First revealed during the SMP [Shokugan Modeling Project] rebranding launch, Bandai Candy/Shokugan has finally opened solicitations for the first kit in the SMP Alternative Destiny line. To recall, this line will feature alternate redesigns and stylized reinterpretations of existing mecha. And as earlier teased, the first kit in the line would be Gunbuster from Aim for the Top! Gunbuster.
Looking at the kit at face value, it has a lot more going on when compared to the original. More surface details and sharper angles compared to the relatively smooth and simple Gunbuster design. That said, it still has the same beats and visual cues the original had. One thing to note, that they made clear earlier on, was the omission of any transformation and combination feature to focus on a wider range of articulation.
While the kit is non-scale, it will stand at a whopping 240 mm when completed, assumingly to the top of those shoulder pylons.. To put into perspective, it will be taller than most Master Grade Gunpla kits. With engineering from toy designing company T-REX, expect to have great articulation combined with stylish visuals that only the SMP Alternative Destiny line can offer. They are also hinting on additional parts sets in the future so look forward to those.
Personally, I’m not the greatest Gunbuster fan so I won’t be getting this guy, not to mention I already have the Super Robot Chogokin figure. But this definitely looks amazing and fans of the series should have a great time building this redesign.
SMP Alternative Destiny Gunbuster
October 2021 / ¥7,500
Order from HobbyLink Japan
