Gundam Seed Freedom Lucrea Athrun Zala Scale Figure

Since the release of Gundam SEED Freedom few years ago, Athrun Zala has finally received some long-overdue attention. I believe it has been well over a decade since MegaHouse last released a scale figure of one of the most popular protagonists from the Gundam SEED series. Now, the company is bringing Athrun back under its Lucrea lineup, featuring him in his SEED Freedom pilot suit. Scheduled for release in January 2027, the Lucrea Athrun Zala figure will be sold for 8,000 yen.

Considering the current PVC figure market, I expect the overall quality of this Lucrea release to be only slightly above that of a prize figure or a Pop Up Parade figure. Even so, it is still a welcome addition to the merchandise lineup for arguably the most reliable main character in Gundam SEED, especially when compared to the older Banpresto scale figure.

I will definitely be picking one up, as my Metal Build Justice Gundam needs a proper pilot representation, and this option feels far more reasonable than the Premium Bandai S.H.Figuarts release. Given that Cagalli's prototype was recently revealed, I am also fairly confident that Athrun's partner will be joining the Lucrea lineup in the near future.

Mobile Suite Ensemble EX-56 Zeus Silhouette

 
 About less than a month since MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Spec-2 announced, earlier than expected Zeus Silhoutte made it as Gundam Ensemble as well! Released as P-Bandai just like Destiny Gundam, Ensemble Zeus Silhoutte offers the most elaborate alternative for Destiny Zeus Pack in SD proportion for those who can afford it. Scheduled for February 2026, MS Ensemble Zeus Silhoutte will be sold for 6600 Yen.

12100 Yen for P-Bandai item which is MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Zeus Pack set is nothing to scoff at as typical overseas collectors will have to spend at least 150% of the JPY SRP to obtain one. To tell how expensive this set is, you can obtain 3 MG Destiny Gundam or 3 Converge Destiny Zeus Pack or even 2 HG Destiny Zeus for a single set of MS Ensemble version of what is essentially Destiny Gundam Deep Strike pack. Bandai's treatment for Gundam Seed Freedom related merchandise has been rather abysmal and it really signify some sort of internal issues. At this rate Gundam will not last really long after its creators departure.

Gundam SEED G-Frame Dragoon Strike Gundam

Gundam G-Frame candy toys seems to be doing still decently in Japan with another new entry for their P-Bandai candy toys lineup. Debuting in the recent SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, Strike Gundam Dragoon pack makes it as Gundam G-Frame FA! Scheduled for March 2026 release, Dragoon Pack Strike Gundam will be sold for 4950 Yen.

Gundam Wing SHF 1/12 Heero Yuy

 
 It appears that Bandai's release for SHF Gundam Seed protagonists bear satisfactory results that they decide to take another go on making SHF for Gundam characters. This time Gundam Wing earned the honor to have an SHF released for the main character Heero Yuy. Released as P-Bandai item along with Metal Roda Wing Gundam, SHF Heero Yuy will be sold for 9000 Yen SRP.

An action figure for Gundam protagonists would have been very welcomed by Gundam fans including myself but Bandai being greedy once again make SHF Heero Yuy as P-Bandai just like what they did with Athrun Zala.  Personally, I don't think the relatively simple sculpt of Heero Yuy in his iconic singlet and shorts warrant a P-Bandai treatment but Bandai's intention to make quick bucks is very apparent in this one. In some way, Heero's usual getup do make his opponent underestimate him without expecting he is an elite young Black ops who would give any other Gundam protagonists a hard time should he be given initiative to strike. If it is not for the P-Bandai nonsense, I wouldn't actually mind getting Zechs or Treize in their SHF rendition.

Gundam Converge Destiny Gundam Spec II & Zeus Silhouette

 
 I haven't talked about Gundam Converge for such a long time since I preferred Gundam Ensemble as my mainstay. But I do always kept a good look with Converge Mobile Armor as they still prove to be overall better value for money. In this instance, as Gundam Seed Freedom got some nice Converge treatment with Destiny Spec 2 being the candidate along with Zeus Silhoutte Pack. Released as P-Bandai, Converge Destiny Spec 2 w/ Zeus Silhouette will be sold for 7250 Yen SRP.

I might be a huge fanboy for Athrun but Seed Destiny Freedom truly give Destiny Gundam the opportunity to shine as MVP. While I didnt have much impression about Destiny Gundam using Zeus Silhouette pack as Destiny Gundam Kagebunshin Multikill scene overshadows everything. But when the dust have settled down, Zeus Silhouette is quite nice addition to Seed series which basically giving the protagonist gundam a boost in Firepower and Mobility making them essentially a Mobile battleship.

Had the Gundam Converge Destiny Spec II doesn't cost as much compared to its HG counterpart, this particular product would have been very appealing. Considering Bandai did make some converge for larger Mobile Armor for lesser SRP which meant they were capable at this particular department. Bandai also could have released the Zeus Pack separately and makes it compatible with Ensemble Destiny Gundam which would have been one of the best Gundam Candy Toys candidate that Bandai had. For now I will just keep a lookout for another promising Gundam Seed collectibles candidate.

Metal Build God Gundam Second

With the Sequel of G-Gundam looming near, Bandai obviously have something in store for the series. For one of the first merchandise they decide to release a Metal Build for God Gundam with P-Bandai treatment no less! This one is available for preorder since early this month. Simply dubbed as God Gundam Second, this Metal Build will be sold for 44000 Yen with August 2025 release schedule.

As expected for a P-Bandai item, this version of Metal Build Gundam comes in its classic getup and the new version that will be featured in the new G Gundam anime. On first glance the new version of G-Gundam features slightly different backpack that comes with all sorts of hidden weapons that have several configurations ranging from Polearms, Nunchuck and Three Sectioned staff.

If it is not a P-Bandai item which automatically make this one cost 70000+ Yen, I would have considered getting one since G-Gundam is one my favorite series. But I do look forward to the new G Gundam anime and curious if the old shuffle alliance will make a comeback or there will be another pleasant surprise in store for the old G Gundam fans.

Iron Blooded Orphans MG 1/100 Vidar Gundam

Despite being one of the popular AU Gundam series, Iron Blooded Orphans have gotten rather awkward treatment by Bandai. However the latter decide to pull off some combo breaker by releasing another Master Grade for this series! A rather odd choice after Gundam Barbatos of the first season, but we are getting Gundam Vidar as the next Master Grade model kit. Scheduled for March 2025 release, MG Vidar will be sold for 6000 Yen.

While IBO fanbase are slightly abit more annoying, this series is no doubt way better compared to Witch from Mercury thus deserve better treatment. IBO rarely got any new products after the series end despite the series end in relatively positive note and certainly not a trainwreck like its successor. As a Vidar fan, I do welcome its entry to MG lineup and willing to double dip despite I already got the Full mechanics. I don't know what significant improvement that the Master Grade have in store because the FM version are pretty decent already but I expect the MG will have some LED parts. I would expect Lupus Rex or Bael will be the next candidate but I am still hoping a miracle that Kimaris Vidar will make it as 1/100 MG eventually.

Mobile Suit Gundam : The Witch from Mercury

 Finally finished the latest installment of Main Gundam series and gotta say this one is easily one of the weaker Gundam series out there along with G-Reco and Age. Witch from Mercury pretty much become the victim of Gundam IP success as high expectations from many stakeholders which more often than not conflict each other end up making this series a wasted potential. Theoretically WFM could have been another successful Gundam series but given the mismanagement of the story pieces cause this series have to be ended prematurely.

Taking the Post War setting where major conflict where Gundams were used to spread terror has recently concluded, Witch from Mars tried to deliver different sort of story in Gundam Universe with High School setting attempting to cater Gen-Z and Alpha audience. However the attempts ended up miserably because it alienates the existing Gundam Fanbase way too much especially with the Yuri crap they try to shove in. As a result WFM storyline is a pure mess despite the high production value while the Model Kits are relatively successful just as Bandai wanted. From the beginning right until the end, I never able to like the Main characters; Suletta and Miorine due to their poor writing and end up rooting for supporting Charas like Guel and Elan 5 who doesn't get the opportunity to shine even better due to the timeslot limitation. All we have in Witch from Mercury are bad angsty Teen dramas that just don't make good material for Gundam series. In any case given the blunder of WFM, I will just hope the next Gundam series will able to have some decent storyline and learn from its predecessor mistake.

Gundam SEED Freedom Metal Robot Spirits Infinite Justice Spec-II

 Bandai dropped plenty of Bombs for Gundam SEED Freedom series yesterday and apart from P-Bandai SHF Athrun, the main protagonists Main Gundam which are Mighty Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice Spec-2. SEED Fans will have to fork out at least 30000 Yen for a Diecast 1/144 Mighty Strike Freedom but the best carry Wingman's Infinite Justice is no slouch either! Scheduled for January 2025 release, Metal Robot Spirits Infinite Justice Spec-2 will be sold for 18000 Yen.

 When I first saw IJ Gundam Spec-2 Lineart, I felt that the design is rather weird and not much of an Upgrade for Justice compared to Mighty Strike. However the MRS do show how much a Close Quarter monster that Infinite Justice Spec-2 could be and the Fatum X-Wing Backpack do actually look cool. But in the end, I think I will just stick with MRS Immortal Justice considering the P-Bandai Treatment will make this MRS cost 25000 Yen at very least or even 30000 Yen which is just too much for a product of this type. At this rate I will just wait for either Bandai or Chinese 3rd Party to make some Metal Build for Infinite Justice Spec 2 which the latter will likely do if Bandai doesn't regain their sanity.

Gundam SEED Freedom SHF Athrun Zala

 A Proper action figure for Athrun Zala is something that Athrun fanboys like myself have been looking forward to for a long time and Bandai have answered the wish, but in a rather unpleasant way. Released as P-Bandai stuff yet again along with the Infinite Justice Spec-2, Athrun Zala is getting his SHF treatment in his Gundam SEED Freedom Movie getup! Scheduled for December 2024 release SHF Athrun will be sold for 9000 Yen.

In terms of accessorires and Sculpt, SHF Athrun Zala does actually satisfy the needs from Gundam SEED fanboys pretty well with decent amount of accessories. But the biggest offender is that Overseas fans will likely have to fork out at least 40000 Yen if they want the complete set of SHF Athrun along with Diecast 14 Cm Infinite Justice Gundam action figure. For that amount of money, a Metal Build would have been better value for money. I would have gotten both of these MRS and SHF Athrun if they are regular release but given it is a P-Bandai, I am not too eager to put up with Bandai's nonsense. Might as well wait Bandai regain their sanity first and make the regular version of SHF Athrun or Regular release of Infinite Justice Spec-2 Metal Build, or even wait for some 3rd Party make more reasonably priced collectible for Athrun Zala.

Gundam Seed Freedom Movie

 Ever since the premiere in Japan early this year, Gundam Seed Freedom screening is no doubt one of the most anticipated moments by Gundam Seed fans for this year. After SEED franchise being dormant for almost two decades due to some trainwreck from unnecessary drama, Gundam Seed Freedom definitely doesn't disappoint for the fans and personally I got the opportunity to attend the premiere screening on my local movie theater last week. Overall Gundam Seed Freedom Movie is a whole level of a treat for SEED Fans and really live up to the expectation for the long awaited and much needed fanservice for the fans!

Gundam Wing G:Unit HGAC 1/144 Gundam Burnlapius

 Among Alternate Universe Gundam Sidestory, I do have quite a soft spot on G-Unit which was a Gundam Wing sidestory available in 3 Tankoubon Manga which feature some really cool Gundam and Leo variants Mobile Suit design. I never thought the original G-Unit series will have a continuation when it comes to merchandise after quite sometime but it is a pleasant surprise that Aesculapius Gundam upgrade unit Burnlapius do get a HG Model Kit!  Scheduled as P-Bandai release on July 2024 with 3800 Yen Price tag.

Gundam Seed Movie Metal Robot Spirits Immortal Justice Gundam

 
 Bandai really pulled a power move on the upcoming Gundam Seed Movie, upon the trailer release tons of merchandise got revealed all at once. Among Gunplas and other figures, Metal Robot Spirits is the most surprising one considering these sort of stuffs take longer time to develop, but the MRS rendition for new version of Freedom and Justice Gundam soon revealed shortly after the trailer. Both Freedom and Justice Gundam will be sold for 18000 Yen with February 2024 release schedule.

 From a first glance, Rising Freedom and Immortal Justice design trades of Firepower of their previous version in exchange for Mobility thus doesn't look like definitive successor of their Seed Destiny counterpart but I think there are still possibly more secrets will be revealed in time. This new design really appear to be heavily influenced by previous Sunrise series like Cross Ange and Buddy Complex considering SEED Director Fukuda helmed the former one. As Athrun fanboy to this day, to be honest Immortal Justice current armaments doesn't look like sufficient enough to be Rising Freedom equal and I hope this 3rd Incarnation of Justice Gundam got something worth hyping. Considering the backpack resemblance with Amatsu and Astray Blue Frame L, perhaps Immortal Justice would get some Giant Sword of sorts or maybe going 00 Gundam route, Considering SEED fans expectations are quite high enough after almost 2 decades of Vacuum and Bandai should be competent enough to capitalize this demand.

 As for the Gundam SEED Movie which will be dubbed Gundam SEED Freedom, I would expect the storyline could only continue either using F91 or Endless Waltz route which seem to be the most plausible choice given the present state of Gundam SEED Plotline as OMNI appears to be still the antagonist this time and need another major backer like Jupiter Empire of sorts. Personally I don't really have much hope on the storyline but as long as the action scene are good enough, most SEED fans like myself will be content. Lastly I think Shinn Asuka will get his own gundam later in the movie considering being stuck in Gyan for the whole movie duration is just a petty move by Fukuda.

Gundam Seed G-Frame FA Freedom & Justice Gundam Real Type Color

 

 Bandai is really starting Gundam Seed merchandise to start getting rolling and they are now making some P-Bandai stuff for this series just after the Movie Remake announcement. Starting with G-Frame Candy Toys lineup which have survived for couple of years now, Freedom and Justice Gundam is rereleased as a set complete with Option parts set in new color scheme of "Real Type Color". Scheduled for December 2023 release, G-Frame FA Freedom and Justice Gundam Real Type color will be sold for 7975 Yen. Overall this P-Bandai Set is roughly 1500-2000 Yen more expensive compared to the regular counterpart considering previous Option parts costed 3800 Yen already.

 The Real type color treatment apparently part of Bandai's attempt to paint the Gundam Seed posterboy which do look cool but makes them look more like OMNI's Mobile Suits instead of Zaft's especially Freedom Gundam. I used to play Rengou vs Zaft back then and I don't even think these guys have these color schemes as Palette swaps. Speaking of the option parts, what Bandai included in this pack is mainly Backpack parts to allow Freedom and Justice Gundam full gimmick along with special action base. In any case I might get this copy if the preorder price from my local distributor isn't too high.

Mobility Joint Gundam Vol.6

 This lineup of Gundam's Candy Toys strike hard yet again! After some 00 series goodness from Vol.5 and CCA P-Bandai goodies, Bandai decided to pamper the Gundam fans with some solid Alternate Universe roster with UC MSV as icing. Featuring Gundam Seed Strike Gundams and Gundam Caliburn from the recent Witch from Mercury series with G03 joining from sidelines, Mobility Joint Gundam Vol.6 will be coming in January 2024 for 6500 Yen Price tag.

 To this day I haven't got any Candy Toys rendition for Strike Gundam and kinda regretted that I missed the Ensemble version. I have been considering the NXEdge version before which had Perfect Strike Gundam but never really settle for the choice. Out of the roster of Vol. 6, Gundam Caliburn probably serves as the main attraction considering the HG Gunpla version are still running low on stock and perhaps we could see Aerial Gundam on Vol.7 or 8. With incoming Gundam SEED Movie, I think we will be getting more Seed series merchandise which is always a good thing for me.

Iron Blooded Orphans Metal Robot Spirits Gundam Kimaris Vidar

 
 New Gundam title is being hyped now but Bandai does not still forget Iron Blooded Orphans and Kimaris Vidar got its turn at last. Over past two years, Bandai have been releasing Metal Robot Spirits for IBO second season which most of the cool gundams got their portion, pretty much any of the Gundams that got the 1/100 Full Mechanics model kit are given MRS treatment. Barbatos Lupus and Rex are part of regular release and it sold like hot cake where as Vidar and Bael are sold as P-Bandai for some reason. Kimaris Vidar didn't get the Full Mechanics, but it is still given the Diecast Action Figure. Sold for 16000 Yen, MRS Kimaris Vidar will be released in December 2022.

 Out of IBO Gundams, Kimaris Vidar is my personal favorite because i am fan of Gaelio who is one of the more decent character in the series. After Shedding the Vidar Disguise, Kimaris Vidar personify Gaelio's Chivalric character combined with his vengeful desire over the betrayal by Mcgillis. In order to fight Gundam Bael, Kimaris Vidar is equipped with modified Alaya Vijanana system which grants improved control of the Gundam unit but puts less strain on Pilot's Body as the system using Ein's brain to share the burden

 I was rather surprised that Kimaris Vidar sword weapon in this version is rather long since the iconic lance possess sufficient range already but it is still cool anyway. I think one of the main reason why Kimaris Vidar didn't get as much exposure is because the mecha designer copy way too much from a Shooter series called Astebreed which the lead mecha shared plenty of Physical resemblance with the former. While i won't get MRS since i don't collect 1/144 scale Gundam, i am always willing to get a Metal Build which might be a good possibility.

Mobile Suit Gundam Ensemble EX 30 OMNI Boosted-man set

 Another great Gundam designs for Ensemble that end up at Premium Bandai series. Gundam Seed have been lavished with some good entries for MS Ensemble which majority of them locked into P-Bandai and the Druggies Trio Gundams are no exception. Slated for August 2021 release, Gundam Ensemble Boosted-Man set which consist of Forbidden, Calamity and Raider Gundam will be released for whopping price of 8500 Yen. 

 With that amount of money you could get almost 2 Box worth of or 3 Sets of the regular Gundam Ensemble. So each of the Druggies Trio Ensemble practically worth 5 of the regular version. With the gimmicks i could see they worth 3 times of the regular units but 5 times is abit too much.

 While they serve as the antagonist units in SEED series piloted by psychopaths, i have personal fondness with the Druggies Gundam. Each of them no doubt had an advantage over the first generation GAT-X Gundams but they definitely stood no chance against Justice and Freedom Gundam. In the SEED series the Boosted Man is a desperate attempts by OMNI to create pilots who are capable to fight with Coordinator on equal grounds. The project proved out to be successful but comes with nasty side effects as the Boosted Man pilots are mentally unstable and require frequent medical treatment which is the source of their nickname as Druggies. I still had fond memory using the Druggies unit in Rengou vs Zaft especially Calamity Gundam who could pepper the opponent with plenty of dakka.

 In the near future, I could see Bandai will probably consider making Ensemble for the Extended trio at some point but that will be likely another P-Bandai release.

Gundam Seed 1/100 MG Mobile Ginn

  Gundam SEED has been quite neglected for few years in Master Grade Department but it is going for a resurgence once again! Last SEED Master Grade was MG 1/100 Justice Gundam back in 2017 and now finally the SEED series Grunt units are getting some love with Zaft's workhorse Mobile Suit, GINN! MG Mobile GINN will be scheduled for April release with 4300 Yen. The MG GINN comes with the default GINN's equipment which is 76mm Assault rifle and Sword as well as extra missile pods equipped on the legs. 

  In the Gundam SEED series, ZAFT managed to defeat earth military OMNI faction due to the technology advantage of Mobile Suit as the GINNs easily defeat the latter mainstay army which consist mostly of Mobius type mobile armor. Considering GINN is one of the earlier Mobile Suit in CE era, it does not possess many beam weaponry in its arsenal which is exploited by OMNI with Phase Shift technology as showcased by Strike Gundam in the TV series. Being a grunt unit, GINN possess a range of arsenals to serve its versatile role including Bazooka and Beam Cannon which possibly released as P-Bandai Option parts by Bandai in the future. Personally i am looking forward to MG treatment for CGue or Guaiz since they are the cooler elite grunt unit that belongs to ZAFT which might see a release considering even Calamity Gundam is getting a 1/100 treatment.

Mobile Suit Gundam Ensemble 11 Review

Some heavy duty stuff this time!

New Mobile Report Gundam Wing

 In late 90s/early 2000s Gundam Wing is probably the gateway for most fans outside Japan including myself. It was not the best Gundam series but nevertheless it serves it job really well to attract newcomers into the Gundam Universe. Finally i got to finish this series properly despite this was the first Gundam series that i watch and with this things are coming in full circle as i have finished watching every Gundam Tv series save for OVAs!

 From Gundam Wing personally i like the Mecha Design and the Aesthetics which the latter were contributed by Yutaka Izubuchi yet again. However i don't really like the storyline which is just too noblebright and unrealistic for my personal taste. To me the weakness of the Gundam Wing is the lacklust antagonist faction which the grunts are just too weak to put up a fight with the main characters. Nevertheless Gundam Wing do have the winning formula for a commercially successful Gundam series which some of them are replicated by later Gundam series such as SEED and 00. I will be moving onto Endless Waltz quite soon and at some point going to make my personal rank chart for the Gundam TV series. Overall Gundam Wing is not the best Gundam series when it comes to story department but it is packed with cool mecha actions which makes a good gateway to Gundam.