Imagine giant robots, piloted by brave heroes, fighting epic battles across the galaxy. That’s the world of Gundam! For decades, this incredible series has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. But if you’re new to Gundam, or just looking to dive deeper, you might feel a little lost.
The universe of Gundam is vast. There are so many different series, timelines, and mobile suit designs! It can be tough to know where to start, or even how to choose which Gundam models to build. You might wonder which ones are the most iconic, or which stories are the most exciting.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll explore what makes Gundam so special, break down some of the key series, and even give you tips on picking your first (or next!) Gundam kit. Get ready to discover the amazing world of these piloted war machines!
Top Of Gundam Recommendations
- From New Mobile Report Gundam Wing, Wing Gundam appears in the ENTRY GRADE lineup
- Includes all signature armaments. Realistic color separation achieved without stickers
- Excellent articulation for a wide range of poses
- Easy snap-fit assembly with touch-gate parts — no nippers needed!
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- PRE-ORDER NOW and Early Unlock Earth Blue Color Customization
- LAUNCH EDITION includes Base game + reversible, cover art, 11x17 poster, and Gundam card game promo card (1 design)
- BECOME THE PILOT YOU WERE BORN TO BE - Step into the cockpit as the pilot of Gundam Helix and join a rag tag crew of unsung soldiers as humanity faces a powerful unknown threat.
- FIGHT YOUR WAY THROUGH FAST AND INTENSE BATTLES - Take control and jump into fast and hard-hitting melee combat. Every fight rewards skill, mastery, and quick, decisive action as you push your Gundam to its limits.
- YOUR NEW GUNDAM EXPERIENCE BEGINS HERE - The cinematic story of GUNDAM ROGUE ORBIT is a daring new chapter in the GUNDAM saga, built as the perfect entry point for new players and a thrilling evolution for longtime fans.
- The highest "metal expression" in the history of Gunpla -EXTREME METALLIC COMBINAITON-
- A kit with the most number of linked frame articulation gimmicks in MG History that enables the poses you imagine
- The true value of the Golden Frame is unleashed through gimmicks
- A variety of armaments with numerous gimmicks are included. Paper-crafted runner stand inlcuded to assist in assembly
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- NO GLUE: All of the parts can be easily put together without any glue
- EASY COLOR RECREATION: The one and only technology that enables four colors to be available in one set of parts, which we call it “runner”
- RELIABLE HIGH QUALITY: We strive to use our experience and technology to deliver high-quality products to our users around the world
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- From "Mobile Fighter G Gundam", "God Gundam" appears in RG! Pursuing the largest range of motion in the history of RG by incorporating the human body structure as a test of the actual machine!
- Pursue movements that trace the human body unique to mobile fighters. With the advanced MS joints introduced in the shoulders and wrists, you can reproduce the characteristic "arms crossed" pose
- Equipped with a movable axis on the base of the nail and the thumb cover to reproduce the god finger. Original arranged sun effect is included
- [Set Contents]: God Slash x 2, Hand parts x 1 formula, Sun wheel effect connection joint x 1, PET sheet (sun effect) x 1, Realistic decal x 1
- Only product with affixed official Bandai Namco label has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets all North American consumer product safety regulations and entitles the purchaser to product support assistance
- From the 2015 animated TV series, "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans," one of the 300 year old Gundam machines originally from the Calamity War appears as an articulated model kit!
- Includes mace, sword, and alternate arm parts to recreate its 1st form appearance in the TV series
- Can utilize armor and weapons from sold separately option part sets and also other kits in the High Grade Iron-Blooded Oprhans series
- Runner x 7, sticker x 1, Instruction Manual x1
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Gundam Model
Are you ready to build your very own giant robot? Gundam models, also known as Gunpla, offer a fantastic way to dive into the world of anime and engineering. This guide will help you pick the perfect Gundam for your collection.
Key Features to Look For
When you start looking at Gundam models, you’ll see different types. Knowing what makes them special helps you choose.
1. Grade
This tells you how detailed and complex the model is. Think of it like different skill levels for building.
- High Grade (HG): These are great for beginners. They have fewer parts and are easier to put together. They still look really cool!
- Master Grade (MG): These are a step up. They have more parts, better articulation (meaning the robot can move its arms and legs more ways), and often include an inner frame.
- Perfect Grade (PG): These are the biggest and most detailed. They have tons of tiny parts and are for experienced builders. They are like the ultimate Gundam challenge.
- Real Grade (RG): These are known for their amazing detail and articulation in a smaller HG-sized package. They often have a pre-built inner frame.
2. Scale
Scale tells you how big the model is compared to the real thing (in the anime). The most common scales are 1/144 (for HG and RG) and 1/100 (for MG and some HG). Bigger scale usually means more detail and more pieces.
3. Articulation
This is how well the model can move. More articulation means you can pose your Gundam in many dynamic and exciting ways. Think action poses from the anime!
Important Materials
Most Gundam models are made from plastic. The type of plastic affects how easy it is to build and how durable the model is.
- Polystyrene: This is the most common plastic used. It’s strong enough for building and posing.
- Soft Plastic: Some parts, like flexible skirts or shoulder armor, might be made from a softer plastic to prevent them from breaking easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a Gundam model great or not so great.
What Makes a Gundam Great:
- Snap-fit parts: These parts click together without glue, making building much easier and cleaner.
- Pre-colored parts: Many modern kits have parts molded in different colors. This means you don’t *have* to paint them to make them look good.
- Detailed instructions: Clear, step-by-step instructions are a lifesaver, especially for beginners.
- Good articulation: As mentioned, being able to pose your Gundam makes it much more fun.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Loose joints: If the parts don’t fit snugly, the model might not hold its pose well.
- Flash: This is extra plastic that sticks out from a part. You need to carefully cut it off.
- Poor panel lines: These are the lines that give the robot its mechanical look. If they are shallow or uneven, the detail suffers.
User Experience and Use Cases
Building and displaying Gundam models is a hobby that many people enjoy.
For Beginners:
Start with High Grade kits. They are forgiving and give you a great sense of accomplishment. You can build them while watching the anime for a really immersive experience.
For Enthusiasts:
Master Grade and Real Grade kits offer more challenge and reward. You can spend hours carefully assembling them, painting them, and adding custom touches. They look amazing on a shelf.
For Display:
Once built, Gundam models are fantastic display pieces. You can create battle scenes or recreate iconic moments from the shows. They add a cool, futuristic vibe to any room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gundam Models
Q: What is the easiest Gundam to build?
A: High Grade (HG) kits are generally the easiest. They have fewer parts and are designed for beginners.
Q: Do I need glue to build a Gundam?
A: Most modern Gundam kits are snap-fit, meaning you don’t need glue. You might want glue for more advanced techniques or repairs.
Q: What tools do I need to build a Gundam?
A: You’ll need a hobby knife or nippers to cut parts from the sprue (the plastic frame they come on), and possibly sandpaper for smoothing.
Q: What is a “sprue”?
A: A sprue is the frame that holds all the plastic parts for the model. You cut the individual pieces off the sprue.
Q: Can I paint my Gundam model?
A: Yes! Many people love to paint their Gundams to add custom colors and details. However, many kits look good without painting.
Q: How big are Gundam models?
A: They come in different scales. 1/144 scale models are usually about 5-6 inches tall, while 1/100 scale models are bigger.
Q: What’s the difference between HG and MG?
A: HG kits are simpler and smaller, great for beginners. MG kits are more complex, detailed, and larger, offering a more advanced building experience.
Q: Where can I buy Gundam models?
A: You can find them at hobby shops, online retailers, and sometimes in larger toy stores.
Q: What does “articulation” mean for Gundam?
A: Articulation means how well the model’s parts can move and bend, allowing you to pose it in different ways.
Q: Are Gundam models expensive?
A: Prices vary a lot depending on the grade and size. HG kits are usually the most affordable, while Perfect Grade kits can be quite expensive.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!