MASTER GRADE (MG)
Master Grade (MG) is a flagship 1/100 scale Gunpla model kit line produced by Bandai Spirits. Launched in July 1995 to mark the 15th anniversary of Gunpla, the MG line set industry standards by introducing full internal skeletal frames, color-separated injection molding, and opening cockpits with 1/100 scale figures.
Cronologia
Panoramica
Produced by Bandai Spirits (formerly Bandai Hobby Division), Master Grade (MG) is a flagship 1/100 scale line of plastic mecha model kits (Gunpla) standing approximately 18 cm (7–8 inches) tall.
Originally launched in July 1995 to celebrate Gunpla's 15th anniversary in collaboration with Hobby Japan magazine and modeler Max Watanabe, MG redefined the plastic model industry.
It introduced integrated internal skeletal frames, out-of-the-box color accuracy via multi-color injection molding, and dynamic mechanical gimmicks without requiring paint or glue. Positioned between High Grade (HG) and ultra-complex lines like Perfect Grade (PG), MG caters to collectors and builders seeking high articulation, intricate paneling, and mechanical realism at a standardized scale. Over the decades, the line has expanded beyond regular releases to include specialized sub-lines such as Version Katoki (Ver.Ka), Master Grade Extreme (MGEX), and Master Grade Super Deformed (MGSD), alongside exclusive web-release variants distributed through Premium Bandai (P-Bandai).
Storia
The Master Grade line debuted in July 1995 with the MG RX-78-2 Gundam, followed immediately by the MS-06S Zaku II. The line quickly introduced engineering innovations, such as non-part-swapping 1/100 scale transformations with the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam in 1996, and expanded into non-Universal Century timelines in 1998 with the Wing Gundam Zero Custom.
In December 2002, mechanical designer Hajime Katoki partnered with Bandai to launch the Version Katoki (Ver.Ka) sub-line, known for stylized proportions and dense decal sets. In July 2007, Bandai reached its 100th Master Grade release with the Turn A Gundam, followed by the complex transforming RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver.Ka.
Subsequent years saw the introduction of the Ver. 2.0 and Ver. 3.0 engineering standards, prioritizing anime-accurate proportions and Real Grade-inspired multi-tone armor panels. Modern breakthroughs arrived with the 2019 Gundam Barbatos and its sliding hydraulic pistons, the 2020 launch of Master Grade Extreme (MGEX) featuring integrated LED sheets and metallic frame combinations, and the 2023 introduction of the MGSD line.
I PEZZI DI MASTER GRADE (MG)
Collezionismo
Master Grade is considered a bedrock collectible line for mecha enthusiasts due to its uniform 1/100 scale and impressive display presence. A major factor in MG collecting is the distinction between standard retail releases and limited web-exclusive items.
Premium Bandai (P-Bandai) releases often command high secondary market values because they feature limited production runs, monochrome box covers, and specialized equipment expansions or color variants not sold in traditional retail stores. High-end sub-lines like Master Grade Extreme (MGEX) represent the upper price tier of Gunpla; the retail MGEX RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver.Ka stands as the most expensive regular retail MG at ¥23,000, while the China-exclusive MGEX Strike Freedom Gundam [Midnight Coating] reaches RMB ¥4,200. Early event exclusives—such as the 1995 Modeler's Cup prize clear kits or the 1999 All Japan Model & Hobby Show chrome-plated Casval Custom—remain sought-after grails for dedicated collectors.
The MGEX RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver.Ka holds the record as the most expensive regular retail Master Grade kit released to date at ¥23,000.
