Promotional image of the Gundam Naion. (Click to enlarge)
The Ad Stella universe of Mobile Suit Gundam is enriched with the revelation of the Gundam Naion, a unit emerging from the manga series Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury – Vanadis Heart. This mobile suit has captured the interest of fans, not only for its role in the narrative but also for the announcement of its High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale model kit by Bandai Spirits. Its particular design, which distinguishes it from the predominant Gundam Lfrith in Vanadis Heart, and its appearance in the story are key factors. The Naion's aesthetic, described by some as "angelic yet sinister," adds to its mystery. Furthermore, its release as a Premium Bandai exclusive underscores its status as a collector's item, highlighting its potential relevance in the prequel to the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury anime series.
Product Information: HG 1/144 Gundam Naion
The confirmed details for the High Grade (HG) Gundam Naion kit are as follows:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | HG 1/144 Gundam Naion |
| Series | Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury – Vanadis Heart |
| Manufacturer | BANDAI SPIRITS Hobby Division |
| Scale | 1/144 |
| Grade | High Grade (HG) |
| Price | 3,300 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | To Be Determined |
| Distribution | Premium Bandai Exclusive (P-Bandai) |
The 1/144 scale is popular in Gunpla modeling, offering a balance between detail and size. The High Grade (HG) is known for engineering that facilitates assembly, achieving good articulation and detail. The price of 3,300 yen for a P-Bandai kit may indicate the novelty and complexity of the mold, possibly reflecting the investment in a completely new design to capture the Naion's features.
The initial prototype reveal occurred at the Shizuoka Hobby Show in May, and although it is anticipated for Fall/Winter 2025, the exact release date and the start of pre-orders have not yet been announced. Bandai usually reveals information gradually to maintain interest, especially for P-Bandai releases with limited pre-order windows.
Distinctive Model Features and Kit Contents
The HG 1/144 Gundam Naion kit will feature completely new molded parts, ensuring high fidelity to the original design from the Vanadis Heart manga. This suggests its structure is unique and does not reuse components from other mobile suits from The Witch from Mercury. A high level of surface detail and an accurate recreation of its white color scheme with blue and gold/yellow accents are expected, with good color separation through plastic parts.
Regarding articulation, modern HG kits from The Witch from Mercury universe have set a high standard, so the Naion is expected to offer a wide range of motion for dynamic poses. The ease of assembly, characteristic of the HG line, is predictably maintained.
The kit contents will include runners molded in specific colors, a detailed instruction manual, and decal sheets for fine details. The main armament visually confirmed is a distinctive spear-like weapon, which will likely offer various grip options. Other accessories have not been officially revealed, although mobile suits of this era often feature modular systems. The community has observed possible similarities with elements of the Gundvolva, which could hint at additional functionalities to be confirmed with the full product listings.
Gundam Naion: Mobile Suit Summary in Vanadis Heart
The Gundam Naion is an entity with an emerging design and role in the narrative of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury – Vanadis Heart.
Design and Appearance
The design is by Wataru Inata, also the designer of the Gundam Pharact. Despite this, the Naion features a markedly different aesthetic, with a predominantly white color scheme, complemented by blue accents and yellow or gold details. This traditionally heroic palette contrasts with the Naion's apparent antagonistic role in the story.
Its appearance has been described as "elegant" and "angelical," but with a "sinister vibe." Comparisons have been made to the Gaia Gear α, the Gundam Legilis from Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, and even characters like Tekkaman Blade, suggesting sharp lines and a stylized silhouette. Its distinction from Lfrith-type Gundams is crucial, suggesting it might come from a separate technological development line or belong to a faction with different technology.
Speculated Armament and Capabilities
Its main observed weapon is a distinctive spear, suggesting a specialization in melee combat. Large protrusions on its back have been interpreted by fans as possible "angel wings" that could house additional weaponry, such as laser cannons, although this is speculative. Notably, there is no official information on whether the Naion uses GUND Format or Permet Score systems, core technologies in The Witch from Mercury. This omission could imply a different control system, secret GUND capabilities, or that it represents a technology to counter GUND-ARMs, perhaps an "imitator version."
Role in the Narrative and Associated Characters
The Gundam Naion made its appearance in the final pages of chapter 15 of the manga, establishing itself as a significant presence affiliated with the series' antagonists. According to community observations, this enemy faction employs reprehensible tactics, such as the use of child soldiers. The Naion's pilot is, so far, unknown.
Vanadis Heart is a prologue to the main anime series and follows Vilda Miren and Kiyo Lavot, survivors of the Vanadis Incident, with the Gundam Lfrith Jiu. The introduction of the Naion, operated by a hostile faction and with a distinct design, likely marks an escalation in the threat faced by the protagonists. Its technology or associated faction could have connections to events and factions in the main The Witch from Mercury series.
Sources:
- P-Bandai: HG 1/144 Gundam Naion - Release Info | Gundam Kits Collection. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2025/05/p-bandai-hg-1144-gundam-naion-release.html
- Witch from Mercury: Vanadis Heart's "Gundam Naion" confirmed for HG Gunpla release | Essential Japan. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://essential-japan.com/news/witch-from-mercury-vanadis-hearts-gundam-naion-confirmed-for-hg-gunpla-release/
- Quickie! Now in Color with an Official English Name: HG Gundam Naion | Mecha Catalogue. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://mechacatalogue.com/2025/05/28/quickie-now-in-color-with-an-official-english-name-hg-gundam-naion/
- Gundam Nion From Witch from Mercury Vanadis Heart | Reddit. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/Gundam/comments/1kky9vb/gundam_nion_from_witch_from_mercury_vanadis_heart/
- Hobby New Item Info to Reveal new GunPla for Fall ~ Winter 2025 | Gundam Kits Collection. Accessed June 1, 2025. https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2025/05/hobby-new-item-info-to-reveal-new.html