Evangelion Meets Gundam: GQuuuuuuX Series Blasts Off with a Bang!

Summary

Gundam GQuuuuuuX features distinct art style & animation closer to Evangelion.
Sound design enhances mecha feel with modern effects & impactful music.
Writing & direction blend Gundam & Evangelion characteristics, requiring some prior franchise knowledge.

A fresh take on the “Mobile Suit Gundam” saga has been unveiled! Known as “Gundam GQuuuuuuX”, this series is a joint venture between Studios Sunrise and Khara. While Studio Sunrise is in charge of the overall production, it’s Studio Khara that brings this series to life on the screen. Notably, Studio Khara has previously impressed audiences with their work on the “rebuild of Evangelion” films. The director of this new Gundam series is Kazuya Tsurumaki, who also helmed the Evangelion movies.

As a diehard fan excitedly diving into Hideaki Anno’s latest creation, Gundam GQuuuuuuX, I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Known among Evangelion staff as “Gundam,” this series carries the weight of expectations that come with such a storied title. The first episode kicked off powerfully, introducing captivating characters and a rich, immersive setting for this fresh addition to the sprawling franchise.

Animation and art

The Evangelion studio made themselves seen

From the get-go, this particular anime stands out within the Gundam series due to its unique art style and visual approach. The characters are more stylized and cartoony than usual in Gundam, creating a striking contrast against its predecessors, particularly in character design. This shift is attributed to the artist responsible for character design, who gained fame from Pokémon. Consequently, there’s an evident resemblance to the Pokémon anime at first glance.

One significant difference lies in the design and animation of the mobile suits. For instance, Gundam GQuuuuuuX’s mobile suits are crafted by Ikuto Yamashita, who also designed the Evangelion units. This unique style sets them apart from earlier mobile suits like Gundam Aerial or Freedom Gundam, and they bear a closer resemblance to Eva Unit 01. However, this change might be a point of contention for Gundam fans, as the series typically employs traditional 2D animation for mecha, contrasting with the CGI animation used in GQuuuuuuX. This shift aligns more with the Evangelion movies, which often utilized 3-D CGI for animating the Evas and angels.

Initially, the sight of a Gundam or Zaku in three dimensions might feel unsettling, but the seamless and stunning animation by studio Khara quickly dispels that feeling. In just the first episode, the mobile suits glide with fluidity and authenticity, capturing the immense heft of each mechanical titan perfectly. The artful composition of characters alongside their mecha is a testament to Studio Khara’s artistic prowess. Every frame brims with high-contrast detail and evocative hues, offering viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the anime’s visual promise.

Sound and Music

The sound design elevates the setting

In Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the ambiance is effectively conveyed, not just through stunning visuals and animation, but also with exceptional sound design. The mobile suits are both impressive and robust, with convincing sound effects that emphasize their colossal presence over the characters. Every control in the Gundam cockpit seems tangible, as if you’re right there, due to the realistic sounds associated with each mecha component.

In a fresh take, the weaponry of the mobile suits maintains the timeless sound effects synonymous with the Gundam series, yet they leverage contemporary technology to create a vivid and immersive experience. The beam saber on the Gundam emits its signature hum, reminiscent of a lightsaber, while the Vulcan weapons atop the red Gundam’s head evoke the sensation of a potent machine gun.

In my opinion, the tunes of this Gundam series might not resonate with some fans who are used to the traditional epic war vibes of other Gundam shows. Instead, it offers a more Lo-fi or pop ambiance that seems to align perfectly with the fresh and youthful feel of Gundam GQuuuuuuX. Although this modern twist sometimes feels unconventional for Gundam, it undeniably adds a unique charm to the series. Moreover, the music complements the visuals beautifully by creating a distinctive soundscape that sets the scene apart and lends an otherworldly ambiance to the new Gundam and its pilot.

Writing and direction

The Evangelion mark can be felt

Lovers of Mobile Suit Gundam and Neon Genesis Evangelion will find themselves comfortable with this show, as its narrative seamlessly blends elements from both. The dialogue and character depiction echo that of Evangelion, particularly the rebuild films, showing a refined subtlety in character expressions and emotions similar to those seen in Evangelion. The series’ atmosphere is also reminiscent of psychological mecha, offering a mix of vibrant and youthful designs contrasted by an overarching tone that leans towards solemnity and melancholy.

In the first episode, some scenes closely mirror shots common in the Evangelion rebuild films. This includes the contrast used, specific color schemes, and notably, the characters’ facial expressions and body language. Despite being a Gundam series, it seems more reminiscent of Evangelion than anything else. It’s challenging not to perceive similarities to Hideaki Anno’s masterpiece as you watch this, especially since it appears to blend elements from both franchises seamlessly, almost like a fusion of the two.

If you’re brand new to the world of Gundam, this series might seem overwhelming at first because it references events from Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 that are essential for understanding many aspects of this new storyline. As a spin-off or alternate reality in the Gundam Universal Century, it may not be as impressive as the initial installment in the franchise when compared directly. However, fans who are familiar with the Universal Century will find a unique and fresh experience with this new Gundam if they approach it with an open mind. The visual style and animation of Gundam GQuuuuuuX are remarkable, and the talented team behind it promises that this latest addition to the franchise will be something truly special.

2025-04-09 19:56