MGSD Destiny Gundam Review: Is It Worth It?

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Introduction to the MGSD Destiny Gundam

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MGSD Destiny Gundam, a model kit that has been making waves in the Gunpla community. If you're a fan of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny or just love building awesome model kits, you're in for a treat. The MGSD (Master Grade Super Deformed) line combines the intricate detail of Master Grade kits with the stylized proportions of Super Deformed models. This unique blend results in a kit that's both impressive and fun to build. The Destiny Gundam, known for its striking design and powerful armaments, is a perfect fit for this line, offering a fresh take on a classic mobile suit. In this review, we'll explore everything from the unboxing experience to the final display, covering the kit's pros, cons, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned builder or new to the world of Gunpla, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your nippers, and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so let's talk about what you get when you first open the box. The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes packed with several runners, each meticulously molded with crisp details. The plastic quality feels top-notch, which is something you'd expect from a Bandai kit. You'll immediately notice the vibrant colors and the clear parts that give the Destiny Gundam its distinctive look. The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, even if you're not fluent in Japanese, thanks to the detailed diagrams. Bandai has always been great at this, making the building process accessible to a wide audience. Apart from the runners, you'll also find a sheet of stickers and decals for adding extra details and markings. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill stickers; they're designed to enhance the overall look of the model without requiring extensive painting. The initial impression is overwhelmingly positive. The sheer amount of detail packed into this SD-sized kit is astounding. It's clear that Bandai has put a lot of effort into capturing the essence of the Destiny Gundam while maintaining the characteristic SD proportions. This combination makes it an exciting prospect for both builders and collectors alike. The parts are well-organized, and the undergating is strategically placed to minimize nub marks, which is always a huge plus. The design choices made in this kit aim to provide a balance between ease of assembly and high levels of detail, which is a hallmark of the MGSD line.

Assembly Process: A Builder's Perspective

Now, let’s dive into the building process of the MGSD Destiny Gundam. Overall, the assembly is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to Bandai's excellent engineering. The parts fit together snugly, and there's minimal need for modifications or adjustments. The kit features an internal frame that provides a solid structure and allows for impressive articulation. This is a significant step up from traditional SD kits, which often lack a detailed inner frame. One of the standout features of the MGSD line is the use of pre-colored plastic. This means you don't have to paint the kit to achieve a great-looking result. However, if you're an experienced builder, you can always add your own custom paint job for an even more personalized look. The head assembly is particularly intricate, with multiple parts coming together to form the Destiny Gundam's iconic face. The clear parts used for the eyes and forehead add a layer of depth and realism that's rare in SD kits. The body and limbs are equally well-designed, with plenty of panel lines and molded details to keep you engaged. The articulation is impressive, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. You can easily recreate many of the Destiny Gundam's signature moves from the anime. The wings are another highlight of the kit. They're large and imposing, and they feature a clever folding mechanism that allows you to display them in various configurations. The beam rifle and shield are also nicely detailed and easy to assemble. Overall, the building process is a rewarding experience. It's challenging enough to keep you interested, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced builder, you'll find something to enjoy in this kit. The clever engineering and attention to detail make it a standout in the SD Gunpla market.

Detailing and Articulation

When it comes to detailing, the MGSD Destiny Gundam truly shines. The panel lines are crisp and well-defined, making it easy to add depth and dimension with panel lining washes. The molded details are also excellent, capturing the intricate design of the Destiny Gundam's armor. The use of different colored plastics helps to break up the monotony and adds visual interest. As mentioned earlier, the kit comes with a sheet of stickers and decals for adding extra markings and details. These are a great way to enhance the overall look of the model without having to resort to painting. However, if you're feeling ambitious, you can always paint the kit to achieve an even more realistic finish. One of the most impressive aspects of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is its articulation. Despite its SD proportions, this kit can pull off some seriously dynamic poses. The internal frame provides a solid foundation for the joints, allowing for a wide range of movement. The head can rotate and tilt, the arms can swing in multiple directions, and the legs can bend at the knees and hips. The wings also have multiple points of articulation, allowing you to display them in various configurations. This level of articulation is rare in SD kits and makes the MGSD Destiny Gundam a joy to pose and display. You can easily recreate many of the Destiny Gundam's signature moves from the anime, such as the iconic beam saber poses or the high-flying aerial maneuvers. The kit also comes with a variety of hands, including open hands, closed fists, and hands for holding weapons. This allows you to further customize the poses and create even more dynamic displays. Overall, the detailing and articulation of the MGSD Destiny Gundam are top-notch. It's a kit that looks great straight out of the box, but also offers plenty of opportunities for customization and personalization.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the MGSD Destiny Gundam into its pros and cons. Starting with the positives, the level of detail is outstanding for an SD kit. The proportions are well-balanced, capturing the essence of the Destiny Gundam while maintaining the cute SD aesthetic. The articulation is surprisingly good, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. The building process is enjoyable and straightforward, thanks to Bandai's excellent engineering. The use of pre-colored plastic means you don't have to paint the kit to achieve a great-looking result. The kit also comes with a variety of accessories, including the beam rifle, shield, and beam sabers. Now, for the cons. One potential downside is the reliance on stickers and decals. While they look good, some builders may prefer to paint the details for a more seamless finish. Another minor issue is the size of the kit. Being an SD, it's smaller than most Master Grade models, which may not appeal to everyone. Finally, the price point might be a bit high for some, especially considering it's an SD kit. However, the level of detail and engineering justifies the cost, in my opinion.

Pros:

  • Exceptional detail for an SD kit
  • Great articulation
  • Enjoyable building experience
  • Pre-colored plastic
  • Variety of accessories

Cons:

  • Reliance on stickers/decals
  • Smaller size
  • Price point

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, what's the final verdict on the MGSD Destiny Gundam? Overall, it's an excellent kit that I highly recommend to both seasoned Gunpla builders and newcomers alike. The combination of impressive detail, great articulation, and an enjoyable building process makes it a standout in the SD market. Whether you're a fan of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny or just looking for a fun and rewarding building experience, you won't be disappointed. The MGSD line continues to impress with its unique blend of Master Grade detail and Super Deformed proportions, and the Destiny Gundam is a prime example of what this line has to offer. If you're on the fence about buying this kit, I say go for it. You won't regret adding this awesome SD Destiny Gundam to your collection.

Where to Buy

You can find the MGSD Destiny Gundam at most online retailers that sell Gunpla, such as Amazon, HLJ (HobbyLink Japan), and Gundam Planet. Check your local hobby shops as well; they might have it in stock. Prices typically range from $40 to $60, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Happy building, guys!