The 2021 Gundam Online Expo has already given fans of the long running anime franchise the five free classic Gundam movies and the English premiere of a new live-action series, but it wouldn't be Gundam without some new figures and other collectibles to get.
New Gundam figures were announced throughout the first day of the online convention. Bandai uploaded separate video presentations for their Tamashii Nations brand, which focuses on high-quality figures aimed at the collectors' market, and their Shokugan line, which features smaller, affordable collectibles. While these presentations were strictly Gundam focused, both brands have also produced collectibles for the other franchises under Bandai's licensing umbrella, including Dragon Ball, Kamen Rider and Digimon.
Bandai showcased two Tamashii Nations presentations during the expo, one from the Japanese side of the company and the other from its American branch. Both presentations highlighted the company's Gundam Universe line, which features 6" posable action figures built in a scale that is somewhere between Bandai's 1/144 High Grade models and the larger 1/100 Master Grade kits. Three new figures from Gundam Universe's Wave 6 were revealed: the Gundam Exia from Mobile Suit Gundam OO, Gundam Heavy Arms from Gundam Wing and the Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The presentation also hinted that the Master Gundam, which was piloted by the Undefeated of the East, Master Asia in 1994's Mobile Fighter G Gundam, will be the next figure to join the line.
The presentations also highlighted the Metal Robot Spirits line, which recreate the series' mobile suits with full metal parts. The Metal Robot version of the Barbatos Lupus from Iron Blooded Orphans was shown, which will feature a die-cast metal frame and a mix of glossy and matte paints to recreate the Barbatos' futuristic yet worn appearance. The Barbatos features an openable cockpit hatch, and will be packaged with all of the weapons it used in the anime, as well as some effects parts. Also shown was the Bael, also from Iron Blooded Orphans, which features posable fins and will also be packaged with effects parts to recreate iconic poses and scenes from the anime. While it wasn't shown, the panel also revealed that the Kimaris Vidar will be the next mobile suit to join the Metal Robot Spirits Line.
Not to be outdone, Bandai's Shokugan line showed off several new figures from its Gundam Converge line of collectibles, which features the franchise's most iconic mobile suits shrunken down into cute, collectible figures. The latest wave of Converge figures is a special anniversary collection that concentrates on the Universal Century and begins with the original RX-78 Gundam and ends with the RX-0 Unicorn. The 14th wave of the G Frame non-posable miniatures was shown as well, which will feature mobile suits from Gundam SEED as well as Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Blue Destiny. The previously Bandai exclusive G Frame Heavy Full Armor 7th Gundam will now also be available in North America from distributor Bluefin as well.
The Gundam Online Expo began on Aug. 26 and continues until Sept. 6. Gundam collectors should keep on an eye on the event's livestream, as Bandai will be selling rare and exclusive Gunpla model kits on the stream.
Source: YouTube
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