Originally announced back in August 2021, the new "Gunpla-kun (ガンプラくん)" project from Japan's BANDAI SPIRITS Hobby Division aims to share the joy of building Gundam models with the world. While the project was highly anticipated after a series of adorable short videos, it seems to have hit some turbulence along the way. Related merchandise saw only a single wave of releases after the initial announcement, and even this "Gunpla-kun / Zaku-kun / Char's Zaku-kun Mascot Keychain" set has been delayed until June 2022.
The main characters of "Gunpla-kun" are Gunpla model kits born at the Bandai Hobby Center in Shizuoka. The story goes that one early morning, a mysterious light flashed on the production line, giving life to unknown Gunpla runners. These include the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, the MS-06 Zaku II, and many other Mobile Suits from the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series, all reimagined in a unique, super-deformed cartoon style to convey the fun of the hobby through cute designs and stories.
In addition to Gunpla-kun, Zaku-kun, Char's Zaku-kun, and ν-Gunpla-kun who have appeared in the shorts so far, designs have also been created for many other Universal Century mobile suits like the Z Gundam, ZZ Gundam, Acguy, and Gouf. Fans are definitely hoping that actual plastic model kits, just like the ones in the animated shorts, will eventually be released.
The "Gunpla-kun / Zaku-kun / Char's Zaku-kun Mascot Keychain" collection brings the series' adorable, two-heads-tall designs to life in 3D form. These compact and practical keychains feature vibrant, fully-painted colors, allowing you to carry these characterful Gunpla mascots with you wherever you go.
"Gunpla-kun" Mascot Keychain
Reference Price: 880 JPY each (tax included)
Scheduled Release Date: June 2022
via： BANDAI HOBBY SITE