Holy smokes, folks! This Sinanju build is the definition of custom. We've got hand-crafted parts on every piece of armor. Hazworks showcases some serious skill and patience with this build. Stand-out features include: heat cycle effect on weaponry (my favorite), kit bashed head unit, scribing, and amazing color separation. Not to mention, a sick diorama to compliment this MS. This is just one of many custom builds from Hazworks. Go give this builder a follow and check out more WIP!
Behind the build.
Competition-quality diorama here.
If you’re feeling inspired by that custom Sinanju, @gundamaker can help you get started with your next build. Use code LALA10 for 10% off!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bandai announces new Gunpla Builder Community focused app “Builders Note” with some pretty cool features.
Heres a breakdown of what to expect:
Community sharing
Build posts: upload images of your Gunpla (straight build, custom build, etc).
Tagging by kit, topic, follow builders, comment/react.
Missions / rewards: Earn “My Coins” by doing certain tasks (posting builds, participating) and redeem for fan badges or other community rewards.
Digital Diorama Maker
Upload the image of your built kit → apply a background/scene style → generate a sharable render/image.
There is mention of “Gunpla Package Maker” as a variant (create mock-package images).
Scanning service (pilot)
You bring a completed model kit (your custom build too) → scan via special device or upload video/photo → get 3D model data.
From the 3D data you can then view/animate, maybe create short movies, maybe engage with AR/VR in future.
Store/check-in tie-ins: Examples include check-in at physical shops or events to unlock special badges or coupons (via Builders Note) in some campaigns.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
@anaheimmodeling takes 1st place in 1/144 scale at the 2025 Capitol Classic Annual Scale Model Show. This is a well deserved win. Go check out his Instagram and drop a “congrats” in the comments!
RG 1/144 RX-78 2.0 Hangar Diorama
NEWPLA
Late November Releases Still Available!
MG 1/100 Sengoku Astray Gundam [Metallic]
Release Date: November 22, 2025
Price: ¥6,600 (~$45 USD)
This Gundam Base Limited exclusive dropped last week! The metallic finish makes the samurai-inspired design absolutely pop. If you can still find one, grab it!
MG 1/100 Gundam Virtue [Clear Color]
Release Date: November 29, 2025
Price: ¥9,460 (~$64 USD)
Dropping at the end of this month! This Gundam Base Limited kit features the amazing transformation to Gundam Nadleeh, and in clear plastic, you'll see every intricate detail of the internal frame. The GN Field deployment states are going to look absolutely stunning in transparent plastic.
December's Crown Jewel is Almost Here!
MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam [TWILIGHT COATING]
Release Date: December 13, 2025
Price: ¥66,000 (~$448 USD)
Less than a month away! This premium special coating version is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular releases of the entire year. The MGEX line already sets the bar incredibly high, and this twilight coating is going to be breathtaking. Start saving now if you haven't already!
HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ)
Release Date: December 2025
Price: TBD
Following up on November's green Zaku (GQ) release, the Red Comet is getting his own GQuuuuuuX redesign! The modern take on this iconic mobile suit is going to be a must-have for Zeon fans.
P-Bandai: HGAC 1/144 Gundam Griepe
Release Date: December 2025 (2nd Batch: February 2026)
Price: ¥4,510 (~$31 USD)
Another Premium Bandai offering for Wing Gundam fans. If you miss the December batch, there's a second run in February!
NON PLASTIC NEWS
Artist extraordinaire @paperbluenet (instagram) casually drops a masterpiece on our feed portraying Wing Zero getting some maintenance and repairs done. The stunning detail here causes me to wonder if the Zero System runs on Android or IOS... I digress.
Wing Zero (Proto)
Pre-Orders close today (11/16) for the Strict-G x ALPHA Industries Jacket collaboration - including IBO, Hathaway, and SEED flight jackets. Japan residents can grab these in stores as we speak!
Global Gundam Poll 2025 - Vote Now!
The first-ever worldwide Gundam voting campaign is underway! Running until December 25, 2025, fans can vote once per day for their favorite Gundam-type mobile suits from both the Universal Century and Alternative series. The poll is available in 10 languages on the renewed GUNDAM Official Website, and the top-ranked Gundam will receive a newly illustrated visual after results are announced. This is your chance to rep your favorite suit on a global stage!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMINO
As we celebrated Yoshiyuki Tomino’s birthday (11/5), he gives us his thoughts on the current state Gundam productions in an interview on Japan’s broadcaster NHK. Here are some key points he made during the interview:
“When people say they like Gundam, they often talk about the mobile suits and battles. But that’s not what it was meant to be about.” He expressed concern that the franchise is increasingly consumed as action and spectacle, rather than exploring the deeper themes of war.
Modern creators lack war experience. Tomino questioned whether newer animators and writers—who haven’t experienced war or deep conflict—can truly convey the weight he believes is inherent in Gundam’s themes.
Next project may address modern conflicts. He hinted that his next project (not necessarily a Gundam series) might engage with current global conflicts and the question of whether humanity can “choose another path”.
BUILD TIP OF THE WEEK
Expert modeler @mechaassemblyexperience drops some more knowledge for us this week!
Alclad Aqua Gloss: Mix That $#!t Into Everything!
We all know Aqua Gloss is the go‑to topcoat for acrylics — but for me? I mix that $#!t in everything. Metallics, gloss blacks, even flats when I want a little extra pop. It smooths out paint flow, adds just enough slickness, and helps me dial in highlights when I’m modulating shades.
Whether I’m chasing that perfect silver pass or trying to make a flat tone feel a little more alive, Aqua Gloss is my secret sauce. It’s not just what goes on top — it’s what goes in.
👉 Want to see how it fits into my full workflow? Check out my recipe breakdown: Skill Grows in Tiers — A Recipe for Success
WORK IN PROGRESS
Ace-builder @pepxi_gkworks is cooking up a highly detailed Kampfer custom. The Zekes will be pleased.
1/60 Kampfer by SH Studio
@newgate_studio stuns us with this Mechanicore 1/100 Firehawk. This Nightingale-inspired kit is fitted with more leds than your grandma's Christmas tree, and its going to blow your mind when its finished.
Lights. Camera. Zeon.
@thunder.emperors.gundams is developing a mobile suit that could defend side 7 during a Zeon attack!
Due to it's immense size, this build comes with a unique set of challenges. Nevertheless, this builder is making some serious progress and creating a community favorite.
A massive 1/10 Scale Gundam
@plasticfactory_k takes this Zero EW from blank canvas to absolute art that satisfies our craving for 90's anime nostalgia. This week, we get a look at the process of creating that iconic anime aesthetic. This builder has perfected one of the most unique painting styles in the hobby.
Take notes!
💬 FINAL THOUGHTS
This week brings SO much exciting news! Wednesday's announcement of the April-June 2026 lineup could reshape our entire wishlist for next year. Will we finally get that RG Gundam X? The HGCE Destiny kits we've been waiting for? Or something completely unexpected?
The Global Gundam Poll is a fun way to engage with the worldwide community—make sure you're voting daily for your favorite! And if you haven't secured your MGEX Strike Freedom Twilight Coating pre-order yet, December 13th is coming up fast.
The announcement that Bandai is planning major Gundam works annually through 2029 shows incredible confidence in the franchise's future. Between new anime, Hollywood projects, and continuous Gunpla innovation, we're living in a golden age of Gundam.
What are you most excited about? The Wednesday announcements? December releases? The Chicago Gundam Base opening? Hit reply and let me know!
K E E P O N B U I L D I N G
Got news, tips, or want to share your builds? Reply to this email or tag me on social media!
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