David Bridges
Gundam GQuuuuuuX introduces an engaging alternative universe that offers a fresh perspective on the beloved original Gundam timeline, creating exciting opportunities for exploring the franchise’s rich lore. As the series progresses beyond the initial narrative established by the original show, it appears to be delving deeper into the complexities of one of the most captivating characters from the classic 1979 series. This exploration not only enriches the storyline but also ignites the curiosity of long-time fans eager to see how familiar elements will be reinterpreted in this new context.
To date, GQuuuuuuX has creatively reimagined elements of Gundam‘s Universal Century by highlighting the absence of key characters from the original narrative. The pivotal scene where Char steals the Gundam, igniting the One Year War in favor of Zeon, has led to the exclusion of the original protagonist, Amuro Ray, from the current storyline. As the series unfolds, both the show itself and the supplementary materials showcased in the compilation film Beginning have hinted at the return of other iconic figures from the original Gundam universe and their potential roles in this new tale. This intrigue is further amplified by Char’s mysterious absence in the narrative set five years later, which serves as a central element of the overarching mystery as young protagonists and Zeon’s forces alike grapple with the implications of the Red Comet’s stolen Gundam reappearing after its enigmatic disappearance.
Among the notable absences in GQuuuuuuX is a significant character from the original 1979 series, whose absence has become a focal point for the show’s interpretation of the Newtype concept. The latest episode has provided our most substantial clue yet that this character will indeed make a notable appearance in the series, potentially altering the trajectory of the storyline in significant ways.
In the fourth episode titled “The Witch’s War,” which marks a departure from rehashing material from the Beginning compilation, the narrative primarily focuses on Machu and Shuji, the latest pilot of the Red Gundam, as they confront a One Year War veteran driven by a thirst for vengeance against the Gundam. This veteran, known only as the mysterious “Witch” Shiiko Sugai, has suffered loss in battle, having had her own Mobile Suit combat partner (referred to as a “Mav” in the terminology of GQuuuuuuX) taken from her by Char during the conflict. The dramatic clash culminates in Shiiko’s demise during a clan battle against Machu and Shuji, where Shuji chooses to end her life by piercing her suit’s chest with a beam saber, leading to an explosive destruction of her suit and leaving Machu horrified at the brutality of the encounter.
In a poignant moment before her death, the burgeoning Newtype connection between Machu and Shuji becomes even more pronounced than during their initial meeting. This connection not only allows them to briefly understand Shiiko in her final moments but also emits a psychic signal that resonates with observers as a didactic piece of music. This familiar melody, recognized by Gundam enthusiasts, is the ethereal leitmotif associated with Lalah Sune. This musical theme was previously introduced in GQuuuuuuX when Machu first began to tap into her Newtype abilities and also appeared in Beginning during Char’s disappearance, but it has not been referenced in such a pronounced, diagetic manner until now, as the episode explicitly refers to it as the “La-La Sound.”
First introduced during the climactic moments of the original 1979 anime, Lalah is a remarkably powerful emergent Newtype, strategically recruited by Char late in the One Year War to serve as a secret weapon against the Gundam and Amuro, who is becoming increasingly aware of his own psionic capabilities. Lalah’s psionic powers are accentuated in battle by an ethereal chorus of “la-la” chanting, which resonates with both Newtypes and regular humans alike. Ultimately, she meets her end at the hands of Amuro while protecting Char, but not before they share a significant, profound connection that stems from their shared Newtype abilities. This encounter leaves a lasting impression on both characters, shaping their trajectories in the expansive Gundam universe.
While Lalah’s involvement in the original Gundam is relatively short-lived, her impact as one of the earliest representations of the Newtype concept, along with her intricate relationships with Amuro and Char, makes her an intriguing character for GQuuuuuuX to explore. In this alternate retelling of the One Year War, Lalah’s absence is particularly notable during Char’s initial exploration of Newtypism, which leads to his partnership with Challia Bull. However, her presence is felt through her iconic leitmotif, especially as its representation as a diagetic sound within GQuuuuuuX hints at exciting possibilities for the direction the series may take.
There have been multiple indicators suggesting that Lalah may play a pivotal role in GQuuuuuuX. The manner in which Shiiko’s demise is framed draws direct parallels to the portrayal of Lalah’s own death in the original series, showcasing the show’s ability to riff on specific cinematographic techniques from the first Gundam. Additionally, “The Witch’s War” revisits another concept that was briefly addressed in GQuuuuuuX previously: the enigmatic object known as the “Rose of Sharon,” which Zeon was concealing before it mysteriously vanished, much like Char’s own disappearance during the psionic “Zeknova” that concluded the conflict.
In “The Witch’s War,” Shuji expresses his sole desire to bring the Red Gundam—often described as being in communication with him—back to Earth in search of a mysterious rose, likely the same “Rose of Sharon” that Zeon had kept hidden. The Rose of Sharon is a biblical reference from the Old Testament, appearing in the Song of Songs, and also serves as a modern horticultural term referring to various flowering plants, including the golden-flowered Hypericum calycinum, which evokes the flowing yellow dress worn by Lalah in the original series.
Whether Lalah will physically appear or remain a conceptual presence through her memorable leitmotif, it’s clear that any overarching enigma that GQuuuuuuX aims to unravel regarding this new generation of Newtypes will intrinsically connect back to the original show’s foundational explorations of the concept. As the narrative unfolds and we inch closer to uncovering the fate of Char in this reimagined timeline, it seems that the woman who significantly influenced the course of his life in the established Gundam continuity may also play a vital role in GQuuuuuuX.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.
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Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
