Bandai’s next entry in their 1/60 scale Perfect Grade(PG) model kit line is the Gundam Astray: Red Frame. Seen in the popular Gundam SEED ASTRAY: Red Frame manga, and short OVA(Original Video Animation), this design was well received by fans. Piloted by Lowe Guele of the Junk Guild, the suit is a variant of the Gundam ASTRAY clad in red, and amongst other weaponry, is armed with a katana called the Gerbera Straight. Fans have been waiting for an updated model of the ASTRAY Red Frame, as the only kit to be produced so far is the High Grade(HG) 1/100 model kit, which was produced a few years ago. The PG version is definitely a huge step up, and worthy of a place in the line.
A side story of Gundam Seed, the Gundam Seed Astray:Red story has been told through a manga series, and a short OVA. This model is the newest addition announced for Bandai's Perfect Grade model kit line. Click herer to check it out!
I'm familiar with the series, and it seemed pretty cool. Astray was never one of my favorite models from Gundam Seed, but I appreciated it for its lack of superhero-esque extras(like Freedom Gundam).
I must admit I'm surprised a perfect grade of Astray is coming out though. It doesn't seem like it's popular enough to be made at that scale. Then again, it does have like 10-15 different variations. Cool either way!
Maybe I'll have to check out the OVA. I still have yet to build a PG model myself. I really like MG and that's where I've stayed. Although certain mobile suits might get me to dish out the cash...
I also preferred the Astray manga over the main series. Lowe is an awesome character and his Astray with its ever improving array of weaponry and signature katana stands as one of my personal favourite Mobile Suits. The fact Lowe wins his fights based on wits, ingenuity and the occasional "hey look what I threw together in my spare time" gizmo makes him so much more fun to follow than Kira or Shinn. Plus his attitude is a breath of fresh air.
Bandai Hobbysite has a page for the PG Astray up:
BANDAI HOBBYSITE | IIuPGK_AXgCbht[v
... and prototype pics:
http://bandai-hobby.net/pg_astray/PGastrayRF_A3_web.pdf
Whoever added the pic to my news post, thanks!
I don't know about anyone else, but I can't read "Astray" without mentally editing it to say "Ashtray".
Man, I wish i had the skills to build a Perfect Grade.
Let alone a master grade.
So as much as I love Astray i'm still gonna have to pass.
April Hobby Japan Scan
Full Thread: PG ASTRAY Red Frame
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