Kategori U-20

Reimagined: Mobile Suit Gundam

Nicolas Raia Khristanto

This build reimagines the RX-78-2 and Zeong as if engineered in a real-world context, emphasizing functional realism while preserving iconic silhouettes.

The reimagined RX-78-2 keeps the classic look but updates it with modern proportions. The build is based on the MG Strike Rogue Ootori, with extra parts kitbashed to replicate the blocky shape of RX-78-2. Some parts and mechanisms like the sliding thighs are fully scratch-built. The weathering reflects realistic environmental exposure, e.g. rust forms on chipped paint highlights the use of Ultra High Strength Steel, a real-world engineering material, in place of the fictional Luna Titanium.

Unlike the RX-78-2, the reimagined Zeong is a full redesign built around an unfinished, raw mechanical aesthetic. Exposed propellant tanks were added to make the large-scale thrust capacity more believable. The build combines parts from various Gunpla kits to recreate the Zeong's overall silhouette while emphasizing its heavy, experimental look. Weathering reflects the lore: the Zeong shows no rust as it has never entered Earth's atmosphere and has operated solely in space.

The diorama is fully scratch-built at an approximate scale of 1/2500, utilizing forced perspective to convey depth. The accompanying illustration of Amuro and Char features modernized costumes rendered in semi-greyscale to mimic manga look, ensuring focus remains on the RX-78-2 and the Zeong.

Much like the RX-78-2 and the Zeong, this build embodies a high-risk, high-reward experimental philosophy, an open challenge to fellow builders to push creative boundaries.