Review of Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is a show stuck in it's past. As a non-Gundam fan, the viewer learns that much of the plot and many of the most prominent characters are legacy figures. Without familiarity with the older series, there is little nostalgia to draw on, which makes an average story feel underwhealming. Large portions of the narrative seem to revolve around returning characters rather than developing the new cast. This is evident in characters such as Amate Yuzuriha, who receives substantial screen time yet is given little meaningful development. The series also attempts to function simultaneously as a political thriller and a teen drama. It ultimatelyfalls short because it leans heavily into the political elements—arguably the more engaging aspect—while leaving the teen drama underdeveloped. Beyond a bland love triangle, which becomes meaningless by the end, the interpersonal conflicts never meaningfully impact the newly introduced characters. This is evident in the structure of the series itself: Episodes 1–7 largely follow the teenage characters, but from Episodes 8–12 many of those teen-focused elements are discarded. Amate and Nyaan, once positioned as central figures, are reduced to pawns in the older characters’ political manoeuvring.

To say the series has no positives would be inaccurate. The character designs by take and the mechanical designs by Ikuto Yamashita are consistently striking. Although Yamashita’s previous work on Evangelion differs from the designs seen here, the distinction is clear enough that, without prior knowledge, the similarities would not be immediately apparent. The animation is also impressive—particularly in moments like the Episode 5 clan battle, where the choreography incorporates elements of the surrounding space station, resulting in a dynamic and engaging set piece.

In addition, Akiko Inoue’s colour design keeps the visuals bright and attention-grabbing. Even in quieter scenes, details such as reflections of light in a character’s eyes add vibrancy and contribute to an overall pleasing viewing experience.

In the end, the series is an enjoyable enough watch. It is visually appealing, and the plot is generally understandable. However, it falls short of the ambitions it sets for itself. By failing to emphasise the newer characters—especially given its placement in a completely separate universe from the mainline series—it never reaches the thematic or narrative heights it could have achieved. The result is ultimately underwhelming, leaving the impression of a concept that never fully realises its potential.