Gundam Archives

The World of Gunpla: A Comprehensive Guide

Gunpla, short for Gundam Plastic models, are model kits depicting the mecha, machinery, and characters of the fictional Gundam multiverse. These kits have become popular among mecha anime fans and model enthusiasts in Japan and other nearby Asian countries since the 1980s.

History of Gunpla

The first Gunpla kits were sold in 1980 in Japan, marking the beginning of a phenomenon that would spread across the globe. Since then, Gunpla has undergone significant improvements in quality, design, and manufacturing techniques, thanks to Bandai’s continuous innovation and dedication.

Building Gunpla

Each Gunpla kit consists of several “runners” containing parts, a manual, and often one or more sticker/decal sheets. The builder must cut out the appropriate parts from the runner using side cutters, following the manual to assemble the kit. Some kits may require glue, while others use snap-fitting assembly.

Grades of Gunpla

Gunpla kits come in various grades, each with its unique characteristics and level of complexity. The main grades are:

• High Grade (HG): 1/144 scale, featuring snap-fit assembly and increased color separation.
• Real Grade (RG): 1/144 scale, focusing on achieving a realistic look with advanced molding technology.
• Master Grade (MG): 1/100 scale, known for improved surface detail and inner frames.
• Perfect Grade (PG): 1/60 scale, featuring high-quality plastic, metal components, and numerous gimmicks.
• Entry Grade (EG): 1/144 scale, designed for beginners with simplified assembly and fewer parts.
• First Grade (FG): A now-defunct line, featuring 1/144 scale kits with snap-fit assembly and limited articulation.
• Advanced Grade (AG): A short-lived line, featuring Mobile Suits from the Mobile Suit Gundam AGE series.
• Non-Grade (NG): A catch-all term for Gunpla lines that don’t fit into other categories.

Other Lines

In addition to the main grades, Gunpla offers various other lines, including:

• Reborn-One Hundred (RE/100): 1/100 scale kits featuring Mobile Suits from the Universal Century timeline.
• Full nics (FM): 1/100 scale kits featuring Mobile Suits from Alternate Universes.
• Super-Deformed: Small, comedic renditions of Gundam mecha designs.
• Real Detail: 1/60 scale kits with simplified design and articulation.
• EX Model: 1/144 scale kits featuring non-Mobile Suit vehicles and space vessels.
• U.C. Hard Graph: 1/35 scale kits featuring non-Mobile Suit vehicles and soldiers from the One Year War.
• Speed Grade Collection: Pre-painted kits molded in 1/200 scale.
• Mega Size Model: 1/48 scale kits featuring larger models with detailed engineering.
• Gundam Factory Yokohama Model Series: Kits based on the design of the 1/1 scale walking RX-78-2 Gundam.
• Hyper Hybrid Model (HY2M): Higher-end kits featuring larger scales and LED light gimmicks.
• Gundam Artifact: Small, highly detailed kits molded in one color.

Special Editions and Exclusives

Bandai releases special limited edition variants of various kits, often as promotional items for events or collaborations. These exclusive kits can be found on Premium Bandai (P-Bandai) or at Gundam Base stores.

Non-Plastic Gundam Model Kits

Bandai has also released garage kits, resin kits, and other non-plastic model kits based on Gundam designs.

Bootleg and Third-Party Model Kits

Due to the popularity of Gunpla, many companies have created illegal counterfeit versions of official Bandai releases. Additionally, third-party companies produce original model kits based on Gundam designs, often using resin or plastic.

Comparison

The following pictures show a comparison between many of the Gunpla lines/Grades, using the MS-06 Zaku II as an example:

• 1/144 High Grade Universal Century Zaku II
• 1/144 Real Grade Zaku II
• 1/100 Master Grade Zaku II
• 1/60 Perfect Grade Zaku II
• 1/48 Mega Size Model Zaku II
• Non-scale SD Gundam BB Senshi Zaku II
• Non-scale SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Zaku II

Trivia

• A modified version of the Gunpla logo is also used for Sprukits, Bandai’s other model kit line marketed in the United States.
• Some Gunpla are made of recycled plastic under Bandai’s ECOPLA Project.

See also

• Action Figure
• High Grade
• Real Grade
• Master Grade
• Reborn-One Hundred
• Perfect Grade

External links

• Gunpla on pedia
• Gunplapedia
• Bandai Hobby Site