What sets gunpla apart from other forms of model kits and miniatures is that there is something for every type of model maker at every level of skill, clearly shown in the four main grades of kit available.
There are SD Gundam kits for new and young model makers who want to give it a try and make cute mecha in the process, there are HG kits that have a huge number of kits and models available, MG kits with more complexity, inner frame and pilot figures, and PG kits that try to create an accurate scale model of the Gundam they are replicating.
What is interesting about this is that there are a lot of in-between grades as well that take features from one grade but the complexity and scale of another, such as Master Grade Extreme’s use of Perfect Grade-style gimmicks, MGSD which keeps the style of SD Gundam but with MG features, and Real Grade, a HG with more advanced features.
By far the most fascinating and revered in-between grade, however, is Master Grade Ver. Ka, which are redesigns of Master Grade kits developed by Hajime Katoki.
Mr Katoki is a renowned designer of Mecha, having worked closely on the Mobile Suit Gundam Series since the novel Sentinel, designed the mecha suits for the Hideo Kojima game Policenauts and designed all of the characters for the Sega arcade game Virtual-On.
He loved the realistic approach the mobile suits represented, and with that in mind, he made an art book called Gundam Fix that redesigned many popular Mobile Suits but with more detail and more additional accessories.
This became a line of action figures known as Gundam FIX Figuration (GFF) but also became an annual Master Grade kit renowned for detail, complexity and a lot of additional gimmicks and decals.
For any serious gunpla maker they are a must-build, but especially for those who are considering taking a step up to Perfect Grade but are not sure how comfortable they are with the increased commitment and level of complexity.
