Gundam’s “Crimson Lightning” Officially Returns to the US for Exclusive MG Gunpla Kit Re-Release
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai has officially confirmed a US re-release for an exclusive Master Grade Gunpla kit based on Johnny Ridden’s iconic custom red Zaku II.
The “MG 1/100 MS-06S ZAKU II JOHNNY RIDDEN CUSTOM” recreates the S-Type Zaku piloted by Johnny Ridden in Mobile Suit Gundam MSV-R, using his signature deep red color scheme across the familiar silhouette of the Principality of Zeon’s commander-use machine.
Known as the “Crimson Lightning,” Ridden became one of Zeon’s best-known ace pilots through the wider Mobile Suit Variations storyline, piloting a succession of customized red mobile suits throughout his career.
The kit represents an earlier point in Ridden’s career, recreating the MS-06S Zaku II he piloted before later moving on to machines such as the MS-06R-2 High Mobility Type.
Bandai originally released the exclusive Master Grade Gunpla in 2013, basing the model on the MSV-R artwork while using the MG Zaku II Ver.2.0 as its foundation.
Its crimson armor is reproduced primarily through molded plastic, with darker sections breaking up the color across the chest, joints, backpack, and weapons.
Dedicated water-slide decals are also included for adding Johnny Ridden’s personal insignia and other custom markings across the finished model, further separating it from a standard MS-06S Zaku II.
The weapon loadout remains faithful to the classic Zaku setup, consisting of a Zaku Machine Gun, Zaku Bazooka, and Heat Hawk for a mixture of ranged and close-combat displays.
Johnny Ridden has already received renewed attention from Bandai during 2026, with both the HG and MG versions of his High Mobility Gelgoog receiving their own US re-releases earlier in the year.
Those kits represent a later point in the ace pilot’s career, recreating the High Mobility Gelgoog he piloted after his earlier Zaku II and showing how his crimson mobile suits changed as he moved on to more advanced machines.
Bandai has also confirmed a re-release for another exclusive Zaku Gunpla kit, with the HG 1/144 MS-06RD-4 High Mobility Test Type Zaku from Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team set to return for US builders in early 2027.
Image by Charlotte DavisPre-orders for the “MG 1/100 MS-06S ZAKU II JOHNNY RIDDEN CUSTOM,” priced at $54, are now open exclusively through Premium Bandai US and are scheduled to remain available until December 16, 2026, at 2:59 AM EST.
Shipping for this latest US re-release is currently scheduled for January 2027.
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