BANDAI launches new premium “Red Gundam” action figure with real metal parts
BANDAI SPIRITS has now released a highly anticipated die cast metal action figure of the Red Gundam.
This premium collectible brings to life one of the new mobile suits from the recent “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” series.
“Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” is the latest anime series in the Gundam franchise and it presents an alternate Universal Century timeline.
In this divergent reality, the Principality of Zeon emerged victorious in the One Year War, a pivotal conflict from the original “Mobile Suit Gundam” series.
This altered history has led to a transformed world and new mobile suit designs.
The Red Gundam, an important mobile suit in this new lore, is presented as a unit originally piloted by Char Aznable before its mysterious disappearance in a phenomenon called Zeknova, later re-emerging and becoming a central part of the anime’s on-going story.
The Red Gundam has already been turned into a Gunpla model kit and a huge prize figure and now joins the “ROBOT Spirits” action figure range.
The “METAL ROBOT Spirits” series is a high-end sub-line under Bandai’s broader “ROBOT Spirits” brand of articulated action figures.
What sets “METAL ROBOT Spirits” figures apart is the extensive use of die-cast metal parts in their construction, particularly in key joints and structural components.
This incorporation of metal lends the figures a significant sense of weight, durability, and a premium feel, while also allowing for stronger joints and more robust posing capabilities compared to standard plastic figures.
The “SIDE MS” designation indicates that the figure represents a mobile suit from the “Gundam” franchise.
The “METAL ROBOT Spirits <SIDE MS> Red Gundam” stands approximately 155mm (6.1 inches) tall and is constructed from a combination of ABS plastic, die-cast metal, and PVC.
The figure accurately reproduces the unique design by Ikuto Yamashita, a renowned Japanese manga artist and mecha designer, notably recognized for his work on “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and “Sentō Yōsei Yukikaze”.
Yamashita’s distinctive style is evident in the Red Gundam’s eye-catching red coloring and intricate head sculpt, which sets it apart from traditional Gundam designs while retaining the iconic humanoid form.
Key features and accessories of the “METAL ROBOT Spirits <SIDE MS> Red Gundam” include:
- Die-cast Construction:
- The shoulder mechanism and hip joints are extensively made of die-cast metal, providing increased strength and allowing for flexible, tandem movement with the frame, enabling dynamic action poses such as holding beam sabers with both hands.
- Bits:
- Two imposing “Bits,” measuring approximately 100mm in length, are included. These weapons can be attached to the Red Gundam’s shoulders or displayed in their ejected state using a dedicated pedestal and auxiliary support parts, recreating their deployment in battle.
- Hammer:
- A large “hammer” weapon is also included, featuring genuine metal parts for its chain section, adding to its realistic weight and texture. Joint parts are provided for the hammer to facilitate various posing options.
- Gundam Shield:
- The figure comes with the “Gundam Shield,” which can be held by interchangeable gripping hands, joined to the mobile suit’s elbow, or attached to the backpack on the figure’s back. Additional mounting parts and a replacement grip are also included for versatile display.
- Beam Rifle:
- The “Beam Rifle” features a movable sub-grip and sensor unit, enhancing its poseability. It can also be securely attached to the rear waist of the mobile suit when not in use.
- Beam Sabers:
- Two beam saber blades are provided, which can be attached to the beam saber hilts stored on the mobile suit’s backpack.
- Expressive Hands:
- Three types of interchangeable left and right wrist parts are included, allowing for a wide range of expressive poses.
- Display Base:
- A dedicated pedestal set and two auxiliary support arms are included, facilitating dynamic aerial or action poses for the figure and its bits.
- Detailing:
- The figure includes fine details, such as the mobile suit’s model number engraved on the soles of its feet, further enhancing its authenticity.
With its robust construction, intricate detailing, and comprehensive array of accessories, the “METAL ROBOT Spirits <SIDE MS> Red Gundam” offers collectors a high-quality representation of this mobile suit from “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.”
The “METAL ROBOT Spirits <SIDE MS> Red Gundam” is priced at 24,200 yen (approx. $166 USD / £122 GBP) and is now available from hobby stores and other retailers in Japan.
© BANDAI SPIRITS, Sotsu, Sunrise
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