Gunpla 101

Gunpla Pre-orders and New Releases for July-August 2023

A month after Gundam: The Witch From Mercury concluded, history is already being rewritten. Leading ladies Suletta and Miorine may have (spoiler alert!) spent the finale living together and sporting matching wedding bands, but now an official statement from Bandai Namco Filmworks says the nature of the pair’s relationship ought to be left up to interpretation. We’re huge Gundam fans, obviously, but we don’t always agree with the franchise’s leadership. It’s not surprising that a lot of fans are disappointed in this choice, including us!

In happier news, the Gundam SEED FREEDOM anime film has revealed its second promotional video and its cast. I was glad to see that a lot of the original cast has returned, including Kira and Lacus’s original voice actors. The animation looks retro and I’m not sure yet if I think it’s good or bad. If you’re wondering, “What took so long?” I have a pretty good guess: after Gundam SEED scriptwriter Chiaki Morosawa (and wife of director Mitsuo Fukuda) passed away, it took much longer than planned to convert her vision for the new film into reality.

There are also three new wide-release Gunpla kits available this month. As usual, I’ve described them below:

Gunpla New Releases for July 2023

1/144 HG Gundam Schwarzette (pictured above)

This next-generation concept model utilizes Prospera’s GUND Format technology and is therefore one of the only actual “Gundams” in the show, as opposed to mobile suits. Its sturdy body contrasts nicely with the delicate halo that rings its head.

1/144 HG Gundam Calibarn (pictured above)

The Gundam Suletta pilots near the end of the show to confront her mom and sister in a pivotal battle. That impressive Variable Rod Rifle looks fittingly like a witch’s broom! The metallic details on the V-fin, chest, and thighs give it a rainbow sheen.

SD Gundam Cross Silhouette: Unicorn Gundam 2 Banshee (Destroy Mode) & Banshee Norn Parts Set (pictured at top)

I can never resist a fancy SD with all the trimmings. With a mix of cute and ornate details, they always look like Christmas ornaments to me. This one is as accurate as a chibi can be, with all the accessories for both Banshee and Banshee Norn, including the iconic claw!