This year's Shizuoka has been my Itchy and Scratchy Land. Ready to go head over heels at all of the sights, only to be disappointed by the sameness of it all. That's not to say that there aren't gems and things to be excited about. I'm genuinely excited by what is new. I just wish there was actually more of it.
The first kit I'll heap my love over is the announcement of HG Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina Custom. This is easily one of my favorite designs from the SEED universe and it's why I love my 1/100 version of the kit. A true original design that actually stands out from the sameness. With the Red and Blue Frames getting their revisions, I'm glad to see Gold Frame get it. The kit will be out in September for ¥1,890.
Speaking of Astray, the HG Red Frame had its own coming out. Recently outed for pre-orders, the kit is a new version (read: new backpack) from its original release back in 2003. The appearance and loadout for this kit is taken from its only animation, a short 5-minute OVA. The kit features the flight unit and a special BuCue Recon head that was used as a hand-held beam saber in the short. If there's a gimmick that can get me to rebuy a kit, that would be it. HG Gundam Astray Red Frame will be out in August for ¥1,780.
