Bandai Spirits made the formal announcement of all the kits slated for release this Q4 earlier today, though all of them were already revealed during the Shizuoka Hobby Show last May so there were no surprises. Still, it’s great that we finally get all the details regarding these upcoming kits, and one of them really has me excited.
As part of Gundam’s 45th anniversary, they are releasing the Best Mecha Collection 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (Revival Ver.) which is basically taking the first ever Gunpla and bringing it to modern standards. At least as far as color separation and ease of assembly goes.
Think of it as an Entry Grade version of the original 1980 kit, meaning it has snap fit assembly, is molded in full colored plastic, and requires minimal tools for assembly. Yes, even the small yellow ‘V’ on the crotch section is in correct colors. All modern bells and whistles aside, the charm of the kit is really in the clearly retry proportions.
The runners and parts layout are completely different if you’re thinking that it’s basically the same kit but with colored parts. And while the parts layout is different, they didn’t go completely overboard with this kit and kept one aspect from the original, well actually maybe two.
I initially compared this kit to what the Transformers franchise is doing with its new Missing Link line, where the original figures are given modern engineering to gain modern articulation. On the other hand, Bandai Spirits decided to hold back on the articulation aspect and as you can see above, it keeps the limited articulation of the original, which is part of the retro charm of this modern kit.
Lastly, if you’re the type who’s allergic to ‘toothpick’ beam sabers from older kits, then consider this a warning as you will definitely need to paint the beam effect part of the beam saber. You’re also given an extra beam saber handle without the actual beam since the ones at the shoulders are not removable.
Following this, the logical question to ask is whether they’ll produce more revival versions of these old Best Mecha Collection kits. I’m sure many would want Char’s Zaku or the mass produced Zaku in the same vein, or even the Guncannon and the Guntank. If this novelty item sells well, then there’s definitely a reason for Bandai Spirits to continue with more modern versions of these classic kits.
Best Mecha Collection 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (Revival Ver.)
October 2024 / ¥1,200
Order via HobbyLink Japan
