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To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Gundam series, the pop-up store "GUNDAM45FRGMT," a collaboration between 'Mobile Suit Gundam' and the Design Project "fragment," opened on February 1st (Saturday) at the "V.A." concept store in Omotesando, Tokyo.
"GUNDAM45FRGMT" offers original design products supervised by Hiroshi Fujiwara, who leads "fragment."
The 1st floor sells Gundam models, gashapon, other merchandise, and apparel, while the 2nd floor will screen special videos. The store will play originally edited 'Mobile Suit Gundam' sound effects, display a special pop-up store exclusive "RX78FRGMT GUNDAM" statue, and feature Gundam-themed decorations.
Additionally, a special AR experience for the "RX78FRGMT GUNDAM" will be available. Visitors can experience certain areas between Omotesando Station and "V.A.", using the specially designed store as a backdrop to take unique Gundam photos only available here.
The G.F.F. METAL COMPOSITE series has always been personally supervised by designer Katoki Hajime, featuring designs based on the Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN version. The main joints are made of alloy material, ensuring just the right amount of tightness. The main body is painted with various shades of gray. In addition to intricate detailing on the armor, the fuselage also features Katoki's dense markings. Its overall proportion can be described as "perfect."
The collaborative product, "G.F.F.M.C. RX78FRGMT GUNDAM," is presented in 1/100 scale, standing approximately 18 cm tall, depicting the classic mobile suit piloted by Amuro Ray, the protagonist of the original 'Mobile Suit Gundam.' The external armor, made of ABS and other plastic materials, incorporates Katoki Hajime's design style, featuring refined and cool armor separation lines and other intricate details. The joint parts are made of alloy, providing both tightness during posing and a sense of weight.
The overall gray-toned color scheme is an original design by Hiroshi Fujiwara. Various shades of gray are used to express the layering of the mobile suit's armor, not only making the sharp contours and engraved details more prominent but also imparting a stronger sense of heft. Furthermore, original markings are printed throughout the entire mobile suit, including the model number of this collaborative unit, "RX78FRGMT," and the two lightning bolt patterns of the fragment brand LOGO.
Weapon accessories include a dedicated display stand, spare antenna, beam rifle, two beam sabers, shield, Hyper Bazooka, Core Fighter, and more, allowing the Gundam body to be equipped and posed in various combat stances. Additionally, the product packaging features a design different from the regular version, transforming the 'V Operation Manual,' which details Gundam's operation in the show, into the outer box.
In truth, the playability feels just average! The QC is decent, but accessories are relatively few, and it's a "cut-down version" compared to the previous iteration. Furthermore, its articulation is indeed a step behind that of MB (Metal Build), especially the head and waist... However, the styling is undeniably refined and intricate, and the extra money paid is clearly for those two lightning bolts!
Regardless, for the most ardent Gundam fans, this collaborative high-end toy is a must-have collectible! Looking at that V Operation Manual-style outer box, surely all those memories will come flooding back!
With such an exquisite design, there's truly nothing more to add! GFFMC and Metal Build generally bring surprises in terms of appearance, and this is a pure fan-oriented piece!
Hope to introduce the 'Classmate Zhou' version of GFFMC to everyone soon!
D.M.S. Play Scoring Play Scoring
Appearance Look (40) 36.5
Articulation and Poseability (20) 14
Accessories and Playability (20) 15
Quality Control QC (10) 7.5
Price (10) 5.5
Total Score Total Score: 78.5 Points