If you’ve spent any time at all around hobby communities recently, you’ve probably noticed one thing – Gunpla is absolutely exploding in popularity. What was once a niche hobby for hardcore anime fans has become one of the fastest-growing parts of the model kit world and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
From classic series like Mobile Suit Gundam Wing and Gundam Wing Endless Waltz through to modern favourites like Gundam Seed, Seed Destiny, Gundam 00, and Gundam Witch From Mercury, Gundam has managed to stay relevant for decades while constantly bringing new fans into the hobby.
At Bomran we are watching it unfold in real time, as so many of you are coming through our doors as your local Gundam stockist. Whether you’re completely new to Gunpla, a returning collector from the Toonami era, or an experienced builder looking for your next Master Grade project, there has genuinely never been a better time to get into Mobile Suit Gundam model kits.
What Exactly Is Gunpla?
For anyone new to the hobby, Gunpla is short for “Gundam Plastic Model”. These kits are produced by Bandai and cover the huge range of mobile suits seen throughout the Mobile Suit Gundam universe.
Unlike traditional scale model kits – modern Gunpla is designed to be approachable. Most kits use snap-fit assembly, this means glue isnt usually required and the colour separation straight out of the box is honestly impressive. Even beginner-friendly Entry Grade and High Grade kits can look fantastic with minimal effort.
That accessibility is a massive part of the rise of Gunpla. A newcomer can pick up an affordable High Grade kit and build something display-worthy in an evening. While experienced hobbyists can spend weeks customising Master Grade and Perfect Grade kits with weathering, decals, airbrushing, LEDs and battle damage.
It’s one of the few hobbies where beginners and veteran builders can enjoy the exact same franchise in completely different ways.
Why Mobile Suit Gundam Still Matters
Part of what makes Gunpla so appealing is the sheer depth of the Gundam universe itself. Mobile Suit Gundam isn’t just one anime series – it’s an enormous sci-fi franchise spanning generations.
Fans who grew up watching Mobile Suit Gundam Wing love the iconic suits like Wing Zero EW and Deathscythe Hell from Gundam Wing Endless Waltz. Meanwhile newer audiences likely have discovered the franchise through series like Gundam Witch From Mercury, which has brought a renewed interest into the hobby.
You also have the massive popularity of Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny, which inspire some of the most popular kits Bandai produces today. Kits like Freedom Gundam, Strike Gundam, Infinite Justice and Destiny Gundam remain incredibly sought-after among collectors and builders alike.
Of course, you can’t talk about modern Gundam popularity without mentioning Gundam 00. Exia, Dynames, Kyrios and Virtue are still fan favourites years after the series aired and they translate brilliantly into Gunpla form.
The best thing is that each series brings its own aesthetic style to the table. Some fans love the military feel of Universal Century Gundam, while others prefer the high-speed designs from Gundam Seed or the angelic styling of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, there really are limitless options available.
There’s genuinely something for everyone.
The Rise of Gunpla in the UK
For years, Gunpla felt difficult to find in the UK unless you relied on imports or specialist hobby stores. That’s changed massively.
The rise of online hobby communities, YouTube builders, TikTok painting videos and games like Gundam Evolution and Gundam Battle Alliance has helped introduce an entirely new audience to Gunpla.
What’s interesting is that many people discovering Gunpla today aren’t even longtime anime fans. Some arrive through gaming. Others come from Warhammer, scale modelling or tabletop hobbies and realise Gunpla scratches a completely different itch.
There’s also a growing appreciation for just how relaxing the hobby can be. Sitting down with a pair of nippers, clipping parts from runners and slowly watching a mobile suit come together is weirdly therapeutic.
Once you build your first kit, it’s very easy to understand the rise of Gunpla.
Best Gundam Series for New Builders
One of the questions we hear all the time at Bomran is:
“What Gundam series should I start with?”
Honestly, there’s no wrong answer, but a few series consistently bring people into the hobby.
Gundam Seed and Seed Destiny
Gundam Seed remains one of the biggest gateways into Gunpla collecting. The designs are clean, modern and incredibly stylish.
Strike Gundam, Freedom Gundam, Aegis Gundam, Destiny Gundam and Infinite Justice Gundam are all massively popular kits that look fantastic on display.
The recent popularity resurgence of Gundam Seed has also helped push Bandai to release updated versions of classic kits, giving both collectors and beginners plenty of choice.
Gundam Wing Endless Waltz
If you grew up in the UK during the late 90s or early 2000s, there’s a good chance Mobile Suit Gundam Wing was your introduction to the franchise.
The Endless Waltz redesigns are still some of the most iconic mobile suit designs ever created. Wing Zero Custom, Heavyarms Custom, Shenlong, Sandrock and Deathscythe Hell continue to dominate Gunpla collections worldwide.
Even now, Gundam Wing Endless Waltz kits are some of the most visually striking models you can put on a shelf.
Gundam 00
Gundam 00 brought a more modern cinematic feel to the franchise and introduced some incredibly popular mobile suits.
The Exia in particular has become an essential build for many collectors. Whether you choose a simple High Grade or go for an advanced Master Grade version, it’s one of those kits that will always look impressive.
Gundam Witch From Mercury
Gundam Witch From Mercury has been one of the biggest modern success stories for Bandai.
The Aerial became an instant favourite among builders thanks to its incredible design and fantastic High Grade kit. For many newer hobbyists, Witch From Mercury was their first proper introduction to Gunpla.
It also helped bring more casual anime fans into the hobby scene.
Choosing the Right Gunpla Grade
One of the things that can initially confuse newcomers is the different Gunpla grades.
Entry Grade
Perfect for absolute beginners. Minimal tools required, straightforward assembly, and surprisingly impressive detail.
High Grade (HG)
Probably the best starting point for most people. Affordable, fun to build and available for almost every major Gundam series.
Real Grade (RG)
Smaller scale kits packed with incredible detail and articulation. These can be slightly more advanced but look amazing once completed.
Master Grade (MG)
This is where many collectors eventually end up. Larger kits with detailed inner frames, better articulation and look fantastic on the shelf.
Perfect Grade (PG)
The premium experience. Large, highly detailed and designed for experienced builders who want a true centrepiece model.
Building Your Gundam Kits Collection
One of the best things about Gunpla is how quickly a single build can turn into a full Gundam kits collection.
It usually starts innocently enough.
You build one High Grade kit because you liked the anime.
Then you decide your shelf would look better with a matching rival mobile suit.
Then you discover Master Grades.
Before long you’ve got an entire display dedicated to Gundam Seed, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, or Universal Century designs.
The collecting aspect is a huge part of the hobby’s appeal. Some builders focus on a single timeline. Others collect favourite pilots or iconic rival suits. Some hobbyists love custom painting and weathering, while others prefer clean straight-build displays.
There’s no “correct” way to enjoy Gunpla.
Why Buy Gunpla From a UK Gunpla Store?
A lot of UK hobbyists still assume they need to import kits directly from Japan or rely entirely on Shop Bandai.
The reality is that finding a reliable UK Gunpla store makes the hobby much easier.
At Bomran, we’ve been steadily expanding our Gundam range to include kits for beginners, collectors and experienced builders alike. From affordable SD Gundam and High Grade kits through to detailed Master Grade releases, we’re building a range designed for all levels of the hobby.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend build or a centrepiece project for your collection – having a dedicated UK-based gunpla store means:
- Faster delivery
- No unexpected import fees
- Easier access to new releases
- UK customer support
- Reliable stock availability
We also understand the hobby because we genuinely enjoy it ourselves.
That matters. Also if you want to come down and take a look before you buy, you can buy instore from our location in Thurrock, Essex. There is plenty of free parking in the town centre if you are travelling from a little further afield. We regualrly have people come down from London and Kent which are only a short drive away.
Why the Future of Gunpla Looks Bigger Than Ever
Honestly, it feels like we’re only at the beginning of the current Gunpla boom.
The success of Gundam Witch From Mercury, the continued popularity of Gundam Seed, modern games like Gundam Battle Alliance, and the constant visibility of builders online have helped push Gunpla into the mainstream in a way we’ve never really seen before.
Even people who have never watched a full Gundam series are discovering the satisfaction of building these kits.
The rise of Gunpla isn’t slowing down any time soon.
And if you’ve been thinking about starting your first Mobile Suit Gundam kit, now is probably the perfect time.
Explore Gundam Model Kits at Bomran
If you’re looking for a UK Gunpla store with a growing range of Gundam model kits – Here at Bomran stock everything from beginner-friendly SD Gundam kits through to detailed Master Grade releases.
Our current range includes kits inspired by:
- Gundam Seed
- Seed Destiny
- Gundam 00
- Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
- Gundam Wing Endless Waltz
- Gundam Witch From Mercury
Whether you’re completely new to the hobby or an experienced builder expanding your Gundam kits collection, there’s always another mobile suit waiting for a place on the shelf.
FAQ – Gundam Model Kits and Gunpla
What is Gunpla?
Gunpla is the nickname used for Gundam plastic model kits produced by Bandai. The name comes from combining “Gundam” and “plastic model”.
Are Gundam model kits good for beginners?
Yes. Many modern Gunpla kits are designed specifically for beginners and use snap-fit assembly, meaning glue is usually not required.
What is the best Gundam series for beginners?
Many new fans start with Gundam Seed, Gundam Witch From Mercury, Gundam 00, or Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
What tools do I need for Gunpla?
Most beginners only need a basic pair of hobby nippers. More advanced builders may also use sanding sticks, panel liners, and hobby knives.
Where can I buy Gundam model kits in the UK?
Bomran stocks a growing range of Gunpla and Gundam model kits in the UK and we deliver nationwide. Based in Thurrock we are easily accessible if you live in Essex, Kent or London.
What is the difference between High Grade and Master Grade Gunpla?
High Grade kits are smaller and simpler to build, while Master Grade kits are larger, more detailed, and usually include an internal frame.
Is Gunpla worth collecting?
Absolutely. Many hobbyists build long-term Gundam kits collections focused on favourite anime series, mobile suits, or grades.
