GUNPLA: RG, The Little MG That Could

Gunpla builders will have their preferences when it comes to model/kit grade.  I'm not here to convince anyone which grade is best as each will have their pros and cons.  I simply want to give you (my readers) insight on my build experiences as a means to help you decide what kit (or grade) would best suit you. 

L to R: GP01 Zephyranthes, Gundam Exia, Gundam Mk-II Titans

The very first Gundam I got was a RG or Real Grade kit, the GP01 Zephyranthes!  It was a surprise gift from my wife (who is a big supporter of my Gunpla hobby) for Christmas.  I had only built Advanced Grade (AG) kits (mainly for my son) and this would have been my first, pardon the pun, real build.

The box alone was impressive (and intimidating) due to the amount of detail on display.  Needless to say, I didn't feel ready and wanted to get more builds under my belt before tackling the Zephyranthes.  Fast forward a couple of months and a High Grade (HG) and No Grade (NG) build later, I finally felt ready to do the kit justice.  The rest as they say is history and to date I've built two more RG kits.

To me, an RG can be described as an MG's (Master Grade) little brother because they seem to share the same genetic code.  This is due to the high level of detail and really good articulation found in each kit.  There are loads of pieces in each kit (similar to an MG) but smaller.  If you have big hands (or chubby fingers) you might want to invest in a nice set of tweezers for certain parts in the build process.  I found the head unit to be challenging in this regard in all the RG kits I've built so far.

Not all RG inner frames are created equal. Some like the Gundam Mk-II Titans boasts a full inner frame while others will only have partial inner frames consisting of leg and arm units.

Another cool feature of the RG kits is that it has an inner frame.  Unlike the MG where the inner frame needs to be built, the inner frame of the RG comes pretty much assembled. (Most HG kits don't have this feature)  You do need to manipulate parts of the frame as part of the build process but nothing too complex.  Do make sure to read the manual carefully as parts of the frame can break if handled incorrectly.  The end result is a frame that allows for excellent articulation which means loads of pose-able opportunities when you're done.

Detail Battle: RG Gundam Mk-II Titans vs HG Wing Gundam

The detail on a RG kit compared to an HG is quite noticeable.  The amount of stickers alone for some kits like the Gundam Mk-II Titans is simply insane but you'll really feel like you accomplished something when done.

The detail or realistic look of an RG may lead to a dilemma of whether you should paint the kit or leave it as is.  That is entirely up to your preference.  For now, I left my RG kits unpainted as they look great out of the box (OOTB) but will attempt my first RG paint job on my recently finished Gundam Exia.  

 
Again, due to their great articulation (and sturdy frame), RG kits can be posed a limitless (almost) number of ways.  And if you're handy with Photoshop or Corel Draw, you can take advantage of their realistic look and create some pretty neat scenes.

If you were to ask me what grade Gunpla kit I prefer, I would say MG simply because I think I can customize an MG better than an RG.  I'm not saying MG's are better than RG's.  In fact, RG kits are so well made and realistic that I feel they are better built and left as intended.  In the end it all boils down to a builder's preference.  Just like the different kits we build, no two Gunpla builders are exactly alike.  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!
        
     

ART: Superheroes and Kicks

I was basically hooked on two things growing up, comic books and sneakers.  So it was inevitable that I merged those two passions through my original passion, ART.  Below are a few illustrations I've done over the last several years of my favorite comic book characters wearing sneakers.  Hope you enjoy viewing them as I did drawing them. 

My first exposure to Batman was through the TV series starring Adam West and only knew the "campy" version of the Caped Crusader.  Fast forward to 1986 and I am introduced to the Dark Knight courtesy of Frank Miller which solidified my diehard fan status up to this day.  I originally drew Batman wearing the Zoom Kobe V "Dark Knight" edition which was quite appropriate.  I finished the piece using colored markers.  A couple of years later, I decided to give the drawing the Photoshop treatment and a new pair of kicks to go with it, the Air Jordan XI "Breds".
    

What would Batman be without the Joker?  Below I have the Clown Prince of Crime wearing one of my favorite pair of sneakers, the Zoom Kobe VI "Chaos" edition which was inspired by none other than the Joker himself.

It's true that the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard have laid claim to be the Superman of the NBA but I would have to say no one comes closest to the "Man of Steel" than his "Airness" himself, Michael Jordan.  Here is Superman wearing a SE (Superhero Exclusive, I made that up) colorway of the Air Jordan XX8.
    

Now it wouldn't be right if I didn't draw my all time favorite comic book superhero sporting some pretty cool kicks.  Here's our friendly neighborhood Spider-man wearing the Air Jordan XI "Breds" and "Concords".  I owned a pair of these back in 1996 when they first released.  The Air Jordan XI is probably my all time favorite sneaker.  The pose on the left might look familiar to some basketball fans. (Hint: It's from the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest)

I saw an Adidas ad a few years back with Derrick Rose flying through the air and thought that it looked very Spider-man~esque.  So here's Spidey (left) in that exact pose wearing Derrick's signature shoe at that time.  The drawing on the right has Spider-man wearing his own custom KB9 sneakers as he swings above the city ready to fight crime and injustice.
   

It just wouldn't be right for me not to draw Peter's number one gal wearing some sweet kicks.  So here's Mary Jane wearing a pair of Kay Yow "Think Pink" Zoom Kobe Vs.  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!
     

GUNPLA: HG Sinanju (MSN-06S) Ban Dai

After gaining confidence from painting parts of my MG Shin Musha Gundam, I decided it was time to do a complete paint build.  I was still undecided on what kit to use until inspiration hit me after seeing the titanium finish Sinanju at a local Gundam convention.  The finish was just awesome so I thought why not try replicating it.  I settled on the HG version of the Sinanju given that I really didn't know what I was doing and couldn't bear the thought of ruining the MG version. (For obvious financial reasons) 

I decided to paint the parts while they were still on the runners which I now consider a rookie mistake.  While this definitely made the painting process faster, I was still left with the task of cutting the parts off the runners resulting in the inevitable nub marks.  I sanded them as smooth as possible without ruining the paint and used a red Gundam paint marker to cover up noticeable blemishes.

My weapons of choice for this build: Gundam markers and Bosny spray paint and clear coat

Knowing very little and doing almost zero research, I foolishly, due to sheer excitement perhaps, started painting my Sinanju using Bosny's Honda Red.  I figured the clear/candy tone of the Honda Red would give it the titanium shine I so badly wanted.  Needless to say, I didn't get the desired effect.  Still determined, I sprayed a coat of glossy clear thinking this would do the trick. WRONG again! (Though now that I look back, the glossy clear coat helped protect it)   
   

 

After letting the paint cure for a good 48 hours, I ended up with a deeper, richer red tone with less of a plastic look from what I would have gotten out of the box.  You might also notice that I opted to use the stickers to outline the gold parts of the kit which didn't turn out too bad.  I wasn't aware of the reverse wash technique at the time but will definitely try it on the next build.  Again, much props go out to Ban Dai for the quality of their products.     

Overall, I'm still very proud of this build and satisfied with how it turned out in the end.  Of course I'm disappointed, more at myself for not doing the needed research on painting, that I couldn't replicate the titanium finish on the Sinanju.  There's no better teacher than experience, I always say, and will definitely take these "lessons learned" to improve on my next build.  I'll leave you with a few more pictures of the finished product. (Please use the Comment box below to provide feedback, constructive feedback is always appreciated)  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!

 

LEGO: Star Wars - Darth Vader's Tie Fighter

I've had this kit sitting in the closet for so long, I can't remember exactly what year I got this as a Christmas present.  "Why did I keep it in the closet for so long, you ask?"  Well, that I remember, it was because my kids were still very young.  I knew that if I built it back then it wouldn't last a week before it gets torn apart with pieces missing, never to be seen again.  Fast forward to 2014, the kids are a little older and disciplined, no better time to take this bad boy out of the closet and BUILD!

But something funny (and really cool) happened when I opened the box to start the building process.  My seven year old daughter who stayed home from school because she was sick that day asked me if she could help.  I agreed and she ended up building the whole thing herself!  I was relegated to finding the parts for her to assemble and the occasional "muscle" if she couldn't get a piece to fit in just right.  Needless to say, this was a proud daddy moment for me.

The build was relatively straightforward and there were no issues finding and fitting the right parts based on the instructions. (Master Builders are frowning upon us)

The wing shields (not sure what they're called) connect via rods that are typically used for wheel assemblies which I thought was a pretty neat idea.  I'll definitely keep that in my Master Builder databank for future use.

Pretty intimidating if you were a Lego person seeing this come at you at full speed ready to blast you into the next galaxy.
  

The front of the tie fighter lifts up to reveal the cockpit with none other than Sith Lord, Darth Vader at the controls.
  

This is a dream come true and a definite must have for Star Wars fans who saw the first three episodes (That would be Episodes 4, 5 & 6) growing up and wished they could build a tie fighter (but couldn't) out of the basic blocks Lego had released at the time.  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!    

GUNPLA: MG Shin Musha Gundam Ban Dai

After completing another HG build (XXXG-01W Wing Gundam) and my first RG (Gundam Mk-II Titans), I felt confident enough in my Gunpla skills to take on my first MG.  This came in the form of the Shin Musha Gundam.  I saw this kit, in all its samurai glory, at a toy store and just had to have it.  But I felt it was too expensive at the store since I just got back from Japan and knew just how much exported kits were marked up.  So I searched a couple of Gundam Facebook groups and discovered Toybox PH which was operated by Reynold Tamayo.  After a few Facebook messages and texts, I got my Shin Musha Gundam a few days later at a very reasonable price.

My first thought upon opening the box was, "there sure are A LOT of runners."  The amount of build details is one component that definitely separates the MG from the HG kits.  This was definitely my most ambitious build to date but I was determined and up to the task.  "Bring it on!"

After putting together a few of the components, I felt it needed more than just your regular panel lining to bring out its "awesome-ness" and so I decided to try spray painting for the first time.  I didn't have the guts to completely paint the kit so I just focused on painting the gold parts/piping and black pieces to give the kit some "umph".  I also hand painted the small gaps on his skirt armor which added nice, subtle details.

Here are some the materials I used for this build.  I used a panel lining marker which I recommend for beginners (like me) and for those who don't do complete paint customs on their kits due to their ease of use. TIP: I use a soft eraser to clean up the panel lines which works well in my opinion.  The bronze colored sharpie was used to patch up nub marks on the painted gold parts.  Bosny spray paints (Bronze Gold and Flat Black) were used as they have a fairly controllable spray nozzle which gives out a decent, consistent spray.  WARNING:  All cans are not created equal and you may occasionally run into pressure problems half-way through the can which may ruin your work.  You can reduce this risk by using short controlled sprays when painting your parts.
      

I thoroughly enjoyed building this kit and don't recall having any major issues.  Kudos to Ban Dai for the great quality and design of this particular product.  The end result is one of the most visually pleasing Gundam models available.  If you don't already have one, the Shin Musha Gundam is definitely worth adding to the collection.  I'll leave you with a few more pictures to help you decide.  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!
 

SNEAKERS: Lebron 11 Low "China Pack"

I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed with the Lebron 11.  Not because it was a bad shoe, in fact I thought it to be an awesome model (I owned the "King's Pride") and would rate it my 2nd favorite Lebron signature shoe behind the Lebron 9.  My disappointment stemmed from the fact Lebron himself didn't like wearing it on the court and opted for the Soldier 7.  Disappointment quickly turned into excitement when I saw the line up of colorways for the Lebron 11 Low, specifically the "USA" or "Independence Day".  But when I saw the China Pack version, it just blew my mind and as you can see, I had to have it.

Similar to the Kobe 9 China Pack, the box is standard, nothing special

FIT:  These are true to size and will accommodate those with wide feet nicely.  I don't think you'll need to buy a half size larger to compensate for the width but it's always recommended to try it on for size and comfort before purchasing.

PLAYABILITY:  I haven't played in the Lebron 11 Lows and these specifically will probably not see the playing side of a basketball court anytime soon as I see challenges in cleaning these.  All I can say is that these will probably perform just like the low versions of the Lebron 9 and 10 given that, to my slight disappointment, they STILL all share the same mid sole and cushioning design.

As I had mentioned earlier, I think these will be a nightmare to clean especially if dirt (or some colored liquid drink like Gatorade) gets to the inside of the mesh upper.  Other than that, this is a gorgeous shoe.  I like the lion head lace locks and the gold accents on the crown of the Lebron logo.  The aglets, which I don't have a picture of, are gold as well.  Really cool! (It also comes with an extra set of blue laces)

Similar to the Kobe 9 China Pack colorway, the Lebron 11 Low has its share of design details that are simply awesome.  There are dragons and tigers incorporated into the overall design which is made to look like a Ming Dynasty vase.

More subtle, yet striking details on the shoe.  It doesn't have the embossing like the Kobe 9 but it's a great contrast between the two signature lines and it definitely holds its own in terms of design details.  Kudos again to the Nike designers!

If you told me I had to choose between the Kobe 9 and Lebron 11 Low China Pack colorways, I would probably pick this one.  No real substantial reason except for the fact that I like that the Lebron 11 has tigers on it and I was born on the Year of the Tiger.  I'm not crazy about the icy blue soles since I know they will yellow in time but it still won't stop me from diggin' this shoe.  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!   

ART: Michael Jordan (Toros, Breds and Tokyos)

The great thing about drawing (art in general) is you can create things that may not have existed in the real world.  I'm a huge Michael Jordan fan.  No one can deny his greatness and impact on the world of sports as well as sports marketing.  For the record, I'm a die hard Lakers fan and hated his "Airness" in 1991 when he dismantled my team to win his first NBA title.

Being a "sneakerhead", I was always curious how MJ would have looked in the different versions of his signature shoes that didn't necessarily make it on the court during his playing days.  Here he is in the AJ 4 "Toro Bravos", AJ 11 "Breds" and AJ 5 "Tokyo 23".  The original picture had him wearing the AJ 5 "Home" colorway.  Okay, the "Breds" definitely were on his feet as he claimed title number four and is probably the greatest basketball shoe ever designed in my humble opinion. (Tinker Hatfield is DA MAN)  What do you think of the other two?  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!       

GUNPLA: The Unexpected Hobby

In the world of Gunpla, I was kinda like J.R.R. Tolkien's character Bilbo Baggins of "The Hobbit".  At first, like Bilbo (minus the big hairy feet), I wasn't totally sold on the idea of Gunpla as Bilbo wasn't enthusiastic to join the adventure of reclaiming the Lonely Mountain with Gandalf, Thorin and his band of dwarves.  Similar to Bilbo, who was happy living his simple life in the Shire, I was content with the hobbies that currently occupied my time and didn't think I had room for another.  But just like Bilbo who became a willing participant as the adventure progressed, I found myself hooked after my first "real" build.  The rest as they say is history.

My first build was in February 2014 (which pretty much makes me a newbie) and it came in the form of a NG (No Grade) 1/100 scale Hail Buster Gundam.  I picked up this kit at a recycle shop during a trip to Japan.  The "build" was really for my son who was the Gundam fan in the family.  I grew up watching and admiring Voltes V and Mazinger Z which totally reveals my age (I'm 39) and didn't watch my first Gundam series until just this year. (I know, shoot me, HAHA!)  I built another kit before heading back home, this time a HG (High Grade) 1/144 scale Gundam Age-1 Normal.  At that point, I was hooked and became the second Gundam fan in the family.  I bought a few more kits before heading home since kits are so much cheaper in Japan than anywhere else. (Makes sense since Gundams are from Japan)
 

I didn't feel that my Gunpla skills were good enough to tackle a MG (Master Grade) kit (I brought home a MG GAT-X105 Aile Strike Gundam) yet so I built another HG kit, this time the XXG-01W Wing Gundam, to gain confidence.

The next challenge came in the form of a RG (Real Grade) Gundam Mk-II Titans kit.  I just loved the amount of detail this kit had along with the build challenges it presented.  I could have been discouraged and stopped Gunpla altogether but the difficulty (which was also mentally stimulating) only made me a bigger fan.  Each build gave me confidence and that confidence finally convinced me to take on my first MG build.

I don't know why I didn't just start building the MG Aile Strike I already had (maybe I had bigger plans for it, don't really know) but my first MG build came in the form of the Shin Musha Gundam.  I even dabbled in a little spray painting (gold accents and matte black finish) with this kit which was nerve-wracking to say the least.

With my confidence growing, I attempted my first full paint build on a HG MSN-06S Sinanju.  To be honest, I messed up on this one.  I was trying to replicate the look of the titanium finish version but was ignorant to the multi step painting process to achieve this desired effect.  The result, just a redder, less plastic looking Sinanju.  I wouldn't consider this build a fail however as I gained valuable knowledge through this experience which I will take to my next build.    

To date, I have a total of eight built kits (one of them is a custom paint build which I will publish in a separate post), one W.I.P. (Work In Progress) and a backlog of nine kits.  Needless to say, I'm no longer a hesitant traveler on this adventure we call Gunpla but rather a willing participant who will continue on this journey as far as my imagination (and wallet) can take me.  Till my next post.  Thanks, everyone!