00 Gundam Model Kits A Comprehensive Review And General Consensus
Introduction to the 00 Gundam Universe
The 00 Gundam series stands as a prominent entry in the long-standing and beloved Gundam franchise, capturing the hearts of fans with its compelling characters, intricate storylines, and, of course, its stunning mobile suit designs. Within the GunPla (Gundam Plastic Model) community, the 00 Gundam model kits hold a special place, celebrated for their impressive engineering, articulation, and aesthetic appeal. These kits offer enthusiasts the opportunity to build and display their favorite mobile suits from the series, fostering a deep connection with the 00 Gundam universe. This comprehensive review will delve into the general consensus surrounding 00 Gundam model kits, providing insights into their quality, complexity, and overall enjoyment factor. From the iconic Gundam Exia to the powerful 00 Raiser, we'll explore the various grades and offerings, catering to both seasoned builders and newcomers to the hobby. Whether you're a longtime Gundam aficionado or just beginning your GunPla journey, this article will serve as your guide to navigating the world of 00 Gundam model kits.
The appeal of 00 Gundam model kits stems from several factors. First and foremost, the mobile suit designs themselves are incredibly striking, featuring sharp lines, dynamic proportions, and vibrant color schemes. This visual flair translates beautifully into model form, resulting in kits that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly poseable. The series' focus on advanced technology and innovative weaponry also lends itself well to the GunPla format, with many kits incorporating intricate gimmicks and accessories that enhance their playability and display value. Furthermore, the 00 Gundam storyline, with its themes of war, peace, and human connection, resonates deeply with fans, making the act of building these kits a more meaningful experience. The satisfaction of assembling a miniature representation of a beloved mobile suit, imbued with the weight of its fictional history, is a key aspect of the GunPla hobby. In the following sections, we will examine the specific grades and kits within the 00 Gundam line, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and providing recommendations for builders of all skill levels.
The 00 Gundam model kits are not just plastic models; they are gateways to a rich and immersive world. Each kit represents a piece of the 00 Gundam narrative, allowing builders to connect with the characters, events, and themes of the series in a tangible way. The process of assembling a kit, from carefully cutting out the parts to meticulously applying decals, is a meditative and rewarding experience. It requires patience, precision, and a genuine appreciation for the artistry of the design. Moreover, the finished model serves as a constant reminder of the builder's dedication and skill, a physical manifestation of their passion for Gundam. The 00 Gundam line, in particular, offers a diverse range of kits, from the entry-level High Grade (HG) kits to the more complex and detailed Master Grade (MG) and Perfect Grade (PG) offerings. This variety ensures that there is a 00 Gundam kit to suit every builder's skill level and budget. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the specifics of each grade, providing insights into their unique characteristics and offerings. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy build or a challenging and rewarding project, the 00 Gundam model kits have something to offer.
High Grade (HG) 00 Gundam Model Kits
High Grade (HG) 00 Gundam model kits are often the entry point for many GunPla enthusiasts, especially those new to the 00 Gundam series. These kits are known for their relative simplicity in construction, making them ideal for beginners while still offering a satisfying building experience for more experienced builders. The HG line focuses on providing a good balance between detail, articulation, and ease of assembly, making them a popular choice for those who want to build a large collection without investing excessive time in each kit. One of the key advantages of HG kits is their affordability, allowing fans to collect multiple mobile suits and recreate iconic scenes from the anime. The 00 Gundam HG line is particularly strong, featuring a wide range of mobile suits from both seasons of the series, including the main Gundams and their various forms and upgrades.
When discussing HG 00 Gundam model kits, it's important to highlight some of the standout offerings. The Gundam Exia is a perennial favorite, known for its sleek design and iconic GN Sword. The HG Exia is a well-engineered kit that captures the essence of the mobile suit, offering good articulation and a range of accessories. Similarly, the 00 Gundam itself is another must-have for fans of the series. The HG 00 Gundam features a solid build, decent articulation, and the ability to combine with its support unit, the 0 Raiser, to form the powerful 00 Raiser. This combination is a popular choice for builders, as it showcases the series' iconic transformation gimmick. Other notable HG kits in the 00 Gundam line include the Gundam Dynames, Gundam Kyrios, and Gundam Virtue, the other three Gundams piloted by Celestial Being. These kits offer unique designs and weapons, allowing builders to assemble the entire team. The HG line also includes a variety of enemy mobile suits, such as the GN-X and the A-Laws mobile suits, providing opportunities for builders to create dioramas and recreate battle scenes.
Beyond the individual kits, the HG 00 Gundam line is also praised for its consistent quality and attention to detail. While HG kits generally have fewer parts and less intricate construction than higher-grade kits, the 00 Gundam HG kits still manage to capture the essence of the mobile suits with impressive accuracy. The color separation is generally good, meaning that the kits don't require extensive painting to achieve a visually appealing result. The articulation is also commendable, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. However, it's worth noting that HG kits typically have fewer accessories and less intricate gimmicks than MG or PG kits. This is a trade-off for the lower price point and ease of assembly. Despite these limitations, the HG 00 Gundam kits remain a popular choice for builders of all skill levels, offering a fun and accessible way to experience the world of GunPla. Whether you're a beginner looking to build your first kit or an experienced builder looking to expand your collection, the HG 00 Gundam line has something to offer.
Master Grade (MG) 00 Gundam Model Kits
Master Grade (MG) 00 Gundam model kits represent a significant step up in complexity and detail compared to their HG counterparts. These kits are designed for more experienced builders who are looking for a more challenging and rewarding building experience. MG kits feature a higher parts count, more intricate construction, and a greater level of detail, both in terms of aesthetics and mechanical functionality. The MG line is known for its focus on recreating the inner workings of the mobile suits, often incorporating internal frames and detailed cockpits. This level of detail makes MG kits particularly appealing to builders who appreciate the engineering aspects of the Gundam designs. The 00 Gundam MG line is highly regarded for its impressive engineering, articulation, and overall quality, making it a favorite among GunPla enthusiasts.
Among the standout MG 00 Gundam model kits, the MG 00 Raiser is arguably the most iconic. This kit captures the essence of the series' titular mobile suit, featuring a complex transformation gimmick that allows it to combine with the 0 Raiser support unit. The MG 00 Raiser boasts impressive articulation, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses, and comes with a variety of weapons and accessories, including the GN Sword III and the GN Sword II. The level of detail in this kit is exceptional, with intricate panel lining and a fully realized internal frame. Another popular MG kit is the MG Gundam Exia, which features a sleek and dynamic design that perfectly captures the mobile suit's agility and speed. The MG Exia also boasts impressive articulation and comes with a variety of weapons, including the GN Sword and the GN Blade. The MG Gundam Dynames and MG Gundam Kyrios are also highly regarded, offering unique designs and gimmicks that set them apart from other MG kits. The Dynames features a sniper rifle and a shield that can be deployed in various configurations, while the Kyrios can transform into a fighter jet mode.
When considering MG 00 Gundam model kits, it's important to note the increased complexity and time commitment required to build them. These kits typically take several hours to complete, and require a higher level of skill and patience than HG kits. However, the end result is a highly detailed and impressive model that is sure to be a centerpiece of any GunPla collection. The MG 00 Gundam kits are also known for their robust construction and stability, making them ideal for posing and display. The articulation is generally excellent, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses, and the kits often come with a variety of accessories, such as beam sabers, rifles, and shields. The MG line also benefits from Bandai's continued innovation in GunPla technology, with newer MG kits often incorporating advanced features such as LED units and pre-molded inner frames. These features further enhance the building experience and the overall quality of the finished model. For builders looking to take their GunPla skills to the next level, the MG 00 Gundam model kits are an excellent choice.
Perfect Grade (PG) 00 Gundam Model Kits
Perfect Grade (PG) 00 Gundam model kits represent the pinnacle of GunPla engineering and detail. These kits are the largest, most complex, and most expensive offerings in the Gundam model kit line, designed for the most dedicated and experienced builders. PG kits are known for their incredibly intricate construction, featuring thousands of parts and a level of detail that is unmatched by any other grade. The internal frames are fully realized, with moving parts, pistons, and other mechanical details that accurately replicate the inner workings of the mobile suits. The external armor panels are also highly detailed, with intricate panel lines and surface details that bring the mobile suits to life. Building a PG kit is a significant undertaking, often taking dozens of hours to complete, but the end result is a truly spectacular model that is a testament to the builder's skill and dedication. The 00 Gundam PG line, while limited in its offerings, is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and accuracy.
Currently, the PG 00 Gundam model kit available is the PG 00 Raiser, which stands as a masterpiece of GunPla engineering. This kit is a massive undertaking, featuring over 1,000 parts and a complex construction process that requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of GunPla techniques. The PG 00 Raiser boasts an incredible level of detail, with a fully articulated inner frame, a complex transformation gimmick that allows it to combine with the 0 Raiser support unit, and a wide range of accessories, including LED units that illuminate the GN Drives and other parts of the mobile suit. The kit also features a highly detailed cockpit with a pilot figure, adding to the realism and immersion. The PG 00 Raiser is not just a model kit; it is a work of art, a testament to the ingenuity of Bandai's engineers and the passion of Gundam fans.
Building the PG 00 Raiser model kit is an experience in itself. The sheer number of parts can be daunting, but the detailed instructions and logical part separation make the process manageable. The internal frame is a marvel of engineering, with each part fitting together perfectly to create a strong and stable structure. The external armor panels are also meticulously designed, with intricate panel lines and surface details that bring the mobile suit to life. The LED units add another layer of complexity, but the end result is a stunning display of light and color. The PG 00 Raiser is not a kit for beginners; it requires a significant investment of time, money, and skill. However, for experienced builders who are looking for the ultimate GunPla challenge, the PG 00 Raiser is an unparalleled experience. The finished model is a true masterpiece, a testament to the builder's dedication and skill, and a centerpiece of any GunPla collection. While other PG 00 Gundam kits may be released in the future, the PG 00 Raiser remains the gold standard for 00 Gundam model kits and a must-have for serious GunPla collectors.
Real Grade (RG) 00 Gundam Model Kits
Real Grade (RG) 00 Gundam model kits offer a unique blend of detail and complexity in a smaller scale. RG kits are known for their intricate engineering, featuring a high level of detail and articulation in a 1/144 scale, the same scale as High Grade kits. This allows for a more compact and affordable option compared to Master Grade kits, while still providing a challenging and rewarding building experience. RG kits often incorporate advanced gimmicks and features, such as pre-molded inner frames and intricate panel separation, making them a popular choice for builders who want a detailed model without the size and cost of a Master Grade. The 00 Gundam RG line is particularly strong, featuring several iconic mobile suits from the series.
Among the popular RG 00 Gundam model kits, the RG 00 Raiser stands out as a prime example of the line's capabilities. This kit captures the essence of the 00 Raiser in a compact form, featuring a complex transformation gimmick that allows it to combine with the 0 Raiser support unit. The RG 00 Raiser boasts impressive articulation, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses, and comes with a variety of weapons and accessories. The level of detail in this kit is remarkable for its scale, with intricate panel lining and a fully realized inner frame. The RG Gundam Exia is another highly regarded kit, featuring a sleek and dynamic design that perfectly captures the mobile suit's agility and speed. The RG Exia also boasts impressive articulation and comes with a variety of weapons, including the GN Sword and the GN Blade. Other notable RG kits in the 00 Gundam line include the RG Gundam Qan[T], known for its unique design and complex GN Sword bits, and the RG Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina, a popular variant with a striking gold and black color scheme.
When building RG 00 Gundam model kits, the builder should be aware of the increased complexity and the smaller parts involved. These kits typically take longer to complete than HG kits, and require a higher level of precision and patience. However, the end result is a highly detailed and impressive model that is a testament to the builder's skill. The RG 00 Gundam kits are also known for their robust construction and stability, making them ideal for posing and display. The articulation is generally excellent, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses, and the kits often come with a variety of accessories. The RG line is a great option for builders who want a detailed and challenging build experience in a smaller scale. The RG 00 Gundam model kits offer a unique blend of detail, articulation, and complexity, making them a popular choice for GunPla enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to step up from HG kits or an experienced builder looking for a challenging project, the RG 00 Gundam line has something to offer.
General Consensus and Recommendations for 00 Gundam Model Kits
Overall, the general consensus for 00 Gundam model kits is overwhelmingly positive. The kits are praised for their impressive designs, engineering, articulation, and overall quality. The 00 Gundam series features a diverse range of mobile suits, each with its unique design and weaponry, which translates well into the GunPla format. The kits are available in various grades, from the beginner-friendly High Grade (HG) to the highly detailed Master Grade (MG) and Perfect Grade (PG), catering to builders of all skill levels and budgets. The Real Grade (RG) line offers a unique blend of detail and complexity in a smaller scale, making it a popular choice for builders who want a challenging build experience without the size and cost of a Master Grade. The 00 Gundam model kits are not just plastic models; they are a way to connect with the characters, events, and themes of the series in a tangible way.
When it comes to recommendations for 00 Gundam model kits, it depends largely on the builder's skill level and preferences. For beginners, the HG 00 Gundam kits are an excellent starting point. They are relatively simple to build, affordable, and offer a good balance of detail and articulation. The HG Gundam Exia and HG 00 Gundam are both solid choices for beginners, as they are iconic mobile suits from the series and feature straightforward construction. For more experienced builders looking for a challenging and rewarding project, the MG 00 Gundam kits are a great option. The MG 00 Raiser is a particularly impressive kit, featuring a complex transformation gimmick and a high level of detail. The MG Gundam Exia and MG Gundam Dynames are also highly regarded, offering unique designs and gimmicks. For the most dedicated and experienced builders, the PG 00 Raiser represents the pinnacle of GunPla engineering and detail. This kit is a massive undertaking, but the end result is a truly spectacular model that is a testament to the builder's skill and dedication. The RG 00 Gundam kits offer a good middle ground, providing a high level of detail and articulation in a smaller scale. The RG 00 Raiser and RG Gundam Exia are both excellent choices for builders who want a challenging build experience without the size and cost of a Master Grade.
In conclusion, 00 Gundam model kits offer a diverse and rewarding experience for GunPla enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to build your first kit or an experienced builder looking for the ultimate challenge, the 00 Gundam line has something to offer. The kits are praised for their impressive designs, engineering, articulation, and overall quality, making them a must-have for any Gundam fan. The availability of kits in various grades ensures that there is a 00 Gundam model kit to suit every builder's skill level and budget. From the iconic Gundam Exia to the powerful 00 Raiser, the 00 Gundam model kits allow builders to connect with the characters, events, and themes of the series in a tangible way. Building these kits is not just a hobby; it is a way to express your passion for Gundam and create lasting memories. So, whether you're a longtime GunPla enthusiast or just beginning your journey, the 00 Gundam model kits are a great place to start.
