For the longest time, I assumed Gundam figures were just like any ordinary action figures. I figured that they came pre-assembled in standard carded packaging a lot like deluxe class Transformers figures use to. Well, I was half-right.

Gundam “figures” come in two main varieties: model kits and action figures. When shopping around for Gundam figures, you want to make sure you educate yourself on these terms; because if you purchase a Gundam model kit with the anticipation that you’re getting an action figure, then you’re probably going to be confused when you open the packaging and find the boxes if full of pieces with a set of instructions.

What Are Gundam Model Kits

Do put it into simplest terms, Gundam model kits (sometimes refered to as Gunpla) are figures that require assembly. Pieces come attached to runners and need to be removed or cut out before being assembled. Some kits require that stickers or paint be applied. There are different scales and grades that model kits fall into. Scale indicates the size of the assembed kit, and grade is the difficulty, which indicates the number of pieces.

The difficulty of the build and the quality of the final assembled figure will depend on the grade of the Gundam model kit that you choose.

I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to Gundam model kits, so I won’t pretend to know everything about the different types of Gundam model kits. Here is a great video for anyone who wants to know the different types of kits. Hopefully it will help you figure out what is best for you.

What Are Gundam Action Figures

Gundam action figures are really no different than any ordinary action figure. Think of them sort of like Transformers figures, except without the transforming aspect.

When you get the Gundam action figures, there is likely going to be no assembly required. Just open the packaging and you’re good to go.

The Gundam Universe figures are great examples of Gundam action figures. Example

• TAMASHII NATIONS GAT-X105 Strike Gundam Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (Amazon)

• TAMASHII NATIONS XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (Amazon) 

• TAMASHII NATIONS Rx-0 Unicorn Gundam Unit 02 Banshee Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Amazon)

Which Are Better: Gundam Action Figures or Gundam Model Kits

You can’t really definitively say which one is better than the other. The action figures tend to be more durable and have better articulation; however, the model kits are less expensive and far easier to customize if that’s something you enjoy doing. Some argue that, once assembled, the model kits are not much different than the action figures; while others say that the assembled model kits are inferior to action figures with joints and parts that come loose far more easily when posing them.

Those who prefer the model kits to the action figures will highlight the building aspect of the model kits—something that is lost with regular action figures. Assembling all of pieces can be a rewarding and fun experience. It can take a long time, but for enthusiasts, the longer it takes, the better and more accomplished you feel when its done. People who enjoy building LEGO sets can definitely relate to this. In fact, I think it’s highly likely that if you enjoy building large LEGO sets (especially sets like Technic and Bionicle), Gundam model kits might be another hobby you should look into.

That doesn’t make model kits necessarily better. There are those who don’t want to be bothered with building their action figures and just want to get right to enjoying the figure. There are also those who might be too nervous about assembling the sets for fear of breaking something during the process. For these people, action figures, like the previously mentioned Gundam Universe line, might be the route to go.

The building aspect is really the biggest difference between these two. If you enjoy a long building process, model kits might be right for you. If that sounds more frustrating than rewarding, you should probably steer clear of model kits and just buy the figures.

One interesting thing to note before we move on is that it seems like there are many more model kits to choose from than action figures, at least according to Entertainment.earth.

Are Gundam Model Kits Action Figures

So, here’s the question that sometimes sparks conversation in YouTube comments sections, Reddit, and message boards: are Gundam model kits considered action figures? Gundam model kits fall into a similar category as Bionicle sets, in that, once assembled, they function almost exactly like an action figure.

That being said, model kits are not meant to be played with, and, therefore, generally don’t have the durability of an action figure. Yes, they have multiple points of articulation and can be posed in all sorts of ways depending on the grade of the kit, but they’re really meant to be built and then displayed. It might be easy to label Bionicles as action figures because, after they have been constructed, they function much like an action figure and are meant to be played with.

Whether or not Gundam model kits are action figures is subjective and ultimately irrelevant. What’s important is that you enjoy it and have fun with it—it doesn’t matter what its labeled as, though it can be an interesting discussion.

If you’d like to read my post about whether or not Bionicles are action figures, click here.

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