Black Friday Gundam!

Black Friday: Gundam

What is Gundam?

Mobile Suit Gundam is a long-running series that will celebrate its 47th anniversary in 2026.

Attractive characters, captivating mecha, profound stories, and sometimes even controversial settings and themes: these ideas define Gundam!

These intricately intertwined elements have led to the birth of numerous iconic works.

The term "Gundam" refers to both the series, including the Mobile Suit Gundam TV anime and the mobile weapons "Mobile Suits" (MS) that appear in the series, some of which have the name "Gundam."

Since the beginning of the series, there has been long-running debate over what to classify as a gundam, such as 'Mobile Suits that don't include Gundam in their name,' or 'things that have Gundam in their name but are not recognized as Gundam according to the setting of the work,' and there are still many cases where a clear conclusion has not been reached (for examples: Rick Dias, Blue Destiny Unit 1, Gerbera Tetra, F91, SEED-series Gundams, commonly known as Metal Setsuna, etc.)

One theory about the etymology of "Gundam" is that the "dam" in Gundam refers to the "curve of the calf," and this "dam" is what sets Gundam apart from other mobile suits.

Furthermore, a certain work states that the shape, mass, and internal structure of the "dam" are the source of Gundam's strength! (Source: "Tony Takezaki's Gundam Manga" by Tony Takezaki, published in "Gundam Ace")

In addition to video adaptations, numerous fascinating supplemental works have also been developed in comics, novels, and more.

(The completed comic "Mobile Suit Gundam MSV-R: The Return of Johnny Ridden" by Ark Performance is, in my opinion, a masterpiece.)

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The History of Gundam Anime

The Universal Century series, which began with "Mobile Suit Gundam" in 1979, continued to unfold a continuous history and storyline into the sequel series "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam" all the way through to "Mobile Suit V Gundam."

Subsequently, the 'Another Century' sub-series was also developed for works that take place in universes outside of the main 'Universal Century' universe.Currently, over 30 anime series have been produced and released across the Universal Century and Another Century eras, including TV, OVAs, and films.

The stories of the Gundam series, which highlight both realistic war and human drama against a backdrop of mecha action continue to evolve, with new settings and perspectives being added each time a new work releases.

The Appeal of Gunpla

"Gundam Plastic Models" = Gunpla

Developed by Bandai since 1980, the cumulative shipments of Gunplas has now reached over 500 million units. With a variety of scales ranging from 1/144 to 1/60 across a range of different grades, the lineup is extensive, ranging from beginner-friendly models that require no tools to highly challenging, high-quality models with many parts.

Simply assembling the kit creates a kit with a level of completion close to that seen in the series, thanks to the color-coded parts, but another one of Gunpla's charms is the ability to create even higher-quality, unique models by inking, painting, and modifying them. You can also have fun creating original settings and imaginary mecha that do not appear in the series with your own hands.

For example, "What if there was a Char's Custom Hygogg? It would have this color, and this additional booster and equipment!?"

This is the kind of idea that allows that Gunpla series to thrive.

"I'm going to create an original Turn X variation that's perfectly symmetrical and free of the Turn X's flaws!"

"I'm going to paint a Qubeley in Marion Welch's personal colors!"

"This is what the Sieg-Axe's Unit 2, "Gifred," and Units 3 and 4 should look like!"

"This is the Great Zeong! Dearkka Elsmann's personal mobile suit!"

The freedom to bring your imagination (and fantasy) to life is the major attraction of Gunpla.

Types of Gunpla & Gundam Action Figures

If you’re looking to get some Gundam merchandise, you’ve got a few different options.

Although the plastic model kits known as Gunpla might be most popular due to the fun of construction and their range of customization options, even beyond Gunpla, there’s also a wide range of action figures and merchandise available.

HG GQuuuuuuX — **High Grade**
This is the most regularly produced scale at kits, offering a basic and accessible build for beginners to intermediate model kit makers. HG kits typically offer a standard level of detail that can be improved with further customization. Typically HG kits are in 1/144 scale.

1/144 RG Wing Gundam EW — **Real Grade**
Real Grade kits (RG) are a step up from High Grade kits with more detail and a lot more parts, offering a greater challenge and more detail for the intermediate builder.

1/100 MG Gundam Barbatos — **Master Grade**
Master Grades offer an even higher level of detail, usually at a much higher piece count and a larger scale, such as 1/100 scale models.

1/60 PG Perfect Strike Gundam — **Perfect Grade**
Perfect Grades release only infrequently and offer the highest possible range of detail, often at the largest scales of 1/60. .

Gundam Universe RX-0 Unicorn Gundam — **Gundam Universe**
Gundam Universe is a newer series of Gundam posable action figures at around 15cm tall. Gundam universe figures come with a range of accessories and a basic level of articulation.

MSM-03C Hy-Gogg ver. A.N.I.M.E — **Robot Damashii**
Robot Damashii is Bandai’s premier Gundam action figure series, offering a greater level of posability than your standard model kit

Gunpla Recommendations

ν Gundam

(Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack)

The final mobile suit piloted by Amuro Ray. Amuro's personal mobile suit, developed to counter Neo Zeon's Newtype-specific mobile suits. In addition to standard armament, it is equipped with long-range weapons such as fin funnels and also utilizes the new "Psyco Frame" technology introduced by Neo Zeon. Boasting high combat capabilities, it has faced off against everything from mass-produced mobile suits to Newtype-specific mobile suits and giant mobile suits. In the final stages, it engaged in a fierce battle with Char's Sazabi - truly a Gundam that is "not just for show."

Freedom Gundam

(Mobile Suit Gundam SEED)

A Gundam-type mobile suit developed by ZAFT. It was seized by protagonist Kira Yamato and subsequently featured in SEED DESTINY until the middle of the series. It demonstrated overwhelming combat power from the moment it first appeared.

Its nuclear engine and N-jammer canceller enable long-term operation, while its multi-lock-on system allows for simultaneous multi-target attacks. Its distinctive features include a large-caliber weaponry mounted on its back and waist. And best of all—the combination of its spread wings and T.M.Revolution's "Meteor" is incredibly cool!

00 QAN[T]

(Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Awakening of the Trailblazer)

A GN Drive-equipped mobile suit belonging to Celestial Being. The suit piloted by protagonist Setsuna F. Seiei to achieve "the eradication of conflict through dialogue."

Equipped with a Twin Drive, it charges into the ELS core alone. Its Sword Bits deploy a GN Field, ensuring complete defense. With quantumization capabilities, it boasts extremely high offensive power and mobility. Its slender body proportions and asymmetrical design are truly beautiful.

Sazabi

(Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack)

The final mobile suit piloted by Char, the Neo Zeon Commander-in-Chief's personal mobile suit. With its red armor, distinctive horns, abdominal mega particle cannon, beam tomahawk, and funnels, it exudes an overwhelming presence.

The best MS of its time, worthy of being used exclusively by the Commander-in-Chief! (While leaving aside the question of whether the Commander-in-Chief should be deployed on the front lines.)

In the final battle with Amuro Ray, an unprecedented deadly battle unfolds, from funnel combat to hand-to-hand combat!

--Good, the basis of combat is hand-to-hand combat!

Wing Gundam Zero [Custom]

(Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz)

A new design for the Wing Zero that appeared in the sequel to "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing." It features a unique style with a white base and angelic wings. The scene in the final episode of the TV series in which the Wing Zero destroys Libra with its Twin Buster Rifle is replaced by the Zero Custom in "Endless Waltz."

Dijeh

(Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam)

This is the mobile suit that Amuro Ray piloted the longest (though there are various theories). Belonging to the anti-Earth Federation organization Karaba, it served on land in missions such as Kilimanjaro and Dakar.

Even though Amuro piloted it, its mono-eye design is striking and gives it a unique charm. (Amuro also piloted mono-eye mobile suits, such as the Rick Diaz and, in the novel, the Sturm Diaz.)

In MSV-R Johnny Ridden's Return, Char's Dijeh appears. The Dijeh is painted red and is equipped with the Sturm Diaz's backpack and Neo Zeon-style gear, making it a popular choice in the series.

Psyco Gundam Mk-II

(Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam - Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ)

The mobile suit piloted by the Titans' cyborg, Rosamia Badam. Its overwhelming firepower comes from its omnidirectional diffusion mega particle cannon. After its destruction, its remains were recovered and repaired by Neo Zeon under Haman Karn and deployed to Glemy Toto's forces.

Piloted by Neo Zeon's cyborg Ple Two, it tormented the ZZ Gundam. With features such as transformation into Mobile Fortress form and beam reflection using Reflector Bits, it demonstrates full capabilities not seen in the Titans era.

Gundam F91

(Mobile Suit Gundam F91)

A departure from the trend of large, high-powered mobile suits, this next-generation protagonist mobile suit pursues a more compact design. Manufactured by Sanary, it is equipped with a biosensor and a VESBAR (movable beam cannon).

In the story, it is referred to locally as "Gundam," and is often the subject of debate over whether it can be called a Gundam. A mass-produced version (F91 Kai) also exists, featuring a blue color scheme, but the design remains largely unchanged.

Gundam Double X

(After War Gundam X)

"As long as the moon is out, I can fire!" This ultra-high-powered Gundam boasts twin satellite cannons.

It debuts under the title "Ghost of the 15th Year," and the shadows in its front view in the opening credits are those of a villainous Gundam! This newly constructed unit incorporates the system of the X2 unit piloted by Jamil Neet. Its twin satellite cannons deliver one-hit kill firepower.

Reborns Gundam

(Mobile Suit Gundam 00 2nd Season)

A transforming mobile suit equipped with a pseudo-sun reactor twin drive developed for Ribbons Almark.

Said to be a combination of two mobile suits—the 1 Gundam and the GN Cannon—this versatile mobile suit is capable of handling a wide range of combat, from close-range to long-range, even all-range attacks.

Despite being a villainous mobile suit, it boasts a beautiful, refined silhouette.

Destiny Gundam Spec II

(Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM)

This is a modified and enhanced version of the Destiny piloted by Shin Asuka, the protagonist of "SEED DESTINY" (though dissenting opinions are welcome).

In the final battle, it displays unprecedented powers, including the Zeus Silhouette and clone attacks.

Its villainous face is undeniably cool!

Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina

(Mobile Suit Gundam SEED ASTRAY)

The Gold Frame's damaged right arm was repaired with the Duel Gundam's right arm and equipment, the Triceros.

This allowed it to use the Duel Gundam's stealth function, the Mirage Colloid. Subsequently, with a black-based color scheme, various additional equipment, and enhanced details, it has evolved into a machine with an almost "demonic" silhouette, while retaining some of its original form.

Recommendations for Beginners

Take your first step and try out Gunpla with an ENTRY GRADE kit.

Entry Grade kits offer a simple building process without the need for tools, but still result in a cool looking Gundam for your collection. It's the perfect place to start!

Next, we recommend choosing your favorite Gundam from the series or movie you like most, and looking for a Gunpla of it from the HIGH GRADE series. Building your favorite Gunpla with your own hands will give you an even greater sense of accomplishment. Even if you're unfamiliar with the series, choosing a kit based on its appearance is also a great way to enjoy it!

If you want a larger, more detailed kit, step up to REAL GRADE, MASTER GRADE, & PERFECT GRADE! Although the lineup is smaller than HG, the level of detail and gimmicks is exceptional.

For example, we recommend collecting and displaying the same Gunpla released in EG, HG, RG, and MG grades, such as the RX-78-2 Gundam, Strike Gundam, and Wing Gundam.