Gundam Sentinel 1/100 MG Gundam Mk V [Earth Federation Force Color]

Previously released as a P-Bandai exclusive, the MG Gundam Mk-V returns once again in a new color variant dubbed the Earth Federation Force Color, now featuring a predominantly white color scheme. As expected, this cooler alternate version remains locked behind the Premium Bandai label, just like the previous iteration. Scheduled for release in October 2026, the MG 1/100 Gundam Mk-V will be sold for 9,000 Yen.

Aside from the new color scheme, this version of the Gundam Mk-V also includes a redesigned beam rifle that appears to be a higher-output type similar to the one used by the Asshimar. The white color palette makes the design strongly resemble the Silver Bullet from Gundam Unicorn, which is hardly surprising considering the Gundam Mk-V and Döven Wolf share a closely related technological lineage.

Given the pricing and the usual Premium Bandai markup, this kit will likely become prohibitively expensive for overseas collectors. Because of that, I will probably look toward alternative options instead, with the NXEDGE STYLE figure line suddenly becoming a rather appealing choice.

G Gundam HG 1/144 Mandala Gundam

 
 Gunpla High Grade are never in my strike zone but from time to time I do highlight the ones that catch my attention like this particular Gundam from G Gundam series. when it comes to G Gundam mecha designs, the series really stood apart from its peers with its unique mecha design featuring Japanese 90s stereotypes of other nations as Gundam. While I have expected Shuffle Alliance Gundams to make it as model kits, I never expected Mandala Gundam makes it as P-Bandai HG while Bolt Gundam haven't got one yet. Scheduled for November 2025 release, HG Mandala Gundam will be sold for 2650 Yen.

Not too long ago, Chinese Hobby Manufacturers showcased their prototype of Devil Gundam, whether coincidence or not Bandai revealed Mandala Gundam in return. Among G Gundam mechas, Mandala is probably the weirder designs to me along with Mermaid and Nether gundam. But never underestimate this fellow, because he is one of the stronger secondary character in the series that even give Domon a trouble.

As expected for its P-Bandai status, the effect parts and the gimmick are impressive. I even forgot that Mandala Gundam had the chonky bronze bell form which gave rather weird impression. While It takes a person quite some time and abit of acquired taste to appreciate G Gundam designs, the mechas from this series do have quite some personality and the anime series do try make the designs to be believable. Would look forward to Bolt and Tequila Gundam and I think G Gundam sequel would be a great opportunity for Sunrise to create better Gundam designs based on nation stereotypes.

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.

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 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.

MG 1/100 Gundam RX-78 NT-1 Alex 2.0 Review

 Had an opportunity to build MG Alex 2.0 since it is one of the sample for my company's recent event so i made a mini review for this one. I am very glad to get a take on this kit since Alex is one of my favorite mecha design by Yutaka Izubuchi. This Master Grade makeover really spoils you due to the parts separation which makes it way easier to repaint along with plenty of accessories to play with. The Inner frame of Chobham Armor makes the armor feel more robust whereas the Ver 1.0 was rather flimsy. The only downside of Alex 2.0 for me is that the kit is rather blocky so less dynamic pose so i guess Robot Damashii is the way to go if you look for pulling off the cool poses. While i won't get this MG since i am content with my ver 1.0, i wouldn't dipping in for the Clear version.

March 2019 Gunpla sample build

 There is a particularly big Toys Event this week and it is an opportunity for me to get dibs on some upcoming Gunpla Samples for display. There were plenty of choices including EX-S but i picked four of these kits which are Hi Res Wing Gundam EW, SDCS Sisquide, MG Ace 2 Magnum and HGUC Gustav Karl. Out of the 4 Kits that i build, MG Ace 2 Magnum is still flimsy since Bandai hasn't finished the fine adjustment yet but it will be no doubt a great Master Grade.

 At first i thought Gustav Karl going to be bigger than MG but it haven't reached that point yet even though no doubt it is still big for 1/144 standard.SDCS Sisquide turns out to be quite good looking and with its BFG it rather reminds me with Huckebein. I suppose Bandai's goal with SDCS took rather different spin after the initial release as the popularity are not as good as they expected but at very least we will get to see more exotic design for this lineup which is not necessarily a bad thing.

 The best out of the bunch is no doubt the Hi Res Wing EW Gundam which i did a blind run without manual book that turns out just fine. Hi Resolution 1/100 lineup is no doubt a luxury MG for those who don't have time to paint their kits. The Inner frame contain some diecast parts and Bandai make the assembly as convenient as possibly. Nevertheless the Wing Gundam EW still got weight distribution problem with the heavy backpack but i believe Bandai will make this lineup even more perfect. I am still looking forward for the opportunity to build MG Alex 2.0 which is quite possible before the Gunpla Expo this year.

MG 1/100 RE-GZ Custom

 The year for Char's Counterattack anniversary has gone already, but another Mobile Suit from CCA MSV joining late to the Party. Out of all MS, RE-GZ Custom joins to P-Bandai Master Grade as expected. The Model Kit will be released on May 2019 with 5500 Yen Price tag which is 1500 Yen pricier than the original MG Re-GZ. RE-GZ Custom is the step up of Re-GZ with the BWS backpack fully integrated to the Mobile Suit which makes it fully transformable like Zeta Gundam. The MS is decent Elite Mobile suit all around but still pale in comparison with Nu Gundam due to lack of Newtype tech for it. The only thing that irks me with the RE-GZ Custom is the AK-47 beam rifle which is a worse choice even compared to FAMAS and the original RE-GZ Beam Rifle still fits better for it. I will easily skip this one one, but i don't mind getting one in the form of Candy Toys. Perhaps it is not anytime soon but we will likely see MG RE-GZ 2.0 someday

MG 1/100 Gundam NT-1 Alex 2.0

 As a part of 30th year anniversary of the OVA, Gundam NT-1 Alex which is one of the older MG from War in the Pocket is getinng 2.0 Treatment. The kit will be released on June this year with 5800 Yen price tag. For almost twice the price of the old Master Grade, MG Alex got the makeover that it may not need but definitely deserved. The 2.0 adds more color separation that the old kit didn't have but the most notable one improvement is the Chobham Armor which have way better gimmicks. I won't be getting this MG since i am happy with my old one which will look great if you put some work on it. Perhaps Bandai could use the new Chobham Armor on 1/100 GM Cannon II next but i think for this year they probably have something more in store for 08th MS Team.

You can also check my old work of MG NT-1 Here

MG 1/100 Gundam Dynames

 After Releases upon Releases of 00 Gundam Variant and their Swords, this time Bandai did throw a bone for the other Celestial Being Gundam. The Long Range Sniper, Dynames Gundam make it into the cut this time with its Full Kit. MG Dynames will be released on March 2019 with 4500 Yen Price Tag. Being 700 yen more expensive then the regular MG Exia, i believe Bandai will justify the cost of the kit because their track record with Master Grade are Superb until now. I will likely get this MG because Dynames was the first 00 Gundam HG that i bought back then. With this my 00 Gundam Season 1 collection will be complete once i got Virtue and i am still waiting Bandai to release MG for Reborns Gundam

Another Sample Buildoff

 Part of my Job working in a Toy Company is Building some Gunpla samples when needed which can be considered as one of the perks. For the recent Gunpla Expo in Surabaya which ended last week, i get to build these Kits which are SDCS 00 Diver, 1/60 Laevatein and 00 Sky Trans-am HWS. Since the Model Kit samples are sent way before the release date, they are still in Prototype form and some glaring flaws are apparent. While the 00 Diver and Sky works out fine, Laevatein kit got some serious issues of Loose Joint. Turns out a few millimeter off from the precision can make a significant difference already.  From this experience, i get to appreciate Bandai's finished end-product even more because it definitely takes a lot of effort to reach perfection at the level of their product. I have to say the color separations of Bandai's FMP Kit looks impressive and Trans am version of 00 Sky looks quite cool actually. Wonder how Kotobukiya feel that what takes them years of effort to make their FMP Kits being bested by Bandai's couple months of effort. In any case i will share some of my thoughts again if i get to build another samples.

SD Gundam Cross Silhouette First Impression

 Should have posted this shortly after my Gunpla Expo Post but anyway here is the promised brief overview of New Lineup for SD Gundam, Cross Silhouette! I think Bandai tried to Step up the SD lineup by giving it some kind of Inner frame treatment like what HG got with RG. This time i got to sample 3 Model Kits from the initial release of the line up.

RE/100 1/100 Jagd Doga

 This particular year we see quite a lot Char's Counterattack Gunpla product, probably it has to do with the 30th year anniversary. After MG Jegan and RG Sazabi, Gyunei's Jagd Doga now shows up in 1/100 RE Scale. Jagd Doga probably cant get MG treatment due to lack of popularity but it can still use RE/100 Lineup for that. Scheduled for September Release, RE Jagd Doga comes for 4500 Yen Price Tag. With the same price with MG Geara Doga i guess the MG treatment for Jagd Doga would cost even more thats why Bandai put this guy into RE/100. I would expect the kit to be rather bulky so its articulation are rather hindered. Back then i was not a fan of Jagd Doga when i was new to Gundam series. But i eventually become more fond of this MS since it is High Performance Elite unit without being ridiculuously overpowered but the Pilot is still a douche. In any case this guy is a get for me.

Iron Blood Orphans Full Mechanics Afterthoughts

 Got couple days off this week so spent that time to assemble some of my Gunplas left in the backlog. I had few Iron Blood Orphans Gunplas in my collections and picked to build the S2 IBO Gundam since i might as well assemble complete set. In terms of value for money, Full Mechanics is one of the best Gunpla Lineup that Bandai had. For 3000 Yen you got a 1/100 Gundam with inner Frame and Good quality sculpt that beats Master Grade of Equivalent Price. These Kits put the Back heavy SEED MG that i built a while ago to shame and certainly an MG treatment for IBO series can improve thing further more. For these three Kits, each Gundam are heavy on certain parts. Lupus is Leg Heavy, Vidar is on the Side Waist and Bael is obviously heavy on the back. While i am Vidar Fanboy, in terms of the Model Kit, i find Barbatos Lupus is the best one with its balanced design where as Vidar feels had too many things going with its armaments on the waist. I still wonder why Bandai doesn't utilize the IBO series enough since the Full Mechanics can still go strong with Kimaris Vidar or Astaroth. I will be looking forward for an opportunity to paint these kits which will definitely make them even more impressive.

MG SEED 2.0 overall thoughts

 I have finished assembling MG Freedom 2.0, Providence and Justice Gundam two weeks ago for my Company's store display. Since i get my hand to fiddle around the kits, might as well share my brief opinion about them. For these three kits, i just do a straight build then do some panel line and apply decal with Matte Top Coat as finishing touch. Overall these Three Master Grade look impressive and maintain decent articulation without any Polycaps in the frame. However MG Freedom 2.0, Providence and Justice all share same main issue for being a Backpack heavy Gundam so don't expect some dynamic action without Action Base assistance with Justice Gundam being the worst of the three. Surprisingly I find Providence Gundam being my Favorite MG out of three despite i am a big Athrun fanboy. I think this is because i feel that Providence had the right amount of weight while Freedom feels rather scrawny where as Justice has serious back issues. By assembling these 3 SEED MG i got better understanding of these three mechas and i never expect Providence had that many DRAGOON Ordinance attached to it. While it is not much here are the rest of the shots i took for these three kits which i will take more when i built them for myself.

MG SEED Buildoff!

 It is another of those time where i got assignment to assemble some kits and this time it is for my Company's new store Display. My company recently opened branch is a more gundam oriented toy store and thus it needs Some display for Gundam kits. There are couple of displays to be made which i happen to help them draft and i got assigned to build the MG which are the original ZAFT Trio Gundam: Providence, Justice and Freedom Gundam. I feel the SEED version had better charm compared to the SEED Destiny counterpart since it is not ridiculously overpowered thus maintain its semblance of Real Robot. I think this will be a good practice for me when i get these gundam for my personal collection and certainly i look forward the new engineering that Bandai bring upon this Gunplas.

MG 1/100 Gundam F91 2.0

 F91 is one of my favorite since it packs a punch despite being a small sized Mobile Suit. In a way it represents the epitome of efficiency in Gundam Design boasting great firepower while being staying fast. So it is a great news for me that Bandai is releasing 2.0 version of the MG which will be released on May this year with 4000 Yen Price tag. I had Harrison's F91 MG back then and while it is a good model kit, it is plagued with issues mainly related to its stiff internal frame which makes it easily break off if handled improperly. I think the 2.0 version of F91 will fix the issue one way or another and i had secured myself a copy. I still wonder why Bandai havent released the RG yet despite it is modestly popular model. In any case i will look forward when my copy arrived

Jakarta Toys Fair 2018

 This is the second time i came to this event, if last time i went here as visitor this year i work as a part of exhibitor. The experience participating an Event as visitor and exhibitor is quite a contrasting one. But this year's JTF is quite different with last year due to Tokopedia's participation in the event which shakes things up abit!

1/100 MG Plan 303E Deepstriker

 This probably one of the last thing i expect to get MG Treatment even though i got informant leak few months ago. But as a part of 30th year anniversary of Hajime Katoki Sentinel Gundam works, Bandai just decided to release MG Deepstriker. The kit will be released on March Next year while there are no price information yet, i heard it will cost around 20000 Yen though it could be higher. Deepstriker is the variant of S Gundam fitted with equipment for Solo operations deep into Enemy Territory, it bears some similarity to Dendrobium Gundam but the roles are kinda different i suppose. I won't be even thinking to get this kit but  If the Deep Striker has parts that can be switched with EX-S, it would have been great.

1/144 RG Unicorn Mini Review

 Have been asked to assemble RG Unicorn for work purposes and took some liberties of taking some shots for this kit before handing it to my company. Since I only collect 1/100 Scale for gundam. Real Grade is out of my Radar. However i am quite amazed with the progress reached by Bandai's engineering represented by this RG Unicorn. Since the shots for this review is hastily taken, the photo quality is not as good as usual. But i will do it better next time if i have another opportunity.