Gunpla

Gundam Models refers to plastic and non-plastic model kits depicting the mechas, vehicles and characters of the fictional Mobile Suit Gundam universe. These kits have become popular among anime fans and model-lovers, especially in Japan and in other nearby Asian countries since 1980s. The popularity of Gundam models increased in the 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. These Gundam Models may also be called Gunpla (ガンプラ, Ganpura), a portmanteau of "Gundam plastic model". "Gunpla" more commonly refers to the practice of building Gundam models, rather than the models themselves.

History

Late 1970s - 1980s

Mobile Suit Gundam debuted in 1979 and the first Gunpla kits came in 1980, following the show's cancellation. Models produced during this era were considered non-graded models. Parts came in up to 3 different colored sprues. They lacked articulation and detail and required glue and paint to build and finish.

Following the completion of the TV series line, Bandai introduced the MSV (Mobile Suit Variation) line, featuring alternate variants of the series' mobile suits. One of the highlights of the line was the RX-78 Perfect Gundam, which introduced System Injection (a process where one sprue - sometimes even one part - was molded in multiple colors), which minimized the need to paint the model.

Mid 1980s - 1990s

Following a line of kits from the Round Vernian Vifam series, the 1985 Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam kit line incorporated the use of polycaps. These kits, although still needing glue to build, featured polycaps (soft plastic, typically Polyethylene) as connectors for better articulation of joints. The Gundam Sentinel model line introduced the concept of snap together models, and starting from the Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack line, all Gunpla kits feature snap-fit assembly with many incorporating System Injection molding.

In 1990, Bandai introduced the High Grade (HG) line, which featured newer 1:144 scale versions the RX-78-2 Gundam, the RX-178 Gundam Mk. II, the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam and the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam. Each kit boasted exceptional detail and articulation, as well as features normally found in their larger-scale versions such as the Gundam's Core Block System and the Zeta's transformation feature. Since then, the HG line has become the top-end range of the 1:144 Gunpla series, as well as middle-range for 1:100 and 1:60 scales.

Beginning with Mobile Suit Victory Gundam in 1993, a unified set of polycap joints was created for smaller scale models that allowed easy mass production of models that all shared the same basic skeletal frame. This standardization allowed Bandai to release more models over a shorter period. As a result, the Gundam shows of the '90s usually received sizable 1:144 model lines. These were all of similar quality, with some attention to colors molded in the right area, a reasonable level of detail for their price point, and mobility as such that all major joints had at least some degree of mobility.

In 1995, the 1:100 Master Grade (MG) line was introduced. This line featured more parts, better detail and improved articulation than past kits of the same scale. Following the release of the Perfect Grade Evangelion, Bandai introduced the 1:60 Perfect Grade (PG) line to the Gundam series. To date, the PG line is the most expensive of all Gunpla lines.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise in 1999, Bandai released 1:144 First Grade (FG) kits of mobile suits from the original series. Marketed as budget models, these snap-fit kits featured the simplicity of the original kits, but with more modern designs.

2000s

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED introduced a new type of a non-graded model, with a completely different design plan. While these still featured snap-fit and color molding, they omit major joints, opting instead to only allow critical pieces to move - typically the neck, hips, shoulders, and feet. These are budget models, usually retailing much lower than other models, and this line was extensive, covering nearly every machine to be featured in the TV series. Gundam SEED also featured non graded 1:100 models, identical in quality to Bandai's High Grade offerings.

In 2010, Bandai released the 1:48 Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam kit. This kit features many innovations that make it easy to assemble for first-time Gunpla collectors. For example, the parts are attached to sprue gates thin enough to break without the need to use of plastic cutters, and excess gate plastic can be removed from the parts without using a hobby knife. some sprues have been designed to snap together for easy and quick removal of assembled parts.

Also in 2010 Bandai released a completely new line of 1/144 Model Kits, Real Grade, the first 1/144 scale of its kind to support its own inner frame, (a full internal skeleton upon which the armor is added). The first kit released along this line was a revamped version of the RX-78-2 in May of 2010.

Plastic

Plastic Gundam model kits are manufactured by Bandai in Japan (or China) which has an exclusive license in manufacturing and marketing them around the world, the first of them being sold in 1980 in Japan. The models are typical of Plastic model; frames of injection-molded Polystyrene (PS) parts which must be cut out of the frame before assembly. The majority of post-1990 models have snap-fit parts, with models prior to that requiring an adhesive such as plastic cement. Plastic Gundam models kits are typically supplied with stickers and sometimes decals to apply extra colors and markings as seen in popular media such as TV shows, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower-grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance, due to color discrepancies.

The kits range in different scales with the most popular scales being: 1:550 , 1:220, 1:144, 1:100 and 1:60, and more recently the 1:35 (UC HardGraph) line. Generally in real world terms, kits range from 4~5 inches for small-scale models, 6 to 8 inches for mid-scale models, and 12 inches for big-scale models, although these sizes vary from model to model. With a few exceptions, all currently produced kits bear grade ratings that give a good idea about their final quality. The following lists the most well-known and common categories with humanoid designs (very roughly) in their order of quality, from lowest to highest.

Please note that other categories, such as EX Model, do exist. Additionally, Bandai often produces limited-run kits for special events such as JAFCON or C3 conventions. These have different packaging, and usually only differ from their common counterparts in that they are metal-plated or made of translucent plastic.

Scales and grades

Super Deformed

Not based on any particular scale, the super deformed style features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. Super Deformed Gundam kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited articulation and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi (or "SD GUNDAM BB Warriors" in English). There are also separate product lines: for instance, Superior Defender Gundam Force and Ganso SD Gundam (discontinued in the 1990s). Most kits of this line are from the Musha Gundam series and the Knight Gundam series.

Speed Grade

Bandai put the First "Speed Grade" Gundam Model kits into production in 2007. They are packaged in a bag, and come with minimal, pre-colored and painted pieces and a display stand. The kits are in the 1/200 scale. The Speed Grade series of kits are made in China, not Japan with lower quality. Only two waves of kits were produced; the first (RX-78-2 and Wing) were sold in foil bags whilst the second (Zeta Gundam and God Gundam) were sold in thin cardboard boxes. The line was unpopular, with stores often unable to move the line even at discounted prices.

1:144 scale

The very first kits have been running for 20 years (starting with RX-78-2 Gundam) and are routinely re-released by Bandai. These kits with limited poseable quality require adhesive and paint. These had retroactively been categorized as NG (No Grade), to differentiate them from FG (First Grade).

Limited Edition 1:144 scale

1:144 scale No-Grade kits based on certain mobile suits and mobile armour in New Mobile Report: Gundam Wing and After War: Gundam-X, as well as a single unit from Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team. These are called Limited Model (LM) kits since it consists of various mobile units and at least one support aircraft, aside from being produced in limited numbers only. These kits needed paint to finish the model. Only known mobile units to have an LM kit are: OZ-06MS Leo, OZ-012SMS Taurus Custom, DT-6800A Daughtress, RMS-006G Jenice Custom, GS-9900 G-Falcon, and the RB-79K Ball Ka.

First Grade

Introduced in 1999, these kits feature plastic internal joints that don't use polycaps. Initially only three model kits were produced (RX-78-2 Gundam, MS-06 Zaku II Mass-Production Type, and MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type Char Aznable custom), however this line is re-introduced in mid-2007 to accommodate the four Gundams from Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (and later GN-000 0 Gundam). The 00 form of the line was cancelled in favour of making BB Senshi versions of the designs. The first FGs contain integrated joints and are all colored in their pre-dominant color (painting is required), while the latest doesn't require cutters to remove parts from their specific gates, are multi-colored and includes polycaps for joints.

High Grade 1:144 scale

Later the quality of the molding improved and HG (High Grade) level kits were introduced in 1990, starting from the titular mobile suits of the first four TV series. These limited-run kits featured full snap fit assembly, some sort of an "internal frame" (for the first two kits, which provides better range of motion and were more poseable), and utilized a new molding (but more expensive) technique known as System Injection, wherein multiple colors would be cast on the same part.

These were kits have since been produced from the mid-90s onward and feature better quality plastic and details as well as snap-fit assembly. While the practice of applying multiple colors to a single part did not continue due to quality control issues, from this line onwards parts were given in multiple colors even if they are on one sprue or frame.

It would later lend its name to the more advanced High Grade Universal Century, and more recently High Grade Gundam 00.

High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)

High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) is a line of 1:144 scale Gundam model kits based on units found in Gundam productions set in the Universal Century timeline. First introduced in May 1999, the HGUC line represented an opportunity to release older and more-obscure mobile weapons in model kit form using up-to-date designs and plastic injection molding technology.

The HGUC line represented the chance to release many upgraded designs for the first time in kit form with modern injection molding technology. These are of good quality, and new designs plus model improvements continue to be introduced into this line even today. This grade is largely considered to be the rightful heir of the original HG line.

This line has grown in complexity and detail, with some kits boasting full internal skeletons similar to those previously found only in higher-grade models. The vast majority of these kits require only the tools needed to remove parts from the runners. Gluing and painting is not necessary, although many model builders continue do so.

The layout of the boxart, including the lineup numbering, are shared with the other Gundam Timelines after #108 (D-50C Loto (twin set), from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn). However, all Universal Century units from the line are mobile suits on or before U.C. 0096 and over 50% of the units are from the One Year War (including variations).

High Grade Across the Universal Century

1:144 kits based on the remaining Gundam series not based on Universal Century, Cosmic Era, nor Anno Domini (Gundam 00) Eras. These kits are set to be as an extension of the current HGUC line and will continue the numbering of HGUC. First of these kits are the Gundam X (#109; from After War Gundam X), God Gundam (#110; from Mobile Fighter G Gundam).

High Grade Fighting Action

1:144 kits based on the models seen in the OVA and movie New Mobile Report: Gundam Wing Endless Waltz. It is called "Fighting Action" since their respective models include certain parts (usually additional chest parts depicted bending forward) to recreate their "signature" action poses depicted at their respective box arts.

High Grade Gundam SEED

1:144 kits based on the models seen in the C.E. productions, mainly Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Astray, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73 Stargazer. They are considered equivalent in quality to earlier HGUC models.

High Grade Gundam SEED MSV

Same as the kits from the High Grade Gundam SEED line, now based from the mobile suits from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED MSV.

High Grade Gundam 00

1:144 kits based on the units in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, currently about 30 units have been announced to be released in this series. Unlike HG Gundam SEED, more advanced skills which has been previously applied on recent models in High Grade Universal Century has been used.

1:100 scale

Just like the 1:144 scale model kits, these kits started about the same time with the very first 1:144 model kits, again starting from RX-78-2 Gundam. "Generic" 1:100 kits may also be called "No-Grade" (NG 1:100) to differentiate from other specific 1:100 kits. Later kits (from Turn-A Gundam onwards) are clearly inspired from the post-HG 1:100 kits and features a similar (or greater) level of quality and detail.

High Grade 1:100 scale

Much like their 1:144 counterpart, these models offer much more detail than a "regular" 1:100 scale kit. These model kits can be identified by the HG logo at the box to differentiate them from other 1:100 scale model kits.

Beginning with Victory Gundam in 1993, the HG line would shift to relatively well detailed larger scale kits in the 1:100 scale. There were need for little painting and detailing. These applied for the 1:100 scale models produced between 1993 and 1998, including Victory Gundam, G Gundam, Gundam Wing, Gundam X, and New Mobile Report: Gundam Wing Endless Waltz. Each TV series would receive on average between 6 to 8 models in this scale and grade.

Designer's Color Version 1:100 scale

Only introduced in 1:100 Gundam 00 model kits, a Designer's Color Version kit is a recolored version of an original 1:100 model with added weaponry, an alternate color scheme chosen by the designers themselves (with a lighter hue compared to the original), and special water-slide decals as well. Most of the polycaps are replaced by stronger, mist-clear PVC polycaps that can support weight better, and also allow for placing a special LED into the chest which illuminates the head of the model. The only models in the series so far is the GN-0000 + GNR-010 00-Raiser, GN-006 Cherudim Gundam, GN-007 Arios Gundam, and GN-008/9 Seravee/Seraphim Gundam.

Master Grade

File:MG MSA-0011-Ext- Ex-S Gundam.jpg

MG Ex-S Gundam kit.

File:MG MSA-0011-Ext- Ex-S Gundam complete.jpg

Ex-S Gundam kit when fully assembled.

1:100 kits, Master Grade (MG) models were first introduced in the summer of 1995, designed and made to higher standards than most other models. These take much longer to construct and are often much more expensive than their lower-grade counterparts.

These kits consists of features similar to those of the HG and HGUC but better. This line of plastic kits was the first to feature a movable inner frame system which enables extensive movement and bending of joints. The popularity of this line was so great that a lot of old and new kits from non-graded series were cast as Master Grade models.

MG models are very presentable even straight from the box, but like previous grades can be improved through further detailing and painting. A notable design difference from lower grades is that MG models are supported by a detailed endoskeleton of sorts (known as the "inner frame system"), which most if not all external features attach onto; in comparison, most lower-grade models simply support their own weight as it is. Some require screws and usually come with decals.

The vast majority of MG offerings are from Gundam, with the rest coming from mechas in Patlabor and Dunbine, as well as character figure of Dragonball Z (under the name of MG Figurerise). As the MG line has become a symbol of Gunpla, Bandai released another lineup called Real Robot Revolution (R3), for the non-Gundam type real robots like Layzner and L-Gaim, made using their experience in MG model production.

Master Grade Crystal Model

1:100 Master Grade kits that wholly consists of clear parts (except the polycaps and certain components such as mesh tubes, screws, etc.), hence the name Crystal Model. First appeared in October 1996, only 3 types of kits were produced. They are RX-78-2 Gundam, MS-06F/J Zaku II Mass-Production Type, and MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type (Char Aznable custom). Note that these kits are the crystal version of their respective MG version 1.0 models.

Gundam 20th Anniversary Edition

In line with the celebration of Mobile Suit Gundam's 20th anniversary, Bandai produced metallic plating versions of certain MG kits. First produced in July 1998, it only features 6 mobile suits in Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. These mobile suits are: RX-78-2 Gundam (ver. 1.0), MS-06F/J Zaku II Mass-Production Type (ver. 1.0), MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type (Char Aznable custom) (ver. 1.0), RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01 "Zephyrantes" full-vernian type, RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A "Physalis", and MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam (ver. 1.0). Aside from metallic-plated parts (except the polycaps and other related parts), these kits also featured unpainted figures of their respective pilots (except for the Zaku II F/J which featured a generic Zeon pilot figure).

Master Grade 10th Anniversary Model

In line with the 10th anniversary of the Master Grade line, Bandai produced another kit of RX-78-2 Gundam (ver. 1.0), this time in predominant red and white colors and with new sets of marking decals which commemorates the E.F.S.F.'s victory over Zeon in the One Year War. According to the data from the kit, this Gundam is remade from RGM-79 GM (since the original RX-78-2 was destroyed in that war) and used in official ceremonies only.

Master Grade "Version Katoki"

These kits (known as MG "ver. Ka") are designed by mechanical designer Hajime Katoki as official redesigns of the original units designed by Kunio Okawara, and later as original designs from other series.

Master Grade Version 2.0

This kits are reengineered and redesigned versions of previous kits in the Master Grade line. They offer an extensive inner frame and articulation that was unachievable by their predecessors. Preceded by the Gundam ver. 1.5, the first ver. 2.0 kits were the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II ver. 2.0 (AEUG and Titans colors) and MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam ver 2.0 of Zeta Gundam series. Subsequent models in this line came from Mobile Suit Gundam and include Zeon variants.

Master Grade "One Year War" Versions

After Bandai produced the MG kit of the "One Year War" PS2 game version of the RX-78-2 Gundam, they also produced 3 more kits of that same version. They are MS-06F/J Zaku II Mass-Production Type, MS-07B Gouf, MS-09 Dom, MS-14S Gelgoog Commander Type (Char Aznable custom), and RX-78-2 Gundam (in its original anime colors). Only the Gundam in the line featured new construction-only including the leg internals from the previous version of the kit. The rest of the line are no more than reissues of their respective kits in game-accurate color schemes.

Master Grade "Hyper-Mode" Version

This line includes the GF13-017NJII God Gundam and the GF13-001NHII Master Gundam. All frames and body are painted with shining gold and certain parts are coated in gold chrome.

Master Grade "Extra-Finish" Version

The kits in this line includes "extra-finish" metallic (chrome) coating parts on the outside. Only kits are the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam, YMS-15 Gyan and ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam.

Master Grade Special Versions

Along with the regular version, special versions were also available which may include additional/plated parts and "special effect parts". These include the ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam "Full-Burst Mode", the ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam "Extreme Blast Mode", and the GN-001 Gundam Exia "Ignition Mode".

Master Grade "HD Color" editions

Coinciding with the release of the original Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam on BluRay, Bandai released the MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki and "version 2.0" MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam and RX-178 Gundam Mk.-II (AEUG and Titans colors) kits in "HD Color" editions, featuring a glossy finish and metallic water-slide decals identical to the markings seen in the box art for the BD sets.

1:60 scale

High Grade EX

1:60 kits from various eras. These kits are enhanced High Grade models with extra details and LED gimmicks. These models are known for having ridiculous amounts of panel line detail, more so than the Real Detail line and even several Perfect Grade kits. Only 3 HGEX kits have been made to date: the LM314V21 Victory 2 Gundam, GF13-017NJ "Shining Gundam", and GF13-017NJII "God Gundam".

Real Detail

1:60 kits based on designs seen in the Gundam SEED, Gundam SEED Destiny and the Gundam 00 series. Although much larger than most of their brethren, Real Detail designs are functionally scaled-up HG models with slightly-improved detail and enhanced poseability.

Real Detail "Lighting Edition"

1:60 Real Detail kits with embedded lighting. Only applies to 1:60 scale ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam.

Perfect Grade

Upon releasing the Master Grade line, Bandai also created a much more detailed series of figures. The Perfect Grade (also known as PG) model kits comes in standard 1:60 scale but are superbly detailed in terms of color and its inner frame, as well as normally possessing more points of articulation, such as hands that articulate at the knuckles.

Perfect Grade kits are unmatched in sheer quality, but are extremely limited in range, and usually only highly popular kits are serialized in PG 1/60. First released in late 1998, these are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components than the MG kits. These kits include parts that have to be secured with screws, and often require some minor wiring for small LEDs. The market for the Perfect Grade models is limited due to their high cost, often topping $150. Highly complex design makes PG models a true challenge and their construction can take a few days. This line also includes optional parts for certain kits (particularly for RX-78-2 Gundam, MS-06 Zaku II Mass-Production Type and MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type Char Aznable custom) which includes clear armor parts, additional weapons, and light-up beam saber.

The Skygrasper (from Gundam SEED) and the 0-Raiser(from Gundam 00) are the only non-humanoid mobile weapons in this line, while the 0-Raiser is treated as the component of 00-Raiser, the Skygrasper had sold on its own as well as a set with the Strike Rouge.

In addition, most of the guide books in Perfect Grade models usually given a lot of data behind the designs of mecha of working concepts in reference to animation settings. Most of them are unexplained in animation or in official data books.

HY2M "Glorious Series"

1:60 kits from the MS of the Zeon Faction. These kits include multiple embedded LED lighting located on various parts on the body. The only kits released so far are the 1:60 scale of MS-07B Gouf, MS-09R Rick-Dom, and MS-09RS Rick-Dom Commander Type (Char Aznable custom).

1:400 scale

This scale of model is designed for large mobile armours and battle ships in the Gundam Collection line, which the line's ordinary mobile suits are figures, not models. Only extremely large mobile armour needs assembly and can be counted in this line.

This line includes the Big-Zam from Mobile Suit Gundam, RX-78GP03D Gundam GP03 'Dendrobium', AMA-002 Neue Ziel (both mobile armor in a boxset) in Gundam 0083, NZ-000 Quin Mantha in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, and NZ-333 Alpha Azieru in Char's Counterattack.

However, the three semi-assembled battleship in Gundam Collection Line, which are the White Base and Musai from Mobile Suit Gundam, and Ptolemaios from Mobile Suit Gundam 00, are usually not counted.

1:550 scale

High Grade Mechanics

This line was reserved for huge mobile units, as their size in the fiction is such that normal Gundam model scaling would leave them too big for conventional display. As an example, one of the units in this line is the RX-78GP03D Gundam GP03 'Dendrobium', whose 1:144 HGUC counterpart has a gross length of over 1 m. This line's only models are the aforementioned Dendrobium , the AMX-002 Neue Ziel and the MA-06 Val-Walo , all of which are come from the Gundam 0083 production. The series would later be succeeded by the Gundam Collection series.

1:35 scale

UC HardGraph

Unlike most of the other lines mentioned, Universal Century HardGraph does not primarily center around the humanoids of the Gundam universe. Rather, it centers on military things on a more conventional scale such as land vehicles, tanks and troops. However, some kits do include detailed to-scale mecha parts which are particularly useful for the creation of dioramas. For instance, the Anti-MS Squad kit includes an articulated lower Gundam arm.

Other/Mixed Scales

EX Model

Another high-detail line from Bandai, in scales of 1:144 and 1:100 (non-humanoid units like aircraft) and 1:1600/1:1700 (spaceships), ranging from the Universal Century to Cosmic Era productions. This series is not Gundam-exclusive, having models from other series like some of the jet aircraft from Sentō Yōsei Yukikaze and at least one aircraft from Ace Combat 5.

Special Editions

Over the years, Bandai released special limited editions of various kits, usually as competition (such as the yearly Bandai Action Kits Asia (now Universal) Cup held in Hong Kong) prizes, or as an event-limited (such as Japanese toy expos, movie launch premieres) item, although sometimes these kits are sold as limited web-shop items or discreetly sold by Bandai. These kits usually come in clear plastic, metal-plated (certain kits are in so-called 24-k gold finish), "gloss-finish", "pearl-finish", "titanium-finish", or any combination of these. Their prices are usually much higher than their regular-release counterparts.

Non Plastic

Bandai has also released some Gundam garage kit under their branch, B-Club. These models are composed of unpainted resin with no decals provided, often needing modification by the modeler due to the inherent properties of the manufacturing process. While comparably more expensive (some surpassing $400) compared to plastic kits, they offer an unparalleled level of detail for the dedicated and experienced model builder.

A few select kits have also appeared manufactured from metal. These kits are offered by several different manufacturers and most commonly will result in a finished model of about MG level.

These types of models (real detail) usually take days to build.

For display only

For trade shows and toy fairs, Bandai displays some extremely large models in 1:6 or 1:12 scale. True to the scaling, some of these models are well over 5 feet (1.50 m) tall. Although most of these are one off promotional models used for display purposes, Bandai has produced a few of these for commercial purposes under their HY2M line. Notably, these are MS-06S "Zaku II Commander Type" (Char Aznable custom), which is now out of production, and the RX-78-2 "Gundam". These generally retail for approximately $2,000 and are intended to be sold primarily to store owners as display fronts.

See also

• Gundam FIX Figuration

External links

• Bandai Hobby Site Template:Ja icon
• Bandai Hobby Site Template:En icon
• Bandai Action Kits Universal Cup (BAKUC) Online Competition Template:En icon