MGSD Destiny Gundam: Review, Build, And More!

Hey guys! Let's dive into the MGSD Destiny Gundam, a kit that's been making waves in theGunpla community. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love a solid model kit, you're in for a treat. We're going to cover everything from the unboxing to the final build, highlighting the kit's features, articulation, and overall awesomeness. So, grab your nippers and let's get started!

What Makes the MGSD Destiny Gundam Stand Out?

The MGSD (Master Grade Super Deformed) line is known for blending the detail and engineering of Master Grade kits with the cuteness of Super Deformed designs. The Destiny Gundam is no exception. This kit is a fantastic representation of the iconic mobile suit, packing in a ton of features and articulation into a compact form. From its sharp, aggressive styling to its impressive range of motion, the MGSD Destiny Gundam is a standout in the SD category.

One of the main draws of this kit is its incredible level of detail. Despite being an SD, it boasts intricate panel lines, molded details, and color separation that rivals some larger scale kits. This means you get a visually stunning model straight out of the box, without needing to rely heavily on painting. The designers have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the Destiny Gundam, from its V-fin to its signature wings.

Another highlight is the articulation. The MGSD line is known for its impressive range of motion, and the Destiny Gundam doesn't disappoint. It features a wide range of joints that allow for dynamic poses, making it a blast to display. You can recreate iconic scenes from the anime or come up with your own action-packed setups. The kit includes multiple hands for holding various weapons and accessories, adding to the posing possibilities. The well-engineered joints also ensure stability, so you won't have to worry about your Destiny Gundam toppling over.

Building the MGSD Destiny Gundam is also a satisfying experience. The parts fit together snugly, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Even if you're new to Gunpla, you'll find this kit to be a manageable and enjoyable build. The kit's construction is designed to be both sturdy and fun, making it a great project for builders of all skill levels. The inner frame is particularly impressive, providing a solid foundation for the outer armor and contributing to the kit's overall stability.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first get your hands on the MGSD Destiny Gundam box, you'll immediately notice the vibrant artwork and the sheer amount of plastic inside. The box is packed with runners, each molded in a different color to accurately represent the Destiny Gundam's striking color scheme. You'll find runners for the white armor, the blue accents, the red highlights, and the gray inner frame parts. The color separation is excellent, reducing the need for painting and making the build process more straightforward.

The parts are molded in high-quality plastic with crisp details and minimal flash. The undergating on many of the parts is a nice touch, as it helps to hide nub marks and maintain a clean finish. The kit includes clear parts for the eyes and various effect parts, adding to the overall visual appeal. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated, making it easy to follow along, even if you're not fluent in Japanese. The use of color-coded diagrams and step-by-step instructions ensures a smooth building experience.

In addition to the plastic runners, the kit comes with a sheet of stickers and dry transfers. These add extra details and markings to the model, such as panel lines and faction symbols. Applying these can be a bit fiddly, but the end result is worth the effort. The kit also includes a small sheet of metallic stickers for the eyes, which really make them pop. The overall presentation of the kit is top-notch, making it feel like a premium product right out of the box.

The Build Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building the MGSD Destiny Gundam is a rewarding experience, thanks to the kit's well-engineered parts and clear instructions. Let's walk through the build process step by step:

1. Organizing the Parts: Start by sorting the runners and identifying the parts you'll need for each section of the model. This will save you time and frustration later on. You can use small containers or trays to keep the parts organized. Labeling the containers can also be helpful, especially if you're working on multiple sections at once.

2. Cutting and Trimming: Use a pair of nippers to carefully remove the parts from the runners. Cut close to the part to minimize nub marks. Then, use a hobby knife or sandpaper to clean up any remaining plastic. Taking your time with this step will ensure a cleaner finish. For parts with undergates, carefully cut away the gate and sand it down until it's flush with the surface.

3. Assembling the Inner Frame: The inner frame is the skeleton of the model and provides the foundation for the outer armor. Follow the instructions to assemble the frame, paying close attention to the orientation of the parts. The inner frame is designed to allow for a wide range of motion, so make sure all the joints are moving smoothly. This is a crucial step, as the inner frame affects the overall stability and articulation of the model.

4. Attaching the Armor: Once the inner frame is complete, you can start attaching the outer armor pieces. The armor is designed to snap onto the frame, but you may need to apply a bit of pressure to ensure a secure fit. Be careful not to force the parts, as this could damage them. The color separation is excellent, so the armor pieces will look great even without painting. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any mistakes.

5. Adding Details: After attaching the armor, it's time to add the details, such as the stickers and dry transfers. These add extra markings and panel lines to the model, enhancing its appearance. Use tweezers to apply the stickers and a cotton swab to rub down the dry transfers. If you're using panel line accent color, apply it before adding the stickers and dry transfers. This will make the panel lines stand out more.

6. Final Assembly: Finally, attach the weapons and accessories, such as the beam rifle, shield, and beam sabers. The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with a variety of weapons and effect parts, so you can pose it in a variety of ways. Make sure all the parts are securely attached before displaying your model. You can also add a layer of topcoat to protect the finish and add a matte or gloss sheen.

Key Features and Articulation

The MGSD Destiny Gundam shines when it comes to features and articulation. This kit is designed to be both visually impressive and incredibly poseable, making it a standout in the SD category.

One of the most striking features of the Destiny Gundam is its wings. The MGSD version captures the iconic design beautifully, with sharp angles and intricate details. The wings are fully articulated, allowing you to adjust their position and create dynamic poses. Each wing consists of multiple segments that can be independently adjusted, providing a wide range of display options. The clear effect parts that attach to the wings add an extra layer of visual appeal, especially when displayed under light.

The kit's articulation is another highlight. The joints are designed to allow for a wide range of motion, so you can recreate iconic poses from the anime or come up with your own action-packed setups. The head can swivel and tilt, the shoulders have a wide range of motion, and the elbows and knees can bend significantly. The waist can also rotate, allowing for dynamic poses. The kit includes multiple hands for holding various weapons and accessories, adding to the posing possibilities. The well-engineered joints also ensure stability, so you won't have to worry about your Destiny Gundam toppling over.

In terms of weapons, the MGSD Destiny Gundam comes fully equipped. It includes the iconic beam rifle, beam sabers, and shield. The beam rifle is molded in multiple parts, allowing for a detailed and realistic appearance. The beam sabers can be attached to the hips when not in use, and the beam effects are molded in clear plastic. The shield features intricate details and can be mounted on the arm. The kit also includes the Arondight beam sword, which can be posed in its stowed or deployed state. The variety of weapons and accessories allows for a wide range of display options and adds to the overall playability of the kit.

Posing and Displaying Your MGSD Destiny Gundam

Once you've completed your MGSD Destiny Gundam, the fun doesn't stop there. This kit is designed to be posed and displayed, allowing you to showcase its impressive articulation and details.

Start by experimenting with different poses. The MGSD Destiny Gundam's wide range of motion makes it easy to recreate iconic scenes from the anime or come up with your own dynamic setups. Try posing it with its beam rifle, beam sabers, or Arondight beam sword. The kit's stability allows for action-packed poses without worrying about it toppling over. You can also use the included effect parts to add extra visual flair to your displays.

Consider using a display base to elevate your MGSD Destiny Gundam and create more dynamic poses. There are many different types of display bases available, from simple stands to more elaborate setups with adjustable arms. A display base can help you achieve more dramatic poses and make your model stand out. You can also use multiple display bases to create a diorama or display multiple Gunpla kits together.

Lighting can also enhance the appearance of your MGSD Destiny Gundam. Consider using LED lights to illuminate the model and highlight its details. You can use spotlights to create dramatic shadows or ambient lighting to create a softer effect. Backlighting the model can also create a striking silhouette. Experiment with different lighting techniques to find what works best for your display.

When displaying your MGSD Destiny Gundam, consider the background and surroundings. A clean and uncluttered background will help the model stand out. You can also use props and accessories to create a more immersive display. For example, you could use a backdrop of space or a cityscape to create a sense of scale and drama. You can also add other Gunpla kits or figures to create a diorama.

Final Thoughts: Is the MGSD Destiny Gundam Worth It?

So, is the MGSD Destiny Gundam worth the hype? Absolutely! This kit is a fantastic addition to any Gunpla collection, offering a perfect blend of detail, articulation, and fun.

The MGSD line has consistently impressed with its ability to pack the engineering and detail of Master Grade kits into a Super Deformed form, and the Destiny Gundam is a prime example of this. The kit's sharp, aggressive styling is faithfully recreated, and the color separation is excellent, making for a visually stunning model straight out of the box. The intricate panel lines, molded details, and clear parts all contribute to its premium feel.

But it's not just about looks. The MGSD Destiny Gundam also boasts impressive articulation. The wide range of motion in the joints allows for dynamic poses, and the kit includes multiple hands and weapons for even more posing possibilities. The well-engineered joints ensure stability, so you can confidently display your model in a variety of action-packed setups.

The build process is also a highlight. The parts fit together snugly, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Even if you're new to Gunpla, you'll find this kit to be a manageable and enjoyable project. The inner frame is particularly impressive, providing a solid foundation for the outer armor and contributing to the kit's overall stability.

If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love a well-designed model kit, the MGSD Destiny Gundam is a must-have. It's a great value for the price, offering a premium building experience and a stunning final product. Whether you're a seasoned Gunpla builder or just starting out, you'll find something to love about this kit. So go ahead, grab one and experience the awesomeness of the MGSD Destiny Gundam for yourself!