Yes, we’re back with some box arts!
First up we have the new HG Gundam Barbatos Adapt based on its appearance in the “Wedge of Interposition” short, part of the Gundam IRON-BLOODED Orphans: Urdr-Hunt compilation theatrical release. This is one of those special instances where a Premium Bandai exclusive kit gets a new color illustration, along with a fully colored instruction manual. The interesting aspects aren’t just cosmetic to the packaging.
According to this extensive review from ガンプラの山を崩せ (schizophonic9), this is the closest thing we have to an “HG Gundam Barbatos Ver.2.0” with the updated Gundam Frame and armor parts. This is very similar to the changes seen in the HG Gundam Zagan release with the replacement of polycap parts with KPS, and new engineering for overall stability. I bet many will be cannibalizing this frame to put in other IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS kits.
HG 1/144 Gundam Barbatos Adapt
May 2026 / ¥2,200
Premium Bandai Exclusive
Going to a more vanilla Premium Bandai release, we have the HGUC D Gundam Second from Double Fake: Under the Gundam. Nothing very particular aboout the monochrome packaging, though the background CG of the D Gundam Second is in a pose very recognizable from the manga. Many lauded the predecessor kit for having very interesting engineering and a chockful of weapons and accessories. I’m expecting this kit to be the same, making me look forward to whenever they release the D Gundam Third.
HGUC 1/144 D Gundam Second
May 2026 / ¥2,800
Premium Bandai Exclusive
I’ve been collecting Mazinger Z and adjacent figures back when the Super Robot Chogokin line was still alive. Unfortunately, the line is pretty much dead so the next best thing I have are these MODEROID releases for designs that didn’t have anything prior, at least for those I’m aware. One of them is MODEROID Z, Armor of God from MazinSaga.
If you’re familiar with the franchise, entries are either super robot stories or more mythical and mystical. MazinSaga very much falls in the latter category, similar to Devilman, where this version of Koji Kabuto stumbles upon a strange helmet that when worn, reacts to its user’s will.
MODEROID Z, Armor of God (MazinSaga)
May 2026 / ¥9,800
Order from HobbyLink Japan
If this guy looks familiar, then it should be as you’ll probably purchase a copy of MODEROID Bismark for all the nostalgia triggered by the show Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs. The original is Star Musketeer Bismark with the titular transforming robot seen here. I’m not that invested with the series or the design to pick one up, but I’m sure those triggered by the aforementioned nostalgia might’ve pulled the pre-order button.
Also, the illustration was made by none other than Masami Obari.
MODEROID Bismark
May 2026 / ¥9,800
Order from HobbyLink Japan
