New Gundam x Hatsune Miku figure announced and design confirmed
BANDAI SPIRITS has officially announced the upcoming release of a highly anticipated prize figure as part of the “Gundam 45th Anniversary x Hatsune Miku” collaboration.
To build excitement for the release of the “BANPRESTO EVOLVE-GUNDAM Collaboration- Figure” later this year, a painted prototype of the figure will soon be publicly displayed in Ikebukuro.
The collaboration between the “Mobile Suit Gundam” franchise and Hatsune Miku is a major part of Gundam’s ongoing 45th anniversary celebrations.
“Mobile Suit Gundam,” which debuted in 1979, revolutionized the giant robot anime genre by introducing more realistic mecha designs and complex storylines.
It has since grown into a global phenomenon encompassing numerous anime series, films, manga, video games, and an immensely popular line of plastic model kits known as Gunpla.
Hatsune Miku, on the other hand, is a virtual pop idol, a Vocaloid software persona created by Crypton Future Media.
Her holographic concerts and user-generated music have given her a massive international following, making her a unique cultural icon.
So far the “GUNDAM x MIKU” collaboration has resulted in virtual concerts and a wide range of merchandise being released.
The “BANPRESTO EVOLVE” line, from BANDAI SPIRITS’ Banpresto brand, is a relatively new series of prize figures that aims to elevate the standard of collectible items typically found in arcade crane games and lottery prizes.
Unlike conventional prize figures which often feature static, standing poses, the “EVOLVE” line focuses on more dynamic, action-oriented stances.
Though no images of the figure have been revealed, it has been confirmed that it will feature Hatsune Miku as she appears in the first piece of key art released as part of the “Gundam 45th Anniversary x Hatsune Miku” collaboration.
In this illustration, Hatsune Miku is wearing a costume inspired by the RX-78-02 Gundam from the original Gundam anime series:
The decision to display the painted prototype at the GiGO Main Store in Ikebukuro strategically places the figure in a prominent location for pop culture enthusiasts.
Ikebukuro is a major entertainment and shopping district in Tokyo, well-known for its large arcades and anime stores.
GiGO arcades are popular entertainment centers in Japan, featuring a wide array of crane games, rhythm games, and other arcade machines that often stock prize figures like those from the Banpresto brand.
Exhibiting the prototype there gives fans and collectors the chance to see the figure’s detailed sculpt and paintwork before its official release.
This prize figure is expected to be released in December and the prototype figure will be on displayed at the GiGO Main Store in Ikebukuro starting from July 1st, at which time we can likely expect to see further images released by BANDAI SPIRITS.
© BANDAI SPIRITS, Sotsu, Sunrise, Crypton Future Media
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