Bandai Brings 4 Japan Exclusive Char’s Counterattack Gunpla Back to the US for Gundam Winter Fest 2026

Image by Charlotte Davis

Four special-edition Gunpla kits inspired by one of Gundam’s most famous moments are getting a rare online release in the US, with matching metallic versions of ν Gundam and three other Mobile Suits returning together for a limited time.

The “HG 1/144 JEGAN (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)”, “HG 1/144 GEARA DOGA (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)”, “ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν GUNDAM (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)” and “HG 1/144 GMⅢ (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)” are all included in Gundam Winter Fest 2026, bringing four coordinated special editions from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack to Premium Bandai US.

The promotion features more than 200 returning Gunpla kits and related accessories, including previously sold-out Premium Bandai exclusives, special editions, and models normally sold through Japan’s Gundam Base stores and other dedicated retail locations.

All four Axis Shock kits were originally exclusive to Gundam Side-F, Bandai’s Gundam-themed retail and exhibition facility in Fukuoka, Japan, which is also home to the life-size RX-93ff ν Gundam statue.

Their shared coloring commemorates the climactic events of the 1988 anime film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, depicting the final confrontation between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable during the Second Neo Zeon War.

In the film, Char attempted to destroy Earth by sending the enormous asteroid base Axis crashing into the planet, forcing Amuro to make a desperate attempt to prevent the catastrophe using his ν Gundam.

As Amuro struggled to push the asteroid away from Earth, other Mobile Suits joined the effort, including Federation Jegans and GM IIIs alongside Geara Dogas belonging to Char’s own Neo Zeon forces.

Their combined determination triggered a mysterious phenomenon associated with the ν Gundam’s Psycho-Frame technology, producing an extraordinary light that ultimately pushed Axis away from Earth.

Known as the Axis Shock, the event became one of the most memorable scenes in Gundam history, bringing together soldiers from opposing factions in a final effort to save the planet.

Bandai’s four special-edition kits recreate the Mobile Suits involved in this sequence using metallic molding colors inspired by their appearance within the light surrounding Axis, replacing their standard military coloring with coordinated gold, bronze, and other reflective tones.

Let’s take a look at each of the returning kits!

• HG 1/144 JEGAN (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)

The Jegan was the first of the four special editions to receive an official release, arriving at Gundam Side-F in July 2022.

Based on the standard High Grade Universal Century Jegan, the kit recreates the Earth Federation’s mass-produced Mobile Suit in metallic molding colors inspired by the moment its pilots attempted to help ν Gundam push Axis away.

Its armor, joint components, and transparent visor have been reproduced in alternative colors, while the original kit’s articulated shoulders and movable waist allow a range of action poses.

The Jegan retains its Beam Rifle, shield, and Beam Saber, alongside an opening grenade compartment on its waist armor.

Additional marking stickers include the Earth Federation and Londo Bell emblems, as well as individual Mobile Suit identification numbers.

• HG 1/144 GEARA DOGA (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)

Originally released in February 2024, the Geara Doga represents the Neo Zeon forces that temporarily set aside their allegiance to Char Aznable and joined the effort to prevent Axis from striking Earth.

The kit recreates the standard High Grade Geara Doga with metallic molding colors, giving its normally green exterior a reflective appearance inspired by the film’s final sequence.

It includes interchangeable head components for recreating either the standard production machine or its commander specification, alongside movable joints that support a variety of combat poses.

Its extensive weapon selection includes a Beam Machine Gun, Beam Sword-Axe with two different beam effects, a close-combat pick, and four Sturm Faust explosive weapons.

The kit also retains the Geara Doga’s large shield, including its folding mechanism and mounting points for additional equipment.

• ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν GUNDAM (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)

The newest member of the coordinated lineup is Amuro Ray’s ν Gundam, which received its special Axis Shock edition in July 2025.

Bandai previously revealed the exclusive ν Gundam kit ahead of its Japanese debut, introducing an alternative version of the popular Entry Grade design inspired by the film’s final moments.

Its standard white, navy, and yellow armor has been replaced with metallic molding colors, including warm gold and bronze tones that recreate the Gundam’s appearance as it attempted to push Axis away from Earth.

The alternative coloring extends to the weapons and internal joint components, creating a consistent finish across the completed kit.

Like the original Entry Grade ν Gundam, the model incorporates Bandai’s Touch Gate construction system, allowing parts to be removed from their runners by hand without requiring traditional modeling nippers.

The kit retains the standard Entry Grade’s extensive articulation and includes a Beam Rifle and shield, although Fin Funnels are not supplied with this version.

• HG 1/144 GMⅢ (AXIS SHOCK IMAGE COLOR)

The final kit in the returning group recreates the Earth Federation’s GM III, which also appeared during the effort to stop Axis in Char’s Counterattack.

Originally released in June 2024, the special edition builds upon the standard High Grade GM III, replacing its original coloring with metallic molded components inspired by the Axis Shock phenomenon.

The alternative coloring extends across the Mobile Suit’s armor and joints, while the head retains its transparent visor and the kit’s original articulation mechanisms.

Bandai also includes a selection of interchangeable hands and specially designed marking stickers, providing additional options for customizing the completed GM III.

Together, the four kits recreate the different Mobile Suits involved in the Axis Shock, with their matching metallic colors allowing them to be displayed as a group representing one of the film’s defining scenes.

Gundam Winter Fest 2026 also includes other kits connected to Char’s Counterattack, such as the “HG 1/144 Psycho Doga”, which recreates an alternative Neo Zeon Mobile Suit from Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Beltorchika’s Children novel.

Another related release is the “RG 1/144 The Gundam Base Limited ν Gundam [Titanium Finish]”, a more elaborate Real Grade interpretation of Amuro’s famous Mobile Suit with reflective white armor, gold plating, and a fully equipped Fin Funnel system.

Gundam Winter Fest 2026 runs from November 6 at 5:00 PM PST until November 30 at 11:59 PM PST, featuring a large selection of returning Gunpla kits, Gundam Base exclusives and related building accessories through Premium Bandai US.

All four Axis Shock Image Color kits are currently in stock separately through Premium Bandai US, with the “HG 1/144 JEGAN” priced at $25, the “HG 1/144 GEARA DOGA” at $32, the “ENTRY GRADE 1/144 ν GUNDAM” at $19, and the “HG 1/144 GMⅢ” at $27.

Availability is subject to remaining stock, with the limited online allocations potentially selling out before Gundam Winter Fest concludes.

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