If you're into Gunpla, you've probably dabbled in all sorts of customization – painting, cutting, weathering, you name it – anything to make your build truly stand out.
This time, we're showcasing an incredible paint job on an older kit. Japanese Gunpla builder Nicovol (@nicovol48) recently dropped jaws by sharing their Mobile Suit Gundam Zaku II Gunpla, which they've painted to look exactly like its original box art! At first glance, it looks like a flat cover illustration, but it's actually a fully three-dimensional model! This visually stunning piece has blown up online.
For this project, Nicovol chose to recreate the box art for the classic Gunpla kit, the "MSV 1/100 MS-06R Zaku II (Shin Matsunaga's Custom)." The Zaku appears to be standing on a space base, machine gun in hand, ready for battle.
▼ Here's the original box art for the vintage kit:
Nicovol didn't just paint the Zaku; they created the entire background as well! The painting technique perfectly mimics a flat illustration, with incredible attention to lighting, shadows, and brushstrokes. It's genuinely hard to believe it's a 3D model.
A side view is the only way to confirm this Zaku II actually has depth and is a true 3D model. The background wall is a hand-painted diorama by the artist, creating an incredible sense of depth and presence. The Zaku's paint job seamlessly blends with the background, resulting in a truly striking effect.
Nicovol also posted a side-by-side comparison with the original box art, admitting, "There are still some differences when placed side-by-side, but I think I captured the vibe!"
Netizens were absolutely floored by the finished product, exclaiming: "This isn't just a recreation, it *is* the box art itself! I literally only see a painting!" and "This is a model? No way... I totally thought it was a drawing." The visual impact is undeniable!
Beyond this vintage kit, Nicovol shares tons of other amazing creations on their X (formerly Twitter) account. If you're a model kit or Gundam fan, definitely check them out for some serious painting and customization inspiration!
via： X帳戶ニコボル