Guide for Gift Givers: Master Grade kits are both larger and more detailed than most other grades. At 1/100 scale, they are normally around 18 cm (7½ inches) tall. They are a good choice for more experienced builders and for anyone who enjoys a challenge.
A classic model gets the Master Grade treatment it deserves. It’s a well proportioned mobile suit in striking red accompanied by showstopping weaponry components, perfect as a gift.
ZZ Gundam gets the Version Ka treatment, and the result is a model so bulky it almost reminds me of Gundam 00’s Virtue! Definitely a very different look than previous ZZ Gundam kits. Read all about the Version Ka line of Gunpla models here.
Every now and then famous Gundam designer Hajime Katoki decides to reimagine one of his famous designs and calls it a Version Ka. This time, he’s envisioned a groundbreaking stunner of a model based on Gundam Thunderbolt, complete with all the trimmings—three beam rifles, four shields, and more weaponry than you can shake a stick at.
Old meets new in a kit that blends science-fiction technology with samurai-era Japan. Released last year, Nils Nilson’s Gundam Build Fighters model remains a favorite all through 2015.
Gunpla is always getting better. As the Bandai factory modernizes, it’s able to produce more flexible, functional figures. The latest kit to get a revamp is Gundam Seed’s Freedom Gundam, which takes full advantage of the larger and more complicated Master Grade to feature each and every stylized, posable detail.
Brilliant red armor and gleaming gold details make this kit a stand-out in any collection. Make sure you select the “Sengoku no Jin” (in English: Warring States Gold) version, which comes with an elegant screen and ornamental weapons stand. Even people who aren’t familiar with Gundam will appreciate this jaw-dropping build.
Gold certainly looks festive for the holidays. With its slim new build, the Master Grade Hyaku Shiki looks downright elegant.
Gundam Seed Destiny may have received mixed reviews as an anime, but its starring mobile suit—and corresponding Gunpla—is a treasure. With iridescent wings and pink glitter details that give life to its boomerang and laser sword accessories, it’s one of the most colorful models out there.
With its red and green coloring, some form of Fenice finds its way onto our holiday guide every year. The Master Grade is particularly poseable.
Only the Master Grade can do justice to Phenex’s intricate opalescent detailing. This kit is downright fancy.
This version of Deathscythe from the Endless Waltz sequel movie is a more striking and stylized version of the suit from Gundam Wing. Armed with a laser scythe and shadowy, flexible wings, Deathscythe Hell is the spitting image of a Grim Reaper.
A minimalistic but high-quality kit with advanced articulation. Great for any Gundam Build Fighters Try fan.