The iconic RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, presented as a highly detailed mechanical bust.
The RX-0 Unicorn Gundam is a cornerstone mobile suit in the Universal Century saga of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. Its compelling design and narrative have cemented its status as an icon for fans worldwide. Bandai, through its collector-focused product lines, offers the MS Mechanical Bust, a format that concentrates on the mecha's torso and head, allowing for an exceptional level of sculptural detail and a premium display piece for any collection.
Product Information
The "MS Mechanical Bust DX Unicorn Gundam" is a premium collectible distributed through the Gashapon system, targeting serious collectors and Gundam enthusiasts. This release stands out for its enhanced detail and features.
- Price: 800 JPY (tax included) per attempt. Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer and location.
- Release Date: October 2024.
- Reissue Date: Estimated shipping at the end of November 2025 (pre-orders began in July 2025).
- Line: MS Mechanical Bust DX.
- Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
- Size: The assembled bust has a height of approximately 12.5 cm (about 4.9 inches).
- Product Type: Regular Sale (Gashapon).
Key Features
The product's value lies in its physical execution and customization potential. This "DX" edition is distinguished by an overall increase in the bust's volume and the addition of a ball joint in the neck, which enhances the head's mobility for display. The kit includes two LED units, called "Luminous Units," which are installed in the "Internal Mechanism" to illuminate the eyes and the chest's psycho-frame. Some in the modeling community have noted that the lighting intensity can be subdued, leading to custom modifications using SMD LEDs for a more powerful effect. The kit's color separation is basic, requiring painting on details like the head's vulcan cannons to achieve an appearance faithful to the source material. These features position the bust not just as a collectible, but as a canvas for hobbyists to apply modeling techniques.
Kit Contents
To deliver this experience, the MS Mechanical Bust DX Unicorn Gundam parts are distributed across three distinct capsules:
- Capsule 1: Unicorn Gundam Exterior (Unicorn Mode). Contains the white outer armor pieces and the translucent green psycho-frame parts. Includes a basic internal frame not compatible with LEDs.
- Capsule 2: Unicorn Gundam Exterior (Destroy Mode). Contains the white outer armor pieces in their transformed configuration and the translucent red psycho-frame parts. Also includes a basic internal frame not compatible with LEDs.
- Capsule 3: Internal Mechanism. Contains the detailed inner skeleton, which is necessary for mounting the LED units, and two Luminous Units.
Combining the contents of these capsules allows for several configurations. For the lighting function, obtaining Capsule 3 is essential, as its internal mechanism replaces that of Capsules 1 and 2. The Destroy Mode Green Frame ver. (the "Awakened" mode) requires parts from all three capsules: the armor from Capsule 2, the green psycho-frame from Capsule 1, and the internal mechanism from Capsule 3.
RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Overview
The RX-0 Unicorn Gundam was secretly developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Earth Federation Forces as part of the "UC Project." It was the first mobile suit to incorporate a "full psycho-frame," a technology that integrates microscopic psycommu receivers into the metal frame, allowing the pilot's will to translate directly into the suit's movements.
Its designated pilot is Banagher Links, a student who inherits the machine and is registered as its sole operator through the "La+ Program" system. The suit's key system is the NT-D (Newtype Destroyer), which activates upon detecting an enemy Newtype pilot, transforming the Gundam to hunt them down. The strain this system exerts on its own pilot can only be withstood by a powerful Newtype.
The Gundam operates in three states:
- Unicorn Mode: Standard state with a height of 19.7 meters (approx. 64.6 feet).
- Destroy Mode: High-performance state activated by the NT-D. The frame expands, revealing the glowing red psycho-frame, and the height increases to 21.7 meters (approx. 71.2 feet).
- Awakened Mode: A transcendent state where the psycho-frame emits a green glow, and the suit exhibits capabilities that exceed conventional physics.
The central conflict of the story revolves around Laplace's Box, the original Universal Century Charter. This contains a suppressed clause that politically validates the inhabitants of space. The Unicorn Gundam is the "key" designed to find it.
This detailed bust is a fantastic tribute to one of the most significant mobile suits in the Gundam universe. What are your thoughts on this MS Mechanical Bust release? Let us know in the comments below!
Where to Buy
Explore these stores for a wide variety of kits and figures. Please note that these are general affiliate links to the storefronts and do not necessarily lead to the specific product mentioned in this article. Your purchase directly supports the site.
For Gashapon Online (Japan): The primary source for this item. Accessing Japanese retail sites like Gashapon Online from abroad may require a VPN service. Visit the Official Page.
For HobbyLink Japan: Get your favorite model kits and anime figures straight from the source. Shop the latest releases on HobbyLink Japan.
For Amazon Japan: Building your next Gunpla or searching for the latest releases from Japan? Find the widest selection of kits and exclusive figures on Amazon Japan.
Every purchase through these links helps support the site!
Sources
- Bandai Namco. "機動戦士ガンダム MSメカニカルバストDX ユニコーンガンダム | GASHAPON ONLINE". GASHAPON ONLINE Official Website. (Accessed July 15, 2025).
- GUNDAM.INFO. "「機動戦士ガンダム MSメカニカルバストDX ユニコーンガンダム」11月発送分、本日11時より予約受付スタート！". GUNDAM.INFO. (Accessed July 15, 2025).
- Inside Games. "「ユニコーンガンダム」が胸像モデル「メカニカルバストDX」に！". Inside Games. (Accessed July 15, 2025).
- Reddit. "Anyone like the mechanical bust too?". r/Gunpla. (Accessed July 15, 2025).
- Gundam Front Xperience. "RX-0 Unicorn Gundam". Gundam Front Xperience. (Accessed July 15, 2025).
Comments
Post a Comment