To further penetrate the Chinese market with the "Mobile Suit Gundam" IP, Bandai Namco launched a series of China-exclusive Gundam products starting in 2019: the "Twelve Zodiac Gundam" series, designed by mechanical designer Kunio Okawara. With the Lunar New Year approaching, the design sketches for the latest entry, the "Tiger Gundam," representing the Year of the Tiger 2022, have just been released!
The "Twelve Zodiac Gundam" series uses the RX-78-2 Gundam as its base, incorporating Zodiac animal motifs corresponding to the twelve earthly branches and traditional Chinese knot designs, all infused with a festive Chinese New Year atmosphere. Personally designed by Kunio Okawara, the esteemed designer commented when the "Ox Gundam" was unveiled last year: "As a large-scale project spanning 12 years, there are many uncertainties, but I will definitely do my best to fulfill this mission, and I hope everyone will offer their full support."
▼ Last year's "Ox Gundam" design. Integrating the character '丑' (chǒu, simplified Chinese for ox) into the mobile suit's design was indeed a significant challenge...
This year, the "Tiger Gundam" continues the series' design approach. In addition to placing an entire tiger head on the chest armor, it also cleverly incorporates much cooler tiger stripe patterns, as well as a tiger tail beam saber and tiger claws on its feet. Even with the Chinese knot '寅' (yín, tiger) character on the shield, the strong yellow and black color scheme makes it less obtrusive, which is a welcome sight. Additionally, as per tradition, an SD-scale "Tiger Gundam" Sofubi figure will also be released, with more detailed information to be revealed sequentially!
▼ Last year's China-exclusive "Ox Gundam" Sofubi figure.
via： 万代南梦宫上海玩具