A highly anticipated event is approaching for anime enthusiasts: the upcoming release of the latest installment in the Gundam franchise, GQuuuuuuX, which promises to take us on a fresh and thrilling journey through over 45 years of giant robot history. If you’re interested but unsure where to begin, we’re here to provide guidance.

What’s the Story Behind Gundam GQuuuuuuX?

GQuuuuuuX is set in the year 0085 of the Universal Century, but not the Universal Century that most Gundam fans are familiar with. Instead, it operates in an alternate version of that timeline where the Principality of Zeon emerged victorious in the One Year War against the Earth Federation six years prior, having successfully stolen the prototype Gundam. The Gundam, along with its pilot Char Aznable, disappears at the end of this alternate conflict but reappears in 0085, piloted by a young boy named Shuji Ito. As Shuji evades Zeon forces, he meets two young colonists, Nyaan and Machu, who become entangled in the world of underground Mobile Suit fights known as “Clan Battles” and the experimental Mobile Suit, GQuuuuuuX.

The story revolves around Shuji, Machu, and Nyaan, introducing new material while drawing on elements from the original Gundam series. The Gundam’s return and its new pilot set the stage for an exciting adventure that explores the consequences of this alternate timeline.

Do I Need to Watch Other Gundam Series Before GQuuuuuuX?

In theory, it’s not necessary to watch other Gundam series before GQuuuuuuX, but having some background knowledge can enhance your viewing experience. The show’s alternative timeline means it draws on various elements from the original series, including mecha designs, characters, and concepts. However, the primary storyline focusing on Shuji, Machu, and Nyaan is relatively new, allowing viewers to jump in without prior knowledge.

Watching the original 1979 Gundam series or its compilation movies can provide context and appreciation for what GQuuuuuuX is doing, especially concerning the One Year War and its aftermath. The original series is available on Crunchyroll and remains a classic in the genre.

What Sets GQuuuuuuX Apart from Other Gundam Shows?

GQuuuuuuX stands out due to its unique approach to the Gundam universe, imagining an alternate outcome of the One Year War and the Universal Century. This concept has been explored in other media, such as games and manga, but GQuuuuuuX is the first mainline show to delve into a direct parallel version of this timeline.

The series also boasts an impressive production team, including director Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for FLCL and Evangelion, and writer Yoji Enokido, who has worked on Evangelion, Sailor Moon, and Revolutionary Girl Utena. The mecha designs are developed by Ikuto Yamashita, known for his work on Evangelion and Metaphor Re:Fantazio, and character designs are by Take, the architect of modern Pokémon character design. This talented team brings a fresh perspective to the Gundam franchise.

Where Can I Watch Gundam GQuuuuuuX?

Gundam GQuuuuuuX will be available for streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video starting April 8, with both subtitled and dubbed episodes released on a weekly basis.

How Do You Pronounce GQuuuuuuX?

The pronunciation of GQuuuuuuX is derived from the Japanese katakana, which is read as Jīkuakusu, suggesting an English pronunciation of “G-Kwux.” The name originates from the computer programming term Qux, a metasyntactic variable used as a placeholder. In the context of the show, the titular Mobile Suit is an early Zeon prototype developed from the technology reverse-engineered from the Gundam, explained by its designation as the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX.

Why the Multiple U’s in GQuuuuuuX?

The reason behind the multiple U’s in GQuuuuuuX is not officially explained, but it certainly makes for a unique logo. In the show, characters do remark on the unusual designation when they first encounter it, suggesting that even within the Gundam universe, the name GQuuuuuuX is noteworthy.

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