Gundam - or Gunpla for short - model kits are a surprisingly articulated and highly posable set of plastic models. They’re a great hobby for anyone who enjoys building Lego sets, watching giant robot anime like Gundam, or just enjoys the physicality of the construction process.

Bandai has been producing Gundam models since 1980, and have perfected the art and technology of these kits so that even beginners can assemble them. They’ve also expanded the types of Gundam kits they make so that just about anyone can get involved in this fun and challenging hobby!

High Grade

Gunpla kits are made up of several trays of parts or “runners” that snap-fit together to construct the mecha design on the box. The cover image on the box, or box art, is usually done by an illustrator with a picture illustration of the mecha design in action.

If you want to make your kit more attractive, it is important to line the panels with a pinwash, which is applied by dabbing a panel liner brush into a thin solution of thinner and water (up to a 2:3 ratio). This will enhance the look and bring out details on the model.

Master Grade (MG) models are manufactured using high-quality plastic and offer a superior level of detail, but they can be more complicated and take longer to assemble. They are also more expensive and require paint and detailing to truly “finish” the kit.

Real Grade

Whether you're new to Gunpla or an experienced modeler, building a plastic Gundam kit is fun and rewarding. It's also a great way to take your mind off the stresses of everyday life!

Supermerch Store models are typically more detailed and complex than lower-grade kits. They are designed for experienced Gunpla builders and often require more time to assemble than lower-grade models.

This is a very detailed, highly poseable kit that includes 2 progressive knives, a palette rifle, umbilical cable, and decals. The RG Gundam also comes with its signature beam sabers, which are moulded in detail and include decal markings for their hilts. The beam sabers can be mounted onto the backpack and shield.

Master Grade

Master Grade kits (known as MGs) are a step up from their high-end counterparts. MGs usually have an inner skeletal frame with working hydraulics and light-up gimmicks like LED lights.

They're also often a bit more complex than lower grades, with extra parts and gimmicks in their frames and armor that make them feel like a lot of work has gone into them. MGs aren't the easiest to build, but they're certainly worth your while if you're looking for one of the best Gundam models around.

Another new addition to the Real Grade line is Zeong, the legless behemoth from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing that's been redesigned with TV-accurate colors and a new gimmick to spread out its wings. If you're a fan of the show, this kit is sure to be a must-have in your collection!

SD

Gunpla models are plastic model kits of mobile suits from the Gundam franchise. They are sold in a variety of scales and sizes, including 1:24 scale (also known as "Mega Size"), 1:60 scale, 1/144 scale and 1/100 scale.

Kits are assembled with a snap-fit mechanism and usually require no glue. However, some early kits required the use of a special adhesive. The majority of modern kits assemble without glue, using an internal frame system that consists of panels attached to an articulated internal skeletal frame.

These frames are made from a mix of different materials, some containing plastic and others utilizing metal for structural support. The skeletal frame of each Gundam model is often highly detailed, offering the builder extensive options for customization and articulation.

There are several lines of SD model kits, all of which are based on the Super Deformed designs featured in Hajime Katoki's artwork. They are a lower-end grade but are a popular choice for those who want to build a Gundam without the extra cost of higher-grade kits.