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One of the key aspects of theGundamfranchise is how much it references itself, because of its very long-running history. Very often, a newGundamseries will start by referencing the classic earlier entries. Still,Gundam GQuuuuuuXis a special case in which it not simply references but rather reimagines the first Gundam series.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuXepisode 2 sets the stage for the new series by completely flipping the Universal Century on its head in the best way possible. Here is our review ofGundam GQuuuuuuXepisode 2 titled"The White Gundam". The series spearheaded by byEvangelionstudio Kharaand Sunrise continues to impress.
A Beautiful Mixture of Old & New Styles
2D Animation Triumphantly Returns
Something very noteworthy in this episode is the immediate use of 2-D animation for the mobile suits. This is not necessarily apoint to make in theGundamfranchise, but it is for the specific series, since the animation for the Mechas was made in 3-D CGI. Because the series is made by Studio Khara, who created the rebuild ofEvangelionmovies, all the mobile suits are animated in beautiful CGI, and while it is incredibly well done, it is also very contentious for what fans know ofGundam.
However, right off the bat in this episode, the audience is treated to 2D animated mobile suits and, while the designs are completely new, following the new aesthetic by Ikuto Yamashita, how the new animation is done in such a way sets the tone for the rest of the episode. Character art especially stands out as there is not a single off-frame where character models feel off or neglected. As well as some designs that are reminiscent of what you would find inEvangelion.
The vibrant colors pair well with the beautiful animation of the action, making for a cinematic spectacle that fans are accustomed to when it comes to the franchise, as that has always been one of the things they do best. There is an overall vibe of nostalgia and tribute in the episode, thanks to several aspects, like the music, the setting, but especially because of the animation and the action direction. The way speed lines and character close-ups are implemented is a clear-cut reference to the classic OGGundam.
As well as many different poses and shots that are a direct homage to the classicGundam, it really feels like theKhara team is basically remakingGundam 0079. The studio has approached it with so much respect and admiration, making it an incredibly joyful experience for veteran fans.
Incredible Music & Sound Design
A Massive Wave of Nostalgia
It is difficult to feel nostalgia for a show that aired in the 1970s, but that is exactly what this episode conveys to the audience. The episode is filled with either the same soundtrack or very reminiscent music of the classicGundam 0079. Accompanying the 2-D animation and classic iconic shots reimagined in this new style, hearing this iconic soundtrack in this brand new modern setting.It’s a massive wave of nostalgia and joy for classicGundamfans.
The sound design also makes sure to make fans remember how the different weapons and equipment of every single mobile suit and their movements are supposed to feel and sound. This isn’t a series that goes into a completely different sound design, like howIron Blooded Orphansimplemented a much more metallic heart-pounding sound to convey their analog physical weapons. This is classicGundamthrough and through. The punchy feel of the Vulcan machine guns, as well as that sweet buzzing of the beam sabers, all come together to pay a massive, beautiful tribute to the legendary franchise.
A New Way to Enjoy Gundam
This is ClassicGundam Reimagined
Instead of continuing the story of Machu and GQuuuuuuX, this episode goes to the past to explain the completely different setting in which this new series takes place in. This is an alternate reality to the universal Century when the iconic whiteGundam, the RX-78-02wasn’t piloted by Amuro Ray but instead stolen by Char Aznable. So this episode makes an incredibly well-directed explanation to narrate the events of the one-year war that was completely different thanks to this one change in the timeline.
This shows how, thanks to having theGundam, Char lead Zeon to victory in the One-Year War, completely decimating the Earth Federation. Not just with the design but with the entire setting, this new series flips the Universal Century on its head while referencing it isn’t the right word. GQuuuuuuX doesn’t reference the Universal Century, and 0079 is a complete reimagining to have a new take for a new audience. But by doing this,instead of creating a completely new setting like series likeGundam WingorThe Witch from Mercury, this ensures that the veteran classicGundamfan is also engaged as they have the full context of the Universal Century.
This series isn’t exactly a new gateway, but rather a new way to enjoyGundamfor many veteran and new fans alike, and this episode proves it. While the designs of the mobile suits and the characters and the animation are very modern and alien to whatGundamis usually like, thanks to it being created by Khara, the setting of the overall atmosphere is classicGundamthrough and through.
Things look very exciting for this new series already. With its first two excellent episodes. It is rather intriguing to think about what creator and writer Hideaki Anno, has come up with for this new entry, as his design and narrative philosophies are very different from those ofGundam.
