T5W#488-Top 5 Gunpla I’ve Built in 2024

Well 2024 is almost over and my Gunpla craze is still in full swing.   Over the last 12 months I’ve added an impressive 66 new models to my ever growing collection and I might be able to squeeze in one more build or two before the new year cause you better believe a few models went on the holiday gift lists.  I know I’ve been a bit quiet on the talking about Gunpla front for a bit, particularly with a shortened second season of Gunpla Builder Thursday.  Time needing to be managed better cause of work is having me just focus more on enjoying the build rather than deep diving but I do wanna add more Gunpla material to the blog in the coming year.  As I work out those details, today on Top 5 Wednesday I’m listing off the Top 5 Gunpla I’ve Built in 2024

 
#5-FA-78 Full Armor Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt)

I was both excited and nervous about this one.  The Full Armor Gundam is one of the most heavily armed units in the entire franchise (and was built this way for a reason too). It looks cool but all the armaments and shields attached to it caused concern about how to pose it and if I’d need a stand for it (something I should look into for other models).  But then I built the Gunpla and WOW, this is one sturdy model.  There’s no danger of it tipping over or feeling off balance at all because the legs especially are so freaking solid.  This is how you do Gundam’s armed to the teeth.

 
#4-侍ノ弐 Sengoku Astray Gundam (Gundam Build Fighters)

Like the Full Armor, I was nervous about tackling a custom made Gunpla from Build Fighters (not that the creative models aren’t good, I just like sticking to main timeline stuff).  I decided to cut my teeth with the Sengoku.  Also like the Full Armor, the bottom half is sturdy as heck.  But what really makes this Gunpla one of my favorites is it’s mobility with it’s dual swords.  This is a true bred Gunpla with Samurai spirit and every pose you can make reflects that passion for the sword.  I still wanna keep to main Gundam timelines but 2025 could be the year I try building more Gunpla from the Build Fighters and Build Divers corners of the multiverse.
 

#3- RX-78[G]E Gundam EX (Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance)

This was a hard one to come by, mostly because, to my knowledge, this and the Custom Zaku from Requiem for Vengeance were both Target exclusives and the ones I visited rarely carry Gunpla anymore.  But as soon as I saw they were in stock, the EX was the one I grabbed first.  The second I saw this thing become the stuff of nightmares for Zeon in Requiem, I wanted to build it.  The EX is slimmer than other models, feeling like a true unfinished prototype that got set loose to go on a Zeon killing spree.  The lack of color adds terrifying personality and damn this really does look like Gundam just got its own horror icon with this one.

 
#2-GF13-050NSW Nobell Gundam (Mobile Fighter G Gundam)

It feels like Gunpla from G Gundam are really rare these days.  You can always find the titular G Gundam but for a show where everyone has a Gundam, you never see them on store shelves.  If there’s one that needs more representation from G Gundam it’s the Nobell.  I mean look at it: it’s a Gundam made in the spitting image of Sailor Venus.  The Gunpla comes with the same amount of extra hands and weapons for maximum possibility and even has a peace sign hand to really mimic it’s Sailor Moon inspirations.  I really need to do some duo shots with the Nobell and God Gundams, in particular the G carrying the Nobell from the battlefield in its arms (add that to the 2025 plans).
 

#1- ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom)

Gundam Seed Freedom blew me away with the new editions of all of its mainstay Gundams like the Freedom and Justice.  What I didn’t realize about the Mighty Strike Freedom until I built it is how it’s basically the original Strike Freedom with a brand new backpack system.  And damn does it make a world of difference. Ignoring the pain it was to put all of those Golden Decals on the back wing flaps, this feels like the definitive ultimate form of the Freedom, complete with a Samurai Sword and double bladed beam saber that are staying in its hands because its so freaking awesome to look at.  I’ve spent a lot of time building models from the Cosmic Era (because they were being pushed out everywhere to hype up the new movie) but this is my absolute favorite of the bunch…though the Infinite Justice Type II and Force Impulse are pretty close winners too.