Gundam’s Most Unique Anime Mecha Gets ‘Zen-Sational’ New High Grade Gunpla Model Kit
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The future is looking bright for Mobile Suit Gundam, with several new plastic model kits set to be released by Bandai. Along with numerous fan-favorites, one of these new releases is based on what was easily one of the oddest mobile suits in the mecha franchise.
Derived from the eccentric Mobile Fighter G Gundam, the HG 1/144 Mandala Gundam is an especially unique model kit figure. Representing the anime’s stereotypical aesthetic, it certainly rings a bell that no other kit in the series does. Boasting a familiar transformation, it’s set to be released next month, adding a prayerful Gunpla to fans’ collections.
One of G Gundam’s Weirdest Designs Finally Gets a Fresh High Grade Model Kit
Scheduled to be a Premium Bandai online release, the HG 1/144 Mandala Gundam is a High Grade recreation of the respective mobile suit for Neo-Nepal in Mobile Fighter G Gundam. This anime was the first main alternate universe Gundam entry, and it swapped the usual military nature of the franchise for essentially a glorified martial arts tournament. Each country had its own mobile suit that was many times almost offensively stereotypical, with the Mandala Gundam being perhaps the first Buddhist mecha. This is reflected in the High Grade model kit representation, with the bottom half of Mandala Gundam resembling a gigantic Buddhist monastery bell. Likewise, its “spine” and arms resemble prayer beads, with this lanky appearance actually offering the kit’s upper body a good degree of articulation.
Like most G Gundam mecha, Mandala Gundam eschews firearms and other traditional weapons in favor of a more unique one. This is the khakkhara staff, which is also based on Buddhist religious artifacts. Along with special effects parts for the weapon, the Mandala Gundam (as in the anime) can transform into Defense Mode, surrounding itself with its bell. It’s not the most typical design for a Gundam, but it protects from incoming attacks by enemies. Scheduled to ship out in November 2025, the price of this High Grade model kit is 2,915 yen (~US$20). This is one of several Gundam plastic model kits that have been announced by Bandai, with others including new releases for the Barbatos Gundam and some mobile suits that are far more obscure.
