Prior to this week, Bandai Spirits has released all but one of the Shuffle Alliance Mobile Fighters. So, it would make the most perfect sense if the next High Grade Future Century release would be the Bo– Mandala / Mandor Gundam the Neo Nepalese Mobile Fighter from G Gundam!
I know, everyone but their pet dog has been scratching their heads on whatever meeting led to the decision to release this kit. But it does open the possiblity for the kit everybody seems to really want, Neo Mexico’s Tequilla Gundam, or Neo Denmark’s Mermaid Gundam. I just hope it doesn’t significantly delay the release of an HGFC Bolt Gundam.
To those not familiar with this crazy design, the Mandala Gundam is comprised of a standard Gundam upper torso with Buddhist monk beads for the arm units and connecting segments to the lower bell-shaped section in lieu of functional leg units.
It also has a defense mode configuration where most of the Gundam compresses inside the bell enclosure, leaving only the head and arms exposed.
The Mandala Gundam’s primary weapon is the Khakkhara, a staff that acts both as a flamethrower and can be sheathed to reveal a hidden beam saber.
As with previous Premium Bandai exclusive G Gundam kits, the Mandala Gundam also has a model kit-exclusive feature as designed by G Gundam chief director Yasuhiro Imagawa. These include extra parts to show the cloth wrapped around its neck fluttering, along with multiple miniature Mandela Gundams that can be attached via effect parts attached to the Khakkhara or the main bell structure.
The timing of this kit is such a wonder to me, especially when they only have the Bolt Gundam left to complete the Shuffle Alliance as modern 1/144 scale kits. I’m speculating that if they’ve gone with the Bolt Gundam first, then there won’t be much interest with these crazier designs. And it’s like Bandai Spirits is saying that you’ll have to go through these first before completing your Shuffle Alliance.
I mean if this means getting the Tequilla Gundam or the Windmill Gundam as High Grade kits, then I’m all for it.
HGFC 1/144 Mandela / Mandor Gundam
November 2025 / ¥2,650
Premium Bandai Exclusive
