You Won't Believe the 8 Insane Shows that Inspired Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Summary

GQuuuuuuX brings fresh perspectives to the Gundam franchise while staying true to its anti-war, human nature themes.
The series incorporates influences from previous works like FLCL and Evangelion, blending classic and modern elements.
GQuuuuuuX’s character designs and narrative structure draw inspiration from titles like Space Battleship Yamato and Getter Robo.

The long-awaited moment has arrived: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is now here, available through both a TV series and compilation film. This new take promises to be one of the most impactful interpretations of the classic anime in years, daringly pushing creative boundaries while still respecting the core essence of its origins. Early signs suggest that it could rank among the best Gundam series ever produced, a remarkable achievement given the franchise’s impressive track record.

The upcoming series draws not only from its esteemed predecessor but also its acclaimed creators, including Hideaki Anno, known for Neon Genesis Evangelion, who possess an impressive track record in creating groundbreaking anime. The latest Gundam installment is a blend of various influences, some obvious and others more subtle. Here’s a list of eight significant works whose impact can be felt in the visuals, plot, or other aspects.

7. Mobile Suit Gundam

A Vintage That Just Gets Better With Age

Initially, it might seem unimaginable, but when first released, the original “Gundam” series actually faced a massive failure in terms of reception. The creator, Yoshiyuki Tomino, had conceived a mecha story with a complex narrative that was profoundly anti-war and explored the darker aspects of human nature such as war mongering and moral ambiguity. Unfortunately, this heavy theme was too much for audiences to handle at the time, leading to a significant drop in viewership. However, a merchandising deal, along with a small yet dedicated fanbase, helped build momentum that eventually turned the franchise into an institution.

In my view, the central themes of the series GQuuuuuuX revolve around the devastating effects of warfare on humanity and the irony of sophisticated technology being employed for brutal purposes. This underlying theme remains palpable in the new iteration of the show. The latest season introduces both familiar and fresh characters who grapple with their roles amidst a world ravaged by conflict, preserving the essence of the original production. The 1979 version’s visuals serve as a rich source of inspiration for the 2025 rendition, featuring updated mecha designs and a contemporary twist on classic aesthetics.

6. Mobile Fighter G Gundam

Make Fights, Not War

In the realm of mecha anime, few are as richly layered as the legendary Mobile Suit Gundam. This iconic series has consistently challenged conventions, daring to redefine the norms even before the idea of a multiverse became popular in pop culture. One such instance can be traced back to the fifth television installment of the series, where it masterfully flipped the traditional script, offering an innovative and highly captivating twist on the original formula.

In the reimagined series, the storyline moves from the Universal Century to the Future Century. Here, space colonies representing various nations have chosen to resolve their political disputes through a four-yearly tournament instead of engaging in prolonged, devastating wars. The theme of dueling Gundams is present in GQuuuuuuX, as well as a group of tormented young characters. By altering the timeline yet maintaining a connection to the original content, this latest production skillfully achieves the dual purpose of innovation and continuity.

5. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Confused Teens Meet Giant Mechs, The Rest Is History

It’s quite compelling to argue that Neon Genesis Evangelion was the first genuinely post-modern anime; this groundbreaking series emerged when fans of iconic shows like Astro Boy and Getter Robo had matured into creators, infusing their perspectives and experiences into traditional narrative elements. In the unique case of Evangelion, they crafted something entirely original and innovative, which catapulted Studio Gainax to a global fanbase.

Hideaki Anno, an ex-Gainax team member, is among the creators of the anime series “GQuuuuuuX“. His influence can be seen right from the first episode, with a troubled young protagonist, jaw-dropping robot fight scenes, and numerous references and tributes to the works that inspired him. The success of his franchise “Evangelion” empowered him to leave an indelible mark on subsequent projects, such as his most recent creation.

4. FLCL

Rock n’ Roll Star

From the creative minds at Studio Gainax, the show FLCL, commonly pronounced as “Fooly-Cooly,” was an unexpected success that has amassed a devoted following today. This timeless anime defies simple description; it’s an experience that needs to be witnessed and heard, with its extraordinary soundtrack by the renowned Japanese indie rock band The Pillows. Although revealing too much of the plot might not be fair for new viewers, those who appreciate alien encounters, robotics, and surrealism are in for a delightful surprise.

The impact of FLCL on GQuuuuuuX is evident primarily through the unique and vibrant character designs of its fresh cast, whose appearances are characterized by bright, geometric features to match the punk-rock atmosphere that the new series employs. Furthermore, unlike some earlier Gundam soundtracks which feature dramatic orchestral compositions, this latest production draws inspiration from FLCL by incorporating contemporary pop songs into its music selection, giving the impression of a modern soundtrack.

3. Space Battleship Yamato

An All-Time Great

In a different universe, the landscape of anime might have unfolded quite differently without “Space Battleship Yamato.” It’s left an indelible mark on pop culture that we can hardly imagine today. Its creation paved the way for narratives and characters that have spawned countless imitations throughout the years. The influence it wielded is so profound, its Western dubbed version, famously known as “Starblazers,” significantly impacted Daft Punk during the creation of their celebrated film “Interstellar 5555.” This movie was a collaborative effort between Daft Punk and the anime legend and mastermind behind “Yamato,” Leiji Matsumoto.

The Space Battleship Yamato significantly advanced anime storytelling by introducing deeper, more complex narratives and a larger scope compared to previous works. It portrayed an extensive space war saga, where characters grappled with their personal issues while also participating in the conflict at hand. Without a doubt, its impact paved the way for the creation of Gundam and consequently, GQuuuuuuX as well.

2. Getter Robo

A Heavy Hitter In More Ways Than One

Getter Robo, conceived by veteran creator Go Nagai, is known as the initial transforming mecha that gained widespread popularity. It stands out for its unique feature of undergoing significant shape-shifts and merging forms to create a super-robot. Specifically, Getter Robo is made up of three distinct vehicles, each piloted by a human. When united, they form an elite combat unit that can adapt to different battle scenarios, exhibiting superior performance accordingly.

The impact of his work on Gundam is significant, yet it’s through the pilots that we see its effect on GQuuuuuuX. Each Getter unit is piloted by an individual with a unique personality. This focus on the individual and their influence over the machine they wield is a crucial element in the newer Gundam series. It adds depth to the human characters, making their interactions just as captivating as the mechanical battles unfolding on screen.

1. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

A First Step Into A Much Larger World

In the premiere of GQuuuuuuX, two Gundam figures engage in combat, wielding enormous laser swords, a recurring image in the series. It doesn’t require much brainpower to realize that this weapon resembles the one from the 1979 anime Mobile Suit Gundam and the iconic lightsabers used in the popular movie released two years prior. However, these similarities aren’t limited to just that.

GQuuuuuuX borrows heavily from the original “Star Wars” movie, featuring a young hero discovering hidden strength to fulfill a grand destiny, a vast interstellar Empire ruling over territories it deems conquered, and a gritty universe filled with characters that defy simple good vs. evil labels. Similarly, just like Gundam, the impact of “Star Wars” continues strongly.

2025-04-22 02:34

You Won’t Believe the 8 Insane Shows that Inspired Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX