Omar Khalid
Gundam plastic models, also known as Gundam Plamo or Gunpla, were first sold in 1980 in Japan. These plastic model kits are based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, which debuted in 1979 as a television show. The first Gunpla kit, released in July 1980, cost 300 yen, or about $3, and required gluing together. Bandai, the company that manufactures Gunpla, sold over 100 million Gundam plastic model units between 1980 and 1984, and the hobby has since spread worldwide, with an estimated 450 million units sold across nearly 2,000 different Gundam models as of 2019.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First release | July 1980 |
| First manufacturer | Bandai |
| First model price | 300 yen or about $3 |
| First model name | Mobile Suit Gundam |
| First model grade | First Grade (FG) |
| First High Grade release | 1990 |
| First High Grade price | 1000 yen or about $10 |
| First Master Grade release | 1995 |
| First Master Grade price | 2500 yen or about $25 |
| First Perfect Grade release | 1998 |
| First Perfect Grade price | 12,000 yen or about $120 |
| 40th anniversary | 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
- Bandai's first Gundam plastic model kit was released in 1980
- The first High Grade Gundam plastic model kit was released in 1990
- Gundam plastic model kits are manufactured in Japan or China
- Gundam plastic model kits are also called Gunpla
- Gundam plastic model kits contributed to the success of the Gundam franchise
Bandai's first Gundam plastic model kit was released in 1980
Bandai's Gundam plastic models, also known as Gunpla, are model kits depicting the mecha, machinery, and characters of the fictional Gundam multiverse. These kits have become popular among mecha anime fans and model enthusiasts in Japan and other nearby Asian countries since the 1980s.
The first Gunpla kits were sold in 1980 in Japan, with Bandai obtaining the rights to produce models based on the Gundam franchise that year. Bandai's Gundam models were designed as plastic kits to be assembled, similar to military vehicle models. This was a departure from Clover's fully assembled toys, which were produced in the style of most children's toys.
Between 1980 and 1984, Bandai sold over 100 million Gundam plastic model units. As of March 2021, Bandai Namco has sold 714.84 million Gundam plastic model units, including 538.24 million standard Gundam units since 1980.
In July 1983, Bandai released four 1/250 scale Gunpla kits using the System Injection process, also known as "Iropla," to minimise the need for paint during and after assembly. Bandai has continued to innovate and rerelease designs, celebrating the 35th anniversary of its Gundam model kits in 2015.
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The first High Grade Gundam plastic model kit was released in 1990
The Gundam plastic models, also known as Gundam Plamo or Gunpla, were first released in 1980 in Japan. These kits are based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, which debuted in 1979 as a television show. The first Gunpla kits were manufactured by Bandai, which has since sold an estimated 450 million units worldwide across nearly 2,000 different Gundam models as of March 2021.
Over the years, Bandai has continuously improved the quality of its models and introduced various grades and sub-lines to cater to different skill levels and preferences. The first High Grade Gundam plastic model kit, also known as HG, was released in 1990. This line offered 1:144 scale models with increased detail and movement, such as the "Gundam Core Block System" where the pilot sits in a detachable "Core" that can transform into a different vehicle. The High Grade moniker has since expanded to include multiple iterations and sub-lines, with the High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) line being the most numerous and oldest active line.
The High Grade kits are recommended for inexperienced builders due to their simplicity and affordable prices. They feature snap-fit assembly, which was first introduced by Bandai in 1987, eliminating the need for glue in most post-1990 models. Additionally, the High Grade kits offer increased colour separation, allowing builders to construct the Mobile Suits without painting. However, some modellers may choose to paint their kits to add a more intricate and personalised touch.
The release of the High Grade line in 1990 marked a significant step in the evolution of Gundam plastic models. It showcased Bandai's commitment to innovation and set a precedent for continuous improvement in the quality and design of Gunpla kits. This continuous improvement led to the introduction of more advanced grades in the following years, such as the Master Grade (MG) line in 1995 and the Perfect Grade (PG) line in 1998, each offering even greater levels of detail, articulation, and features.
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Gundam plastic model kits are manufactured in Japan or China
The first Gundam plastic model kits, or Gunpla, were sold in 1980 in Japan by Bandai, which has an exclusive license to manufacture and market the kits worldwide. Bandai sold over 100 million Gundam plastic model units between 1980 and 1984, and over 300 million units by May 1999. As of March 2021, Bandai Namco has sold 714.84 million Gundam plastic model units, including 538.24 million standard Gundam units (since 1980) and 176.6 million SD Gundam units (since 1987).
The Entry Grade line was originally manufactured in China and marketed to emerging markets in Asia. The line was later rebooted in 2020 to be released worldwide. The RX-78-2 Gundam was the starting Gundam model, with the kit having articulation and proportions similar to the High Grade kits and advanced color-separated parts without the need for stickers or tools.
The Advanced Grade line, released in 2011-2012, featured Mobile Suits from the Mobile Suit Gundam AGE series. These kits had snap-fit assembly, multiple colors of plastic, and could be assembled without hobby nippers, but had very limited articulation.
The Reborn-One Hundred line was introduced in 2014. This 1/100 scale line features only Mobile Suits from the Universal Century timeline and was created so that Bandai could produce 1/100 scale models for Mobile Suits that were too large or obscure to justify the production costs associated with Master Grade kits.
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Gundam plastic model kits are also called Gunpla
Gundam plastic model kits, also called Gunpla, are manufactured in Japan or China by Bandai, which has an exclusive license for manufacturing and marketing them worldwide. The name "Gunpla" is derived from an abbreviation of the phrase "Gundam plastic model", as most kits are made of plastic.
Gunpla kits are model kits that depict the mecha, machinery, and characters of the fictional Gundam multiverse. These kits became popular among mecha anime fans and model enthusiasts in Japan and other nearby Asian countries in the 1980s. The first Gunpla kits were sold in 1980 in Japan, and Bandai sold over 100 million Gundam plastic model units between 1980 and 1984. The kits consist of several trays of parts or "runners" that either snap-fit (most post-1990 models) or require glue (older models before 1990) to assemble.
Gunpla kits are almost never officially discontinued. The original 1980 line of Gundam models does not have an associated grade, as this terminology was introduced in 1990. These kits are limited in articulation, and some require glue to assemble. Model kits released to coincide with a show or movie that did not have a grade associated with them are generally referred to as No Grade kits.
There are also non-Grade kits, which include many non-Mobile Suit designs and come in a variety of scales, from 1/2200 for large spaceships to 1/20 for character models. Many of these kits require glue to build and only come in 1-3 colours of plastic.
In addition to bootlegs, several companies produce entirely original model kits based on various Mobile Suit designs. Third-party kits are usually made of resin or plastic, and conversion kits are a common third-party product. These are meant to be used with an official Bandai model and are often produced using 3D printing methods or distributed as a file to be 3D printed at home.
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Gundam plastic model kits contributed to the success of the Gundam franchise
The Gundam franchise, which debuted in 1979 as a television show, was not an immediate success. The toys produced by Clover were also not commercial hits. However, the introduction of Gundam plastic model kits or Gunpla in 1980 changed the course of the franchise's history.
Bandai, the manufacturer of Gunpla, designed the kits to be assembled by the users, differentiating them from Clover's toys that came fully assembled. This feature, along with the growing popularity of plastic models, attracted an older demographic. The first 1/144 scale Gundam plastic model was released six months after the TV show finished broadcasting. However, the reruns of the show due to fan demand helped spark the Gunpla craze.
The success of Gunpla kits can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Bandai's expertise in creating spaceship models influenced the design of the Gundam plastic kits, making them highly detailed and desirable for model enthusiasts. Secondly, the kits were based on the mecha, machinery, and characters of the fictional Gundam multiverse, offering a wide variety of display abilities and changeable parts. For instance, the 1:60 Perfect Grade (PG) line features extensive detail, light-up features, and a "body on frame" skeletal system. Thirdly, Bandai continuously innovated its kits to make them more accessible to first-time collectors. For example, the 1:48 Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam kit, released in 2010, features parts that can be easily snapped together without the need for plastic cutters or knives.
The popularity of Gundam plastic model kits allowed Bandai to grow into a giant company. By May 1999, Bandai had sold over 300 million units, and as of March 2021, the company had sold 714.84 million Gundam plastic model units worldwide. The success of the kits enabled Bandai to become the sponsor of successive Gundam shows and eventually buy and own the franchise itself.
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Frequently asked questions
The production of Gundam plastic models, also known as Gunpla, began in 1980.
Bandai started producing Gundam plastic models in 1980.
Bandai sold over 100 million Gundam plastic model units between 1980 and 1984.
By May 1999, Bandai had sold over 300 million Gundam plastic model units.
Gundam plastic models are based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, which debuted in 1979.
