MGSD Destiny Gundam: A Detailed Review & Build Guide

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Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MGSD Destiny Gundam, a kit that has been generating a lot of buzz in the Gunpla community. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love awesome model kits, you're in the right place. We'll cover everything from the unboxing experience to the final build, highlighting the pros, cons, and everything in between. So, grab your nippers, and let's get started!

What is MGSD?

Before we jump into the specifics of the Destiny Gundam, let's quickly talk about what MGSD stands for. MGSD, or Master Grade Super Deformed, is Bandai's newest line of Gunpla that combines the detail and articulation of a Master Grade with the cute, stylized proportions of a Super Deformed kit. This fusion results in a unique building experience and a final product that’s both impressive and adorable. The MGSD line aims to bridge the gap between different Gunpla scales, offering something fresh for both seasoned builders and newcomers to the hobby. With its innovative design and engineering, MGSD kits promise a satisfying build and a striking display piece. The Destiny Gundam is the second kit in this line, following the immensely popular Freedom Gundam, and it has some big shoes to fill. So, let's see if it lives up to the hype!

First Impressions: Unboxing the MGSD Destiny Gundam

Okay, so the box art alone is enough to get any Gunpla fan excited. The dynamic pose of the Destiny Gundam, with its wings spread wide and beam rifle in hand, is seriously eye-catching. But what's inside the box is even more impressive. You're greeted with multiple runners of high-quality plastic, molded in vibrant colors that perfectly capture the Destiny Gundam's iconic look. The sheer amount of detail on these parts is incredible, especially considering this is an SD kit. You'll find intricate panel lines, sharp edges, and a ton of mechanical details just begging to be brought to life.

One of the first things you'll notice is the variety of plastic colors and finishes. Bandai has really gone the extra mile here, using different shades of white, grey, and red to create visual interest and depth. There are even some metallic parts included, which add a premium feel to the kit. The undergating on many of the pieces is also a welcome addition, minimizing those unsightly nub marks and making the cleanup process a breeze. The instruction manual is, as always with Bandai kits, clear, concise, and easy to follow. Even if you're a beginner, you shouldn't have any trouble navigating the steps. And speaking of beginners, this kit is surprisingly accessible, despite its intricate design. The parts are well-engineered and snap together with satisfying clicks, making the building process smooth and enjoyable. So far, so good! The unboxing experience definitely sets a high bar for what's to come.

The Build Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the fun part: building the MGSD Destiny Gundam! The build is divided into several sections, starting with the inner frame, which is a marvel of engineering in itself. This inner frame is the skeleton of the kit, providing articulation and support for the outer armor. It's also where you'll start to appreciate the level of detail packed into this kit. Even the parts that will eventually be hidden are intricately sculpted and molded. Assembling the legs is a particularly rewarding experience. The multi-jointed design allows for an incredible range of motion, and the way the parts fit together is just so satisfying. You'll start to see the Destiny Gundam's dynamic silhouette taking shape, and it's a really cool moment.

The torso section is where things get even more interesting. The chest armor features multiple layers and panels, creating a sense of depth and complexity. The head is another highlight, with its sharp V-fin and menacing eyes. The clear parts used for the eyes really stand out, and the overall design captures the Destiny Gundam's fierce look perfectly. Once you've completed the main body, it's time to move on to the wings. And these are no ordinary wings, guys. They're huge, imposing, and packed with detail. Each wing is made up of multiple sections that can be posed independently, allowing for a wide range of dynamic displays. Attaching the wings to the back is a bit tricky, but the end result is totally worth it. The completed MGSD Destiny Gundam looks absolutely stunning, with its wings spread wide and its powerful stance.

Key Features and Articulation

One of the most impressive aspects of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is its articulation. This kit is seriously poseable, thanks to its advanced inner frame and multi-jointed design. You can recreate all sorts of dynamic action poses from the anime, and the kit feels solid and stable in any position. The head has a wide range of motion, allowing you to angle it in various directions for expressive poses. The shoulders can swing forward and backward, and the arms have double-jointed elbows for maximum flexibility. The hands are also articulated, with individual fingers that can be posed independently. This allows you to create some really expressive hand gestures, adding even more personality to your display. The legs are equally impressive, with double-jointed knees and ankles that provide excellent stability. The feet can also pivot and tilt, ensuring that the kit remains grounded even in extreme poses. The wings, as we mentioned earlier, are also highly articulated. Each wing section can be posed independently, allowing you to create a variety of dynamic wing configurations. Whether you want to display the Destiny Gundam with its wings fully extended or folded back, this kit can do it all. Overall, the articulation of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is top-notch, making it a joy to pose and display. It truly captures the dynamic and powerful nature of the Destiny Gundam.

Accessories and Weaponry

The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with a plethora of weapons and accessories, allowing you to equip it for any battle scenario. The iconic beam rifle is included, and it features intricate detailing and a realistic design. It fits snugly in the Destiny Gundam's hands, and you can even attach it to the hip armor when not in use. The beam sabers are another highlight, with clear pink blades that look fantastic. The Destiny Gundam can dual-wield these beam sabers, creating some seriously epic poses. The shield is also included, and it features a unique design with sharp edges and intricate panel lines. It can be mounted on the Destiny Gundam's arm, providing additional defense.

But the real showstopper is the Arondight beam sword. This massive weapon is the Destiny Gundam's signature armament, and it looks absolutely incredible in MGSD form. The blade is molded in a metallic silver color, and the handle is intricately detailed. Wielding the Arondight beam sword, the Destiny Gundam looks like an unstoppable force. In addition to the weapons, the kit also includes a variety of hands for different poses and weapon-holding configurations. You get closed fists, open hands, and hands specifically designed for holding the beam rifle and beam sabers. This allows you to fine-tune the Destiny Gundam's pose and create a truly dynamic display. Overall, the accessories and weaponry included with the MGSD Destiny Gundam are top-notch, adding even more value to this already impressive kit.

Pros and Cons of the MGSD Destiny Gundam

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the MGSD Destiny Gundam. This will help you make an informed decision about whether this kit is right for you.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Detail: For an SD kit, the level of detail on the MGSD Destiny Gundam is mind-blowing. The intricate panel lines, sharp edges, and mechanical details are truly impressive.
  • Amazing Articulation: This kit is incredibly poseable, thanks to its advanced inner frame and multi-jointed design. You can recreate a wide range of dynamic action poses.
  • Vibrant Colors and Finishes: Bandai has used a variety of plastic colors and finishes to create visual interest and depth. The metallic parts add a premium feel to the kit.
  • Wide Range of Accessories: The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with a plethora of weapons and accessories, including the beam rifle, beam sabers, shield, and Arondight beam sword.
  • Relatively Easy to Build: Despite its intricate design, this kit is surprisingly accessible, even for beginners. The parts are well-engineered and snap together with satisfying clicks.

Cons:

  • Stickers: While the color separation on this kit is excellent, there are still some stickers required for certain details. Some builders may prefer to paint these details instead.
  • Wing Attachment: Attaching the wings to the back can be a bit tricky, requiring some patience and careful maneuvering.
  • Price: The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a bit more expensive than your average SD kit. However, the level of detail and engineering justifies the price.

Overall, the pros of the MGSD Destiny Gundam far outweigh the cons. This is a truly exceptional kit that offers a rewarding building experience and a stunning final product. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love awesome Gunpla, this kit is definitely worth checking out.

Final Thoughts: Is the MGSD Destiny Gundam Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the MGSD Destiny Gundam worth it? In my opinion, absolutely! This kit is a masterpiece of engineering, combining the detail and articulation of a Master Grade with the charm of a Super Deformed kit. The building experience is smooth and enjoyable, and the final product is simply stunning. The level of detail on this kit is incredible, especially considering its size. The articulation is also top-notch, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. And the accessories and weaponry are the icing on the cake, adding even more value to this already impressive package.

If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam, this kit is a must-have. It perfectly captures the essence of this iconic mobile suit, with its sharp lines, powerful stance, and imposing wings. But even if you're not a huge fan of the Destiny Gundam, I still highly recommend this kit. It's a fantastic example of what Gunpla can be, pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. The MGSD line is proving to be a real game-changer in the Gunpla world, and the Destiny Gundam is a shining example of its potential. So, if you're looking for a challenging but rewarding build, a stunning display piece, and a whole lot of fun, the MGSD Destiny Gundam is the kit for you. Go grab one, and happy building!