Sunstar Bungu Announces Gundam GQuuuuuuX A4 Cutting Mats
The protagonist gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX, featuring a design by Ikuto Yamashita reminiscent of Evangelion. Image via HobbyLink Japan.
Product Analysis: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX A4 Cutting Mats
Sunstar Bungu, a renowned firm in the stationery sector, has launched a new line of A4-sized cutting mats inspired by the latest installment in the saga, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. This product stands out for its dual nature: it is not only a collector's item for fans but also a functional tool designed for assembling plastic models, known as Gunpla—the heart of the hobby that defines the franchise.
The choice of the three available designs—the GQuuuuuuX, the Red Gundam, and the Military Police Zaku—encapsulates the central conflict and character dynamics of the series. These designs reflect the unique aesthetic and tone of the new installment, a result of a collaboration between Sunrise and Studio Khara, the latter known for the influential Evangelion saga.
I. Product Information: Technical and Commercial Specifications
The cutting mat line is manufactured by Sunstar Bungu, an established company that produces accessible consumer goods complementing Bandai Namco's main product lines.
- Product Name: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Cutter Mat A4
- Manufacturer: Sunstar Bungu
- Release Date: October 31, 2025
- Suggested Price (Japan): ¥1,430 (taxes included). Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by retailer and location.
- Material: PVC
- Dimensions: Approx. 300 x 220 x 2 mm (11.8 x 8.7 x 0.08 in) (A4 Size)
- Available Designs: GQuuuuuuX (ジークアクス), Red Gundam (赤いガンダム), Military and Police Zaku (軍警ザク)
Initial distribution is managed through a pre-order system at specialty stores, both in Japan and internationally, via portals like Chara-ani.com and HobbyLink Japan (HLJ).
II. Features and Functionality
Each package contains one (1) cutting mat of the selected design. The manufacturing material is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), an industry standard that offers a durable and "self-healing" surface, ideal for withstanding repeated cuts with modeling knives without rapid deterioration.
A key practical feature is the grid with millimeter markings (方眼メモリ, hōgan memori) printed on the surface. This grid is an indispensable visual aid for modelers, facilitating precise cuts, measurement of parts, and alignment of components.
The main appeal for collectors lies in the dynamic illustrations of the series' key mobile suits, integrated so as not to obstruct the functionality of the work grid. It is important to note that the Japanese nomenclature for the third design is 「軍警ザク」 (Gunkei Zaku), which more accurately translates to "Military and Police Zaku," reflecting the nature of the antagonistic force in the series—a militarized entity operating in the Side 6 space colony.
III. Context: The Mobile Suits of Gundam GQuuuuuuX
The three mechas selected for the mats represent a narrative triptych that summarizes the series' conflict: the protagonist, the plot catalyst, and the institutional antagonist.
gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX
This protagonist unit is a mysterious, state-of-the-art machine piloted by Amate Yuzuriha, a student who becomes involved in illegal mobile suit duels under the alias "Machu." After a confrontation with the Military Police, Machu seizes the GQuuuuuuX in an act of defiance. The mecha is equipped with an advanced Psycommu system and an anomalous technology known as the "Endymion Unit," capable of generating spatial distortions. Its design, by Ikuto Yamashita (Neon Genesis Evangelion), is deliberately unconventional, with an aesthetic reminiscent of Evangelion units.
gMS-α Red Gundam
The enigmatic gMS-α Red Gundam, the catalyst of the series' plot. Image via HobbyLink Japan.
This mobile suit is the artifact upon which the alternate timeline of GQuuuuuuX is built. In this history, Char Aznable captures the RX-78-2 Gundam prototype, paints it red, and leads Zeon to victory in the One Year War before mysteriously disappearing. Five years later, the Red Gundam reappears, piloted by Shuji Itō, an enigmatic young man who becomes Machu's partner. Its return drives the plot, attracting the attention of Zeon forces seeking to unravel the mystery of Char's disappearance.
MS-06-SSP Military Police Zaku
The MS-06-SSP Military Police Zaku, a modified unit that serves as an oppressive force in the series. Image via HobbyLink Japan.
These units, operated by the Side 6 Military Police, are the initial antagonistic force. While officially maintaining order, they act as an oppressive power. Based on the iconic Zaku II, they feature modifications such as siren lights on the shoulder pauldrons and a blue-and-white color scheme. The indiscriminate violence of these Zakus during the pursuit of the Red Gundam compels Machu to steal the GQuuuuuuX and confront them, serving as the catalyst for the main conflict.
IV. A New Paradigm in the Gundam Saga
This release is part of a broader merchandising strategy and a manifestation of the franchise's new creative direction.
The Hobby Ecosystem
This cutting mat is positioned as a "keystone product," serving not as a mere souvenir but as an essential tool for the core hobby: Gunpla. By offering a functional tool branded with the new series, the identity of GQuuuuuuX is inserted into the very ritual of being a Gundam fan, reinforcing brand loyalty. This product acts as a bridge between low-cost consumer goods (stationery), the core product (Gunpla kits), and high-end collectibles (premium action figures), creating a cohesive ecosystem.
A Stellar Creative Team and the Influence of Evangelion
The most defining feature of GQuuuuuuX is the unprecedented collaboration between Sunrise and Studio Khara. The production is led by legendary Khara creatives: Kazuya Tsurumaki (director), Hideaki Anno (screenwriter), and Ikuto Yamashita (mechanical designer).
This fusion of talent injects a radically different creative sensibility into the series, with deep stylistic and thematic similarities to Evangelion. The mecha designs are described as "fragile" and "unnatural," moving away from Gundam's traditional militaristic realism. The cinematography, alongside the psychological and metaphysical themes, also reflects this influence. Strategically, this approach aims to revitalize the franchise and attract the Evangelion fanbase, positioning GQuuuuuuX as a transgressive, author-driven work.
These cutting mats blend fan service with practical utility. What are your thoughts on this new Gundam merchandise? Let us know in the comments below!
Where to Buy
Explore these stores for a wide variety of kits and figures. Please note that these are general affiliate links to the storefronts and do not necessarily lead to the specific product mentioned in this article. Your purchase directly supports the site.
For Sunstar Bungu Tools on HLJ: Get these cutting mats and other quality tools straight from the source. Shop the latest releases on HobbyLink Japan.
For Amazon Japan: Building your next Gunpla or searching for the latest releases from Japan? Find the widest selection of kits and exclusive figures on Amazon Japan.
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V. Sources
- “A New Addition to the Gundam Series! ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX’” | GUNDAM.INFO. (Accessed July 18, 2025).
- “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Cutter Mat A4 GQuuuuuuX” | HobbyLink Japan. (Accessed July 18, 2025).
- “MECHA” | Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Official Website. (Accessed July 18, 2025).
- “‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-’ Perspective From a Gundam Newbie - Review” | Geeks Of Color. (Accessed July 18, 2025).
- “From the ‘Gundam GQuuuuuuX’ universe, here are 9 stationery items you'll want to collect, like cutting mats and acrylic keychains!” | Dengeki Hobby Web. (Accessed July 18, 2025).
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