Are you a classic anime lover who’s passionate about collectibles? Then Gundam models deserve your attention. Based on the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam anime franchise, the models feature a snap-fit plastic kit that lets every collector experience the thrill of assembling and displaying the figures.
As you’re assembling your favorite Gundam, you can recall the days when you watched the anime. The nostalgia will elevate your experience and let you showcase the mech designs effortlessly.
Manufactured by Bandai, the models are easy to customize, even without glue. They are also known as Gunpla (Gundam Plastic Model), which are pioneers for action figures, with a twist of anime.
Whether you’re a collectible enthusiast or starting with it, having a Gundam model is a treat you can give yourself, especially if you love vintage anime.
This blog will explore the coolest Gundam models and what makes them relevant even today. Furthermore, you will get to know about the grades that will help you choose your favorite Gundam model.
What Makes a Gundam Model One of the Coolest?
Begun as an anime series in 1979, Gundam is now reaching your shelves in the form of collectibles. The show depicts piloted robots, the first of their kind at the time. The protagonists controlled these robots via suits.
Among those robots, Gundam got the most attention. The design of Gundam makes it a cool robot.
For a collectible, it is therefore crucial to hit the cool factor. Combining a visual presence and better poseability will make your Gundam model the coolest.
Other factors make these models stunning and cool in their presence:
Unique and Iconic Design
With a myriad of action figure collectibles, Gundam manages to draw attention. It is due to their unique V-shaped antenna, which is available in almost every model.
Apart from the unique design, Gundam models offer a striking color palette. The vibrant red, blue, white, and yellow hues provide high contrast, making them easily recognizable.
Detail and Build Quality
Besides the stunning design, the intricate details make Bandai's Gundam model kits the most striking ones. The higher-grade kits provide intricate skeletons upon which armor plates are attached. It thus offers better stability.
Unlike model kits that require glue, these coolest-looking Gundam models feature snap-fit parts that make assembly easy and mess-free.
Popularity Among Collectors
As a collectible enthusiast, you may want the figure to feature a unique design and build quality. Gundam models in all their versions check those boxes.
Furthermore, it will give you a sense of satisfaction to assemble a model by yourself. Thus, if you’re passionate about building models, it could be a fun way to start.
Articulation and Poseability
The snap-fit feature of Gundam modes offers flexibility. Imagine bending the figure's torso forward to redefine its structure. That's what makes these model kits the loveliest.
The elevated Gundam models, such as the Full Mechanics Forbidden Gundam, feature complex joints. Twisting them can get the models into diverse poses, giving the action figures more impact.
Display and Visual Impact
Action collectibles like Gundam models offer stunning visual impact. To enhance mecha realism, the models offer various grades, ranging from High Grade to Perfect Grade.
These grades help create lifelike poses, making them the coolest collectibles in the action anime genre. You can assemble and bend the models into flight or combat poses that replicate the mobile suits from the series.
Top 10 Coolest Gundam Models Every Gundam Fan Should Own
Now that you know what makes Gundam models cool, it’s time to pick a model kit for yourself. Your passion for assembling different parts of the model will elevate with the top 10 coolest Gundam models. As a Gundam fan, these are the models you should know about:
1. Gundam RX-78-2
The RX-78-2 Gundam is an iconic mobile suit from the original Gundam series. Amuro Ray, the protagonist of the anime, piloted the mobile suit that later became the franchise's symbol.
Just like the mobile suit, the model kit offers versatility and power with High-Grade, Large-Grade, and Perfect-Grade. While the High-Grade makes it a great fit for beginners to give an action pose, the higher grades are more detailed, allowing you to build the beam rifle, a crucial weapon in the series.
2. MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam
The Master Grade Extreme (MGREX) 1/100 version of Strike Freedom Gundam is an engineering marvel. The golden accents and vibrant color schemes make it the funkiest kit in the Gundam world.
Furthermore, the model kit features expansive wings to replicate the powerful machinery from the original series. The smooth molding techniques of the MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam are straightforward yet complex, which is why seasoned collectors will love having it on their shelves.
3. HG Moon Gundam
The HG Moon Gundam is a High-Grade (HG) model kit that features exceptional detailing and engineering. Also known as "Real Grade" in HG clothing, it provides striking color separation with two-tone white armor.
With color-separated plastic, the kit requires no color-correction stickers. Even for the eyes, it uses the plastic kit, giving it a more realistic feel. Moreover, the model has an adjustable action base that offers a compelling visual impact.
4. HG 1/144 GQuuuuuuX (2025 Version)
Offering a futuristic design, the HG 1/144 GQuuuuuuX (2025 Version) blends a high-dynamic figure. The two-head option makes it one of the coolest Gundam models ever.
It also features exceptional joint flexibility in the torso and backpack, allowing collectors to make different action poses. Furthermore, the model kit's balanced plastic quality gives it a premium feel when you display it to your friends/family.
5. HG Schwarzette
If you know Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, then you may have come across Gundam Schwarzette. The HG Schwarzette is the High-Grade model kit that allows you to assemble a fresh design aesthetic. It also boasts optimum articulation that supports dynamic poses.
This feature helps you recreate all the iconic poses from the anime. If you like to display your collectibles in action-oriented forms, then HG Schwwarzette is worth your investment. Providing the signature weapon “Guardian Shield”, even beginners can transform their Gundam models to different forms such as beam canon, swords, and bit staves.
6. HG Nightingale
Boasting a monstrous presence, HG Nightingle is a supercool Gunpla kit, especially for people who are starting their journey with collectibles. It offers 1/144 that feels closer to the Master Grade. Moreover, its high level of detail and detachable funnels make it easy for new collectors to assemble.
To enhance its aesthetics, the kit also offers the potential for panel lining and painting. Using vibrant colors and basic stickers, you can make the crab-like non-humanoid model look more beastly and appealing.
7. RG Hi-Nu Gundam
As you’re looking for the top 10 Gundam model kits, RG Hi-Nu Gundam deserves your attention. In the Gundam world, it is considered the most beloved mobile suit due to its powerful machinery and sleek aesthetics.
While the high-grade kits make a great choice for beginners, the Real Grades (RG) offer complex engineering. Both kits showcase excellent detailing, articulation, and hidden elements that both newbies and seasoned collectors find thrilling to build.
8. Gundam Wing Zero
Gundam Wing Zero is a mobile suit from “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing", an anime series. It was a legendary suit from the After Colony era, blending power and exceptional design. To encapsulate its aura, model kits are available in several grades.
The High Grade 1/144 scale Wing Zero is a great choice for beginners, offering solid entry points. Moreover, pro collectors who seek a more challenging build can rely on the Master Grade 1/100 scale Wing Zero. The high-level detailing and articulation will enhance their assembly experience.
9. Gundam Sazabi
Antagonist Char Aznable piloted the Gundam Sazabi in the anime series. By that, you can understand that it is a villainous mobile suit in the world of Gundam. The devilish design and imposing size make a strong impact on fans, fueling their love for the series.
Gundam Sazabi also boasts distinctive "mono eye" and powerful funnels that translate seamlessly into appealing model kits. With the dynamic customization feature, builders can showcase their creativity. They can modify poses and decal the application to create a unique display piece.
10. MGSD Barbatos
The rugged, demonic aesthetic of MGSD (Master Grade Super Deformed) Barbatos makes it unique among Gundam models. The distinct weaponry, bruiser-like physique, and exposed frame depart from the sleek, heroic Gundam design.
Higher grades, particularly the MG model kits, offer exceptional articulation. It thus helps collectors create numerous dynamic poses and showcase the mobile suit's real power and agility. Furthermore, it integrates hydraulic pistons that enhance the model's visual appeal and exude its impressive possibilities.
Best Grades to Choose for the Coolest Gundam Models
After learning about the top Gundam model kits, it’s time to choose the best grades for the models. From beginner-friendly to more challenging, there are various grades available for everyone.
Depending on your shelf presence, ease of assembly, and intricate detailing, you can decide the grades for the Gundam model kits. The grades are as follows:
High Grade (HG)
These are the most common grades for Gundam model kits, offering low to medium model complexity and build difficulty. People looking for fast, fun builds can choose HG Gundam model kits, ranging from the Gundam RX-78-2 to the Moon Gundam.
These grades offer budget-friendly 1/144-scale kits with dynamic poses. The ease of building models also allows collectors to develop their modeling skills alongside painting and weathering.
Real Grade (RG)
The Real Grade (RG) kits offer a balance of compactness and complexity. They help builders integrate the skeletal inner frames and the 1/144 scale of the HG kits. Such a blend gives an elevated building experience to both amateurs and seasoned builders.
Apart from seamless building, the aesthetics of RG-grade Gundam models also add depth to the display. It further includes innovative armor design and moving parts that perfectly depict the mobile suits from the series.
Master Grade (MG)
Offering 1/100-scale Master Grade (MG) kits, these are where the passion for Gunpla truly comes to life. The grade encapsulates a larger-than-life presence and immersive details. Such elements elevate the craftsmanship of Gundam models.
The model kits of MG feature a skeletal framework that enhances articulation and stability. As a result, the models are sturdy yet flexible at recreating different poses from the anime.
Perfect Grade (PG)
Standing at a scale of 1/160, Perfect Grade (PG) is an absolute beauty among the Gundam model kits. The model kit's intricate design lets you control each finger's movement with precision. What makes them perfect is that they draw inspiration from the series by including metal parts and pistons.
Some of the PG Gundam model kits also include LED lighting systems. All these elements make the Gundam model the coolest and most fun to build with expert-level creativity.
Why Choose Play and Talk for All Your Gundam Collectibles?
The Gundam universe comprises hero and villain mobile suits. To keep those gigantic mobile suits as mementos, you explore the coolest Gundam models to ever exist.
If you're just starting with collectibles, Gundam models appeal to collectors of all kinds. From beginner-friendly HG models to challenging PG models, there’s something for everyone.
To purchase iconic Gundam model kits, Play and Talk is your most reliable destination. Our Gundam models collection features immersive designs and alluring color schemes that depict the original model suits.
We also provide nippers to trim the runners on high-end models, giving them a smooth finish. With our Gundam models, you can start a new range of vintage action collectibles that captivate people's attention.
Check out our Gundam models to showcase an impactful visual art.
FAQs
1. What are the coolest Gundam model kits for collectors?
Collectors consider the Perfect Grade (PG) and Master Grade (MG) Gundam model kits the coolest of all. They offer maximum shelf presence and great build quality, which collectors would love to assemble.
2. Which Gundam model kit is best for beginners?
Beginners can start with a High Grade (HG) Gundam model kit. The parts of the Gundam model are easy to assemble, offering 144th the size of the actual Gundam figure that you can see in the series.
3. Which Gundam model kit has the best detail?
The Gundam RX-78-2 and the MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam are the top Gundam models for their attention to detail. The open-hatch gimmick and complex inner frames make it a supreme experience for collectors to assemble.
4. Do Gundam model kits require glue or paint?
Most Gundam model kits use a snap-fit mechanism and come in striking colors. It thus eliminates the need for glue or paint. However, you may need nippers for the advanced models to cut off the runners and achieve a smooth finish.
5. Which one is the most feared Gundam?
The Devil Gundam is the most feared in the series, capable of turning pilots into slaves. They are also capable of self-replication and destroy organic/mechanical life with Dark Gundam (DG) cells.
6. Where can you buy authentic and cool Gundam model kits?
You can buy authentic and coolest Gundam model kits from Play and Talk. We are a reliable gaming store on the Gulf Coast, providing lifelike collectibles. From High Grade (HG) to Perfect Grade (PG) model kits, our collectibles make a strong visual impact when displayed on your shelves.