The release of the PERFECT GRADE UNLEASHED 1/60 ν Gundam (Bandai Spirits), a Gunpla model of the ν Gundam that appears in the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, on January 31st has been creating a lot of buzz. It's a pricey item at 66,000 yen, and is the second release of the "highest-end brand" of Gunpla, PG UNLEASHED, and is said to be a Gunpla unlike any other before it. Why is it such a hot topic?
◇MS "construction experience"
The first new product from the "top-of-the-line brand" "PG UNLEASHED" was the Gundam model from "Mobile Suit Gundam," "PG UNLEASHED 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam," which was released in December 2020. The first release was aimed to be the culmination of Gunpla's 40th anniversary and the pinnacle of Gunpla at the time.
Approximately five years after the release of the first series, an even more evolved Gunpla is now available. The internal structure is reproduced at 1/60 scale, and by attaching exterior parts to the skeletal internal frame, you can enjoy the "construction experience" of an MS (Mobile Suit).
Up until now, Gunpla models have mostly had frames that were primarily gray, but this model is impressive for its rich color palette, featuring molding colors such as white, navy blue, yellow, and gray. By using metallic molding colors on parts of the frame, it expresses a metallic texture and gives a sense of solidity.
Etching stickers featuring the precision only possible with metal parts are also included. The small cables use lead wires made of soft material, while metal parts are used for the nozzles of the main thrusters and the launch ports of the head vulcans. Attention to detail has been paid to the cockpit block, with secondary processing applied to recreate the light-emitting phenomenon of the Psyco Frame.
◇Fin funnels and luxurious armaments
The fin funnels, a weapon representative of the Nu Gundam, are also noteworthy. There are six large fin funnels, each made up of approximately 50 parts, and you'll be amazed at the amount of detail included. They can be slid and rotated to recreate three different forms, and all six can be connected together.
In addition to the fin funnels, the model is also fully armed. It also includes a beam rifle with built-in sliding and deployment gimmicks, and a shield. The beam rifle deploys by rotating the carrying handle, and the fore-end slides. The shield can be equipped with four missiles and a beam cannon on the back, and can be mounted on either the left or right forearm using special joint parts.
It also comes equipped with two types of beam sabers made of clear pink effect parts. The beam sabers equipped on the backpack are curved sword-shaped, and the beam blade can be generated from the rear as well. The New Hyper Bazooka features a sliding barrel, a rotating grip, and a detachable magazine and warhead gimmick. A support arm for the New Hyper Bazooka can be attached for an original interpretation.
At the beginning of the anime, the Nu Gundam is about to roll out, so its twin camera eyes and sensors are covered. Fans will be happy to know that it comes with a cover sticker that allows you to recreate the same scene.
A dedicated LED unit, "PG UNLEASHED 1/60 Nu Gundam LED Unit," will also be released on January 31st. It lights up the Nu Gundam's psycho frame and various parts, such as the head camera, twin camera eye, chest sensor, chest intake, and cockpit. It costs 15,400 yen. You might wonder how much it costs to add it to the main body, but it's definitely something you'll want to get.
Although the price is also "highest peak," when you see the actual product, you will realize that it is a Gunpla unlike any other before. (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
