I’m still scratching my head from the fact that we got a kit from the obscure manga Double Fake: Under the Gundam. And it wasn’t just some lazy effort on Bandai Spirits’ part, the HGUC D Gundam First was a really good kit with tons of accessories and display options. It was also a perfect choice since the manga does show the D Gundam undergo several upgrades, and we’re now getting its second form.
The HGUC D Gundam Second represents the upgraded form of the not-Gundam from Double Fake. While the majority of the mobile suit is still made from junk parts, the upgrade involved replacing the forward armor with Gundarium Alloy/Ceramic Composite. Now, I know what you’re thinking – how is this different from D Gundam First?
Well, let me show a quick comparison between the two.
To the untrained eye, and even those who can distinguish similarly-looking Gundams, the First and Second forms can be challenging to differentiate. There are minor changes to most of the armor, notably on the shoulders, arms, and front “skirts,” but the major change is seen on the leg units. The arm-mounted Knuckle Crushers also employ new mechanism and armor design, along with the rear thruster block which can be opened for reveal even more thrusters (as seen below).
Here’s the D Gundam Second, totally decked out and complete with all its plethora of weapons and accessories. It still keeps the “Seven Tools” as the preferred by its pilot, but it also comes with new weapons. These include a new Connected Beam Rifle, Bazooka, and Shield, not to mention side-mounted Beam Sabers when not in use.
Besides the tons of weapons and accessories, the kit also boats incredible parts separation and articulation. So, while it’s unfortunate, and understandable, that this kit is a Premium Bandai release, you are definitely getting what you’re paying.
With the release of the HGUC D Gundam Second, it only leaves its final upgrade, the expectedly-named D Gundam Third, to be released probably some time in 2027. It might be too early to think of which obscure source material they can scrape for Premium Bandai releases afterwards, but you can’t help but wonder.
HG 1/144 D Gundam Second
May 2026 / ¥2,800
Premium Bandai Exclusive
