Big news from Gundam Big Expo

7:30 PM on 08.21.2009   |   Andres Cerrato

Putting it plainly, I freaked out when I saw the reports coming in today from this weekend's Gundam Big Expo. There's the new Gundam UC anime coming out and metric ton of new kits being announced. Some were known for a while, but seeing the prototypes gets me giddy.

For the short list, here's a run down of what was announced: Perfect Grade Gundam OO Raiser, Master Grade Blue Frame Second Revise, 1/100 Astray Mirage Frame (SEED Vs. Astray model?), and a limited Master Grade of Exia in roll out colors. There's also a little thing known as the 100th High Grade Universal Century kit, the Gundam Unicorn in Destroy mode. Plus there's images of the upcoming HGUC Kshatriya (I assure you this is pure win), MG Guntank (about time), and the set of the 4 ugliest Gundams ever made, which they at least tried to make look better this time).

For the full gallery, follow the jump. 

While it doesn't come out until November, there's still no price determined. Since it does come with the O Raiser, I expect this to come out somewhere between 200-235,000 yen. It will definitely be one of my self-purchases this Christmas.

I'm honestly even the most excited about this kit. The Blue Frame Astray is one of my favorite designs ever created and to finally get it in Master Grade form is even more amazing. It'll cost 5040 yen when its released, but just the back gatling gun/sword is worth the price of admission alone.

Finally an original design for the SEED VS. Astray series! Well, not really as its yet another Astray frame. This kit will be a part of the 1/100 line for the manga series and will be released in November. Although a price hasn't been announced, though I expect it to be the same as the previous 4 kits.

Speaking of the devils themselves, color prototypes were shown off. The Fail, um Gail Buster has seen a change. Gone is the old Titans-esque blue and yellow and substituted in black, gray and burnt orange. The Nix Providence is every bit as bad as I thought it would be. Stay tuned soon for a video featuring myself making that very Nix Providence, albeit with some alterations.

From Gundam UC, this is my fav right here. the NZ-666 Kshatriya is one sexy, sexy kit. It's basically a scaled-down NZ-000 Quin Mantha, just with more weapons and looking tons more intimidating. This kit will have a lot of runners and will be pretty tall, almost reaching the height of some of the Master Grades. As such, this kit will run you close to $50 when it comes out this November. 

There's a ton more Gundam UC merch, as also shown off at the show was the Super HCM-Pro Gundam Unicorn as well as several new Robot Damashii figures. Featured were the Stark Jegan, Gundam Unicorn Destroy and Unicorn modes, and two versions of the Geara Zulu.

Last but certainly not least is the true beast of the show, the 1/35 scale Gundam Fix Figuration RX-78-2. It's like a normal Fix-Fig piece, just that it's going to be over 2 FEET TALL. There's no price yet, but I imagine it's going to cost about half a grand. It comes out in March, so I'll be starting my savings now.

Thanks to Akiba Hobby and Ngee Khiong for their coverage.