When Universes Collide: Char's Counterattack Meets Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Promotional key art for Gundam GQuuuuuuX, showcasing the series' central mobile suit against a backdrop that evokes the collision of different eras.
On June 17, 2025, the eleventh episode of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX presented a major surprise for fans by featuring "BEYOND THE TIME (Mebius no Sora o Koete)," the iconic closing theme from the 1988 film, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack. The use of the TM NETWORK song during a key narrative climax—the appearance of the canonical Gundam in an alternate timeline—created a powerful thematic bridge between two distinct eras of the franchise.
GQuuuuuuX is set in an alternate reality where Char Aznable, piloting a "Red Gundam," won the One Year War for Zeon. The story reaches a turning point in the episode "Alphaside," when a trans-dimensional portal called "Zeknova" opens. From it emerges the original RX-78-2 Gundam, just as the unforgettable melody from Char's Counterattack begins to play, signaling a pivotal moment in the series.
The Enduring Legacy of Char's Counterattack
The 1988 film, the song's origin, marks the cinematic culmination of the legendary rivalry between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Its plot follows Char's radical attempt to drop the asteroid Axis onto Earth to accelerate human evolution, a plan ultimately foiled by Amuro. The movie stands as a landmark in animation for its era, celebrated for its intricate mechanical detail and early adoption of CG. Thematically, it shares a core idea with GQuuuuuuX: characters caught in the powerful wake of past events, a recurring concept that defines the Gundam universe.
The song was performed by TM NETWORK, an influential synth-pop group. Its subtitle, "Beyond the Möbius sky/universe," serves as a metaphor for the perpetual cycle of war in the Gundam saga. A commercial success, the theme reached #4 on the Oricon charts and was later voted the fourth most popular song in the franchise's history in 2018, proving its lasting impact on generations of fans.
A Strategic Nod to the Past
To coincide with the episode, a digital "-2025 Version-" of the song was released. This choice strategically used the original 1988 single artwork by legendary animator Yasuomi Umetsu, a key figure of the '80s "realist" school of animation. The decision reinforced the visual bridge to the past, deepening the nostalgic connection for veteran followers.
The event sparked immediate and widespread analysis from fans. Theories quickly emerged suggesting the "Zeknova" are interdimensional portals, an idea supported by the appearance of the Gundam in its original 1979 design, implying the arrival of Amuro Ray himself. Fan reactions also included humorous comments about the inevitable release of new Gunpla model kits, highlighting the community's keen awareness of the franchise's successful business model, which masterfully combines animation with collectible merchandise.
This crossover between timelines opens up endless possibilities. What classic Mobile Suit or character would you love to see appear in Gundam GQuuuuuuX? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Sources
- Gundam News Wire, When Universes Collide: How Char's Counterattack's Theme... (Accessed June 18, 2025)
- Mantan Web, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: "Char's Counterattack" main theme as an insert song... (Accessed June 18, 2025)
- Wikipedia, Beyond the Time (Accessed June 17, 2025)
- Wikipedia, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (Accessed June 17, 2025)
- Wikipedia, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (Accessed June 17, 2025)
- Animétudes, The Animation of Char's Counterattack (Accessed November 26, 2021)
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