If you've ever visited Japan, you're probably familiar with the "100-yen shops" – treasure troves filled with everything from daily essentials to snacks, and sometimes, surprisingly cool finds.
Recently, a Japanese X user took the internet by storm with their ingenious custom build using "Battle Figures" sold at the 100-yen store chain, Seria. These figures cost a mere 100 yen (about $0.65 USD) but boast surprisingly good articulation, allowing for a wide range of poses. The user, @oqPpSH1ZhXLW4zA, put their creativity to work, transforming them into a hilariously "human-like" and adorably clumsy creation dubbed "This Isn't Gundam" (コレジャナイガンダム), earning widespread praise and attention online.
▼ The "Battle Figures" from Seria that started it all. 
The user, known as Kumadai (@oqPpSH1ZhXLW4zA), playfully captioned their post: "I just randomly cut and glued together parts I bought and leftover runners, and it turned into this 'This Isn't Gundam' (lol)." The accompanying photos showcased a Mobile Suit that looked a bit tired, oddly posed, yet undeniably full of character – a sight that instantly brought smiles and chuckles to viewers.
Kumadai stuck to a strict rule for the build: only use materials sourced from Seria. They meticulously cut and glued parts from different colored battle figures, using discarded plastic runners to add intricate details.
Kumadai revealed that they had heard good things about Seria's battle figures, but initially, the store only carried red and white versions. It wasn't until Seria released new blue, yellow, and green figures that inspiration struck. "All the primary colors are here! Doesn't that mean I can build a Gundam?!" The "Seria Gundam Project" was officially a go, and Kumadai wasted no time, starting the build that very day.
▼ Check out that inexplicably elongated head and rudimentary Gundam body.
▼ Don't let the looks fool you – this guy can strike a pose with the best of 'em!
Kumadai emphasized that their main goal during the creation process was: "Absolutely do NOT make it look too cool!" And indeed, the finished product, with its spindly limbs, slightly unstable stance, and a hint of awkward charm, proved to be a masterpiece of imperfection. "That skinny, weak, unreliable vibe is exactly the 'This Isn't Gundam' feel I was going for," they laughed. "It's perfect (lol)."
▼ They even built a GM! XD
The post quickly went viral, flooding the comment section with laughter and praise. "The more I look, the funnier it gets," "That pose is absolutely genius!" and "It totally has that early animation 'art-style-breakdown' feel lol," were just some of the reactions that made it a hot topic on X.
This creative approach proves that you don't need expensive kits to have a blast with Gundam. Even with humble 100-yen store figures, you can unleash your inner builder, and sometimes, the clumsier the result, the more character it has. If you're feeling inspired, why not try building your own "This Isn't Gundam!" creation?