Piercing the Plastics!

Japanese Politicians Are Thinking about Building Gundam. Like, Real, Working Gundam. - From Kotaku

2012-06-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

Finally a real life functioning mecha? More after the jump.

From Kotaku:
"Politicians everywhere are crap—even the ones who are thinking about building a giant, working mecha. In an upcoming broadcast on Japanese video platform Nico Nico Live, members of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party are apparently going to discuss the idea of building a real life Gundam.

The Liberal Democratic Party, which ruled Japan for over fifty years after World War II, is not actually "liberal". Rather, the party is conservative. As ANN pointed out, party membersMasaaki Taira and Hideki Niwa are slated to discuss how the LDP is "seriously considering the development of Gundam."

Back in 2008, it was estimated that a working (not just a full scale mock-up like above), one-to-one scale would cost US$725,000,000 for parts and materials. That figure doesn't include the cost of labor or the cost of insanity required to build such a machine.

These politicians probably do not mean they want to make a 60-foot tall, 43.7 metric ton Gundam replica (at least I hope they don't), but instead, large mecha contraptions that could be used by, presumably, the country's Self Defense Force. In an age of drone attacks, however, mecha don't exactly seem ideal on the battlefield.

Japan's economy and society are both in a bad way. The country is deeply in debt, the population is aging, and Japan has no natural resources. And with a strong yen and a sour world economy, Japan can't export its way to prosperity. It can ship its manufacturing to China and hollow itself out.

These are serious times. They require serious conversations by serious leaders. And the LDP, who hopes to regain power after the current Democratic Party of Japan implodes, appears like its fishing for the nerd vote by appearing on Nico Nico and talking about building Gundam robots as a viable way to promote industry and protect the nation."

As much as I love bipedal mechas, 725 million dollars on something that could potentially be a hunk of junk? That is by no means conservative. The life sized model is enough for me.

Also, isn't japan already in enormous amounts of debt? Again, as much as I love mechas, I think it would be better spent somewhere else. Oh lets say for their own people? But again that's just me.

Gundam Age Wallpaper Image

2012-06-18T23:46:00.002-04:00

HG 1/144 Gundam AGE-FX - Updated yet again with Vegan Gundam, Line arts, and more 1/144 images.

2012-06-13T19:45:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of Gundamguy.blogspot.com

That's a lot of bits/funnels. So is this going to be an upgrade to the AGE-3 or another unit all together?

Gundam Legilis - From Gundamguy.blogspot.com - But seriously? Legilis? XD

1/144 MSN 100 Ver. Ed Kai- Custom Build by Ver. Ed

2012-06-13T19:41:00.004-04:00

1/144 Project Leiv Arios Ver. Ed Kai - Custom Build by Ver. Ed

2012-06-13T19:40:00.001-04:00

Gundam Age Episode 35 - Black History

2012-06-11T23:26:00.002-04:00

I feel like the 3rd generation of Age is finally stepping up to the plate. After watching this episode you get an idea of where things are going especially since we've seen screen shots of the new AGE Gundam thats going to come out soon. It also makes sense as to why they are rolling out the new wears for the AGE-3 so fast.

As for the episode, they take the majority of the first half showing how the entire Diva crew is lamenting on finding out about the Super Pirate Pilot, especially Kio and Flit. Again, as much as we've seen Flit soften from the rock he was at the 2nd Generation it still comes back.

The episode also reveals the "curse" Ash/Asemu was talking about the last episode. It feels like a Turn-A situation where an old civilization's lost technology. Now it's a race to see which one makes use of that treasure or if it gets destroyed, obviously it will be the former. Char's suit also gets an upgrade with the Vegans conveniently knowing some of that lost technology and introducing AGE's bit/funnel/dragoon, which to me are not that impressive because they are balls of light that move around. Considering they hit the AGE-3 in the back and didn't do much it feels like its just a distraction. How much practicality would it really have either if the opponent is a Newty.. I mean an X-Rounder?

Towards the end the action picks up with the Vegans attacking the Diva, again. The AGE-3 Orbital makes its day appearance and ends the episode in an actual cliff hanger. Is this the first actual real cliff hanger in the series? I don't remember but its good when used sparingly. Looking forward to the next episode!

Project Z Ver. Ed Deformation - Custom Build

2012-06-07T16:33:00.001-04:00

Modeled by Ver.Ed

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gunpla Builders D Part#12 - 1/144 Forever Gundam Mk-III

2012-06-05T20:53:00.002-04:00

Scans courtesy of Gundamguy.blogspot.com

I usually don't like red mobile suits, but the color combination for this is just wonderful! If they made this even in 1/144 HG I would get it!

Gundam Age Episode 34 - Super Pirate Pilot Ash

2012-06-04T12:27:00.002-04:00

I kinda liked this episode, although we all knew what was coming. So we finally get to see the AGE-2 Dark Hound in action. At first I was wondering if they changed Ash aka Asemu's voice actor and they did. I like it better since he sounds a lot more older. So the space pirates Bisidians waited for the Diva to come and attacked them. Or if you've seen the episode, "tested" the Diva and their crew. Seeing Asemu back is always neat and the fight between the AGE-2 DH and AGE-3 Normal was alright.

By the end we have the Bisidians, Vegans, and the Diva crew all gunning for the Vegans because of a clever strategy from Flit. Asemu also ends up saving his son and leaving him a present in the end. I won't even get into the father/son issues that being the father was thought to be MIA for years. But, Kio could've just separated the Gundam into the core fighter and the G-Cepter. I don't understand why he didn't do that, or is he not able to because they singled out the cockpits and it can't separate anymore? Asemu keeps on saying he's a super pilot. If he was he shouldn't have that big scar on his face and end this war! Flit also lets the cat out of the bag and tells Kio who was actually piloting that AGE-2 Variant. I look forward to more clashes between father and son. I can picture the end already, all three generations teaming up for the big finale. Unless someone dies of course.

Next episode, we're already seeing the Orbital. I guess its only fitting because they're in space now. It also feels like they're doing this to make up for the one wear we get in the 2nd generation and the fact that there are more Gundams coming outside of the AGE-3 Normal, Fortress, and Orbital. Can't wait to see the Orbital in action!

MG Marasai - Jerrid Messa Colors by Kouichi

2012-06-02T02:26:00.001-04:00

Pictures, model, courtesy of modelers-g.jp

Neat look paint job. Makes me want this kit more and more. Someone buy me this kit! ><

MG The O - Full Barret by woodbus

2012-06-02T02:18:00.004-04:00

Pictures, Model from modelers-g.jp

One Mecha Army? Ha!

1/100 MSM-08 Zogock - Hobby Japan (July Issue) Wallpaper Size Images

2012-05-31T00:45:00.004-04:00

Images Courtesy of Gundamguy.Blogspot.com

Does anyone know if this is a NG/HG or MG?

Gundam AGE Episode 33 - Captain Butts steps up!

2012-05-29T20:31:00.002-04:00

As Char looks on, Captain Einus steps up to the plate... for a few seconds...

Kio clashes again with Char and the two exchange words. We get it already, Kio is very naive towards war and that issue comes back again at the end of the episode.

They spend the rest of the episode bomb hunting, talking, and going back to space.

Compared to the 2nd generation of AGE, Flit looks like he mellowed a bit on the entire revenge and genocide of the entire Vegan race. We see it, more so, at the end when he comforts Kio a little while letting him know the truth of the entire situation. It was something you didn't expect between Flit and Asemu.

This is another alright episode but at least compared to the past few, it seems a bit better. The Fortress against Zeheart's suit was a pretty neat thing to watch. Although Kio showing off his hacks X-Rounder abilities, throwing the bomb when there was about 1-2 seconds left seems a bit odd. I get that it adds a dramatic effect but how the AGE-3 survived that explosion is beyond me. Yes I know this is an anime.

The real reason I am exited about this episode is that the next episode we get another special treat!

MG RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver OVA

2012-05-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

One of the best looking almost bricks you will ever see. Pictures and general review of the MG Unicorn OVA Version. 150+ Pictures of Unicorn, in Destroy mode, black light shots, and others!

The long short of it
A little more posable than Ver Ka, transforming Gundam, fickle, and yet one of the most beautiful looking Gundam you will ever see. Best almost brick that will ever stand on your shelf.

The rest of the Destroy Mode and Black Light shots are a bit further down the page.

Build & Paint
Surprisingly enough, the actual build for this Gundam was pretty interesting. The only place that somewhat befuddled me was the construction of the chest. But once you get one side of the opening breast flaps, the other side will be a piece of cake. It's one of those builds that I wouldn't mind doing 2-3 times over again for the Banshee.

As for painting, all the white you see is only covered by a matte top coat. Again I love white plates because it can be sanded down without having very obvious nub marks. I painted the backpack and the bottom of the feet a dark shade of blue because, they showed nub marks. The inner frame and weapons have all been painted with Gun Metal. Panel lines are panel lined with a black gundam marker and some parts with a red one.

Since this is the OVA version, it doesn't come with all the decals just like the Ver Ka. That said, I tried hunting them down over the internet with no luck. Tatsu Hobby though has 3rd party decals and while they can be a pain because sometimes they don't stick as well, there is a special treat when put under black light! That alone made my entire purchase worth it and more.

As for the general design and details of this kit, I don't even need to pose it on my shelf and it will look better than anything else. This kit just looks beautiful.

Articulation
So this kit can still move. Though, it wont have the same articulation as say the MG 00 Kits or beyond. The arms can go a bit further than 90 degrees, the waist can turn around, can kick, can split, the knee bend isn't all too much. All of the articulation dies in Destroy mode. Not so much that it can't move, but everytime you move something, a part closes or something gets out of place for destroy mode. All that aside, this kit isn't made to move - that's not a bad thing.

Weapons & Accessories
The kit comes with a sitting figure to put in the cockpit and a standing one. It comes with a beam magnum, 3 clips for the beam magnum, a bazooka with the ammo pack, a shield, and 4 beam sabers.

The bazooka looks great, though hard to pose, I can't say anything else really.
The beam magnum is nice, you can remove the ammo clip and the extras can be put in the back skirts. The beam magnum really looks great, its that standard "beam rifle" all Gundams need.
It comes with 4 beam saber handles, but the kit only comes with 2 beam saber effect parts. So i had to pillage the other two from another kit. You will notice one set is pink and one set is dark red.
The shield itself is another wonderful piece of work. The regular mode looks great and the Destroy Mode looks even greater. The extra psycho frames that extends to the sides just makes it unique while fitting in with the entire Gundam.

The Good, the Bad, and the Rest
Off with the bad! The unicorn mode looks plain. The hand joint that connects to the arm is a little loose, although it could just be my kit. Once in destroy mode, there are so many moving pieces that you don't ever want to move the thing. Its basically a brick.

But, and that's a pretty big but, it is a gorgeous looking brick. While the unicorn might look plain, it does look good. In Destroy mode, its got to be the nicest looking Gundam designs I have ever seen. While the kit itself isn't that simple, I feel like a Gundam that only needs a shield, a beam magnum, some beam sabers, a bazooka, and nothing else is a big win in my books. Add the amazing looks with a black light, and I just wish I can make it glow like that 24/7. Right now this thing is sitting in my shelf and I don't ever want to move it. It looks so good there, not to mention I don't want to mess it up. You can even see in some shots, some parts are not open or not exactly in place. I am too lazy to fix them, but it still looks good you have to admit.

You should know what you're getting if you're buying this kit. If you're buying this kit just for the looks, then this is for you. If you're looking for a dynamic, pose able kit, maybe the HG kits would be better.

Front - Back - Side

Gundam Age - Vegan Gundams (Updated w/ More Suits!)

2012-05-24T22:17:00.000-04:00

Pics of Vegan Gundams coming in AGE & other variants. A little spoiler alert

Hat tip Gundam Age Fan Club - UPDATED- w/ better quality pictures.

Looks like they were Quanta and Wing, respectively, inspired. It looks like the first one isnt a Vegan suit.

The Age-2 Variant you see from the intro. The pirate/crossbone - ish Gundam.

And a G-EXES variant, the Jackedge. Like it or not?

MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 2.0

2012-05-24T15:08:00.000-04:00

Pictures and review of my straight out of box build of the MG RX-78-2 Ver 2.0

100+ Pictures.

The long short of it
Outside of no extra core block and falling side skirts, falling back ankle plates, this is a wonderfully simple, well engineered, beautiful, and excellent articulation kit! Considering I only have 2 thumbs I give this kit 3 thumbs up!

With my attempt to review this kit with as few words as possible aside, here is my full on rant! If you want to just see the pictures scroll down or start the slideshow viewer by clicking on a picture!

Build & Paint
This is my first time building an RX-78-2. I chose the Ver 2.0 is because of all the neat things I have seen people do with the finished kit. The build was fun, it was great, and it was completely different from most of the kits I have made. The inner frame is good, though it makes me wonder why Bandai didn't include a core block, especially if people wanted to display the core fighter. Without the core fighter in the gundam, it does feel a little empty. Otherwise, the inner frame is just superb.

No extra painting for this kit. It's mostly a straight out of the box build. I wanted the grand daddy of all gundams in my shelf in its original colors. All I did was add panel lines to certain places, most prominently the head. Low level work needed to make the kit look even better. Perfect for people who doesn't paint! Also lazy people, like me.

It does include the 2.0 Zeon mobile suit fingers and I cut the 3 fingers separately, with GREAT hesitation, but I am glad it all worked out and I JUST LOVE IT!

Nub marks are wonderful when working with white plates. When sanded down they're hard to notice and they leave very little discoloration from the entire piece. With that said, the same does not apply to colored parts; sadly. Still, the kit does a great job of placing the connection to the rest of the plastic in places where it is not that noticeable. For the blue part of the upper chest, they will be near the top where the head is. The only noticeable nub marks will be at the red parts of the feet. Even then, from a far enough distance even I barely notice it.
As for the weapon's nub marks, again you don't really notice them until you get up close. The rifle is good at hiding the nub marks. The Gundam Hammer is another story, think of cutting each spike off the plate, 3 in each spike, it is a pain and it is something I didn't even bother sanding down.

As for the overall look and designs: I like the more cartoon-y look to the gundam, the big hands, big feet, and the overall lack of panel lines. Though I admit, I was hesitant about the look before purchase. Over time, the over all look grows on you.

Articulation
The articulation on this kit will blow your mind. If you haven't seen anything like it. I don't know how old this kit is but its just wonderful! Considering it is not bulky nor does it have a lot of accessories. The head is what you'll get for a good quality master grade. Along with the torso, it can move side to side from the bottom part of the torso, and only a bit to either side from the waist.
The shoulders can pop off a little out of the body towards the front of the torso. You can also lift the shoulders up and in towards the top side of the torso.
The arms has 3 points of articulation enough for it to touch itself or for its hand to touch the shoulders. The fingers are the same fingers the Ver 2.0 Zeon mobile suit has. The thumb, the index finger, and the 3 other fingers which move together. Each of the fingers has a separate knuckle in the middle. If you want, you can cut the 3 fingers so they can move independently from each other. With that you can make his hands do anything. From a peace sign, to Spider-man's web shooting hands, Dr. Evil's signature pinky to mouth, and to whatever obscene gesture you want your RX-78-2 to do.
The actual leg can do a full front kick to full on splits, granted the side skirts don't get in the way. The legs also has the 3 points of articulation, enough so that the back of the thighs touch the calves of the leg.
The actual feet is another place the kit shines. While the heel of the feet moves, there is also another bend towards the end, think of the way your toes moves. No matter what you do, this guy can pull of mostly any ground poses.

Weapons & Accessories
The kits comes with 2 beam sabers, 1 beam javelin, 1 beam rifle w/ optional super napalm attachment, 1 shield, the Gundam Hammer, and a bazooka. You can also have the core fighter out and it comes with a display stand.
It comes with a few small figures one Amuro for the cockpit/core fighter and another of Amuro standing.

While the beam sabers are standard UC beam sabers, the beam javelin comes off as something that is not so impresive. You can tell I wasn't interested in the weapon. The beam parts at the end is clear - no color - so if you're not going to paint it, it looks very dull.
The beam rifle is something that looks great. The napalm does look a bit weird to me so it is something that I choose not to display.
The shield is also standard and something that completes the RX-78-2 along with the rifle.
The Gundam Hammer is fun, but just the fact that you can't really control the chain hinders me from posing it the way I want to pose it with the weapon. Its nice to see the kit with it on though.
And finally the bazooka, for me its nice to have in the back skirt and that is about it. It is a pain to make the kit hold and to pose. Otherwise it's still a great addition and I can't complain when more weapons are added!

The Good, The Bad, and The Rest
The bad things about this kit is dwarfed by all the good. None the less, they do exist. Despite Bandai having the core fighter, they don't provide an extra way to have more stability in the torso via a core block if you choose to display the core fighter outside the Gundam. Its kind of a shame since they have a nice stand for the core fighter and it just looks great! (Though I just realized I didn't take any pictures of the core fighter/cockpit... Laziness is kicking in) So that is not really a big of a deal if you don't care, just like me, and prefer to keep the core fighter where it belongs! Inside the Gundam. The red piece on its crotch with the yellow V is a bit annoying. It can collapse inwards so sometimes I don't notice the thing until it is too late. I don't get why they included it on the kit, though i do understand that something comes out of there in the anime - I can't remember what, re-entry coolant is my guess. The side skirts also tend to fall a lot! Though with most kits these days what suit's skirts doesn't? And the beam javelin, meh. It looks like something you can use to clean your teeth.

But enough with all the negatives, this kit shines and it shines oh so brightly with the way it can move. Which is practically any which way you can imagine. You can extend it's legs as far as you want and it will probably still stand up. I am a big fan of the Ver 2.0 fingers. Since they move almost like actual fingers, I can do anything I want with them! As for the cartoon-y looks, it can be a good thing. The look grew on me and I am loving it now. I enjoy the fact that you can pretty much snap this kit together and not have to do a lot of work outside of assembly. Not much panel lining needed. All you really need to panel line is the face and it will look great! I like the shades of blue and red on this kit, that is why no painting! I am so satisfied with it's original colors I don't want to even touch them. But this kit is great and fun. If you ever decide to get this kit or any other versions, if you can get both then do so! If you can get only one and want something nice, beautiful, simple, low level detailing, and playable you should get this Ver 2.0!

WAIT... I have to get my sword...

Can you see what I'm pointing to? .... NO

SAFE! * Who watches Red Eye?

The customary front, side, and back shots.

Ka..... Me.....

Ha............Me.............

HAAAAAAAAAAA!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Gundam Unicorn Episode 5

2012-05-24T00:51:00.000-04:00

The subs are now out! You should know where to find them.

Another solid episode! While almost every character grows even more, some just completely breaks down. We get to see Riddhe just snap. Its a sad thing to see when a person is engulfed so much by emotions that they forget about their lucky charm.

Its nice to see the actual main protagonist not wallow in self pity.

Bright, its always nice to see you. Always the adult... I think?

Amuro, you're reduced to a picture frame.

Last few minutes was a treat to see Cha.... Full Frontal in action along with the Rozen Zulu. It was such a shame because I like the color of those Rezels.

Have a good day!

HGUC 1/144 ReZEL Type C [Defenser b-Unit] [GR]

2012-05-23T02:46:00.004-04:00

Please let them release this in MG!

-Update- I just noticed the odd looking crotch piece....

Gundam Age Episode 32 - Uragirimono!

2012-05-22T03:58:00.004-04:00

Well, there goes episode 32.

*Deep breath in*

A new vegan fleet approaches earth, the Age-3 is remodeled so that only one pilot is needed, Shanalua does her big sister role, Grand pa Flit lectures the kancho, Vegans attack, a spy is accused, mobile suits are launched, Kio disobeys orders, guy in cloak attacks, tragic death scene, vegans plant a bomb, and Zeheart does close to nothing but swim around n shoot at walls. A STELLAR episode wouldn't you say? Yes that was sarcasm.

This is how i feel for most of AGE

For me, they killed off a perfectly good character that could've had more potential towards her relationship with Kio. Build the relationship up for an even more tragic loss. How long did their relationship develop? 3 EPISODES! Though I am sure as a 12 year old seeing someone you know die can be pretty tragic, it feels so empty from the other side of the screen. Opinions may differ, but this is mine. As for the killer, he was so unmemorable.
The traitor was pulled out from Zeheart's chunky behind. It felt so forced, along with the traitor's death, and the spy's contact(oh so unmemorable), and along with any vegan grunt that's died so far in the entire AGE series.

With such a terrific start to AGE's 3rd generation, its been laying on its tummy for the past few episodes. Holding out hope it gets better!
We get to see the Z'Goks of AGE at least!

Zeheart, you're useless.

- UPDATE -
Thinking about it, at least AGE isn't as bad as Destiny.

RIP Ms Shanalua

Gundam Age Episode 31 - Geymalk...I mean Seravee... I mean Fortress!

2012-05-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

Kio's aunt magically appears on the Diva, unnecessary conflict is stirred and resolved between main and supporting characters, The Diva is attacked by sand fishes - the Black Tri Star! Wait.... something's not right.

Anyway, Kio shows off his X-Rounder abilities some more this episode. Though with "superior" tactics you, his newtypeness didnt help! Then again, more guns + bigger guns > tactics; and apparently, causes the bad guys to forget all about any kind of tactics.

We get it, there's nothing to be happy about in war.

Another alright episode. The upside, its action packed and we get to see the Fortress in action!

Kio: Ms. Shanalua look! I KILLED THEM ALL! =]

Kio: I did it all for you!

Shanaluauauaua: You did well

Kio: Must K-i-l-l! Must score more POINTS!

Shizuoka Hobby Expo - Gunpla announcements/Pics

2012-05-17T01:06:00.001-04:00

MG Age-2 Normal
MG Buster Gundam
MG Blitz Gundam
HG Age-3 Orbital
HG Age-1 Razor
HG Age-2 Artemis
HG Age-2 Darkhound
HG G-Exes Jack Knife
HGUC Hambrabi
HGUC Rezel C Type Defensor Unit B
HGUC Zeon Base Jabber
HGUC Zaku Mariner
The inevitable death of my wallet

Thank you Tumblr.

Here is the tentative title for the AGE-2 variation, Darkhound.

Really loving the AGE-3 Orbital, can't wait for the MG version.
As for the MG AGE-2, I hope they come out with more wears than just the double bullet.

Pictures courtesy of Gundamguy.blogspot.com

Gundam AGE - Proof Flit is EVIL

2012-05-11T00:45:00.003-04:00

A picture to show how twisted the first main protagonist of Gundam AGE really is. He pretends he is giving his grandson, Kio, a video game, and yet it is actually a way of indoctrinating Kio. If this doesn't make you watch Gundam Age, I dont know what will.

Haha!

1/144 HG Farisa Custom

2012-05-08T14:51:00.004-04:00

I hated the original pink suit, but with the white repaint and wings, this looks like the Age version of Sinanju with Wing Zero's wings. Ha!

Would anyone know what kind of white this guy uses?

Modeled by Hobby no Toriko

"I am the captan, Natora Anu....." AGE Episode 30

2012-05-07T01:56:00.001-04:00

Episode 30 of Age is done and over. While the 3rd generation started out with a bang, in my opinion, the 2nd episode was so and so. I expected as much, using the episode to introduce the new Diva crew. Unlike the first 2 generation crews, the Diva gets a complete newbie crew outside of the squad captain and the person in charge of the AGE system.
One biggest sore thumb in the bunch is the new captain of the Diva, Natora Einus. I just can't help but snicker at the way she pronounces her name and it is probably something I wont be able to take seriously for the rest of the series. Her personality is another big issue and will make it all more pleasant to see when she has a complete reversal in how she acts. The AGE-3 gets a temporary new weapon for the episode and saves the day. At the very least we're already treated to the Fortress wear the next episode and that's what I am looking forward to.

For screen shots, Gundamguy.blogspot.com

RG 1/144 RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam A.E.U.G Prototype Mobile Suit + Supporting Fighter - Customized Build

2012-05-06T02:43:00.003-04:00

Modeled by zgmfxg. Hat tip Gundamguy.blogspot.com for the pictures!