With Shizuoka Hobby Show 2024 opening to the public in couple of days, Bandai Spirits decided to hype things up by making reveals as early as today, one of which is very similar to what another franchise did.
2024 is the 45th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam and it would make sense to release some noteworthy anniversary kits. While we are already getting the RG RX-78-2 Gundam (Ver.2.0) later this year, they also announced another kit that I believe has more significance, and definitely hits those nostalgia nerves.
The first Gunpla ever produced in 1980 was the Best Mecha Collection 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam and as crude as it would appear when compared with modern kits, this one started it all. I do have a copy of this kit and I am planning to paint it to the best of my abilities. Or rather, I was planning to because Bandai Spirits just announced this renewal version which I can totally compare to what Takara Tomy is currently doing with their Transformers Missing Link line.
What we have here is basically that old 1980 kit but with the engineering you’d see in Entry Grade kits. This means snap assembly with full color separation and better articulation while still maintaining the charm the old kit has.
I made the comparison earlier to Takara Tomy since this is exacty the same concept behind the Transformers Missing Link line. You take an old G1 figure and apply all the bells and whistles of modern engineering to give them modern articulation, while keeping the aesthetics of the original. This kit is essentially the same concept but for Gunpla.
I already have Missing Link Optimus Prime, so it makes sense to get this guy too, and I am looking forward to having one for sure!
Best Mecha Collection 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (Revival Ver.)
October 2024 / ¥1,100
