You know, this time last year, I probably wouldn’t even be making this a separate article.
Master Grades just weren’t my thing back then, but now, they’re pretty much my primary. I certainly haven’t given up on High Grades, but I guess I now just feel confident enough to tackle the big boys. Not like I haven’t been having a blast with these, heh. I just need some more bad guys and non-Gundams…
Once again, pictures are from gundamkitscollection.com.
In a move that I’m not sure surprises me or not, we’re getting a Master Grade Jesta! Considering how prominent this thing is in the latter episodes of Unicorn, I’m not that surprised, but it’s so close to just being a grunt that it seems odd to see it get a Master Grade. I’m not bothered by the announcement; I’ll just get to reasons why I’d rather see something else later.
Now this, this actually surprises me. While yeah, Bandai loves reusing molds whenever they can, I can’t say I was expecting a ReZel Type C kit in the MG line. The poor Creamsicle ReZels haven’t done anything in Unicorn so far except show up and get trashed by the Sinanju and Rozen Zulu. It’s a neat design, for certain, but I really don’t see it deserving an MG save for the obvious part recycling.
This one is pretty cool: The Sinanju Stein. I was actually not sure on this one’s origin at first, but according to my friend this is the Sinanju’s original appearance before Full Frontal stole it. I’m actually kind of interested in it, but it’s something I’d have to give a custom color scheme. But isn’t it sad that, aside from the standard Sinanju, this is the ONLY Neo-Zeon MS from Unicorn in the Master Grade line? I’m no rabid Zeon fan, but the Feddies have a SERIOUS advantage in 1/100 scale! The lack of even a Geara Zulu is just shocking. I’m sure plenty of crazy Zeon fanboys would eat them up.
The Strike Gundam is getting a 2.0, and I’m not sure how to feel about it. On one hand, it’ll be great to have a Strike to match the rest of the SEED Master Grades, but they didn’t do it for the Wing Gundam, so why do it here? I’ll definitely get this, but I’m just worried about the other weapon packs. Will I have to buy the old kits again and just waste the base Gundams, or will there be new ones? I guess time will tell.
And finally, some things we’ve seen already. Tallgeese is sporting the sleek yellow highlights from Hajime Katoki’s art, which I’m all for. I think it’ll match with the Wing Gundam and other ver. Ka/Endless Waltz designs perfectly.
As for the Nu Gundam… words can’t describe how much I’m in love with this thing. Just looking at it makes me want it even more. If you look closely, you’ll notice that it has a Psycoframe similar to the Unicorn Gundam! Not only that, it’s compatible with an LED unit, so parts of that might even light up!! Oh, and did I mention it actually comes with waterslide decals?! I can’t wait to start this thing, seriously.
A slew of kit announcements have made this Gunpla Expo a treat for fans of any scale. There’s also the possibility of a Master Grade Wing Gundam Zero TV VERSION, but that was just a sketch. Either way, remember to check in at FPNYC for your Master Grade needs!
