This year's new Gundam anime, "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," wrapped up its twelve-episode run at the end of June, drawing in a wave of new fans thanks to its direct continuation of the original "Mobile Suit Gundam" storyline.
Hot off the presses: the latest issue (No. 2465) of the women's gravure weekly "anan" has just been revealed, featuring none other than Char Aznable and Charlien Burel on the cover, with Exavier Olivet gracing the back. The moment the artwork dropped, fans went wild – it's a rare feat for any anime, comic, or game character to land an "anan" cover, let alone three!
"anan" is a venerable Japanese women's magazine, first published in 1970, boasting impressive circulation figures. As a weekly publication, it's easily one of Japan's most popular women's magazines.
While "anan" traditionally features male idols, celebrities, and models on its covers, it's been increasingly showcasing 2D characters since 2014.
For this special edition of "anan" No. 2465, the cover art captures Char and Charlien at the very spot where they first shared a toast. Char, unmasked and revealing his true face, is met with Charlien's gaze. Notably, Char appears here as "Hakusui," his alias during his name-changing escapade, with his hair pulled back. Charlien, meanwhile, holds that memorable bottle of "Left Bank Bordeaux" red wine. This marks the first time Char and Charlien have appeared on a magazine cover in their "Gundam GQuuuuuuX" forms.
Gracing the back cover is the series' original character, Principality of Zeon Ensign Exavier Olivet. He was the initial pilot of "GQuuuuuuX" but couldn't master it, later switching to his custom Gyan and showcasing incredible piloting skills. The illustration places him in a "window scene," a setting frequently mentioned in the show, where he leans against a train window, lost in thought and gazing into the distance, exuding a melancholic vibe distinct from the cover's Char and Charlien.
This issue's special feature also includes an in-depth interview with director Kazuya Tsurumaki, delving into why "Gundam GQuuuuuuX" sparked such a massive buzz. With the anime's broadcast now complete, the director offers a more comprehensive look at the entire production.
Plus, there are interviews with the voice cast, including Tomoyo Kurosawa, who plays protagonist Machu, and Yuki Shin, Shinji Kawada, and Seiichiro Yamashita, who voice Char, Charlien, and Exavier, respectively. They open up about the pressure and responsibility of taking on such iconic roles and share the captivating appeal of the series they experienced through their characters.
Fans are absolutely losing it over this issue's covers! Getting Charlien and Char together on the front, plus the super popular Exavier on the back – not to mention Char's fresh "GQuuuuuuX" look – is definitely a must-have for many. If you're a "GQuuuuuuX" enthusiast, you might want to snag a copy and dive in!