To further penetrate the Chinese market with the Mobile Suit Gundam IP, Japan's BANDAI NAMCO's 'Twelve Zodiac Gundam' project announced the design for its fifth installment, the 'Mao Rabbit Gundam,' for the Year of the Rabbit in 2023. Concurrently, the three-dimensional product, 'QMSV Mao Rabbit Gundam,' will be exclusively sold in China starting January 2023.
The 'Twelve Zodiac Gundam' is a project exclusively held in China since 2019. Mechanical designer Kunio Okawara, who has participated in numerous Mobile Suit Gundam series, was invited to design the Twelve Zodiac Gundams. Based on the image of the RX-78-2 First Gundam, each year's zodiac animal is heavily incorporated into the armor's design. Following the Pig, Rat, Ox, and Tiger, this year sees the release of the fifth installment, the 'Mao Rabbit Gundam,' which integrates rabbit elements. Regardless of whether the design is aesthetically pleasing, it certainly is distinctive, wouldn't you agree?
This year's 'Mao Rabbit Gundam' similarly boldly utilizes a rabbit head design, placing an entire rabbit head at the base of the forehead antenna and across the entire chest armor. The large character '卯' (Mao) on the chest is both striking and powerful. The limbs and shield incorporate embossed patterns of rabbit ears and Chinese knots. The front skirt armor and feet resemble fluffy rabbit paws. The overall color scheme is predominantly rabbit white and festive New Year red, making it quite an eye-catcher.
The three-dimensional product, 'QMSV Mao Rabbit Gundam,' is a non-articulated finished product crafted in a low-head-to-body SD (Super Deformed) proportion. It faithfully reproduces Kunio Okawara's design with adorable proportions, featuring the rabbit head's red eyes made from transparent material. The entire body is adorned with rich, colorful paintwork, showcasing the festive red and the '卯' character. It comes with a beam rifle and shield, which can be optionally equipped. This product has a suggested retail price of 399 RMB and is exclusively sold in China.
©Sotsu・Sunrise
via： GUNDAM.INFO