Gunpla 101

Gunpla Pre-orders and New Releases for July-August 2020

As quarantine drags on, I’ve been buying myself a couple of Gundam-centric treats. First, I bought some chibi Gunpla box magnets from Big Daddy Gundam. Then, I bought a Sayla Mass keychain charm from Ashe Blitzen, not that I have much need for keychains these days! My latest commission is still in the works: a watercolor painting from mecha artist Rideth Mochi for the living room. I figure this is all money I would have spent at anime conventions in a normal year, so why feel bad about supporting some of my favorite artists?

If you’re in a similar spend-happy mood, I’ve compiled all the latest Gunpla kits that came out in July and are available for pre-order in the upcoming month. Check them out below:

New Releases for July 2020

HGUC Messer Type F01 (Pictured at top)

This new kit from Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash still has a pending name, perhaps because it sounds like the English word “messy?” Its hulking frame is based on the ever-popular Geara Doga, but with multiple segments of articulation in the torso, it’ll be far more flexible.

HGUC MS-06S ZAKU II

I almost didn’t include this one because there are at least three recent HGUC Char’s Zaku II kits out there. This one is a counterpart to the new HG 1/144 Gundam Beyond Global designed to celebrate Gundam’s 40th birthday. It features ‘79 mecha proportions with new, upgraded parts.

HGBD:R Gundam Try Age Magnum (Pictured above)

A real winner from the Re:RISE anime, this Try Age Magnum combines the armaments and abilities of Gundam AGE-1, 2, and 3 with neat accessories like an iridescent teal cape. My guess is this will be the Champion’s new mecha in an upcoming episode of the anime!

HGBD:R Nepteight Unit

Hiroto’s latest Core Gundam armor is its specialty “cruising form.” With seafoam armaments and a trident-like V-fin, the design harkens back to the aquatic connotations of Neptune.

HGBD:R Nepteight Weapons

A halo-like backpack and arm unit to go with the Nepteight armor. You could also use this on any HGUC kit or custom to give your mecha an angelic appearance.

SD Gundam Cross Silhouette RX-78-2 Gundam & MS-06S ZAKU II

Another 40th anniversary special item! This set combines two existing Cross Silhouette kits with a CS frame for each kit included. The SDCS line is purported to be flexible by allowing you to build the kits on either CS or SD frames, but note there aren’t SD frames included here.