The latest installment in the Gundam anime saga, "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," kicked off its run in 2025 and is now deep into its latter half. Its high-tension drama and intriguing plot twists have captivated fans, leading to a surge in merchandise sales.
Recently, the "HG 1/144 Red Gundam" Gunpla kit hit shelves in Japan, sparking immediate discussion because it only includes two "unmanned attack drones." Many Gunpla enthusiasts were hoping for six drones to accurately recreate Char's iconic mobile suit from the show. Since its release, fans have been brainstorming ways to modify the kit, leading to a flurry of creative and often hilarious solutions from Japanese netizens.
One Japanese X (formerly Twitter) user lamented that the "HG 1/144 Red Gundam" only comes with two drones, but four more are needed to achieve Char's signature look.
Buying three kits? -> Risk getting flamed for hoarding during a shortage.
Ordering parts from the official store? -> Risk getting flamed for doing something the manufacturer doesn't recommend.
3D printing custom replicas? -> Risk getting flamed for copyright infringement.
So, how are people actually solving this dilemma?
▼ Char's Red Gundam as seen in the anime.
Many netizens shared their approaches. Some genuinely went to multiple stores to snag three kits, while others, unable to find more, could only sigh in resignation.
▼ Had to buy three kits to recreate Char's style.
▼ Only managed to get two kits, so had to make do.
▼ Some, out of options, resorted to 3D modeling and printing their own replicas.
▼ Others got resourceful, using parts from different model kits as substitutes.
▼ The ultimate workaround? If you can't get three kits, just use a 100-yen Kirby figure as a stand-in. This one looks way stronger, LOL.
▼ One netizen had a wild idea: just use a mirror for infinite drones... (The struggle is real!)
▼ Another netizen spotted someone actually selling the drones on an auction site. Talk about a business opportunity!
This whole situation has led netizens to self-deprecatingly joke that while they wanted to buy three kits to replicate Char's look, the thought of being accused of "being one of those people who buys multiple kits, making it impossible for others to get one" made them reconsider. The fact that such a thought even crosses their minds, they say, already highlights the abnormal state of the current Gunpla community (laughs).
It's clear that the "HG 1/144 Red Gundam" only including two drones has created a unique market situation. Many truly want to recreate Char's iconic look but are caught in a dilemma about buying multiple kits. It seems Bandai isn't making it easy for fans, leaving both their wallets and their minds in a bind!