Yesterday I ran across this article on the Anime News Network about a brand new Gundam series that's being produced called Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuux (apparently pronounced g-quax). Here's the trailer for anyone who's interested.

So it looks like this series is going to follow the example of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury and use a female character for the show's lead protagonist. As for whether or not GQuuuuuux will be another phantom yuri anime like G-Witch, it's too soon to tell. From what little there was in the trailer, I'm guessing it won't be, but I'm still interested either way.

One of the head writers for this series, Yoji Enokido was involved with both Sailor Moon Super S and Revolutionary Girl Utena, so I already have a good feeling about this series. For more information on the production staff for this series, you can check out the original ANN article by clicking here.

So anyway, if GQuuuuuux is any indication, it looks like the Gundam franchise is starting to move away from its old formula of kids getting drafted into interstellar conflicts. I for one applaud this change in direction, especially if it means were get more strong female anime characters in the role of lead protagonist. Of course I imagine that there are a few hardcore Gundam fans who are pitching a fit about this. I will admit that the character designs for GQuuuuuux did make me raise an eyebrow.

Still, I think this is one series that I'm going to make an actual effort to stream when it finally comes out.

UPDATE: Just a little correction. A new story about GQuuuuuux on the Anime News Network is now saying that the name is pronounced "g-kwuk". I really hope they explain what that name means in the series.