Next month, the latest installment of the iconicMobile Suit Gundamfranchise premieres. Judging by the promotional material, the mecha at the story’s core is a far cry from the classic Gundams that fans may be used to from past installments of the beloved series. Instead, its design bears a striking resemblance to one of the lanky mechs fromNeon Genesis Evangelion, a similarity that might leave longtimeGundamfans doing a double-take.
As announced on the new movie’s official@G_GQuuuuuuXX account,Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX – Beginningwill premiere in Japan on August 14, 2025. The film is an edited compilation of select episodes from the TV series. Currently, no international release dates have been announced for either the movie or the TV series.
A Mobile Suit Gundam With EVA Characteristics
A Gundam -Evangelion Studio Collaboration Produces Some Interesting Creative Tweaks
Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX – Beginningwill be the 62nd installment in theGundamfranchise, which began nearly 50 years ago. To that end, the creators have modernized the mecha designs, and fans will quickly notice a distinctly different vibe to the story — one that feels more akin to another iconic mecha series:Neon Genesis Evangelion. Interestingly,GQuuuuuuXis being co-produced by Studio Khara, the production house responsible for theRebuild of Evangelionfilm series.
Scripts for the newGundamanime are being written byEvangelioncreator Hideaki Anno himself.
WhileMobile Suit GundamandNeon Genesis Evangelionhave both been instrumental in shaping the mecha anime genre, there isn’t a direct link or influence between the two. In fact, one notable area of divergence lies in the design and style of the mecha featured in their stories. However, this distinction blurs with the introduction of the newGQuuuuuuXGundam. At a glance, it’s easy to see why some might mistake it for an Evangelion.TheGQuuuuuuXGundam undeniably exudes the more organic, android-like vibe of an Evangelion, rather than the traditional mechanical aesthetic of a Gundam.
Gundam And Evangelions - Big Mecha Built Differently
TheMobile Suit Gundamfranchise has showcased diverse mecha designs, yet traditionally adhered to classic robot-like aesthetics it helped establish with Yoshiyuki Tomino’s 1979 groundbreaking classicMobile Suit Gundamseries that started it all. Characterized by geometric shapes, sharp angular lines, and defined edges – occasionally softened by curved elements – Gundam mecha has consistently prioritize functionality in its designs. Indeed, Gundam designs typically eschew non-essential features, focusing on practicality and utility to enhance fighting capabilities. They are, after all, war machines.
In contrast, the mecha inNeon Genesis Evangelionwere groundbreaking within the mecha anime genre. They stood out for their unique blend of organic and mechanical elements, making them appear less robotic and more human-like. While they did feature mechanical components —particularly in the joints and armor— most of their bodies were designed to mimic human anatomy, with elongated legs, slim waists, curved chests, and muscular arms. Many of these features seemed more stylistic than functional, emphasizing aesthetics over practicality. In contrast to theGundam,Evangelion, at its core, is a living organic being.
Gundam
The Gundam franchise is a cornerstone of mecha anime, featuring giant robots known as “mobile suits” in various wartime settings. Originating with Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979, it explores complex themes of war, politics, and humanity through the struggles of pilots who navigate these massive machines. The franchise spans multiple timelines and universes, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and standalone narratives.
