What We Can Expect From Hideaki Anno’s Gundam Series

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Summary

  • It’s still a Gundam series focusing on war and politics.
  • Expect Anno’s subversive touch a la Evangelion.
  • Anno writes script, director adds the “Eva touch” to new Gundam series.

A fresh installment of the popular series known as Gundam has been officially unveiled. It’s been named Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (pronounced something like “G-Quacks”), and according to plans, it will premiere in Japanese theaters on January 17, 2025.

For this upcoming installment of the franchise, it’s not just the number 16 that has people talking; it’s also the fact that it’s a joint venture between the long-standing Gundam studio, Sunrise, and Studio Khara, known for their work on “Rebuild of Evangelion”. Notably, Hideaki Anno, the renowned creator of Evangelion, is overseeing the scripts.

For the first time, Anno is officially part of a primary “Gundam” series, yet his affection for the franchise is no secret – he’s even been interviewed alongside its creator, Yoshiyuki Tomino. Now that he’s on board, what might this collaboration bring us?

It’s Still A Gundam Series

Tackling politics and the consequences of war

While it may bear Hideaki Anno’s signature, it undeniably belongs to the Gundam series. The narrative is expected to delve into themes such as conflict and governance, topics that are not foreign to Anno given his involvement in other shows carrying political undertones (or overtones, depending on your perspective), including the acclaimed “Shin Kamen Rider” film.

In this series, the storyline will delve into not only conflicts and wars, but also their profound human impacts. One of the central figures is a refugee. The trailer evokes a sense of similarity to “Gundam: Witch from Mercury,” not just in its tone, but also due to clandestine battles involving Gundams, which in this context appear to be connected to wealthy individuals or suspicious organizations (often linked to the rich in any case) – perhaps resembling the dynamics of “Kengan Ashura,” though it seems more grounded (or possibly these rich individuals simply have peculiar pastimes).

As an ardent advocate for social justice, I firmly believe it’s essential that conflicts we engage in should address economic disparities. For instance, spectacles of conflict may seem entertaining to the affluent, while those struggling to better their circumstances are left with few alternatives, and the consequences could escalate dramatically, akin to the gripping narratives often seen in shows like Gundam. However, tackling this theme requires careful consideration and sensitivity.

The subjectivity of warriors

Maybe an “Evangelion-like” approach

Although the trailer carries a vibe similar to that of “Witch from Mercury,” it also hints at an influence reminiscent of “Evangelion.” Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that Hideaki Anno isn’t overseeing the series. Instead, Kazuya Tsurumaki, often regarded as Anno’s protege, is in charge (and he has directed the “Rebuild of Evangelion” movies, so he understands what an “Eva touch” might entail).

Neon Genesis Evangelion initially follows a structured plotline, but it delves deeply into the personal experiences and emotional states of its characters, particularly Shinji’s mental journey. This character-focused approach was unusual for mecha series at the time, making it relatable to many teenage viewers who could identify with Shinji’s struggles, even though regular Japanese teens don’t typically operate high-tech military machinery. Despite the debated original conclusion, the show is generally well-liked. You can anticipate thoughtfully developed characters in this series, which is noteworthy given that the Gundam universe already boasts strong characterization.

Anno’s works are typically recognized for their ability to flip genre/trope assumptions and for their intertextuality. He is primarily responsible for scriptwriting, so many choices will rely on Tsurumaki’s interpretation and implementation of Anno’s concepts. Excitingly, the upcoming Gundam series appears promising! While Japanese viewers can enjoy it this month, the production team has requested patience from overseas fans as they plan to release the movie internationally as well.

In this setup, Anno solely handles the scriptwriting duties, while he doesn’t oversee the series as a director. Instead, it’s Kazuya Tsurumaki, often recognized as Anno’s protege, who takes on the directing responsibilities for the series.

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2025-01-05 20:36