Gundam Returns to Char Aznable’s Zeon Military Academy Days for New Official Collab Collection
Bandai and Japanese bag brand “master-piece” have revealed a new premium Gundam collection inspired by the combat uniform worn by Char Aznable during his military academy days.
The second official collaboration between master-piece and STRICT-G features three bags and a reflective charm based on Char’s appearance in Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN, translating the colors and military-inspired details of his uniform into accessories designed for everyday use.
THE ORIGIN explores the years before the original Mobile Suit Gundam in considerably greater detail, including Char’s time at the Zeon military academy alongside Garma Zabi before he becomes the ace pilot later known across the battlefield as the Red Comet.
Rather than drawing directly from Char’s famous red Mobile Suits, the new master-piece collection uses the darker colors and functional military styling associated with this earlier period of his life.
All three bags are manufactured in Japan and combine nylon exteriors and linings with cow leather detailing, continuing master-piece’s focus on practical construction alongside the Gundam-inspired styling.
This is the second collection created by STRICT-G and master-piece following their first collaboration in late 2025, which used red accents, Char’s personal emblem and designs inspired by his custom Mobile Suits.
STRICT-G has continued to explore different periods of Char’s story through its wider fashion collaborations as well, recently giving the LIGHT MA-1 jacket based on his Char’s Counterattack appearance a redesigned 2026 release with ALPHA INDUSTRIES.
Image by James RichardsonLet’s take a closer look at everything included in the new Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN collection!
- STRICT-G MSPC Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN Lightning Backpack Char Aznable – ¥47,300 (approximately $300 / £226)
The largest item in the collection adapts master-piece’s Lightning backpack with the colors and details associated with Char’s academy combat uniform, creating a full-size everyday bag with a more restrained military-inspired finish.
- STRICT-G MSPC Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN Ark Shoulder Bag M Char Aznable – ¥41,800 (approximately $265 / £200)
The medium shoulder bag uses the same uniform-inspired styling in a more compact format, combining the collection’s nylon construction with leather details and a shape designed for everyday carrying.
- STRICT-G MSPC Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN Lightning Helmet Bag S Char Aznable – ¥37,400 (approximately $237 / £179)
The smaller helmet bag adapts a military-style silhouette into a compact accessory, keeping the same Char-inspired colors and construction used across the two larger designs.
- STRICT-G MSPC Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN Reflect Charm “Circle” Club Eden – ¥3,630 (approximately $23 / £17)
A separate circular reflective charm references Club Eden from THE ORIGIN and can be attached to the bags or other accessories as a smaller series-specific addition.
Pre-orders for the new STRICT-G x master-piece Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN collection are now open through Premium Bandai Japan and the master-piece official online store, with shipping planned for October 2026.
General sales will begin through STRICT-G and participating master-piece stores in Japan on October 17, followed by selected master-piece locations in Taiwan from October 23.
A release through Premium Bandai US may also appear in the near future, as many similar STRICT-G collections have eventually made their way stateside via the platform.
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