Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX [Season 1 Episode 2]

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX – Season 1, Episode 2: A Nostalgic Yet Polarizing Dive into Alternate UC History

When Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX premiered, it introduced a fresh cast and a modern twist on the Gundam formula. But Episode 2, titled “The White Gundam,” took a sharp left turn—delivering a full-blown alternate history of the Universal Century (UC) timeline, complete with Char Aznable, retro soundtracks, and a Zeon victory in the One Year War. The result? A love letter to longtime fans and a confusing detour for newcomers.

A Flashback That Feels Like Home (or Alienating, Depending on Who You Ask)

The episode opens with Char, the legendary Zeon ace, stealing the Federation’s Gundam—a pivotal moment that reshapes the war’s outcome. For UC veterans, this was pure nostalgia: the classic sound effects, the 1979-esque score, and even the eyecatches screamed old-school Gundam. One fan on MyAnimeList gushed, “They completely nailed Char! The episode was fun and a great character showcase.” Another added, “Seeing Char in a Mobile Suit designed almost half a century after his first appearance is nothing short of magical.”

But for newcomers? The whiplash was real. A Reddit user admitted, “I have no idea who Char is, but he seems cool (I have no idea what the heck is happening).” The episode assumed prior knowledge, cramming decades of lore into 20 minutes. Some praised its efficiency (“It answers a lot of questions from Episode 1”), while others called it rushed (“Felt lost due to the pacing”).

The Char Conundrum: Voice Acting and Missing Scenes

One of the biggest debates? The recasting of Char. While the new voice actor delivered a solid performance, fans missed Shuichi Ikeda’s iconic take. “Not to say the new VA is bad, but I wonder why they didn’t go with Ikeda,” lamented a MyAnimeList commenter. Others defended the choice, arguing the new direction fit the alternate timeline.

Then there’s the elephant in the room: the missing scenes. Fans who watched the Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie noted glaring omissions, like Char’s final confrontation and disappearance. “People only watching the TV version are missing out,” one fan argued. The episode’s placement also drew criticism—many felt it should’ve been a prequel OVA or Episode 0.

The Mecha Love: Bulky, Heavy, and Beautiful

Amid the debates, one thing united fans: the mecha animation. The Mobile Suits moved with weight, their weapons realistically cumbersome. “I absolutely love Gundam showing how heavy the MS are,” raved a fan. The attention to detail—like ammo for the head vulcans—was a nod to realism that hardcore fans adored.

The Verdict: A Bold Swing That Didn’t Fully Connect

Episode 2 was a gamble. For some, it was “the best episode ever,” blending nostalgia with modern animation. For others, it was “abhorrent,” a jarring shift from Episode 1’s new-gen vibe. The divide highlights a core challenge: balancing legacy appeal with fresh storytelling.

As one fan wisely put it: “Trying to be two different shows might end up pleasing no one.” Still, the episode succeeded in one key area—it got people talking. Whether you loved it or hated it, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is proving it’s not afraid to take risks. And in a franchise as storied as Gundam, that’s something to celebrate.

Final Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but fascinating dive into UC’s what-ifs. Now, bring back the main cast before the tonal whiplash becomes permanent.