Hey there everyone, this is Tominon.
I went to the Gundam Super Expo at the Tokyo City Prism Hall as seen in the above image and will be reporting on it across several entries.
This event, held in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Gunpla, was a display of the history of Gunpla from the very first to the latest RG Gunpla.
Everyone there, kids and grown ups, was having a good time.
This time I'll be going over the first area, the
G area, and the latest upcoming Gunpla.
(Click on the images for larger versions.)
Here's the entrance. All the signs and staff uniforms were Gundam Blue.
This Expo was divided up into six consecutive areas:
Growing up - the history of Gunpla
Universal - the international success of Gunpla
New item - a closer look at the new RG line
Party - the Gunpla party, featuring famous people
Life style - Gunpla in everyday life
Ahead - the future of Gunpla
The futuristic gate at the G area entrance...
The entire Gunpla history was on display, from the earliest 1980 kits to the latest from 2010.
30 years of RX-78-2 Gunpla. It's amazing how far they've come - the RG RX-78-2 is seriously impressive.
Corridors full of Gunpla... Gunpla everywhere! (Thank you captain obvious.)
The showcases were packed full of Gunpla released in the past.
I overheard a kid going, "Hey Dad, this is the one you have!"
Gunpla aren't just enjoyed by all generations; they create bonds between them as well.
These are the awesome uniforms worn by Bandai Hobby Center staff, based off of Federation uniforms.
I wonder if they take them home and wash them normally.
The staff even wear insignia to indicate their position.
From top left: President, Executive Director, GM, DGM, M, L, SL, Civilian.
The 1/200 scale Bandai Hobby Center model/mockup they used in planning construction.
Informative charts of how Gunpla are made, starting at the very beginning step of deciding what to release.
RX-78-2 Gundam package design.
They make several CGs based on the 3D design data and go over them again and again until they pick the perfect one.
You can really feel the passion and dedication of the artists.
The assembly instructions for earlier Gunpla were actually hand-drawn! Each part was drawn by looking at the actual thing and one mistake meant doing it over. These people were true professionals. Artisans, even.k
Now it's a good deal simpler thanks to computer graphics and software.
I'll wrap up the report of what the Expo was like here, and introduce a bunch of brand new Gunpla!
HGUC
* HGUC 1/144 Gouf Custom (November 2010)
* AMS-129 Gera Zulu Angelo Sauper Custom (HGUC)
* Delta Plus (HGUC)
* RB-79 Ball Twin Set (HGUC)
* Sinanju (HGUC) (October 2010)
* RGM-79C GM Type C (HGUC)
Master Grade
* RGZ-95 ReZEL (MG) (October 2010)
* Gundam W XXXG-01D Gundam Deathscythe EW (MG)
* Z Gundam PMX-003 THE-O (MG)
Real Grade
* RX-78-2 Gundam (RG) *August Production
* Real Grade MS-06S Zaku Char Custom (November 2010)
Mega Size Model
* Mega Size Model Gundam 1/48 Scale
Gundam 00
* Gundam Zabanya (HG) (August 2010)
* Gundam Harute (HG) (September 2010)
* Raphael Gundam (HG) (September 2010)
* 00 QAN[T] (HG)
The clear version of the HG 00 QAN[T] is a limited edition for sale at theaters for the film.
* HG GNX-Y903VW Brave (Commander Test Type) (November 2010)
* HG GNX-Y903VW Brave (Standard Test Type) (November 2010)
Gunpla Builders Beginning G
* GPB-X80 Beginning Gundam (HG)
* RX-93-v2 Hi-v Gundam GPB Color (HG)
* GPB-06F Super Custom Zaku F2000 (HG)
* GPB-04B Beacguy (HG)
Love it or hate it, this Beacguy sure is one heck of a character.
I think his beady eyes are kind of cute.
They were showing the Beginning Gundam anime at the event, but don't fret as they'll be streaming it online as well!
The report on this extremely dense showing of Gunpla isn't over yet! I'll see you again next time!
- Tominon