2022-2023 Best Gundam Model Kits

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2022-2023 Best Gundam Model Kits – Gundam models are often confused with Transformers, but Gundam was the first to hit the market way back in 1979. Additionally, they’re not sentient robots, like Transformers.

Instead, they’re giant mechs similar to the Jaegers in Pacific Rim. Although Gundam has been overshadowed in the US by Transformers and their resurgence with Michael Bay films, Bandai has sold nearly half a billion model kits worldwide since introducing them. And for good reason.

These highly detailed kits don’t require glue or even a steady hand. They’re more like extremely intricate LEGOs that create fully articulated action figures. And the variety is overwhelming.

Over the years, Bandai has produced kits for more than 2,000 individual characters. In doing so, it’s led the way into a new world of model-building through the use of system-injection coloring and glueless construction.

Since the endless options can easily overwhelm, we’ve narrowed them down to a select few that really stand out from the pack. Below is our list of the 10 best Gundam Kits. To see our picks keep reading our 2022-2023 Best Gundam Model Kits.

Bandai Real Grade Astray Red Frame Gundam Model Kit

Putting the Real Grade Astray Red Frame together was the perfect blend of challenging and accessible. The build took about three hours, and the components were all a nearly perfect fit.

Due to the precise fit and intricate pieces, I’d recommend using wire snippers and a razor blade to clear out any excess plastic so everything fits perfectly.

The completed Astray Red Frame was fully poseable and articulated, allowing for a variety of poses, and the multiple hand options offer an excellent range of expression.

A middle finger option would have been hilarious, but there’s always the next version.

The only issue was that even with trimming down excess plastic, some of the peripheral panels had trouble sticking, so I’d recommend investing in some decent modeling glue.

Key Features:

• Full articulation
• Beam rifle
• Two beam sabers
• Shield
• Katana

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN200634
• GradeHigh Grade
• Scale1/144

Product Details:

• 100% Toy
• Imported
• Colored plastic
• No glue required
• Also includes Beam rifle, 2 beam sabers, shield, and pilot figure Runner x9, Realistic decal, Instruction Manual
• Product bears official Bluefin Distribution logo ensuring purchaser is receiving authentic licensed item from approved USA retailer
• Bluefin Distribution products are tested and comply with all USA consumer product safety regulations and are eligible for consumer support

Bandai Wing Master Grade Gundam Model Kit

This may very well be the most emotionally compelling of our best Gundam model kits with beautifully realized wings that look like they were lifted directly from the pages of the manga.

With 2 buster rifles and dual shoulder cannons though this is no angel. The buster rifles can be brought together to really deliver the pain while those extraordinary wings we mentioned have undergone recent refinements and are now able to fold outward farther than they could previously.

This ramps up the expressive possibilities even further sending Gunpla kit devotees into a heightened state of ecstasy.

The Wing Zero is a Master Grade Gundam, meaning it’s a bit larger than a High Grade Gundam, and the build quality throughout is first-rate. It may be the best Master Grade Gundam on this list.

The wings appear ethereal and delicate yet they are anything but and should stand up to years of (thoughtful) use. Assembly is easy enough to maintain interest yet challenging enough to keep you engaged.

The assembly is also challenging enough to provide a sense of accomplishment when Wing Zero takes up position on its display stand.

It’s not the cheapest of the Bandai models, but it may be the most satisfying.

Key Features:

• Full articulation, including wings
• Twin buster rifle
• Two beam sabers
• Deployable shoulder machine cannons
• Dedicated display base

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN129454
• GradeMaster Grade
• Scale1/100

Product Details:

• Master Grade 1/100 scale (180mm, 7-8 inches)
• Many small pieces; models take up to 10 hours to complete
• Posable and flexible for display
• Improved proportions, internal structures, and movements
• Skill level: Expert

Bandai Real Grade Unicorn Gundam Model Kit

The RG Unicorn represents the culmination of Bandai’s quest to produce the perfect Unicorn kit and they may well have succeeded.

The articulation here is intense and the kit comes with a full array of decals so you can add those Real Grade anime touches.

While it’s nowhere near as large as a Perfect Grade Unicorn, the attention to detail, ease of transformation to Destroy Mode and first-class modeling will make you realize that size isn’t always the most important thing.

The Real Grade Unicorn comes with a versatile shield, a hyper bazooka, beam magnum, and 2 beam sabers.

But the real stars here are the incredible articulation and the virtually effortless way it makes the transformation to Destroy Mode.

Once you’ve assembled the Real Grade Unicorn you’re going to want to perform that transformation straight away and you’re likely to become so enamored of the mechanics of it all that you’ll spend as much time transforming it from Standard to Destroy Mode as you do staring at it on your display shelf.

Key Features:

• Clear translucent plastic for Pysco frame
• Locking and linking mechanisms
• Beam Magnum
• Shield
• Two beam sabers
• Hyper bazooka

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN216741
• GradeReal Grade
• Scale1/144

Product Details:

• Real Grade unicorn Gundam features the next level in gunpla technology and design
• From the very beginning, this version was created to be able to perform its iconic destroy mode transformation with stability and ease
• The new advanced Ms joint incorporates clear translucent plastic for psyco frame along with locking and linking mechanisms to ensure the smoothest transformation possible
• Product bears official Bluefin logo
• Skill level: Intermediate

Bandai Master Grade Gundam Model Kit Epyon EW

Master Grade Gundams like this Epyon are intended for more advanced model builders so you may want to consider something in the Bandai High Grade family for your youngster.

That said, adult model nerds are likely to get all teary eyed about the Epyon because when fully assembled and posed with just the right light projected onto it Epyon pretty much redefines “iconic”.

The lines are dynamic and suggest an unstoppable kinetic energy that’s coiled and ready to be unleashed. Maybe the best Gundam model kit in that regard.

The transformation from Mobile Suit Mode to Dragon Flight Mode is not the smoothest such transformation Bandai models have ever produced but with a little practice it all comes together and the second time’s the charm that will sell on the model long term.

Epyon has always been one of our favorites from the Endless Waltz series and here the company has done the character proud.

From the compelling use of positive and negative space to the beautifully considered proportions and smooth articulation in all the joints you won’t be able to put the thing down once you’ve picked it up.

Key Features:

• Transforms to flight mode
• Removable armor
• Beam sword included
• Complete inner frame

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN170379
• GradeMaster Grade
• Scale1/100

Product Details:

• Only product with affixed official Bluefin and Bandai Namco label has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets all North American consumer product safety regulations and entitles the purchaser to product support assistance

Bandai High Grade Orphans Gundam Model Kit Barbatos

The Barbatos High Grade Orphans Gundam stands noticeably apart from most of the rest of Bandai’s Gundam line in that it’s aggressively minimalist in nature.

This bare-bones (literally) profile might have some Gunpla kit fans checking the box a second time to make sure they’ve actually got a Bandai Gundam model. Not to worry though: it’s real, just different.

One big advantage of the stripped-down design is that this is one of the most flexible Gundam models ever created, with insane levels of articulation.

If you love posing your Gundam models you’re going to go love the Iron-Blooded Orphans Barbatos Gundam.

Iron-Blooded Orphans are derived from one of Bandai’s newest narratives and it demonstrates the company’s willingness to think outside the box and take the product in fresh new directions.

Purists may take issue with the design ethos, but Gundam is all about action. And the Barbatos Gundam is loaded for bear right out of the box. You get a ton of decals to break up the larger planes, Barbatos’ enormous mace, and katana and the ability to mix and match with other Barbatos suit kits.

Key Features:

• Full articulation
• Mace
• Katana
• Easy build

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN201873
• GradeHigh Grade
• Scale1/144

Product Details:

• Includes giant mace and katana
• Approximately 5″ tall
• Runner x 7, sticker x 1, Instruction Manual x1

Bandai Gundam Model Kit EXIA Master Grade Action Figure

One of the most popular Gundam Models, EXIA is a Master Grade Gundam model from Bandai that addresses some design weaknesses of earlier models and piles on the details without them ever seeming gratuitous.

Whereas the older version of EXIA displayed your typical anime “all shoulders, all the time” proportions, this Master Grade model tones down the upper body ridiculousness meant to impress the tots and strives for a more balanced profile.

The coloring here is also first-rate with the clear green plastic at the joints, chest, and temples providing subtle counterpoints to the red at the feet and the waist.

Within Gundam mythology, EXIA is a specialist in the fine art of the melee. As such, you’d expect EXIA to be incredibly limber, and boy, is he.

Articulation is outstanding from heel to head with plenty of anatomically correct mobility built in to ramp up the expressive possibilities. There are also plenty of decals to provide visual interest, including some holographic stickers replicating the GN cables throughout the figure.

The expandable shield and arm-mounted GN blade complete the look.

Key Features:

• Translucent plastic detailing
• Laser-etched engravings
• Internal skeleton
• Compatible with aftermarket LED lights

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN159452
• GradeMaster Grade
• Scale1/100

Product Details:

• Skill level: Expert
• Colored plastic, little to no paint required to replicate appearance
• No glue required for assembly, A hobby nipper is required to remove parts from runners
• Only product with affixed official Bluefin and Bandai Namco label has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets all North American consumer product safety regulations and entitles the purchaser to product support assistance

Barbatos Iron-Blooded Orphans Master Grade Gundam Model Kit

At first glance, the Barbatos Iron-Blooded Orphans Master Grade figure seems like nothing more than a scaled-up version of the Barbatos High Grade figure we looked at above.

But in reality, it’s a whole different animal. First off this MG Barbatos has an endoskeleton to die for.

Richly detailed, mechanically engaging, and almost cool enough to stand on its own, it’s the heart and soul of the Master Grade Barbatos.

Everything from the articulation to the visual relationship between the exoskeletal components plays off this foundation and does so beautifully.

There’s a much higher degree of detail built into the Master Grade Gundam models that’s apparent if you get in close.

Subtle touches like the coloring of sub-panels, the detailing on pipes, and our favorite, the working pistons at the waist, all contribute to a satisfying bio-mecha-type feel that’s eerily reminiscent of some of HR Giger’s early work. If you want a quality Gundam kit, look no further.

Key Features:

• Internal skeleton
• Long cannon
• Katana
• Exterior armor

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN201886
• GradeNo Grade
• Scale1/100

Product Details:

• 100% Toy
• Imported
• The 1/100 version replicates the internal skeleton as seen in the anime series including its ability to mount the exterior armor
• Includes Long Canon and katana Runner x 10, sticker x 1, Instruction Manual x1
• Approximately 7″ tall

Bandai Real Grade Tallgeese Gundam Model Kit Wing

The Tallgeese character always seemed lacking from a narrative perspective.

But if you can separate yourself from the anime and simply appreciate this Real Grade Tallgeese model for what it is, you’ll see there’s a lot to like.

Like most Gundam models, this one is perfectly proportioned and well-balanced. This means you can really explore the expressive potential without having to constantly pick your model up off the table or floor.

Articulation on the wings utilizes a series of ball joints and simple swivels to provide an array of complex and compelling possibilities.

Tallgeese RG comes with a full array of armaments, including the iconic Dober Gun, beam saber, and circle shield, and shouldn’t present too much of a challenge from an assembly standpoint.

And there are numerous decals that allow you to break up the white-on-white monotony effectively as well. You’ll probably find the greatest challenge keeping track of some of the tiny parts.

All in all, if you’re a detail hound you might think this the best Gundam model kit out there.

Key Features:

• Expanding Mega Cannon
• Flexible shield
• Two beam sabers
• Locking mechanisms

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAN225740
• GradeReal Grade
• Scale1/144

Product Details:

• Figure perfectly sculpted and replicated
• Able to produce scenes from the anime/movie
• Only product with affixed official Bluefin and Bandai Namco label has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets all North American consumer product safety regulations and entitles the purchaser to product support assistance

Bandai Hobby MG 1/100 Gundam Dynames ”Gundam 00”

The Gundam Dynames specializes in long-range shooting, has almost limitless energy, and produces multifunctional GN particles.

The Bandai Hobby MG 1/100 Gundam Dynames ”Gundam 00” is one of the most popular Gundam model kits on Amazon.

Superfans have been anticipating this kit, which is finally available as an MG (master grade). The model has a new inner frame and is designed to recreate all of its famous sniper poses. The detailed green on white is stark and creates an excellent contrast, and the mobility is excellent.

The model itself is highly detailed and well-articulated. The included pistols and holsters add an excellent level of detail, and the easy build makes it an easy entry for beginners.

Key Features:

• Expanded stand on sniper rifle
• Head articulates to mimic sniper stance
• Transforming shield
• Compatible with aftermarket LED lights

Specification:

• BrandBandai Hobby
• ModelBAS5056767
• GradeMaster Grade
• Scale1/100

Product Details:

• age mfg minimum: 150.0

2022-2023 Best Gundam Model Kits Buying Guide

Who This Is For:

This article is intended for people who are looking to find the best Gundam kits for a range of price ranges, sizes, and complexity.

How We Picked:

We tried to find kits that would appeal to a variety of users. We looked at build difficulty, added features, articulation, and price, among a few other factors.

We categorized them according to what priorities readers may be looking for in a sweet Gundam kit.

Conclusion:

Thanks for taking the time to read our 2022-2023 Best Gundam Model Kits.