Gunpla 101

Gunpla Pre-orders and New Releases for April-May 2020

Who else is going a little stir-crazy these days? Luckily, our Gunpla 101 contributors are all doing their part to keep you entertained at home:

Doug has shared a tutorial for his absurd quarantine buddy, Coronavirus Haro,
Erich reviewed the formidable MG Barbatos,
Marc checked out the force for justice: the HG Nu Zeon,
Tom has returned to his fan-favorite Deep Dive column spotting the most obscure references in Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE,
And if you’re lucky enough to be stuck at home with nothing better to do, Julie wrote a helpful explainer on how to tackle your Gunpla backlog.

Backlog getting low after a whole month in quarantine? Check out this month’s latest kits. Be advised that due to the ongoing global pandemic (perhaps you’ve noticed it?), these kits may be delayed. I’m using the term “new release” based on Japan’s schedule, but it may be some time before these become available in the rest of the world.

New Releases for April 2020

RG Force Impulse Gundam (pictured at top)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Gundam SEED Destiny is far from my favorite show, but I just love its mecha! Now, Shin Asuka’s legendary protagonist suit is joining the Real Grade line. With a more extensive range of motion, it should be the most posable version of this kit yet.

HGBD:R Alus Earthree Gundam

This was initially labeled as an unnamed villain mecha to avoid spoilers for Re:RISE, and now we see why: Alus’s Gundam has the same gimmick as Hiroto’s! Hmm. This is basically a spikier version of Hiroto’s Core Gundam with a sleek blue-and-purple paint job.

HGBD:R Gundam GP-Rasetsuten

Is it GP Rasetsu Ten? Or is it the weirder-sounding GP Rase-Two-Ten, which is what is written on the model box? Either way, the middle of Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE is a weird time for Ogre’s custom mobile suit, first seen in Gundam Build Divers, to come out. From its massive shoulders to its enormous feet, this big boy is beefy all over.

SD Gundam Cross Silhouette Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex (pictured above)

Barbatos Lupus Rex joins the SD line with this new kit that can fit on either a classic SD or a more posable Cross Silhouette frame. Both frames are included.

Haropla Haro Loader

Put Haro to work in this heavy-lifting machinery kitted out to carry a Haro at its core. Yes, a tan, blue-eyed Haro comes with the loader.