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Welcome to the hobby, friend! Here's a few useful tidbits of info for you.

None of the Gundam kits from the last 20 or so years need glue. That's a standard feature across pretty much every Gundam model kit. So in that regard, feel free to pick any design you like. Not all kits are created equally, but a quick search across this subreddit will help you figure out if the kit you're looking at happens to be hot garbage (and there are a few that are).

To more directly answer your question, the starter set uses an older model of the classic RX-78-02 Gundam. The Revive version is a much, much better model. You can find it here on Amazon.

A panel lining pen (or pens) are not required, but certainly make for a better final product. They're pretty cheap on their own, and generally you'll want at least grey and black, and possibly also brown. Alternatively, you can get a pack of all 3. You'll also want so basic q-tips/cotton swabs to clean up your panel looking.

You're also going to need some nippers. Nippers come in a range of types, qualities, and styles. The best nippers are single sided (that is, one side is a blade and the other is flat). These, the infamous Godhands are hands down the best nippers on the market. They're expensive as shit, but worth every penny. If you're on a medium budget, Tamiya's nippers are the next best option. There are cheaper nippers out there, but they're gonna come with significantly inferior results. That said, a lot of that can be addressed with...

A good hobby knife. You'll be just fine with a simple, cheap X-Acto knife, but there is (in my opinion) a better option. My personal favorite, the Tamiya Design Knife. It's got a slightly smaller blade, which will let you get into tighter spaces with it. It also comes with a metric crapton of replacement blades. You'll want to replace the blade every couple kits, but there's a bunch of them in there. There same container that holds the replacement blades even has a second chamber to dispose of your old blades into.

Finally, you may want some fine pointed (possibly angled) tweezers for decal application. Finger oils can screw up the adhesive on the stickers. You can pass on this starting off most likely, but you'll want to get some eventually.

TL;DR, the starter pack isn't the best option. If you're after the granddaddy Gundam, get the Revive. Otherwise, pick your favorite design. The newer the kit, the better, generally speaking. Look at the copyright date on the box cover to see. Bottom left corner.

You're going to need nippers, which can get pricey, but the cost is worth it. Start with a mediocre pair, and upgrade to the Godhands once you're committed to the hobby. You'll need a knife, too. You can cheap out on this one, but there are better options IMO.

Optionally, get tweezers, panel lining pens, and cotton swabs.

Edit: other good starter kits

HG Barbatos is a great kit. The build process for IBO models is a bit different than other gunpla, though, as they have a quasi-inner frame.

HG 00 Gundam is another great starter. It's also the first kit I ever panel lined, and it was a great starter for that.

If you're wanting a Zaku, the HG The Origin Zaku II Type C is probably the best Zaku kit released to date in 1/144 scale.

Finally, I'd feel bad for not suggesting my all time favorite HG build. It was just a fun, fun kit to make and to pose. The HG 1.5 Gundam. It's got some really cool gimmicks and, unique colors, and an awesome design.

Currently on Hulu you can watch Gundam 00, Wing, 08th MS Team, Iron Blooded Orphans, SEED Remastered, and The Origin.

Out of all of them I would say 00 and IBO are easily the best that require little to no prior knowledge.

The Origin is for all intents and purposes a prequel to the original series (Mobile Suit Gundam) from the 1979 and while it can be watched stand alone you will get a bit more out of it if you have seen at least the original Mobile Suit Gundam.

08th MS Team is the same setting as The Origin and quite a few other series. And can be viewed as a stand alone experience also. But you may be confused as it is only 12 episodes and offers little to no explanation as to actual settings background which you may want to know. (The reasons for a war happening and stuff like that)

I recently watched Wing for the first time a few months ago, and it is still enjoyable but for totally different reasons than when it first came out. Basically the show is really silly and somewhat (ok very) non-sensical now. (But there is an undeniable charm to it)

If you don't mind buying a few movies then I would highly recommend the trilogy of compilation films that you can buy on Amazon of the classic series. The animation is very old, but if you can get past that they are probably the best way to get into the main franchise if that would be something you would be interested in.

https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gundam-Trilogy-Blu-ray-Collection/dp/B06XTH7571/ref=sr_1_10?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1499674760&sr=1-10&keywords=gundam+blu+ray

like everyone else said, Get some good clippers! later on get a exacto knife to shave down the parts that need to be smoothed out!

i recommend this kit if you want a recommendation https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00WW4F8YA/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

Its well made, and fairly cheap, great looking for a high grade :)

Okay, cool. That helps a lot to narrow down some potential starting points for you.

So, if you want to go stand alone, I'd say start with one of the following: Spoiler free descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia.

Gundam OO - The series is set on a futuristic Earth and is centered on the exploits of the fictional paramilitary organization Celestial Being and its efforts to rid the world of war and conflict with a series of unique and extremely advanced mecha mobile suits known as "Gundams".

Iron Blooded Orphans - The series follows the exploits of a group of juvenile soldiers who establish their own security company after rebelling against the adults who betrayed them on a futuristic, terraformed Mars.

These are known by fans as AU (Alternate Universe) Gundam Series. They each have their own timelines and do not affect one another. Once you feel comfortable enough, you can jump into the original series' timeline, the Universal Century (UC). This link will show you the timelines of each Universe and which series to watch in it.

While you can watch the original series, Mobile Suit Gundam, -and I encourage you to do so eventually- it's easier to watch the Compilation movie trilogy.

After that, watching the series of the UC in Release Order is recommended, but if you want to watch in Chronological, I'm not going to say you can't.

Other people will likely have different recommendations and that is fine. Everyone has a different experience with this franchise. The important thing is to go in with an open mind and have fun.

Also, if you're looking for merch: Gunpla would be the term for Gundam Model Kits. Nearly everything you see in the shows are available in some form of kit or another.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Escalation-Confrontation/dp/1611720052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426918873&sr=8-1&keywords=mobile+suit+gundam+novel

Although it is VERY different than the series, it will give you a good understanding of mobile suits, minovsky particles, newtypes, and the general ideas of why there is a war and how things got so bad. But its worth a read if your interested in gundam and want to do something besides watch a 50 episode anime. Also i definitely recommend reading mobile suit gundam the origin manga, its very good and retells the anime entirely (plus some bonus stuff)

This is for the arcade game Gundam Extreme Vs Maxi Boost ON!. Which is a sequel to Gundam Extreme Vs Maxi Boost...which was a sequel to Gundam Extreme Vs Full Boost (The last arcade port we got).

Strike Freedom has been in the Extreme Vs series since the first and is still in Maxi Boost ON!(according to the wiki).


Getting Gundam Versus kinda implied we won't see Maxi Boost or Maxi Boost ON! on consoles. You can pre order Gundam Versus on Amazon (US, EU) or you can order the English subbed on from Play Asia.

Well, it's certainly more rare than this printing.

In any case, I remember my middle school's library had these particular books. I was pretty stoked to read them, then got a pretty big surprise when I read Amuro boned Sayla and ends up dying. So much for Zeta and CCA.

To answer your first question, yes. In fact, I own the whole series personally. For your second question...if you mean the tv version of the original show, maybe. The origin is a retelling of the original show, so some stuff is different if you care enough to watch both. If you mean the Origin OVA then it doesn't matter. The OVA is basically a shot-for-shot retelling of volumes 5-7 of the Manga. It covers the flashback of Char's backstory. If anything, I'd recommend reading the Manga first. That way you can see what you read animated beautifully;)

https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Origin-Activation/dp/193565487X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=gundam+the+origin+manga&qid=1573403111&sprefix=gundam+the+&sr=8-1

I'd recommend the movie trilogy version of the original 1979 series that started it all, Mobile Suit Gundam (aka "0079" in most discussions).

The original entry in the franchise will explain quite a bit more of the background for 08th and Thunderbolt, and is almost-required for other Universal Century entries like Z Gundam, 0083: Stardust Memory, not to mention Char's Counterattack and Unicorn.

The actual original series (all 43 episodes) hasn't aged as well as other entries, and features very rough animation and an increasingly-noticeable glut of filler/toy sales episodes. The movie trilogy cuts out a lot of the fat, and features significantly improved animation and plotting (especially toward the end).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001XCW5JI/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1370968498&sr=8-1&keywords=gundam+senki+0081&condition=used

GO! There it is! =D

Amazon has some AMAZING DEALS on the game!

Tell Crossfire to go fuck itself and get this game instead! ;-)

The HG Rx-78-2 Revive is a great solid kit. Fairly cheap and iconic too. In general Hg kits are sold individually, but sometimes you can find two-in-ones, like this but the kits are fairly old and you’d be better off buying the newer versions.

For tools you can go down to a hobby shop and grab some spruce cutters and a hobby knife. Maybe some sandpaper if you want to go more in depth, but I wouldn’t worry too much about your first kit. Shouldn’t run you more than $15.

I have a [gundam backpack] thats shaped like the one used by the original gundam. Then there is the [Gundam: The Origin] series in hardback, and also the [Gundam Mechanics/World] books which give details about the mobile suits in a series or more info for world building but they're only available in Japanese.
There are a few [games on the PS4].

Beyond those I've seen gundam wallets, figurines, [cosplay/clothing] etc.

Might be an idea to have a look around some of the specialist retailers/importers/exporters like [1999.co.jp] , [hlj.com] and maybe hit up ebay and amazon with some very targeted keyword searches.

I think the English translation of Tomino's 0079 books (Awakening, Escalation, Confrontation) are out of print again. You can buy the compilation used for around $15. You could also try your local library (they may be more likely to have The Origin series).

Update: It seems that they are still in print. Amazon only has a couple but says more are on the way.

Here's the Google Books link where you can preview the book.

Edit: Goodreads page. "A Great Read" -Asian Reporter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001XCW5JI/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1478537161&sr=8-1&keywords=battlefield+record+0081

Saw a nine dollar one with free shipping. The menus are in Japanese but there is a quick guide on Gamefaqs that catches you up pretty quickly.

Read the Gundam Novel written by Tomino, its not officially canon, buts its the best representation of the UC0079 story.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1880656868/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Sticking to UC is probably the right way to go.

I don't agree with the criticism above of Wing. 00 is good, but IMO a little slow to really get going. Wing hits the ground running. As you watch more you'll notice that a lot of Gundam Protagonists are whiney b####es. Heero Yui is the total opposite. Just wish he didn't think that bike shorts were an Ok fashion Choice...

You should get a copy of Mobile Suit Gundam The origin. It's a manga retelling of the original gundam.
It's awesome.

smile.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Origin-Activation/dp/193565487X

HY2M Hyper Hybrid Model 1/12 RX-78-2 Gundam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HC2LEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sGe-AbX1RPTP1

More like $20,000 😇

Well you can buy the freakin fantastic soundtrack here

The only similar songs I can find are stuff from John Coltrane's Giant Steps

This is the best you are going to get for the PS3. The English menus make it possible to play, and the story is very basic so if you can find a synopsis online you are set. GameFAQS has a translation of the parts too. There aren't any good Gundam games out there, and I don't even look at Dynasty Warriors as an option. Only other thing you get is Crossfire... which isn't that good.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1611720052/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Wait... there's an official release?!?!?! I didn't know.

Is it this one?

Are these the original novels Tomino wrote?

It really is a good movie, here it is on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Counterattack-Feature/dp/B00006ADCT

Mobile Suit Gundam Movie Trilogy Blu-ray Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTH7571/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0VbrzbQ7PB9WW

The blu ray should work just fine on your PS4. :)

Here's Amazon links if you're interested. The Origin vol 1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/193565487X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524248410&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gundam+the+origin

Thunderbolt vol 1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1421590557/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524248476&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gundam+thunderbolt+vol+1

For those who want to actually you know, support the IP and the artists that made it:
It's downloadable on Amazon Japan

And also on iTunes

What's your budget then? They usually range from $30 to $60.

MG Unicorn

MG Sengoku Astray

If he hasn't built anything before, getting him a pair of cutters to go along with the model will help tremendously

Tamiya cutter

$9999 on Amazon lol

https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-Hybrid-Model-RX-78-2-Gundam/dp/B000HC2LEE

Looks like the Amazon pre-order is already up!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072L3C3Q1/

Sorry, not sorry, Play-Asia.

IIRC, Toonami only aired it once, as a special part of the Midnight Run. Either way, if you want to buy it, here is a link to some fairly inexpensive used copies:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00006ADCT/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=used

And an affiliate link again.

Normal Play-Asia link: (http://www.play-asia.com/gundam-versus/13/70b54b)

Amazon link: (https://www.amazon.com/Gundam-Versus-PlayStation-4/dp/B072L3C3Q1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494262764&sr=8-1&keywords=gundam+versus+ps4)
Ten Dollars cheaper as well with prime

I've only watched the movie compilations of the original series and not the 43 episode run, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I'd really recommend the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin manga from Vertical as a way to experience that story. The only downside is they can be a bit pricey: https://smile.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Origin-Activation/dp/193565487X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527692379&sr=8-1&keywords=gundam+the+origin

Scantilator "Red Shoulders" was scanning and translating the series to practice his japanese until he realized his work would hurt the sales of Vertical's release. He has since stopped all Gundam: The Origin scantilating activity as of Dec 18th, 2012. He deleted his chapter uploads but numerous sites have preserved and reuploaded them in various states of organization/disorganization.

If you want to pick up in verticals release where he left off, he translated up to Section III, Vol. III of the Rambal Book (still a good chunk of the book left if you wanna buy).

More details in his words here.

Building alone isn't hard, however, the cleaner you want it to look, the more work you need to put in - this is where all the tools come in.



You can always start out with a simpler kit, like a High Grade (HG), with just a pair of side cutter to cut pieces out. No need to get into sanding and all that jazz yet.


Get comfortable with the very basic before you move on to more advance techniques.

Don't try to run before you learn how to walk.

It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!


Here is link number 1 - Previous text "CCA"



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^Please ^PM ^/u/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Delete

The German Amazon has them all locally. https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/193565487X/

Check your regional Amazon or if you can carry shipping from Germany...

Tomino's novel version is very mature.

Watch in production order only, especially in this case considering Unicorn is very reliant on the 1979 anime, Zeta Gundam, ZZ Gundam, and CCA in terms of its plot.

Also: https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gundam-First-Blu-ray-Collection/dp/B013TOVA98

> I don't know where to watch OG Gundam.

Here are links to Amazon:

• http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gundam-First-Blu-ray-Collection/dp/B013TOVA98
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gundam-First-Blu-Ray-Collection/dp/B015X2QN0K
  
  and Right Stuf:
  
  
• http://www.rightstufanime.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Part-1-Bluray
  
  
• http://www.rightstufanime.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Collection-02-Blu-ray

Amazon has imported CD.
https://www.amazon.com/Animation-Soundtrack-Thunderbolt-Naruyoshi-VRCL-30088/dp/B01EK7BHXW/

https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Escalation-Confrontation/dp/1880656868/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498572568&sr=8-2&keywords=gundam+novel

2004 edition.

Amazon also has the 2012 edition, and it's about 7-8 dollars cheaper IIRC.

Available in Canada too! https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B072L3C3Q1

Char's Counterattack is also on sale

I feel like... maybe they did that already...

I know, I've read these. But the edition I have is a later version with corrected spelling.

This one

Was there novels? I know there are manga translations.

https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Thunderbolt-Vol/dp/1421590557

Maybe try Gundam Converge? It's more rubber than plastic to my knowledge.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Shokugan-Gundam-Converge-Operation/dp/B00FJNVKUW

Vol 1: http://amzn.com/193565487X

Vol 2: http://amzn.com/1935654888

Vol 3: http://amzn.com/1935654977

Book one
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/193565487X/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Book 2. A bit expensive for used
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1935654888/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Book 3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1935654977/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

It's quite pricey but is available for purchase. For example this is the RX-78-2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1611720052/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502327204&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=mobile+suit+gundam+novel&dpPl=1&dpID=51dwlkDL2zL&ref=plSrch

Your first picture reminds me of the Converge figures

Nope just lining markers. This is the set I used, I used the black the most since its mostly a red suit.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HY93GHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gundam: Awakening, Escalation, and Confrontation is a Yoshiyuki Tomino-penned reinterpretation of the original events of the OYW.

https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Escalation-Confrontation/dp/1611720052/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=gundam+awakening+escalation+confrontation&qid=1566621123&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Sorry, I meant the novelization. When I read the Origin, I didn't remember the manga for some reason.

I've built two different Real Grade models and they are very difficult for experienced builders let alone amateurs. I would NOT get a "REAL GRADE" kit. Go for a HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) kit. Like this one:

http://www.amazon.ca/Gunpla-Starter-Gundam-Model-japan/dp/B003KX5OWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418329233&sr=8-1&keywords=hguc+gundam

Actually has two mobile suits (robots) in one kit, a bad guy and a good guy.

All of those series you mentioned are indeed readily available:

Victory Part 1

Victory Part 2

Igloo

CCA

MSG Trilogy

Zeta Trilogy

Build Fighters

Build Fighters: Try

G Gundam is coming, as is 00. Seed and Seed Destiny remasters are coming. Everything else is already out.

So, don't say supporting the official release isn't possible, because if it isn't yet, it will be.

I'm not Mr. Moneybags, they aren't that expensive. A car is expensive. A house is expensive. $50 here and there is not.

The original series is currently only available to buy, there is no other way otherwise I would have suggested it. I'm watching 00 on Hulu, and if I like it, I'll most likely buy it when it releases officially.