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MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 3.0 – Review – Updated 5/16

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Welcome to my review of Bandai’s latest Master Grade Gundam model, the RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0. The redesigned kit takes after Bandai’s new and improved vision of the original Gundam, matching the giant statue in Tokyo and the previous Real Grade release. While it features a more traditional frame than the RG, the MG is, for better or worse, simply a scaled up version of its little brother.

I should point out that I don’t have a RG RX-78-2 so I can’t compare the two directly. While I could compare the RG and MG based on other RG kits I figure it be best to make most of my comparisons within the same product line. Though I will reiterate that the MG and RG look exactly alike (other than the size and some panel gap issues, more on that later), even down to the included markings. Between the Mega Size, Real Grade, and Master Grade it wouldn’t surprise me if Bandai re-released the Perfect Grade in this scheme as well… anyhow, I digress… read more

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Nu Gundam Ver. Ka

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Yay, another project complete! As usual, a bunch of text on the build here, all the fun photos after. Jump down if you’re wise enough to skip my yammering.

So, aside from some issues here and there, the Nu ver. Ka is an amazing kit. Fantastic design, strong engineering, and a transformation gimmick that doesn’t impact the kit’s general functionality. One of the things that bugs me the most is the new hands. Woe is me that Bandai is going to be rolling them out full force. They’re too fragile and I’ve lost a few finger tips. I miss the hands that came with the Sinanju ver. Ka. read more

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Gundam: Looking at the franchise’s future

With Gundam AGE wrapping up in the next six weeks or so and the mysterious Gundam: The Origin just off the horizon (I’m not sure Bandai has revealed how they’re going to do the adaption yet) I thought it would be a good time to sit down and discuss just what we want from one of our favorite franchises.

Below are some of my personal ramblings about what the series has been lacking as of late along with what it needs moving forward.

Make the story the most important aspect

Every series strives for something, whether it be to tell a story, comment on society, showcase animation, etc. Typically the shows which stick with us though the years focused on the story, the characters, and did so in a quality way (e.g. Cowboy Bebop, Planetes). Over the years Gundam as a franchise has shifted more from that dynamic to a vehicle to drive product sales. It’s a case most evident by how Bandai treated Gundam AGE. Products accompanying the series were announced early and many of the new designs to show up in the series were revealed on screen, but as merchandise. Save for a huge twist at the end many will likely remember the series as having a strong premise, some good designs, but a below average with every other facet. read more

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Gundam AGE Episode 26 Review

Episode 26, "The Earth… is our Eden"

*****SPOILERS*****   Synopsis: The Veigans target Nortrum, a Federation production base. Flit makes the Diva the flagship of the fleet defending it. Desil is outraged that he’s in the reserved forces. The Diva’s mobile suit team launches. Zeheart launches as well. Combat begins. Asemu uses his Double Bullet to great effectiveness. Desil appears and fights both Asemu and Woolf. The Federation fires a giant laser weapon that the main Veigan ship survives intact due to Zeheart’s warning. Desil activates his ability to control other mobile suits, but Woolf saves Asemu, only to be run through by Desil. After telling Asemu to become a super pilot, Woolf’s mobile suit explodes. In a rage, Asemu attacks Desil, destroying his mobile suit. Flit launches in AGE-1.      Comments:   This was an awesome episode.    Killing off Woolf could prove to be a big mistake in the future, since he was such a good character and added something to the mix, but he went out like a champ, saving Asemu so he can live on to be a SUPAA PAIRUTO. What I liked was that the death was a little surprising, but not completely out of nowhere. There were a few death flags before this, but when he kept surviving, they were easy to ignore. But I guess I should’ve known by the speech he gave Asemu in the last episode that something would happen to him. The result is that this death actually has a bit of impact, both on the characters and the viewer. My only problem is that somehow nobody gave a shit about Grodek’s death (except Flit for about a moment), but Woolf’s death is  mourned by all. Grodek probably can’t rest in piece because of that.    The Federation has a big ol’ beam weapon that increases the effect of the Diva’s main cannon. I think it was pretty neat, even if it didn’t really do much. I want to see a similar to Zeta Gundam or 0083 fight to defend the laser parts so it can fire. I think the remaining members of the Losers Eight should attempt that.    The loser Desil finally meets his end, not at Flit’s hands, but by his son’s. That was a great beatdown. Only unlike Flit, Asemu showed no mercy at all. For a moment I thought he might, but nope, Desil’s gone. It’s about time. That guy’s single-minded pursuit of Flit put himself and his comrades in danger. This is one less headache for Zeheart, who by the way, seems glad to be rid of him, despite them being family. I love how Desil’s mobile suit could control the others, though. He should have taken better advantage of that, but he was too obsessed and wasn’t thinking clearly.    Speaking of losers and death flags, when is that obnoxious redheaded guy going to die? If I had any problem with this episode, it was my trouble caring for this guy or the glasses girl. I mean if there aren’t death flags waving everywhere on this guy, I don’t know what a death flag is. Forced romance with a non-character? Admitting his desire to marry her? Her agreeing to marry him just before he leaves for combat? I think maybe Sunrise is mocking the people who think his death is coming. It would be hilarious if this guy survives the entire generation only to be killed right away in the third one.    The action in this episode was excellent. Especially when Asemu let loose.      Overall Score:

4.5 out of 5

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Bandai Entertainment, R.I.P.

Yesterday, anime licensor/publisher Bandai Entertainment announced that they will no longer release DVDs or Blu-Rays. According to an interview at Anime News Network with Ken Iyadomi today, the decision was made in October by parent company Namco Bandai Holdings. February will be the last month they release anime and all planned releases for after then are cancelled. Cancelled titles include Yoshiyuki Tomino-directed Turn A Gundam. Their entire manga division is also cancelled. However, they will continue to handle licensing and sub-licensing for "group companies". Iyadomi added his gratitude to the fanbase for supporting the company.  read more

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MG Detal Plus – Foot Fix

In my earlier review of the Delta Plus I mentioned that the feet have a habit of collapsing forward due to the weight and a loose joint in the foot. Since then it seems that I’m not the only one to experience the issue and figure it worthwhile to offer up some suggestions. I’m sure there will be more advanced solutions from the more experienced community members but what I offer are quick fixes. Nothing spectacular, nothing glamorous, but more than enough to mitigate the issue. read more

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MG Delta Plus Review [Updated x2]

 

The MG Delta Plus was an instant day one purchase. Another in the line of fantastic designs from Gundam Unicorn, the Delta Plus is a worthy descendant of Kazumi Fujita’s famous Zeta Gundam. Like him, or hate him, I think Hajime Katoki’s Delta is fantastic. Design wise it’s hard to argue against the aesthetics, but how would it fare as a Master Grade kit? As any Gundam modeler will tell you Bandai doesn’t have the greatest of track record when it comes to transforming kits, both within and outside of the Zeta inspired lineage. So how well does this newest addition hold up? Let’s take a look… read more

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Gundam AGE: A Preliminary Consideration

First off, let me state that I received all of my information about this series from Gundam Guy. Many props to the man for his excellent coverage of the announcement, leaks, and subsequent releases by Bandai. If you haven’t already please check out his extensive post on AGE. In fact, I’d prefer you do that ahead of time so you can form an opinion (if you haven’t already) without my corrupting influence.

So, anyhow…

For sometime now Bandai has been teasing the news of a new Gundam series before millions of egar fans. A few weeks back they stirred the pot once more by releasing a small shadow silhouette shot of the new main suit and announcing a conference and full disclosure, come June 13th. A lot of information leaked last week and sent fans into dizzy. I decided to wait until the official announcement before commenting on the upcoming project. It’s allowed for a cooler head to prevail, though the increased information may not have swayed my initial opinion. read more

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MG The O – A Review

It’s show time, The O!


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The MG O has long been awaited by many since Bandai first showcased it years ago. Shortly after its announcement, for reasons unknown to me, it disappeared and Bandai never followed through with its release. Now, following a 2nd place victory in Bandai’s MG Wishlist survey they have reconsidered that decision.

When the release of the MG O was announced I was excited. I love large, imposing kits like this one and I have the perfect spot on my shelf for it. After some shipping issues delayed progress I was shocked to find such a huge box waiting for me. It’s ame size as a PG kit and smaller than the 1/48 Gundam. Despite it’s size the number of pieces is pretty standard for a MG kit and the whole thing is a pretty easy build. read more

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