Gunpla 101

Gunpla Pre-orders and New Releases for January-February 2022

Did you see that Gundam: The Witch From Mercury got a more specific release window? We now know it’s coming out in October. Don’t get fooled by any of the fan-made mecha concept art that’s been going around on Twitter—it’s not official, just wishful thinking!

That said, I’m certain that the impending release of an original Gundam story (our first in seven years, since Iron-Blooded Orphans!) is going to make 2022 an interesting year for new Gunpla. For now, it’s a typical winter slump with just a few new kits to look forward to for January and February (in the eight years I’ve been keeping track, this is par for the course). If this list leaves you wanting more, be sure to check out our 2021 Gunpla Year in Review, featuring the 69 new releases we got last year (nice)! For now, here’s the latest kits hot off the press:

Gunpla New Releases for January 2022

1/144 Entry Grade Strike Gundam

Like previous Entry Grade kits, this one features a fan-favorite mecha and a super-speedy build process. This one has just 79 parts and no stickers needed to create a finished Gunpla. It takes half the time an HG would, but is apparently just as poseable.

HG Gundam 00 Command QAN[T] (pictured above)

This Gundam Breaker Battlogue suit is another prior Target exclusive. It’s a QAN[T] that has SD Command Gundam elements added to create a look reminiscent of an American ‘80s action hero. (TIL Command Gundam is inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Commando film.)

SDW Heroes Seiten Taisei Goku Impulse Gundam -Tousen Shoubutsu-

This SDW kits is stretching the limits of what an SD is expected to do. It’s got three different gold-tinged forms, clear red plastic effect parts, and additional ankle joints so you can create multiple poses for the trickiest part of an SD kit: its large, clunky feet.

SDW Heroes Ryuson Ryubi Unicorn Gundam (pictured at top)

Another golden SD that looks like it belongs on the top of a Christmas tree. Clear blue Unicorn effect parts contrast with golden plumage for one fancy-looking kit. The more I look, the more detail I find: did you catch the dragon-shaped cutouts on the headdress?