Gundam’s Newest Manga Mecha Returns With New High Grade Gunpla Model Kit Just 1 Year Later

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Typically, stories in this series begin as animated shows before expanding into other formats like comics and toys. However, some actually start as comics themselves. Recently, a model kit of the main robot from a newer comic book in the series is being re-released after a year.

Bandai is bringing back the HG 1/144 Gundam Zirius, a mobile suit originally featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam Eight manga. This Gundam has a distinctive design that blends elements from other recent Gundam series, and it includes all the features you’d expect from a leading mobile suit, plus more. A special feature is its removable armor, which lets you change its appearance and create a different look.

Gundam Eight Sees Bandai’s Zirius Gunpla Re-Released After Just 1 Year

The HG 1/144 Gundam Zirius is a that represents the main mobile suit from the Gundam Eight manga, with that series being the first entirely original alternate universe manga in the franchise to start out in the Monthly Gundam Ace magazine. Its world is vastly different from other continuities, and this is reflected in the design of the main giant robot.

The Gundam Zirius shares a similar design with the classic RX-78-2, but features a more subtle color palette. Its most distinctive feature is its backpack, which includes purple, crystal-shaped components that stand out against the mostly white and grey armor. Notably, the entire armor system of the Zirius is modular, meaning it can be easily customized and changed.

The Gundam Zirius has removable armor, revealing a slender frame reminiscent of mecha designs from the recent Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. It’s equipped with a distinctive Beam Rifle, two Beam Sabers, and a shield, all of which can be used with or without the armor. Importantly, the armor doesn’t limit its movement, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses.

This model kit first came out in July 2025, shortly after the Gundam Eight manga was released. It’s being re-released in May, and will still cost 2,970 yen – about US$19. While there are no current plans to release the Gundam Eight manga in English or turn it into an anime, this model kit based on the series is already very popular.

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2026-04-18 19:45