I’m a big believer in needing to do something during your waking hours. Lounging around on a couch and watching TV all day? That ain’t for me pal. Whether it’s learning a new skill, catching up on your video game backlot or reading a book, I think it’s mentally healthy to keep your brain engaged at all times. At the same time, I do believe that you need to find a balance between intense mental gymnastics and sparking your brain just right.
There’s a variety of activities out there that’s perfect for blurring the line between catharsis and concentration and for me, I may have just found the perfect middle ground for my own particular tastes: Gunpla.
Here’s the lowdown on it. If you’ve ever watched anime, chances are high that you’ve come across Mobile Suit Gundam in one form or another over the years. While a proper summary of it is something that I’ll tackle another day, the TLDR is that this cult classic slice of Japanimation is one of the best cultural exports that the anime nation has ever produced. Focused on war, Gundam was a breakout success in an era where every studio was pumping out gaudy giant robot action shows thanks to its key philosophy:
Giant robots, but with actual real military themes applied to them.
That meant that Gundam’s mecha needed constant maintenance, pilots had to conserve fuel and fights would actually see ideas such as ammo not being an infinite resource applied to them. The original show was a hit thanks to this concept and a dark layer of intrigue over mankind at war with itself in the stars, which of course led to a massive boom in merchandising.
The Gundam RX-78-2 is a staple of Japanese media culture, a symbol of hope and righteousness that lent itself perfectly to toy sales. Action figure sales were through the roof and Bandai Namco eventually struck gold with model kits that allowed them to cheaply produce the parts needed to create a Gundam while fans were only too happy to save a few bucks and assemble the kit themselves.
Fast forward a few decades, and big Bobby Bandai Namco has created a massive fanbase of model kit builders who can’t wait to get their hands on the latest build and snap them together. I’ve been curious about gunpla (Gundam + Plastic) for ages now, but after seeing other friends hop into that world (THANKS DANIEL AND ZAKEROPH YOU ENABLERS!), I took the plunge and bought two model kits for myself. I spent a few days building them, and I’ve fallen in love with the idea of gunpla instantly.
What’s great about Gunpla, is that you don’t need much to get started on it. All you really need is the kit itself, a sharp cutting knife and some wire-cutters. That’s it. From there you take a tray of parts, follow the instructions and snip the pieces out. A quick trim of excess plastic, a snap of the parts and before you know it you’ll have a full functioning Gundam model.
The models themselves are brilliant. I started with a beginner-friendly High Grade model (Model types range from HG to more advanced kits that top out at the luxurious Perfect Grade if your pockets are deep enough) and the end result was a nifty little fella that had plenty of attitude and posing potential. Also a big freaking sword, which was totes cool. On the weekend, I tackled a kit that was more ambitious, the 1/144 scale MSN-04 Sazabi that looks like a cyborg samurai on space steroids. It may just be the most glorious thing I’ve ever created:
Throughout the hours I spent building these guys, I was…at peace. There’s something surreal about switching off most of your brain, but leaving just enough on to focus on the task at hand. To keep your eyes glued to the instruction manual as you look for the smallest imperfections and delicately apply the decals so that your figures can pop even better. I’m impressed with myself for seeing this through to the end and I’m already hungry to build another kit, although this time I want to stretch the process out further and savour every part of the build.
I’ve also learnt a few things about myself over the hours spent doing this: I’m grateful for my ridiculously slender hands which can manipulate the tiniest parts with ease, applying the stickers may be my favourite part of the build and I’ve got an eye for spotting tiny remnants of plastic which escaped my cutting knife. I’m not 100% happy with my first builds, but this is a craft that I can happily invest more time and money into thanks to the pure joy it gives me.
If you’re looking to hop in and give gunpla a go, you might have to do some digging though, as it seems that only Raru and Readers Den have a limited selection of kits to choose from. If you’re not afraid to import in though, give it a bash. You might be surprised as to just how enjoyable it is, especially when you have something to show for all of your efforts. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m currently staring at a Perfect Grade kit that I’m too afraid to open, let alone tackle. This might be my Everest.
Last Updated: August 5, 2019
Admiral Chief Umbra
August 5, 2019 at 13:59
You know what Darryn, this has been the best video you have made. Well done dude
The D
August 5, 2019 at 14:10
Oh right, a video where you can’t see my face or hear me is my “best”. I’M ONTO YOU BRUV.
Admiral Chief Umbra
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
Pffff, when you slow down the video, you hear the [HEAVY BREATHING] quite clearly, and also, I can gaze upon yer reflection in the monitor/tv
The D
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
It’s not Cursed Image Friday yet.
Admiral Chief Umbra
August 5, 2019 at 14:31
Did you know, if you take a Darryn mirror image, and then watch that mirrored image in a mirror…you get a boner?
For the Emperor!
August 5, 2019 at 14:10
It comes pre-painted? Blasphemy!
https://media3.giphy.com/media/14rHW3ONOQqLEA/giphy.gif
For the Emperor!
August 5, 2019 at 14:10
Honestly, have been seeing these in my Raru ad suggestions for a while, and they look very cool! But will first have to finish my GK army, my Khorne army and my T’au army before I can get more models!
The D
August 5, 2019 at 14:10
If Bandai made Warhammer gunpla, I’d buy those kits in a fucking heartbeat.
Matthew Holliday
August 5, 2019 at 14:50
Finish? You make me laugh.
One does not simply “finish”
Also, too busy painting other peoples models to paint my Dark Angels.
For the Emperor!
August 5, 2019 at 20:23
True, one only ever gets about half way before poof more models magically appear!
I have not built/painted in probably 20 months now. Since before I moved to George and moved back. But next month I move my last move and can unpack all my boxes and get the 500 or so magnets out to play through my assembly!
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2019 at 13:12
How is the warhammer scene in george?
I’m busy finishing up some Skaven baddies for a friend atm.
Final touch ups and the base to do and I’ll call it done.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/69939c73ef8c8db341809438d24fb5d7f2479506076cb5d4c32352bcd61ffd33.jpg
For the Emperor!
August 6, 2019 at 15:45
First – WOW! Nice painting!
Second – I found no Wargaming in George, or D&D. Probably looked in the wrong places, but many people there preferred the outdoors… So I never unpacked my stuff. Back in Gauteng now, and still have not unpacked due to having to move again (for the last time)
For the Emperor!
August 6, 2019 at 15:45
First – WOW! Nice painting!
Second – I found no Wargaming in George, or D&D. Probably looked in the wrong places, but many people there preferred the outdoors… So I never unpacked my stuff. Back in Gauteng now, and still have not unpacked due to having to move again (for the last time)
Matthew Holliday
August 6, 2019 at 13:12
How is the warhammer scene in george?
I’m busy finishing up some Skaven baddies for a friend atm.
Final touch ups and the base to do and I’ll call it done.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/69939c73ef8c8db341809438d24fb5d7f2479506076cb5d4c32352bcd61ffd33.jpg
Mistake Not...
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
I’m already funneling way too much money into import action figures, but now I need to try this. I don’t even have a passing interest in gundam really, but these look too badass not to try lol.
The D
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
Check Raru. They’ve got a decent selection and if you don’t mind waiting, you can get a decent small figure for under R300.
The D
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
Check Raru. They’ve got a decent selection and if you don’t mind waiting, you can get a decent small figure for under R300.
Mistake Not...
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
Thanks. Amazon also seems to have a lot. I’m also not too far from Reader’s Den.
Mistake Not...
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
I’m already funneling way too much money into import action figures, but now I need to try this. I don’t even have a passing interest in gundam really, but these look too badass not to try lol.
HairyEwok
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
I read Building a Gupta kit may just be… I need a break.
Admiral Chief Umbra
August 5, 2019 at 14:41
I held on to my wallet when I read that
HairyEwok
August 5, 2019 at 14:21
I read Building a Gupta kit may just be… I need a break.
Kikmi
August 5, 2019 at 15:02
WHERE TO PURCHASE YOU COWARDS
For the Emperor!
August 5, 2019 at 20:23
Raru, as mentioned in article.
Example link: https://raru.co.za/hobbies-toys/7761017-bandai-hobby-1-144-gundam-seed-gundam-seed-destiny-plastic-model-kit
Kikmi
August 6, 2019 at 10:13
That one I knew alreaedy I was hoping for a store dump. These little bastards are super hard to come by these days as compared to as little as 5 years ago, then AWX, comic zone and a bunch of mom and pop stores had them about.
Original Heretic
August 5, 2019 at 15:26
Your “Everest”?
So…. it’s covered in trash, shit and dead bodies?
Now that’s a hobby I can get behind
The D
August 5, 2019 at 16:37
*Laughs in K2, the real final summit of mankind*
Original Heretic
August 5, 2019 at 17:37
Ah, I see you are a man of culture, too.
HvR
August 5, 2019 at 15:36
Quite a jolly new intro to CH videos
Jacques Van Zyl
August 6, 2019 at 09:35
Great video D-man.
Ugh, if my monitor didn’t break last might I’d have ordered one of these after reading this.
Miguel Juan
August 12, 2020 at 21:30
Nice article. I literally started my first Gunpla late June and have done several others since, as well as attempts at customising. It’s become an obsession!