Gundam SEED
Gundam SEED
Bandai is planning 2004 to be a huge year for Gundam fans. This is the 25th anniversary of the Gundam franchise as well as the 5th anniversary of it in the US. To commemorate these two momentous occasions,, Bandai has numerous products planned for the year.
The biggest part of this is the release of Gundam SEED in the US. Coinciding with the show, Bandai will offer model kits and action figures. Fans of other Gundam series have nothing to fear, as Bandai will also be releasing merchandise for them as well during the year.
Models
Bandai will continue to release models kits in 2004. All the ones on
display were from Gundam SEED. Like last year, the models will feature
the same style of packaging that shows the built kit on the front. Bandai
is also continuing to use the kit level break down from previous years.
The kit breakdown is as follows:
Skill Level 1: Each model kit builds a 5 inch MS. These kits are the low priced 1/144 kits sold in Japan. They will sell for $4.99
Skill Level 2: Each kit has over 20 points of articulation and more than 70 pieces. They will sell for $6.99
Skill Level 3: Each kit features over 25 points of articulation and over 80 parts. These kits also have decals included. These kits appear to be the smaller 1/144 High Grades. They will sell for $14.99
Skill Level 4: Each kit builds a 5 or 7.5 inch Mobile Suit with over 30 points of articulation and more than 130 parts and decals. The kits in this class appear to be the larger 1/144 and smaller 1/100 High Grades. They will sell for $19.99
Skill Level 5: Similar to Skill Level 4, but with more than 140 parts. The really large 1/100 High Grades such as the Aegis Gundam could fit in this class. These kits will sell for $27.99
4.5-Inch Action Figures
These are the Mobile Suits in Action. Bandai had a ton of these on
display, most of it new product that was shown off for the very first
time. The display featured almost every Gundam from SEED. The only ones
I didn't notice were the Gold Frame Astray and the Providence Gundam.
Included in this is an expanded Battle Scarred line.
A good number of the SEED Gundams were original, standard MSiA figures incorporating the design tricks from the RX-78 2.0 MSiA. The presenter was nice enough to let me look at the Duel Gundam up close and fiddle with him a bit. This was a final production piece and was a really nice, articulated, stable figure. The figure was the standard Duel, with no Assault Shroud armor.
Not to be left out, Bandai is also making MSiA sized vehicles, similar to the ones available in the previous lines. The Sky Grasper and the Justice Gundam's Subflight Lifter were prominently displayed.
Bandai is breaking down the MSiA's in the US as follows:
4.5-Inch Action Figures Each figure has over 14 points of articulation. There are over 30 planned on the MS's from Gundam Seed. These will sell for $5.99.
4.5-Inch Deluxe Action Figures Each figure has over 20 points of articulation and includes unique features such as transforming to an alternative mode or missile firing action. There are over 10 figures planned so far. These will sell for $7.99 each.
4.5-Inch Mobile Suit and Action Vehicle Each figure has over 20 points of articulation. It also comes with a vehicle that it can be combined with. These will sell for $9.99
4.5-Inch Deluxe Battle Scarred Action Figures These are Battle Scarred versions of the SEED figures. One of the figures on display was a Battle Scared Red Framed Astray, which included a repair bay. These will sell for $7.99.
4.5-Inch Scarred Gundam SEED Action Figures and Deluxe Dioramas These are a new item for 2004. Each figure also includes a 1.5-inch pilot figure and a deluxe diorama that has lights and sounds. The dioramas can be connected together to create a full battle area. From the looks of what was on display, this battle area looked like the scene that was used as the background for the animation used for the end credits for the first batch of Gundam SEED episodes. The Gundams matched up the battle damage detail rather well with what was in the show. These will sell for $12.99.
7.5-Inch action figures
Bandai is greatly expanding this size class. For one thing, they are now
adding Battle Scarred versions of some of the previous toys released in
this size class. On display was a Battle Scarred Master Gundam that
featured a massive retooling of parts and a special worn paint job.
I had a chance to actually hold the Strike Gundam Aile Gundam. This toy was actually pretty hefty and included diecast parts. I am not sure exactly what Size category he falls into though.
The size categories for these 7.5-inch figures are:
7.5-inch Action figuresEach figure features over 30 points of sell for $12.99
7.5-Inch Deluxe Lights and Sound Action Figures These highly detailed and articulated action figures will also include lights and sounds. They will sell for $14.99
Arch Enemy Series Bandai is continuing the Arch Enemy line. On display was the finalized, production version of the AE Gelgoog. It features the new red packaging that has started appearing on the MSiA^Òs. Also included are a bunch of accessories, including a Beam Bazooka like the one included with the Master Grade Rick Dom. The toys in this line will continue to sell for $24.99
Mega Sized Action Figure The 12-inch action figures return to stores in 2004. The one on display was the Freedom Gundam, complete with unfolding guns, movable wings, lights and sounds. Set for release in September, this huge toy will sell for $39.99.
With so much merchandise coming out, it looks like this year will be a great one for Gundam fans!