Gunpla 101

Gunpla Pre-orders and New Releases for April-May 2022

Did you see there’s going to be a new Gunpla factory? Anime News Network reported that the new Bandai Hobby Center factory will open in 2024 and help to meet rising demand in Gunpla models inside and outside Japan: “In 2018, the [original] factory produced 15.73 million kits. By 2019, total shipments had exceeded 500 million.” It’ll be impressive to see those numbers climb once there’s an additional factory churning out new kits!

Once again, my monthly shopping guide may be less accurate than usual because Bandai Hobby is restricting Gunpla shipping information in an effort to deter scalping. If you have any suggestions for how I can better get this information for the monthly update, please do reach out. For now, here’s what I THINK is releasing this month and next:

Gunpla New Releases for April 2022

PG 1/60 Unicorn Gundam Perfectibility (pictured at top)

Historically, I haven’t included P-Bandai kits in this list, but with the changes to Gunpla shipping visibility I’m rethinking everything! No better beginning than with this Beast of Possibility, Gundam Bluenicorn! As somebody who has built the OG Perfect Grade Gundam Unicorn, I can assure you this isn’t an easy or short build, but it pays off in spades with drama and style.

MG 1/100 Hyaku Shiki Crash

Another P-Bandai model, this is an obscure variation of the Hyaku Shiki based on the Gundam Build Divers Gimm & Ball’s World Challenge light novel. While the armor and general shape of the kit resemble the original Hyaku Shiki, the colorway and weaponry make it stand out.

Entry Grade 1/144 ν Gundam

Easy to build and super cheap, this version of the Nu Gundam is great for Gunpla beginners. This is the third kit to join the Entry Grade, and it retains screen-accurate colors and full articulation despite its minimal number of parts and short assembly time.