Oops, all SD Gundam! You’re going to notice a theme this February because there is only one type of Gundam being released right now, to coincide with the latest SD Gundam show.
SD Gundam World Sangoku Soketsuden is legally streaming in the US on Crunchyroll, so this is one of the first times that overseas Gundam fans have been able to watch an SD show as it airs in Japan. As I said last month, BB Senshi, launched in 1987, is popular in Japan and is the longest-running line in the history of Gunpla. Normally we can only speculate why these elaborate kits look the way they do, but thanks to the magic of simulcasting anime, we can follow along with their adventures as they are released.
Longtime readers know that Gunpla 101 uses the Hobby Search 1999 database along with Gundam.info Gunpla announcements in order to determine each month’s pre-orders and new releases, so we’re only as accurate as our sources. We think these kits may have come out (in some form) back in 2019, but they’re listed on both sites as new kits, plus this is our first time sharing them in the guide. With that in mind, check out this month’s SD offerings:
Gunpla New Releases for February 2021
SD Zhao Yun 00 Gundam & Blue Dragon Drive (pictured at top)
This character is a member of the Dragon’s Watch whose signature weapon is a spear. His armor is inspired by the titular suit of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 with plenty of jewel-like clear embellishments. The kit also comes with its own motorcycle, the Blue Dragon.
Clear purple effect parts encircle this red and gold kit inspired by Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn’s antagonist suit Sinanju. This one also comes with its own motorcycle, the Red Hare. One point of concern: is the world ready for a Sinanju with two eyes?
SD Diao Chan Kshatriya (pictured above)
This character is described as a female mercenary, so this rendition of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn’s Kshatriya is decidedly feminine. Embellished shields enshroud this red, gold, and white kit with purple detailing.
With what appears to be three sets of sparkling gold wings, this kit inspired by Mobile Suit Gundam SEED’s Freedom Gundam looks to me like the topper on a Christmas tree.
SD Zhang Liao Sazabi (pictured above)
The suit from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack is evident in this kit’s bright red base, but blue and gold accents give it a brilliant makeover. In this rendition, the Sazabi head is reimagined as a mask over a Gundam-type face.
SD Sun Shangxiang Strike Rouge
There’s no way around it: this Gundam has boobs. Out of all the kits in this collection, this one seems to have the most human silhouette. She even has what seems to be a hairstyle!
This one is almost entirely gold just like its namesake from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. The flaming shield can be reconfigured into a fiery backpack or even a flamethrower.
SD Sima Yi Destiny Gundam (pictured above)
The shape of this kit’s five-pronged wings is what most resembles the original Destiny Gundam, in my opinion. Two eye modes—green and red—can be interchanged to up the intensity. Like other versions of the Destiny, this looks best posed on its included action base.
An elaborate headdress with a clear red visor differentiates this Strike Noir-inspired suit. Its twin weapons can be configured as either guns or blades. It looks pretty top-heavy, so I would take advantage of the included action base in order to display it.
