Ever since the 1970s, Mobile Suit Gundam has continued to be one of the most popular anime franchises in Japan. This has seen it compared to the status of Star Wars in America, and given how much media and merchandise its spawned, the comparison is pretty accurate. In fact, the most popular part of the series may no longer be any of the anime, but the plastic model kits of the famed mobile suits.
Referred to as "Gunpla," or Gundam plastic models, the figures come in all sorts of sizes and grades which usually correspond to how difficult they are to construct. While the diminutive SD Gundam are usually on the cheap and easy-to-build side, Master and Perfect Grade figures can consume both a fan's time and funds. Here's a look at some of the coolest and most breathtaking Gundam models available, some of which may cost a penny as pretty as themselves.
Perfect Grade Unicorn Gundam Unit 2 Banshee Norn
This impressive figure represents the RX-0 Banshee Norn as it was seen in the climax of the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn OVA. Piloted by Riddhe Marcenas, the Norn was equipped with all manner of Armed Armor, as well as a Beam Magnum, Beam Saber and Rocket Launcher. These weapons are all represented in this figure, along with blasts of energy to showcase explosive action.
The figure also has a show-accurate green psycho frame that dots different points of its body. If that and the metallic green decals aren't enough, there are even LEDs to make the model all the more majestic. For this reason, the Perfect Grade figure is a lot less than affordable to most budgets, running for over $700 on Amazon.
Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Hana Metal Build
The Metal Build Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Hana looks like a gigantic mechanical knight, which fits, given that it appeared in the manga Mobile Suit Gundam SEED ASTRAY Princess of the Sky. The Gundam was piloted by Lath Winslet and Kazahana Aja, it was based on and essentially a lighter colored version of the Amatsu Mina. Part of the Bandai Spirits Metal Build series, this isn't a constructible model like Gunpla figurines. Instead, it comes completely assembled in the box, but that doesn't make it any less impressive.
Over seven inches high, the figure's die-cast construction makes it look more fitted for a museum than a toy shelf. Likewise, it's armed to the teeth with the Gundam's weapons from the manga, including numerous swords, spears, and the Tsumuha no Tachi claw. Unfortunately, with all of that die-cast construction, the price is a bit on the steep side. Fans can purchase this figure for nearly $450 before tax.
Premium Limited Perfect Grade Trans-Am Raiser
Released to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the Perfect Grade Raiser in Trans-Am stands out for its Rose Gold color scheme. As strange as this might look for a weapon of war, the rest of the figure more than makes up for it. The model has tons of beam sabers, swords and shields, not to mention LEDs that shine green to contrast the metallic pink color scheme.
The figure's jetpack driver can also separate to become a jet, essentially making it two figures in one. Those looking to get a bargain for them, however, will be surely disappointed — the figure runs for over $400.
Plated Coating Wing Gundam Zero
One of the most iconic Gundam designs is that of the Wing Gundam Zero from Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. An upgraded take on the preceding TV series' main Gundam, Heero Yuy's new Gundam had seemingly organic feathered wings. The figure not only features plastic plumage but the suit's signature Double Buster Rifle.
One of Bandai's Hi-Resolution Model Kits, the figure is packaged as a pre-assembled skeletal frame that the rest of the Gundam is then built around by the consumer. The metallic matte finish also gives the model high quality, CGI-esque sheen, setting it apart from the various other reproductions of the design. This artistic take on the Wing Zero runs for $400.
TAMASHII NATIONS Strike Freedom Gundam
This incredible Gundam figure isn't courtesy of any mainline Gunpla series, but instead Bandai's Tamashii Nations line. These toys bring to life characters and scenes from a number of different popular culture hits, including Star Wars, Monster Hunter, Dragon Ball Z and, of course, Gundam. This particular collectible represents Kira Yamato's Strike Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.
As is always the case for the line, the figure boasts tons of malleability, with Tomo Shigeta, the series' mechanical design director, overlooking the toy's production to ensure the utmost accuracy. These include its array of beam weapons and its gigantic wingspan. Nearly $700, this Gundam collector's dream demands a steep price for its amazing anime accuracy.
Perfect Grade Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex Narrative Version
Easily the coolest Gundam figure out there, not to mention the most costly, is the Perfect Grade Unicorn Phenex Narrative Version. From the Mobile Suit Gundam NT anime, the Phenex's gold finish is an instant eye-catcher. Matching this is the blue LEDs that crackle throughout the frame, giving the image that the figure is truly bursting with power. It also has the Gundam's iconic armed shield wings, which are cast with the same color scheme.
The true majesty of this awesome figure is still somewhat mysterious, as the images of it so far are actually only prototypes. The figure will officially release in March 2021, and will only be available through certain retailers, none of which will be brick and mortar hobby shops. While Bandai has it listed for a fairly expensive $550 to pre-order, BigBadToyStore's even more monetarily monstrous $799.99 makes the figure without a doubt worth its weight in gold.
