This month, my excuse for being late is coming home from Anime Boston! That’s one of my favorite anime conventions in America. Their coolest Gunpla-related tradition? Every year on Sunday morning you can build model kits with the overnight security staff.
This March was chock-full of Gunpla releases! It makes up for an April where only two kits (but a lot of ready-built Gundam figures) are coming out. Check them out:
New Releases for March 2017
RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam the Origin Ver.) Special Ver. (MG) (pictured at top)
Why do you need another new version of the original RX-78-2? Here’s two reasons: it comes with both pink and yellow LED lights that make its eyes glow like the real thing.
This beautiful model bears a circular pod-launcher that looks a lot like the wheel that Raijin, the Shinto God of Thunder carries. It’s a very distinctive shape, and formed with great details.
Providence Gundam G.U.N.D.A.M Premium Edition (MG)
For an extra $20, you get the Providence Gundam, plus a limited-edition ZAFT display stand and exclusive stickers.
An internal skeleton gives this impressive suit additional poseability. I love the way they signaled its power by making its outer design similar to Barbatos.
Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina (RG) (pictured above)
I’ve never read Gundam Seed Astray and I don’t even know how to get it in North America right now, but I’ll never stop being impressed at its Samurai-reminiscent suits.
Super Fumina Axis Angel Ver. (HGBF)
When I first saw this, I thought it was somebody’s custom build of Super Fumina! I love the pink and white variation, but I wish her face looked a little more like it does in the anime.
Amazing Strike Freedom Gundam (HGBF)
This is Yuuki AKA Meijin Kawaguchi’s suit in the Gundam Build Fighters Amazing Ready side story. Love the versatility of the double shields.
Definitely less poseable than the 1/100 Bael, but it still boasts an impressive silhouette.
This set features alternate feet for the Graze and Man Rodi models from Iron-Blooded Orphans. If you want to ditch those “high heel” feet for something sturdier, here’s your set.
RX-78AL Atlas Gundam (Gundam Thunderbolt Ver.) (HG) (pictured above)
He’s got skis! Or a life raft! I’m not entirely sure what that equipment is, but this kit has some of the most distinctive accessories in the Thunderbolt series, and that’s saying something.
Char’s first Zaku, as seen in Gundam: The Origin. There’ve been so many Zakus, but if you don’t already have one, it’s best to buy a newer kit like this because the modeling has improved.
The EX-Standard brings better proportions and poseability to the SD line. This one has bendy wings and color that seriously pops.
SD EX-Standard Gundam Deathscythe-Hell EW (pictured above)
I guess fans like EX-Standard because they’re making one of everything! I love that this Deathscythe Hell is priced at $6.66 right now.
SD EX-Standard Try Burning Gundam
The fiery accessories are what really make this kit stand out.
Sinanju is a fan favorite here at Gunpla 101—two of our modelers have built it! I’m wondering if those lovely gold details are plastic pieces or just stickers.
SD EX-Standard Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn
My plain old SD Banshee is barely poseable at all. It’s just so bulky and detailed! I am hoping the Ex-Standard Banshee is better!
Petitgguy Pretty in Pink & Peti Petitgguy (HGPG) (pictured above)
That’s right: it’s a Petitgguy with its own, tinier Petitgguy! I pre-ordered this so hard last month I think I broke my keyboard a little.
Pre-orders for April 2017
(Seriously, there are only two!)
Let me know if you have any thoughts/corrections/deals in the comments. See you next month!
