It’s that time of the year again as Shizuoka Hobby Show 2026 kicks into high gear with new and upcoming releases from various companies and properties. Much like the previous years, I will only mention stuff that interests me, which isn’t to say I’ll be getting them either. But regardless, these should be good points of interest and discussion.
Gundam X 30th Anniversary
2026 is the 30th Anniversary of After War Gundam X, kicked off by a rather cute VTuber-styled live stream a couple of weeks ago. Fans were expecting Gundam X-related announcements for this year’s hobby show as part of the anniversary and we did get a couple of welcomed reveals.
We are finally getting the Frost Brother’s machines as modern High Grades, we are finally getting the HGAW Gundam Virsago, much to the delight of everyone who purchased one back in the day because they confused it with the Gundam Epyon. It appears to have all the bells and whistles of a modern Gunpla in terms of engineering and articulation.
They were also quick to show its unique features, including the telescopic arms and extending torso unit to reveal the hidden Mega Sonic Cannon. I’m just not sure if the cannon itself is built in to the torso like the old kits, or is a new part that’s attached when displayed.
HGAW 1/144 Gundam Virsago
October 2026 / ¥2,900
And of course, we can’t forget the younger Frost sibling with the HGAW Gundam Ashtaron, complete with its telescopic pincher claws and large backpack unit as part of its mobile armor transformation. The old 1/144 scale kit was one of the first I got when I started the hobby so seeing this guy as a modern High Grade is quite nostalgic.
Its transformation is one of the simplest out there, with the mobile suit basically lying on its front and the backpack shifting forward to cover the mobile suit head. The old kit was also plagued with large color correcting seals for all the red parts so it’s really nice to see them molded in red plastic, at least for the key areas.
HGAW 1/144 Gundam Ashtaron
November 2026 / ¥3,600
Where is the HGFC Bolt Gundam?
We are still within the GWX 30th Anniversary period so we’re still getting new G Gundam kits, the latest announcement being the HGFC Gundam Spiegel. And as much as I appreciate this announcement, I believe everyone is now asking the same question, but more on that later.
Also known as the Shadow Gundam in the English dub, Gundam Spiegel is Neo Germany’s mobile fighter which primarily uses “German Ninjitsu” as its’ fighting style. Its sleek and streamlined design should allow for excellent articulation when coupled with modern High Grade engineering. Much like the previous G Gundam kits, I’m expecting a gimmick exclusive to this release once solicitations are up. Speaking of which, this will definitely be a Premium Bandai exclusive so you should know the drill by this point.
HGFC 1/144 Gundam Spiegel
¥3,400
Premium Bandai Exclusive
Going on a bit of a tangent, everyone is probably asking, just where the heck is the HGFC Bolt Gundam? It would be understandable if the Spiegel got released earlier but with the HGFC Mandala Gundam out there much earlier, then something’s definitely amiss. I don’t want to speculate more than I should but I believe Bandai Hobby also intends to complete the Shuffle Alliance. Maybe they’re delaying this kit so that they could release more obscure ones in between?
“Liberty” is “Freedom?”
The next kit is something I have interest purely from a mobile suit genealogy perspective as the next evolution of the original Gundam Astray Red Frame lineage, the MG Gundam Liberty Astray Red Frame.
First revealed as a gray prototype last December, the Liberty Astray Red Frame hails from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ASTRAY, the latest in the very long running (series 12) spin-off manga series. Unlike the previous Astray units, it belongs to the same lineage as the MWF-JG71 Raysta and the MWF-JG73 Civilian Astray JG Custom, having the official designation MWF-JG001 Gundam Liberty Astray Red Frame.
Compared to the originals, the Liberty Astray is taller but lighter, thanks to a new armor material unofficially translated as the “Super-Foamed Metal Armor.” As the name suggests, the material contains microscopic holes that allow photons to pass through, which has the adverse effect of reduced armor defense while also providing significant gains in mobility.
The design is made to look very similar to the original Red Frame but also has numerous differences to set it apart as an evolution. I also find it surprising that Bandai Hobby decided to release a new MG Astray ahead of the Mighty Strike Freedom or even the Rising Freedom. I have no intentions of getting this guy, but if they ever decide to do an HGCE version, then I might.
MG 1/100 Gundam Liberty Astray Red Frame
December 2026 / ¥7,500
Compared to shows from the previous years, there seems to be a lot more interesting stuff from this year, so please expect more dodgy coverage as we go through more of these reveals.
