Gunpla 101

Gunpla Pre-orders and New Releases for October-November 2022

If you’re reading this, it’s time to get up and stretch your aging shoulders and back. That’s right, October taught us that teens in Japan are convinced Gundam is for old people. Feedback like this, from teens visiting Sunrise studio on a social studies trip, convinced Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury producer Takuya Okamoto that the latest Gundam series ought to be set in a school, to appeal to younger viewers. The result is a fish out of water story about Suletta Mercury, a transfer student from the boonies, learning to pilot mobile suits at school.

Are you watching The Witch From Mercury yet? Since it began airing weekly on Crunchyroll early in October, it’s been receiving positive reviews and attracting a bunch of new viewers to Gundam fandom. If these new fans are interested in trying their hand at Gunpla, Bandai has provided a bunch of G-Witch kits so far and we’re liking their quality. (Definitely check out Nerissa’s review of the special features of HG Gundam Lfrith!) Here are all the kits that came out in October, and what we’re expecting for November, too:

Gunpla New Releases for October 2022

1/144 HG Gundam Aerial (pictured at top)

The protagonist mecha of Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is finally here! Aerial astounds with a sleek take on the traditional protagonist silhouette. The suit’s uniquely hourglass proportions—from its slim waist to its exaggerated thighs—give it an aerodynamic appeal.

SDEX Gundam Aerial

Even the super-deformed variation on the Aerial keeps its distinct hourglass shape. This is a cute and simplified version of the protagonist mecha, perfect for an easy build.

1/144 HG Dilanza (Guel’s Mobile Suit) (pictured above)

I love that Guel’s last name is Jeturk and he’s kind of a jerk—this is a perfect Tomino name. His bulky black and purple mobile suit is a perfect match for his stormy personality.

SDW Heroes Dark Grasper Dragon

This model is identical to August’s Shine Grasper Dragon release—simply in a different colorway. Like the former, it is a rideable mount perfectly sized for any SDW kit.