Char Aznable’s Nightingale mobile suit gets awesome new see-through Gunpla kit

A new limited-edition Gunpla kit based on Char Aznable’s Nightingale mobile suit has been announced by Gundam Base.
The “HG 1/144 MSN-04II Nightingale [Clear Color]” is a clear color variant of the Nightingale and will provide fans with a striking rendition of the Red Comets’ iconic mobile suit.

Gunpla are the model kits based on the long-running “Gundam” anime franchise and are available in a variety of different grades.
The High Grade (HG) line is known for 1/144 scale kits that offer a balanced mix of easy assembly, good articulation, and detail.

The MSN-04II Nightingale originates from “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack – Beltorchika’s Children.”
This novel, an alternate retelling of the film “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack,” introduces several unique mobile suit designs, with the Nightingale being a key example.

It serves as the personal mobile suit of Char Aznable, the legendary rival and sometimes ally of Amuro Ray.
The Nightingale is notable for its immense size, often described as bordering on that of a Mobile Armor (MA) rather than a standard mobile suit, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Its distinctive large, red body and powerful armaments have made it a fan-favorite design within the broader Gundam universe, despite not appearing in the animated film version of “Char’s Counterattack.”

This new HG clear color version of the Nightingale accurately reproduces its imposing presence.
The striking red armor of the mobile suit is rendered with a transparent design, characteristic of clear color Gunpla kits.

This allows light to pass through the plastic, giving the model a vibrant, almost glowing appearance when displayed, and in some cases, highlighting the internal structural details, though HG kits typically have less intricate inner frames compared to Master Grade (MG) kits.
Despite its large scale, the HG Nightingale maintains a high degree of articulation and intricate details.

Key features recreated in this model include a rotatable mono-eye, which is a signature element of many Zeon mobile suits.
The distinctive cockpit block shape, unique to the Nightingale, is also faithfully reproduced.
The model’s large funnel binders, which house its remote-controlled beam weapons, can be deployed and folded at their base, with each individual funnel detachable, mimicking their in-action deployment.

Another feature is the movable manipulator (hidden arm) located on the back of the front skirt, which can be extended to equip a beam saber, adding an extra layer of poseability to the massive mobile suit.
The “HG 1/144 MSN-04II Nightingale [Clear Color]” is scheduled for release exclusively at Gundam Base stores within Japan on August 8th, 2025, and will be priced at 8,800 yen (approx. $60.09 USD / £44.33 GBP).

This premium pricing reflects its large size, specialized clear color molding, and its status as a limited-edition item.
Given the Nightingale’s popularity and the unique clear color treatment, this kit is expected to be a highly sought-after item for collectors and fans of Char Aznable.
Source: Official Website
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