HIGH GRADE (HG) GUNPLA
High Grade (HG) is Bandai Spirits' flagship line of plastic model kits (Gunpla), predominantly produced in 1/144 scale. First launched in March 1990 to mark Gunpla's 10th anniversary, the line set a new benchmark for engineering with snap-fit assembly, advanced molding technology, and articulated joint systems. Today, HG spans multiple Gundam universes, offering accessible construction, dynamic articulation, and iconic releases for beginner and veteran collectors alike.
Cronologia
Panoramica
High Grade (HG) is the primary, most expansive line of Gundam plastic models (Gunpla) manufactured by Bandai Spirits (formerly Bandai Hobby Division).
Originally introduced in March 1990 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Gunpla, the line revolutionized model building by introducing snap-fit assembly that eliminated the need for cement or glue, alongside multi-color runner technology known as System Injection.
While modern HG kits are standardized at a 1/144 scale—producing mobile suits standing approximately 12 to 13 cm tall—early releases in the mid-to-late 1990s also included 1/100 scale models for various broadcast series. Positioned as the core entry point and benchmark for the Gunpla hobby, HG balances extreme accessibility, affordable pricing, and simple construction with high-level articulation, screen-accurate proportions, and dynamic engineering. It encompasses suits from both the Universal Century (UC) timeline and numerous Alternate Universes (AU), as well as custom series like Gunpla Builders and Build Fighters.
Storia
The HG line debuted in 1990 with four foundational Universal Century mobile suits: the RX-78 Gundam, RX-178 Gundam Mk-II, MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, and MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam. From 1993 to 1998, Bandai expanded the High Grade label into 1/100 scale releases covering series such as Victory Gundam, G Gundam, Gundam Wing, Gundam X, and Endless Waltz.
In 1999, Bandai established 1/144 as the definitive universal scale for HG and launched the High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) line with the RX-77-2 Guncannon. Between 2002 and 2009, dedicated sub-lines for Alternate Universes were introduced, starting with Gundam SEED and Gundam 00.
In 2010, non-UC timelines were unified under specific sub-branding prefixes (e.g., HGAW, HGFC, HGAC, HGCC). The mid-2010s saw major engineering developments through the HG REVIVE initiative for classic kits, the highly detailed HG Gundam The Origin line, and internal frames in HG Iron-Blooded Orphans. Recent advancements include The Witch from Mercury line in 2022 featuring in-mold decoration, the SEED Action System introduced in 2024 for Gundam SEED FREEDOM, and modern additions like the GQuuuuuuX (GQ) series.
I PEZZI DI HIGH GRADE (HG) GUNPLA
Caratteristiche
* **1/144 Scale Standard**: Primary scale standing approximately 12 to 13 cm tall, alongside early 1/100 scale releases (1993–1998). * **Snap-Fit Assembly**: Engineered for cementless construction without requiring glue. * **System Injection**: Multi-color runner technology injecting two or more plastic colors on a single runner to minimize paint needs. * **MS Joint System**: Advanced polycap and skeletal joint frame engineering introduced in 1990 (MS Joint 2) that laid the technical groundwork for inner frames in Master Grade, Real Grade, and Perfect Grade lines.
* **Polycaps and C-Clips**: Flexible polycap and C-clip joint mechanisms providing smooth, durable posability without loosening over time. * **Clear Plastic Components**: Integrated clear parts for eyes, sensors, and beam effect weapons. * **Inner Frame Architecture**: Miniature internal skeleton engineering utilized in lines like HG Iron-Blooded Orphans and HG G-Saviour Space Mode. * **Universal 3mm Joint Connections**: Standardized joint pegs introduced in lines like HG Build Fighters for custom parts swapping and expansion. * **In-Mold Decoration Technology**: Direct plastic molding used in The Witch from Mercury kits to recreate illuminated shell units. * **SEED Action System**: Specialized joint geometry designed for Gundam SEED FREEDOM kits to execute dynamic anime posing.
Wave & Serie
* **1990 (Original 1/144 High Grade Line)**: Launched with "Old HG" kits #01 RX-78 Gundam, #02 Zeta Gundam, #03 Gundam Mk-II, and #04 ZZ Gundam. * **1990 (B-Club HG Resin Grade-Up Accessories)**: Upgrade sets including #362 Hyper Mega Launcher, #369 Mk-II Parts, #373 Sole Parts, and #393 Wave Rider Conversion Parts. * **1993–1994 (1/100 HG Mobile Suit Victory Gundam)**: 1/100 scale HG line for V Gundam. * **1994–1995 (1/100 HG Mobile Fighter G Gundam)**: 1/100 scale HG kits including Shining Gundam and Master Gundam. * **1995–1996 (1/100 HG Mobile Suit Gundam Wing)**: 1/100 scale HG kits including Wing Gundam and Deathscythe. * **1996–1997 (1/100 HG After War Gundam X)**: 1/100 scale HG kits including Gundam X and Gundam Double X. * **1997–1998 (1/100 HG Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz)**: 1/100 Fighting Action Series. * **1999 (High Grade Universal Century / HGUC)**: Standardized 1/144 scale Universal Century line starting with HGUC #001 RX-77-2 Guncannon. * **2000 (HG G-Saviour)**: Released for the live-action film G-Saviour, featuring GS-01 G-Saviour Space Mode. * **2002–2005 (HG Gundam SEED & SEED Destiny)**: 1/144 scale sub-lines for Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny. * **2007–2009 (HG Gundam 00)**: Introduced double-jointed limbs and revised torso mobility. * **2010 (Integrated AU Sub-Lines & Builder Series)**: Introduced HGAW (Gundam X), HGFC (G Gundam), HGAC (Gundam Wing), HGCC (Turn A Gundam), and Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G. * **2011–2012 (HG Gundam AGE)**: Featured modular runner construction and interchangeable wear limbs.
* **2013–2014 (HG Build Fighters / HGBF)**: Customized kits with standardized 3mm joints (Build Strike Gundam, Try Burning Gundam). * **2014 (HG Reconguista in G / HG G-Reco)**: Released alongside the G-Reco TV series. * **2015 (HG REVIVE, HG Gundam The Origin & HG Iron-Blooded Orphans)**: Revamped classic kits starting with HGUC #191 Guncannon and HGUC #192 RX-78-2 Revive; high-detail HGTO kits; internal frames in HG IBO. * **2018–2020 (HG Build Divers, Narrative & 40th Anniversary)**: Covers Build Divers, Build Divers Re:RISE, Gundam Narrative (Narrative Gundam, Phenex, Sinanju Stein), HG RX-78-2 (G40 Industrial Design Ver.), and HG RX-78-2 [Beyond Global]. * **2021 (HG Gundam Breaker Battlogue)**: Cross-media game and anime tie-in kits. * **2022–2023 (HG The Witch from Mercury / HGWFM)**: Features polycap-free C-clips and in-mold shell unit technology (Gundam Aerial, Gundam Calibarn). * **2024 (HG Gundam SEED FREEDOM & HG Requiem for Vengeance)**: Features the SEED Action System (Rising Freedom, Mighty Strike Freedom, Destiny Spec II) and realistic gritty designs (Gundam EX, Zaku II Solari Custom). * **2025–2026 (Modern Lineup Expansions)**: Includes Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (GQuuuuuuX Endymion Unit Awakened, Chalia's Rick Dom, Gelgoog, Hambrabi), Hathaway expansion (Xi Gundam Sorcery of Nymph Circe Ver., Gustav Karl Type-00, Messer Type-M01 Gawman Custom), Gundam X 30th Anniversary (HGAW Virsago, Ashtaron), G-Unit 30th Anniversary (Hydra Gundam), Wing EW (Sandrock Custom EW), and side story/revive kits (HGCE Legend Gundam Revive, D Gundam Second, Alyzeus).
Pezzi Iconici
* **HG #01 RX-78 "Gundam" (1990)**: The inaugural High Grade kit featuring MS Joint 2 and a functional Core Block System; permanently discontinued in 2001. * **HG #02 MSZ-006 "Zeta Gundam" (1990)**: The first transformable HG kit, utilizing head/midsection removal and Zeta Plus C1-derived transformation mechanics. * **HG GS-01 G-SAVIOUR Space Mode (2000)**: The sole release from the cancelled G-Saviour line, engineered with a full inner frame and removable armor. * **HGUC #001 RX-77-2 Guncannon (1999)**: The historic first release of the standardized High Grade Universal Century line.
* **HGUC #192 RX-78-2 Gundam [Revive] (2015)**: The 35th-anniversary re-engineered flagship kit offering modern proportions and articulation. * **HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam (G40 Industrial Design Ver.) (2019)**: A 40th-anniversary collector piece designed by Ken Okuyama featuring industrial structural engineering. * **HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial (2022)**: The breakthrough Witch from Mercury lead suit featuring revolutionary in-mold decoration shell units. * **HGCE Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam (2024)**: A high-demand Gundam SEED FREEDOM release incorporating the dynamic SEED Action System joint geometry.
Collezionismo
Collecting High Grade Gunpla offers fans an accessible yet deeply rewarding gateway into model building. Because HG kits span virtually every timeline, OVA, and side-story in the Gundam multiverse, collectors can build comprehensive 1/144 scale displays with uniform proportions across canonical eras. From a market standpoint, standard HG kits maintain affordable retail pricing due to Bandai's routine reprint cycles.
However, discontinued, out-of-print, or limited-run releases command significant aftermarket premiums. The prime example is the original 1990 HG #01 RX-78 "Gundam": following its "Last Shot" final reissue in March 2001, Bandai permanently retired the mold in favor of HGUC #021, driving vintage original kits to over 10 times their original ¥1,000 price tag. Limited variants like the 1990 Gold Metallic Zeta Gundam, Premium Bandai (P-Bandai) exclusives, and specialized anniversary models like the Ken Okuyama G40 Industrial Design Ver. similarly experience high demand and value retention among serious collectors.
Curiosità
* The original mold for the 1990 HG #01 RX-78 Gundam kit is permanently retired and displayed as a museum piece at The Gundam Base Tokyo. * The MS Joint polycap system created for the original 1990 HG series laid the technical foundation for inner frame architecture later used in Perfect Grade, Master Grade, and Real Grade lines.
* The HG G-Saviour line was abruptly cancelled after just one kit (Space Mode) due to the poor critical reception of the live-action movie G-Saviour. * The original 1990 HG series introduced the box packaging layout that became standard for HGUC, featuring a black background, Compacta font, and color-coded squares indicating the mobile suit's anime timeline. * The transformation mechanics for the 1990 HG Zeta Gundam were directly adapted from the 1/144 MSZ-006C1 Zeta Plus C1 kit from Gundam Sentinel.
