As time advances, so does technology. The same is true for Gunpla. The simplest High Grades today can challenge the most complicated Master Grades of the early age of Gunpla.

One of the most astounding examples of the development of Gunpla technology is the Real Grade Epyon.

Released in September of 2023, the Epyon is one of the more recent kits in Bandai’s lineup. Because of how young the kit is, it makes full use of modern-day model kit technology. Despite being a Real Grade, the kit is much more advanced than mid-generation Master Grades. 

As a current-generation Real Grade, the kit lacks the distinct single molded inner frames of the first generation. Instead, the inner frame is handmade like most current generation kits. This results in a stronger frame that lasts longer and oftentimes looks better.

The colors on this kit are absolutely magnificent and look even better in person. The dye used is bright and vibrant and really makes the kit pop, especially against some of the blander kits. The clear plastic pieces are also quite outstanding, adopting a lime green tone that catches the light nicely. The white is a very nice shade, similar to bone which gives the colors more depth. 

One of the highlights of this kit is the appearance. Colors were already discussed, but the shape and size are nothing to scoff at either. Every panel is etched with eye-catching detail and no part ever feels bland. The wings give it a silhouette with a powerful presence that is sure to catch the eye of even the most prestigious collectors. The sharp, pointy pieces also give the kit a menacing aura from any angle. 

Amazing display isn’t the only point in which the kit excels. The articulation and building experience are among the best. The joints are nice and tight, allowing collectors to strike a variety of dynamic poses. In addition, there is a wide range of motion, especially in the legs. The shoulder pads on the arms unfortunately do limit some movement in the upper half, but it can be worked around. 

In addition to all of this, this kit is amongst the few that can transform. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to share regarding this alternate mode. It’s kind of lackluster and boring, with most of the powerful vibe from the base form disappearing. It doesn’t make a very convincing dragon; in fact, it feels like a last-minute addition to the kit. Nothing much would be changed if the feature was removed entirely.

In summary, the Real Grade Epyon is an absolutely wonderful kit at an affordable price point. The kit was one of the most fun I’ve ever had building. It is a very refreshing build that breaks the mold of the run-of-the-mill Gundam kits, and is a must-buy for dedicated collectors.

Glossary:

• Inner Frame
  • Most modern kits have something called an Inner Frame, it basically acts as the Kits skeleton, housing all the joints and necessary mechanical detail, but you’ll typically only find these in Real Grade and above.

• Grades
  • Gundam model kits come in a ranking stage known as grades ranging in complexity and scale. Starting off, we have High Grade, followed by Real grade, Master Grade, and then finally Perfect Grade. The rules aren’t set in stone. A Real Grade can be more complicated than a Master Grade, but generally you should expect more complexity the higher up the list you go.

• Scale
  • Usually coinciding with Grades are Scale. In universe, the Gundams are massive, usually a few meters tall. Obviously that can’t really be replicated in the real world so the model kits are scaled down. High Grades and Real Grades are mostly 1/144 scale, Master Grades tend to be 1/100, and Perfect Grades are 1/60. Obviously outliers still do exist as with the grades, but most of the scales will line up with their respective Grades.

• Inner Frame
  • Most modern kits have something called an Inner Frame which basically acts as the kit’s skeleton, housing all the joints and necessary mechanical detail. You’ll typically only find these in Real Grade and above.