Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Review – A Bold ‘What If’ That Pays Homage to the Original

Date: 2025-03-01 19:43:00

As a long-time Gundam fan, Gundam GQuuuuuuX was an experience that took me by surprise in the best way possible. It’s a love letter to the original series while daring to ask, “What if?”—and the answer is a fascinating reimagining that both respects its roots and carves its own identity.At first, stepping into this alternate take can feel like trying pineapple on pizza—you might hesitate, unsure if it belongs—but once you take that first bite, it just works. There’s a lot to take in, especially if you're deeply familiar with the Universal Century, but the film doesn't erase the essence of what made those characters and conflicts so compelling. Instead, it plays with them in a way that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. And since the story takes place in an alternate universe, it surely does not and would not take away anything from the OG we love—if anything, it’s a welcome addition to the franchise that expands its possibilities rather than detracts from them.Since this movie is essentially a precut of the upcoming series (set to premiere on April 8), it serves as an excellent introduction to this bold new interpretation. The animation shifts—particularly the evolution from the original style to take’s illustration work—might feel slightly premature, but they seamlessly contribute what they wanted to convey. It almost feels like a deliberate choice to reflect the shift into this new world.And of course, the mobile suit designs? Far from just acceptable—they’re a bold and well-executed reinterpretation. While there’s been plenty of skepticism surrounding the new design approach, I truly believe Yamashita has done a fantastic job showcasing his signature style. These designs don’t just fit the aesthetic of this alternate universe; they elevate it, standing out as some of the most thoughtfully crafted in recent memory. If you appreciate mechanical detail and redesigns with purpose, you’re in for a treat.I understand why some fans might be hesitant, but Gundam GQuuuuuuX is the kind of project that wins you over by the time the credits roll. Give it a chance—you might just find yourself wanting more.

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