene’s actions lead to Amuro Ray piloting the Gundam, which ultimately changes the course of the war. However, in GQuuuuuuX, Char’s decision to steal the Gundam creates a new timeline.

It is fascinating to watch this alternate timeline unfold in Beginning, especially for Gundam fans, as it retells the original story with this new twist. The opening half of Beginning recreates the original Gundam series, but with Char’s actions leading to a different outcome. This change in events creates a ripple effect, altering the course of the story and its characters.

In the original Gundam series, Gene is portrayed as a somewhat unpleasant character. He is loud, brash, and disregards orders, which ultimately leads to the mission’s failure. However, in GQuuuuuuX, Gene’s absence from the mission allows Char to take his place, changing the course of events. This alteration raises questions about the nature of Char’s character and his motivations.

Char Aznable, a central figure in the Gundam series, is a complex character with multiple layers. He is a skilled pilot and a master strategist, but also a manipulator who uses his charisma and intelligence to achieve his goals. In GQuuuuuuX, Char’s character remains consistent with his original portrayal, as he continues to scheme and plot his way through the story.

The concept of GQuuuuuuX is both humorous and fascinating, as it presents an alternate timeline where Gene’s actions, or lack thereof, have a profound impact on the story. The series’ attention to detail and respect for the original Gundam series are evident in its recreation of key scenes and characters. If GQuuuuuuX can maintain this level of quality and creativity, Gundam fans are in for a treat.

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