Gunpla 101

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

So this is not something I thought I’d be talking about this month. After 8 years of sharing Bandai Hobby’s new releases and pre-orders, the company is starting to restrict information about when new Gunpla are shipping, making it much more difficult for me to find this information. This was pretty demoralizing, and is a big part of why this post is so late.

Of course, it isn’t like I’ve had zero notice. During the pandemic lockdown, Gunpla was a safe and solitary hobby for people to build at home, and demand spiked. Scalpers took notice and began buying up supply—at one point, to deter non-fans, suppliers were allegedly refusing to sell the RG Hi-Nu Gundam to anyone who couldn’t pronounce its name! This restriction on release info is yet another measure to prevent scalpers from monopolizing the market.

Anyway, 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 March 2022

1/100 High-Resolution Model Gundam Astray Red Frame Powered Red (pictured at top)

You wouldn’t want to take a punch from this latest version of fan-favorite Gundam Astray. It’s got seriously beefed-up arms and giant fists for a top-heavy silhouette—but not to worry, the reinforced inner frame is more than enough to hold up that extra weight.

1/100 MG Rick Dom

Like the Dom last month, here’s another classic mobile suit that has a new version joining the Master Grade line. This Rick Dom is space combat-ready with its usual bazooka weapon, plus a massive-sized beam bazooka and heat saber.