MGSD Destiny Gundam Review A Detailed Look At Bandai's Super Deformed Master Grade

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Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MGSD (Master Grade Super Deformed) Destiny Gundam – a kit that's been making waves in the Gunpla community. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love the SD style with a Master Grade level of detail, you're in for a treat. This review will cover everything you need to know, from the unboxing experience to the final verdict.

What is MGSD?

Before we get into the specifics of the Destiny Gundam, let's quickly talk about what MGSD stands for. MGSD, or Master Grade Super Deformed, is a line from Bandai that combines the chibi-like proportions of SD kits with the intricate detail and engineering of Master Grade models. Think of it as the best of both worlds: the cuteness of SD and the complexity of MG. This makes for a unique building experience and a fantastic-looking finished product.

The Appeal of the MGSD Line

The MGSD line has quickly gained popularity for several reasons. First, the level of detail packed into these small kits is astounding. Bandai has managed to incorporate complex mechanical details, intricate panel lining, and impressive articulation into a form factor that's significantly smaller than a standard Master Grade. Second, the build process is incredibly satisfying. You get the challenge and enjoyment of building a Master Grade without the daunting size and part count. Finally, the finished models are just plain cool. They have a unique aesthetic that stands out in any collection.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Opening the box of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is an experience in itself. The box art is striking, featuring the Destiny Gundam in a dynamic pose, showcasing its iconic wings and weaponry. Inside, you'll find a plethora of plastic runners, each molded in vibrant colors. The parts are sharply detailed, and the sheer number of them is impressive for an SD kit. There's also a sticker sheet for extra details, but the color separation is so good that you might not even need them.

What's in the Box?

  • Multiple runners of high-quality plastic parts
  • A detailed instruction manual (in Japanese, but with clear diagrams)
  • A sticker sheet for additional markings and details
  • Various weapons and accessories (more on this later)

The Build Process

Now, let's get to the fun part: the build. The MGSD Destiny Gundam's construction is surprisingly intricate. It's definitely more involved than your average SD kit, and it rivals some standard Master Grades in terms of complexity. The instructions are well-illustrated, making the process manageable even if you don't read Japanese. Bandai's snap-fit design shines here, with parts fitting together snugly and securely. You'll need a good pair of nippers to cleanly remove the parts from the runners, and a hobby knife can be helpful for cleaning up any nubs.

Key Building Highlights

  • Inner Frame: One of the standout features of the MGSD line is the inclusion of an inner frame. This frame provides a solid structure for the model and allows for impressive articulation. Building the inner frame is a rewarding process, and it gives you a glimpse into the engineering that goes into these kits.
  • Head Construction: The head is one of the most detailed parts of the kit. It features multiple layers of parts, including clear pieces for the eyes and forehead. The head's articulation is also impressive, allowing for a wide range of expressions.
  • Torso and Core Unit: The torso is another highlight, with a complex construction that includes moving parts and intricate detailing. The core unit, which forms the Destiny Gundam's chest, is particularly impressive, with its multi-layered design and sharp angles.
  • Limbs and Articulation: The limbs are where the MGSD's engineering truly shines. The articulation is incredible, allowing for dynamic poses and a wide range of motion. The joints are sturdy and well-designed, ensuring that the model can hold its poses without issue.
  • Wings of Light: The Destiny Gundam's iconic Wings of Light are included in this kit, and they're a sight to behold. These translucent effect parts attach to the backpack and add a huge amount of visual flair to the model. They're also surprisingly easy to attach and pose.

Time Commitment

The build time for the MGSD Destiny Gundam will vary depending on your experience level, but you can expect to spend around 8-12 hours on it. This is a significant time investment for an SD kit, but the result is well worth the effort. Take your time, enjoy the process, and you'll be rewarded with a stunning model.

Design and Aesthetics

The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a visual masterpiece. Bandai has perfectly captured the essence of the original design while adding their own touches. The proportions are spot-on, and the level of detail is incredible for an SD kit. The color separation is excellent, with vibrant hues and a glossy finish that makes the model pop. The panel lining is also well-defined, adding depth and realism to the design.

Key Design Features

  • Proportions: The SD proportions are perfectly executed, giving the Destiny Gundam a cute yet imposing look. The head is large and expressive, while the body is compact and powerful.
  • Color Separation: The color separation is top-notch, with parts molded in the correct colors. This means you can get a fantastic-looking model straight out of the box without needing to paint it.
  • Panel Lining: The panel lining is crisp and well-defined, adding depth and detail to the design. This is especially noticeable on the white armor parts, which have intricate panel lines that really stand out.
  • Surface Detail: The surface detail is exceptional, with subtle textures and mechanical details molded into the plastic. This adds a sense of realism and makes the model look more premium.
  • Wings of Light: The Wings of Light are the standout feature of the Destiny Gundam, and they look fantastic on the MGSD version. The translucent plastic catches the light beautifully, creating a stunning visual effect.

Articulation and Posing

One of the most impressive aspects of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is its articulation. Despite its SD proportions, this kit can pull off a wide range of dynamic poses. The inner frame provides a solid structure for the joints, allowing for smooth and stable movement. The head, arms, legs, and even the wings have multiple points of articulation, giving you plenty of options for posing.

Key Articulation Points

  • Head: The head can rotate 360 degrees and tilt up and down, allowing for expressive poses.
  • Shoulders: The shoulders have a wide range of motion, allowing you to raise the arms high and swing them forward and back.
  • Elbows: The elbows have a double-jointed design, allowing for deep bends and realistic posing.
  • Wrists: The wrists can rotate and pivot, allowing you to position the hands in various ways.
  • Waist: The waist can rotate and tilt, adding to the model's overall poseability.
  • Hips: The hips have a wide range of motion, allowing you to spread the legs and kick them forward and back.
  • Knees: The knees have a double-jointed design, allowing for deep bends and dynamic poses.
  • Ankles: The ankles can pivot and tilt, allowing the model to maintain its balance in various poses.
  • Wings: The wings have multiple points of articulation, allowing you to spread them wide or fold them in close.

Dynamic Posing

With its exceptional articulation, the MGSD Destiny Gundam can pull off a variety of dynamic poses. You can recreate iconic scenes from the anime or come up with your own action-packed poses. The sturdy joints ensure that the model can hold its poses without issue, even with the weight of the wings and weapons.

Weapons and Accessories

The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with a plethora of weapons and accessories, allowing you to customize its look and create different display options. The kit includes all of the Destiny Gundam's signature weapons, as well as some extra accessories for added flair.

Included Weapons

  • Long-Range Beam Cannon: The Destiny Gundam's signature long-range weapon is included in the kit. It's a massive cannon that attaches to the backpack and can be posed in various firing positions.
  • Beam Sword: The beam sword is another iconic weapon of the Destiny Gundam. The kit includes two beam sword blades, which can be attached to the hilts for melee combat poses.
  • Beam Rifle: The beam rifle is a versatile weapon that can be used for both ranged and close-quarters combat. The kit includes a detailed beam rifle with a removable energy pack.
  • Shield: The shield is a sturdy defensive weapon that can be attached to the arm. It features intricate detailing and can be posed in various blocking positions.
  • Beam Boomerang: The beam boomerang is a unique weapon that can be thrown at enemies. The kit includes two beam boomerangs, which can be attached to the shoulders.

Additional Accessories

  • Interchangeable Hands: The kit includes multiple sets of interchangeable hands, allowing you to pose the Destiny Gundam with different weapons and expressions.
  • Display Base: The kit comes with a custom display base that allows you to pose the Destiny Gundam in mid-air poses.

Pros and Cons

Now, let's weigh the pros and cons of the MGSD Destiny Gundam to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros

  • Exceptional Detail: The level of detail on this kit is astounding for an SD model. Bandai has packed in intricate mechanical details, panel lining, and surface textures that rival some Master Grades.
  • Impressive Articulation: The articulation is incredible, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. The sturdy joints ensure that the model can hold its poses without issue.
  • Excellent Color Separation: The color separation is top-notch, with parts molded in the correct colors. This means you can get a fantastic-looking model straight out of the box without needing to paint it.
  • Satisfying Build: The build process is challenging yet rewarding, offering a satisfying experience for Gunpla enthusiasts.
  • Unique Aesthetic: The SD proportions combined with the Master Grade detail create a unique aesthetic that stands out in any collection.
  • Abundant Accessories: The kit comes with a plethora of weapons and accessories, allowing you to customize the model's look and create different display options.

Cons

  • Complex Build: The build is more complex than your average SD kit, which may be daunting for beginners.
  • Time-Consuming: The build time is significant, around 8-12 hours, which may be a drawback for some builders.
  • Sticker Sheet: While the color separation is excellent, the kit still includes a sticker sheet for additional details. Some builders may prefer to paint these details instead.
  • Price: The MGSD Destiny Gundam is more expensive than your average SD kit, reflecting its complexity and detail.

Alternatives to the MGSD Destiny Gundam

If you're not completely sold on the MGSD Destiny Gundam, or if you're looking for alternatives, here are a few options to consider:

RG Destiny Gundam

The Real Grade (RG) Destiny Gundam is a fantastic option if you want a more realistic and detailed version of the mobile suit. The RG line is known for its intricate engineering and impressive articulation. The RG Destiny Gundam is a challenging but rewarding build, and the finished model looks stunning.

MG Destiny Gundam

The Master Grade (MG) Destiny Gundam is another excellent option if you want a larger and more detailed model. The MG version is one of the most popular Destiny Gundam kits, and it's known for its excellent proportions, articulation, and accessories. It's a more involved build than the MGSD, but the result is a truly impressive display piece.

HG Destiny Gundam

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the High Grade (HG) Destiny Gundam is a great choice. The HG version is simpler than the RG and MG versions, but it still captures the essence of the Destiny Gundam's design. It's an excellent kit for beginners, and it's a quick and easy build.

Where to Buy the MGSD Destiny Gundam

The MGSD Destiny Gundam is available at most online retailers that sell Gunpla kits. Some popular options include:

  • Amazon: Amazon is a great place to buy Gunpla kits, as they offer a wide selection and competitive prices.
  • eBay: eBay is another good option for finding Gunpla kits, especially if you're looking for older or rare models.
  • HobbyLink Japan: HobbyLink Japan is a Japanese retailer that specializes in Gunpla kits. They offer a wide selection of kits and ship internationally.
  • Gundam Planet: Gundam Planet is a US-based retailer that specializes in Gunpla kits. They offer a wide selection of kits and accessories.
  • Local Hobby Shops: Don't forget to check your local hobby shops! They may have the MGSD Destiny Gundam in stock, and you can support local businesses while you're at it.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the MGSD Destiny Gundam? In my opinion, it's a fantastic kit that's well worth the investment. The level of detail is astounding for an SD model, and the articulation is incredible. The build process is challenging but rewarding, and the finished model looks stunning. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love the SD style with a Master Grade level of detail, you won't be disappointed.

Who is this kit for?

  • Gunpla Enthusiasts: If you're a seasoned Gunpla builder, you'll appreciate the complexity and detail of this kit.
  • SD Gundam Fans: If you love the SD style, this kit is a must-have. It's one of the most detailed and articulated SD kits on the market.
  • Destiny Gundam Fans: If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam, you'll love this kit. It perfectly captures the essence of the mobile suit's design.

Is it worth buying?

Absolutely! The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a top-tier kit that offers a unique building experience and a stunning finished product. It's a bit pricey for an SD kit, but the quality and detail justify the cost.

Tips for Building the MGSD Destiny Gundam

Before you dive into building the MGSD Destiny Gundam, here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  1. Read the Instructions Carefully: The instructions are your best friend when building a Gunpla kit. Take your time to read them carefully and understand each step before you start building.
  2. Use Quality Tools: A good pair of nippers and a hobby knife are essential for building Gunpla kits. They'll help you cleanly remove the parts from the runners and clean up any nubs.
  3. Take Your Time: Don't rush the build process. Take your time and enjoy the experience. The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a complex kit, so it's important to be patient and methodical.
  4. Dry-Fit Parts: Before you snap any parts together, dry-fit them to make sure they fit properly. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth build.
  5. Panel Line: Panel lining is a great way to add depth and detail to your Gunpla kits. Use a fine-tipped panel liner to trace the panel lines on the parts. This will make them stand out and give the model a more realistic look.
  6. Use Stickers or Decals: The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with a sticker sheet for additional details. You can use these stickers to add extra markings and highlights to the model.
  7. Topcoat: A topcoat is a clear coat that you can apply to your Gunpla kits to protect the plastic and give them a more uniform finish. There are different types of topcoats available, such as matte, semi-gloss, and gloss.

Conclusion

The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a masterpiece of Gunpla engineering. It combines the cuteness of SD proportions with the intricate detail and articulation of a Master Grade. The build process is challenging but rewarding, and the finished model looks fantastic. If you're a Gunpla enthusiast, an SD Gundam fan, or a Destiny Gundam aficionado, this kit is a must-have for your collection. So go ahead, grab one, and let's build something awesome!