And just like that, we have gone through the first half of 2026. But it’s not yet over as we there are still notable releases, and their packaging art, this June.
First we have the HGAC Gundam Sandrock Custom EW, which was just released this weekend. Many, myself included, were excited with the announcement of this kit as it opens the floodgate for Endless Waltz designs to get modern High Grade kits. If you recall when the RG Wing Gundam Zero EW was announced, the original plan was to have all five Gundams get Real Grades. But I guess Bandai Hobby did some market research and shelved that plan.
Some years later and we’re now getting HGAC kits, and with the way these are being engineered, might be the better route. And with the new Gundam Wing prodiction on the horizon, having these kits and their likely retools make more sense than ever before.
HGAC Gundam Sandrock Custom EW
June 2026 / ¥3,800
Order from HobbyLink Japan
Next on the packaging showcase is the 30MM Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon VP-40S. I admit to have zero knowledge of this machine, though it’s monotone colors and very industrial aesthetic was enough to translate the solicitation to a pre-order. As long as they still release kits in this particular color scheme, then I’ll probably grab it.
30MM Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon VP-40A
June 2026 / ¥2,300
Order from HobbyLink Japan
Last on this list is a kit I wanted to get when it was first announced. But once all the details were revealed on the solicitations, I opted to pass on it.
And that would be the RG 1/48 AV-98Plus (Ingram Plus) from the ongoing (as of this post) film series Patlabor EZY. It’s basically the Ingram we knew and love from all those years being continuously updated and retrofited. Forty years worth of retrofits to be exact. As for the reason I skipped this kit, I’ll show an image from the review of ガンプラの山を崩せ (schizophonic9).
When this Real Grade kit was announced, I was hoping it would be at the same 1/60 scale as the MODEROID Patlabor kits, which I’ve been collecting for a good while and are perfect for my collection. However, the Real Grade AV-98Plus comes in 1/48 scale, which is the same as the last Bandai kit from this franchise, the 1/48 AV-98 Ingram from The Next Generation: Patlabor. And as you can see above, it’s almost the same size as a Master Grade.
Here it is compared to The Next Generation version and the oddly-scale 1/43 one from Aoshima.
And finally, here’s the kit compared to a MODEROID 1/60 Ingram kit.
Please note that this is just my personal preference and it’s not a knock against the kit. It features a full inner frame with details and an opening cockpit hatch with a pilot figure, among other nifty gimmicks.
RG 1/48 AV-98Plus (Ingram Plus)
June 2026 / ¥5,500
