Definitely a strange design for a Gundam but I can't say I hate it. It's definitely unique.
I did a triple take on the announcement, so it's not only you. It's a weird mix of Transformers x Eureka Seven mechs with a lot more dynamics compared to more 'blocky' gundam designs we know of. Thinking of which, gundam designs has been changing a lot in the past 5 years compared to the previous 50+ years.
Looks a tad bit too busy and gaudy for my tastes, but we will see if it grows on me when seeing it in motion.
I do however hope that the series will be more grounded than these first impressions indicate. Just feeling like the series has moved a bit too much in the super robot direction with these last couple of releases.
Kazuya Tsurumaki (FLCL, Gunbuster 2: Diebuster) is directing the anime, and Yoji Enokido (Bungo Stray Dogs, Sailor Moon Super S, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Ouran High School Host Club) is supervising the series scripts and writing the scripts with Hideaki Anno (Evangelion, Shin Godzilla). Illustrator Take (Katanagatari, Zaregoto, Pokémon Sun & Moon) is designing the characters, and Ikuto Yamashita (Evangelion, Shin Kamen Rider, Yukikaze) is the mechanical designer.
The design doesn't bother me as much. The main Gundam is bound to get multiple upgrades throughout the series anyway so I wouldn't be surprised if this slim shape is meant to reflect its younger, inexperienced pilot just fighting in underground fight club maturing into a more traditional Gundam actually suited for warfare.
Suletta, what the hell are you still doing in the robot?
On a series note, I honestly don't dig this design. Beside the color scheme the suit is completely alien as far as "gundam"-esque design goes. The body is fine-ish as I actually preferred the sleeker design of 00 or all the Frames from IBO, but that head design is possibly the most hideous looking thing ever.
Watching the trailer (though with audio off), definitely was getting FLCL/Disbuster vibes from some of the scenes especially with the character designs. The fight scenes felt very much inline with studio Khara's work in the Eva movies.
