Bandai 1/100 Nix Providence Gundam English Manual & Color Guide

Prayer Reverie's LN-2GMF-X13A Nix Providence Gundam from the Gundam Seed vs Astray Manga series. I see the irony with the name of the pilot and this mobile suit because the look of Nix Providence just has "Bad Ass" written all over it. I used to hate the Providence Gundam but after seeing this variant in this pose, I feel that my paradigms have been erased and I'm starting to see the beauty in this kit.

Bandai 1/100 Regen Duel Gundam English Manual & Color Guide

Kaite Madigan's LR-GAT-X102 Regen Duel Gundam from the Gundam Seed vs Astray manga series. This particular mobile suit was operated by the Librarian Works group. Like the other mobile suits in this line of model kits, the Regen Duel can accept the back pack of the 1/100 Nix Providence Gundam.

Bandai HG 1/144 CB-001.5 1.5 Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

Recently released this May is the 1.5 Gundam (Aizu Gundam) in High Grade scale (1/144) as part of the Gundam 00 line of kits of Bandai. In the Gundam 00 side stories the 1.5 Gundam is piloted by Leif Recitativo of the Innovators.

Bandai MG 1/100 MS-06F Zaku II ver 2.0 English Manual and Color Guide

The 1/100 Master Grade MS-06F Zaku II ver 2.0. The iconic Zaku is the cannon fodder unit of the antagonist, Principality of Zeon, in the first Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. Its great that Bandai decided to make a version 2 of this model kit that had better features and details than the original version 1.0.

Bandai HG 1/144 G Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

High Grade Future Century 1/144 model kit of the GF13-017NJII G Gundam from Mobile Fighter G Gundam anime series. I haven't watched this anime yet but based from what I've been reading on the web its supposed to be a UFC style Mobile Suit fight in order to determine who rules the world, with each country sending a representative.

Bandai 1/100 Hail Buster Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

Hail Buster Gundam of Finis Socius from the Gundam SEED vs Astray manga series utilized by the group known as Librarian Works. Similar looking to the Buster Gundam of Gundam SEED but packed with more fire power than the original, if they ever went up against each other Buster Gundam would definitely get busted. Unless of course the pilot of the Hail Buster were an utter moron *snicker*

Bandai 1/100 Gale Strike Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

Meleeeee!!!, that's what its all about. I can't seem to understand why, but whenever I see the Gale Strike Gundam the intro of Beastie Boy's Sabotage pops into my head. Based off the Strike Gundam of Kira Yamato from the Gundam Seed anime series, this variant is operated by the Librarian Group and piloted by ND HE... yep, darn weird name for a pilot. This mobile suit can be seen in the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED VS Astray set of stories.

Bandai 1/100 Gundam Astray Gold Frame English Manual and Color Guide

Between the Gold Frame Amatsu and this, the Gold Frame Amatsu definitely looks a lot better in my book. But then again I have to look at it in context. This was the first generation version of the Gundam Astray Gold Frame so it looks plain and like the others (Blue Frame and Red Frame.) But yeah, I'll still pass on this model kit *snicker*

Bandai MG 1/100 Musha Gundam Mk-II English Manual and Color Guide

Just saw this posted at Dalong's site, first instance of a MG Musha Mk-2 wild on the web, woohoo! Made me realize that its May already because that's the time that this was scheduled to be released. After seeing the parts and manual up close I can't help but think how difficult it would be for me to subject this to a weathering procedure (Not that I have tried to weather a kit before), because this kit just screams majestic and elegant to me whenever I see it. And along with that is the thought that Katana's are cool no matter where you adorn it *snicker*

Bandai 1/100 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu English Manual

Rondo Mina Sahaku's MBF-P01-Re2 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu from the Gundam Seed vs Astray line of 1/100 kits. Based from my understanding of the literature and with the help of "the Google", the Rondo Ghina's Gundam Astray Gold Frame was destroyed and his sister, Rondo Mina took over and upgraded the salvaged Gold Frame. And of course took over a long standing tradition of being the antagonist in the Seed Vs Astray Series.

Return To Sender experience with HWJapan

Update (05/28/2010): Just paid for the "returning fee" that was charged to HWJapan and they thanked me for it. Woohoo, glad that's over.

A few months back I purchased some stuff from HWJapan and the package arrived at the post office. I got a notice to pick the packages up at the post office. These past few posts I've been elusive as to what really happened with that experience well truth be told what happened was was that the customs officer was nowhere to be found. When I ask when the guy is going to show up they say they don't know and that he probably won't show up.

Bandai 1/100 Legend Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

Rey Za Burrel's final mobile suit in the Gundam Seed Destiny Anime series. Part of the mobile suit complement of the Minerva, the Legend Gundam was presented in tandem with the Destiny Gundam to Shinn Asuka and Athrun Zala. Athrun Zala was the intended pilot of the Legend but since he left ZAFT this mobile suit was handed to Rey Za Burrel.

Bandai 1/100 Akatsuki Gundam Shiranui/Oowashi pack English Manual and Color Guide

The ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam of Cagalli Yula Athha developed by the Orb union in secret. Too secret in fact that even Cagalli didn't know of its development. This mobile suit was first seen in Gundam Seed Destiny but given the events surrounding its development and revelation to Cagalli it seems as if it was in existence or development during the time of Gundam Seed.

Bandai HG 1/144 Sazabi English Manual and Color Guide

The iconic MSN-04 Sazabi of Char Aznable in Char's Counterattack Anime. This time represented as a 1/144 HGUC kit. Despite being of 1/144 scale this mobile suit still towers over most mobile suits.

Bandai 1/144 HG Schuzrum-Dias English Manual and Color Guide

RMS-099B Schuzrum-Dias from the ZZ Gundam Anime series. The Schuzrum-Dias was based off the Rick Dias of AEUG with modifications added to enhance its performance. The most obvious of which is the presence of the large back boosters over the previous Rick Dias. One other thing different about this is that it is being flown by the Neo Zeon forces of Haman Karn instead of being on the side of the "good" guys.

Bandai HG 1/144 Gaza C Haman Karn ver English Manual and Color Guide

AMX-003 Gaza C of Haman Karn seen in Zeta Gundam. The AMX-003 Gaza belongs to the Axis Zeon faction of Haman Karn, which were really remnants of the Zeon forces. Stupid of me to think that Haman Karn was flying the Qubeley all the time in Zeta Gundam, when in fact she also used the Gaza C.

Bandai MG 1/100 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Full Cloth English Manual and Color Guide

XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Full Cloth from the Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam manga series. Never got to reading this manga so I really have no idea what its about. But hey, enjoy the translated manual *snicker*

Bandai 1/144 HG FA-93HWS Nu Gundam HWS English Manual and Color Guide

A redesign of the RX-93 Nu Gundam of Amuro Ray from the Char's Counter Attack anime series. Similar to what was done for the RX-93 Hi Nu Gundam for Beltorchika's children.

Bandai Real Grade Gundam Series

Update (07/24/2010): Just saw this review of the Real Grade RX-78-2 up at HobbyLink TV,

Just saw this posted in BAKUC's Facebook Page, an announcement for a new line of Gundam Model kits that is being called Real Grade (RG) that will be released this summer (July 24, 2010). It's page is already up at the Gunpla 30th Anniversary Site.

I saw this a few days earlier at Bandai's Gundam site but had not idea what it meant. Now it becomes more clearer with the explanation that it is a new line of 1/144 scale Gundam model kits that will have more realistic details as well as decals. Part of the write-up says that it has "complete reproduction, advance ms joint, realistic decal"

Bandai HG 1/144 GX-9900 Gundam X English Manual and Color Guide

Haven't watched After War Gundam yet so when I saw this High Grade kit of the GX-9900 Gundam X that was released this year I just shrugged my shoulders. Same reaction I got when I was reviewing the bootleg Gundam Dynames... meh. Of course after watching Gundam 00 Season 1 I was pretty much floored by Gundam Dynames because of my admiration for Lockon Stratos.

Bandai HG 1/144 00 Gundam Seven Sword/G English Manual and Color Guide

Setsuna F Seie's 00 Gundam Seven Sword/G variant from Season 2 of Gundam 00. This 1/144 High Grade rendition is equipped with the GN Sword II Blaster, 2 GN Beam Sabers, GN Buster Sword II, 2 GN Katar, GN Sword II Long and GN Sword II Short.

Bandai HG 1/144 Methuss English Manual and Color Guide

The MSA-005 Methuss from the Zeta Gundam Anime series. The Methuss is a mobile armor that can transform to flying mode and back to mobile suit mode allowing it the best of both worlds in terms of performance.

Bandai HG 1/144 MS-09/MS-09R Dom/Rick Dom Color Guide & Paint Conversion Chart

This is a 1/144 HGUC kit of the "Dom" that can be assembled as either a MS-09 Dom or its space variant the MS-09R Rick Dom. I myself prefer the Rick Dom version because of the large beam bazooka that goes along with it. The Dom on the other hand just uses the ordinary bazooka. The Rick Dom has rocket thrusters instead of jet engines in order to make it a mobile suit capable of fighting in space.

Bandai HG 1/144 Palace Athene English Manual and Color Guide

Paptimus Scirocco's PMX-001 Palace Athene mobile suit from the Zeta Gundam Anime series. For me, this would be one of the mobile suits that I would like Bandai to make into a Master Grade kit. Mainly because it was flown by Zeta Gundam main antagonist Paptimus Scirocco and because it has a "big" design that could allow for a lot of add-on kit detailing (like panel lining, add-ons etc). Just incase you haven't heard, Bandai, has already announced that they are making Paptimus Scirocco's "The O" into a Master Grade kit.

Bandai HG 1/144 Geara Doga Rezin Schnyder Ver English Manual and Color Guide

AMS-119 Geara Doga of Rezin Schnyder from the Char's Counterattack anime series. Rezin was a member of Char Aznable's Neo Zeon movement. Rezin's Geara Doga is different from the regular AMS-119 Geara Doga with the presence of an antenna on its helmet signifying that it is a command type model other than that it carries the same specs.

Bandai HG 1/144 Geara Doga English Manual and Color Guide

The AMS-119 Geara Doga was seen in the Char's Counterattack anime. This mobile suit served as the main mass produced mobile suit for Char's Neo Zeon forces.

Bandai HG 1/144 Gaddess English Manual and Color Guide

If you haven't seen Gundam 00 Season 2 yet, or finished watching it, I'd suggest you not continue reading this as you might not want to know who is the pilot of the GNZ-007 Gaddess.

Bandai MG 1/100 Gouf Ver.2.0 English Manual and Color Guide

MG MS-07B Gouf Ver.2.0 from the Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 anime series which was re-rendered with a new design dubbed ver 2.0 by Bandai. Outwardly its still Ramba Ral's iconic Gouf but inside there are new enhancements to the frame design that will make it a delight to build and own. In the anime, the Gouf was the next fronline mobile suit of the Zeon forces that was set to replace the aging Zaku mobile suit.

Bandai HG 1/144 Gaplant TR-5 Hrairoo English Manual and Color Guide

Never liked the Gaplant mobile armor that was first seen in Zeta Gundam, that was till I saw the Gaplant TR-5 Hrairoo variant that was made into a HGUC kit by Bandai. The Gaplant Hrairoo never made it into a Gundam anime series but rather was part of the Advance of Zeta: The Flag of Titans manga. Surprising what a coat of white paint and a little tweak here-and-there can do to shatter your long held paradigm *snicker*

Bandai HG 1/144 Jagd Doga Quess Paraya version English Manual and Color Guide

Quess Paraya started off as the daughter of a high ranking official in the Earth Federation before defecting to the NeoZeon movement of Char Aznable. As a NewType she was given a Jagd Doga to pilot as her abilities allow her to interface with the psycommu system that control the Funnel system.

Bandai HG 1/144 Jagd Doga Gyunei Guss version English Manual and Color Guide

If you watched Char's Counterattack you would be able to easily recognize this as the personal MSN-03 Jagd Doga flown by Gyunei Guss. Gyunei Guss was NewType pilot allied with Char Aznable in his Neo Zeon unit. Despite being a NewType however his skill and experience paled in comparison to Londo Bell's Amuro Ray.

Bandai HG 1/144 MS-09R-2 Rick Dom II English Manual and Color Guide

The venerable MS-09R-2 Rick Dom II that was made into a beautiful 1/144 High Grade kit by Bandai. This green version came out for a brief instance in the Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket series. The Rick Dom II is a variant of the original MS-09R Rick Dom which itself was an outer space variant of the MS-09 Dom.

Bandai HG 1/144 Susanowo English Manual and Color Guide

Graham Aker's/Mr. Bushido's Susanowo from the Gundam 00 Season 2 Anime Series. This mobile suit was designed by Billy Katigiri for Graham Aker with one purpose in mind, to defeat the 00 Raiser of Setsuna F. Seie. This unit is modelled after the Over Flag that Graham Aker once flew in season 1 of Gundam 00. Prior to taking this unit Graham Aker/Mr. Bushido flew the Masurao.

49th Shizuoka Hobby Show 2010

Update(05/21/2010): More pictures of the 49th Shizuoka Hobby Show from BAKUC@facebook.

Update (05/15/2010): Check out these other pictures posted here, here, here, here, here.

Just saw this at HobbyStock blog (check out also here and here) and Amiami blog (check out also here, here and here), photos of theirs from the 49th Shizuoka Hobby Show. This is the venue where model kit companies come to showcase their latest products. I'll skip the rest and just focus on the stuff that pique my interest. I just love the Hobby Stock and Amiami blog, they always have great pictures of Hobby Shows in Japan.

Bandai 1/100 Gundam Dynames English Manual and Color Guide

The GN-002 Gundam Dynames of Lockon Stratos from the Gundam 00 Season 1 anime series. This was the long range weapon specialist of Celestial Being. Previous write-up of this model kit I already made here. Haven't gotten around to working on this, I should really start setting some time to finish this.

Bandai HG 1/144 Reborns Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

The CB-0000G/C Reborns Gundam flown by Innovator Ribbons Almark in the last part of Gundam 00 Season 2. The Reborns Gundam is different from other Innovator made mobile suits because it is two mobile suits in one frame. The front part is the Reborns Gundam while the rear part transforms to the Reborns Cannon.

Bandai HG 1/144 GN-X III A-Laws type English Manual and Color Guide

GN-X III used by A-Laws in Gundam 00 Season 2. This unit evolved from the original 30 GN-X's seen in Season 1 of Gundam 00. The GN-X was the first GN drive powered unit received by the governments of the world from a private organization to use to thwart Celestial Being.

Bandai HG 1/144 Garazzo English Manual and Color Guide

Bring Stability's GNZ-005 Garazzo from the Gundam 00 Season 2 anime series. This was one of the mobile suits that belonged to the Innovator's in Gundam 00. Compared to the Garazzo, which was a long range unit, the Garazzo was designed to be a short range melee attack type of mobile suit. You can easily figure this out with the weapon suite it carried. GN Beam Claw, GN cutter and GN Spike, all short range weapons.

Bandai HG 1/144 Gadessa English Manual and Color Guide

The High Grade GNZ-003 Gadessa from the Gundam 00 Season 2 anime series. These line of mobile suits were piloted by the Innovators and it first appeared under the control of Revive Revival. Yeah, they have weird names these Innovators *snicker*

Meaning of the Symbols Found in a Kotobukiya kit’s English Manual

Was hoping to translate the symbols found in their model kit manuals but haven't found any scans of good manuals till I found the one from Dalong.

If you are looking for the meaning of the symbols found in a Bandai plastic model kit's manual, check out this older post.

Bandai HG 1/144 GN Arms Type-D + Gundam Dynames English Manual and Color Guide

The Gundam Dynames of Lockon Stratos mounted on the GN Arms Type-D. Notable weapons of this GN Arms variant is the GN Beam Cannon, GN Twin Rifle and the Heavy Missile Launcher. The Type-D is a sister ship to the GN Arms Type-E that is used by the Gundam Exia.

Bandai HG 1/144 GN Arms Type E + Gundam Exia (TransAm Mode) English Manual and Color Guide

Fans of Gundam 00 will easily recognize the GN Arms Type E flown by Lasse Aeon in season 1. The GN Arms docks with the Gundam Exia to form an even more powerful weapons platform. The short range handicap of the Gundam Exia is offset by the weapons provided by the GN Arms.

Bandai MG 1/100 MS-14A Gelgoog Mass Production ver.2.0 English Manual and Color Guide

MS-14A Gelgoog from the first Mobile Suit Gundam anime series used by the Zeon Forces. It was the next evolution of mobile suit technology for Zeon with plans to replace the venerable Zaku frontline mobile suit. Too little too late however to stem the tide of battle for Zeon during the One Year War against the Earth Federation. And yes, it does look like a reptile-slash-gladiator-crossbreed to me *snicker*

Starcraft2 Release Date Announced

Woke up to some very good news. Blizzard officially announced that Starcraft2 will be released worldwide on July 27, 2010. It definitely is welcome news to the fans who lucked out on the Battle.net beta key that Blizzard was giving out to players early this year to beta test their game.

Bandai MG 1/100 Wing Gundam English Manual and Color Guide

Hero Yui's XXXG-01W Wing Gundam from the Gundam Wing anime series. Recently released this year as a Master Grade kit by Bandai. This seems to be quite a popular kit as I've seen it back ordered already at some online shops. The Wing Gundam is one of the 4 Gundams sent to earth by the space colonies. It is unique with its ability to transform to "Bird" mode enabling it enhanced flight capabilities.

Bandai HG 1/144 Gundam Astraea type-F English Manual and Color Guide

Fon Spaak's Gundam Astraea type F from the Gundam 00 side stories. This High Grade Type F can be assembled as either a type-F or a type-F2. Bandai has already released a 1/100 non-grade kit of the Gundam Astraea type-F flown by Fon Spaak

Bandai HG 1/144 Ahead English Manual and Color Guide

The GNX-704T Ahead that came out in the first scene of Gundam 00 Season 2. It was the most advance mobile suit of A-Laws at that time and was reserved for flight leaders and other top pilots. Variants of these that came out were the Smultron of Soma Peries and the unit of Mr. Bushido. Based from the literature found on the manual, it seems that the Ahead was based from the Human Reform League's Tieren space type.

Amiami offers Unregistered SAL and reduced handling charges

Amiami just announced recently at their site that they are now offering unregistered SAL as well as that they are reducing the handling charges. Check out more details of it here.

Hobby Search Paypal Commemorative Sale extended till May 31

Hobby Search announced today that they are extending their Paypal Commemorative sale to the month of May. The Paypal Commemorative sale was for the entire month of April.