Gunpla: The RGMGM-79 GM/GM (Build HG)

The thing about the assorted Build series is that it allows Bandai to do more or less whatever they want. Most of the time, this means easy retooled kits and easier narrative, but sometimes you can only look at something and assume there's "a story" behind it. The GM/GM is one of them. It's name is a pun, and it's meant to be a customised spin on the original cannon fodder mecha. Oh, and it's used by an organised crime operation.

What makes the GM/GM so curious to me is that it feels like someone decided to modernise the original design, but for whatever reason, it never made it to a UC anime. Build gunpla tend to be quite individualistic, and while there are army builders, army builders usually don't get to be kits as nice as this. This is because its not an army builder, its a extensive retool of the Star Burning Gundam, although I've not handled that one personally. As such, its significantly more involved than the original GM, and indeed a majority of HG kits I've done, but not in bad way. No, it's more like it's a superior example of the style used immediately before Bandai started using the 30MM technology everywhere. Its not perfect though. The main design quirk is the pop-out shoulder assembly, which I don't like. When used, this looks like the chest is breaking, so it's fortunate that articulation is otherwise very nice. The joints were originally intended for martial arts poses, which is a plus. There's also some odd gaps in the heel area, seemingly a by-product of the retool.

In terms of equipment, a GM/GM is functional but very customisation focused. There's the beam spray gun, two beam sabers and a nicely executed shield. This mounts securely, with a slot for the second saber, and turns the Federation symbol into a spike weapon. There's no alternate hands, but a choice of 3 heads and an eye-watering number of 3mm ports, many concealed behind tabs. This is some extreme custom fodder. I feel that I'm not getting most out of this kit just by following the instructions.

While there are other GM kits out there, it would not surprise me if this was the best one. I regret that its taken me this long to post about it.