What is GUNDAM?

We are excited for all the interest in the Gundam TCG and the Edition Beta Trial Event! We are now showing up on the listing of stores that will have the event, but we are waiting for the final details and confirmation that come from Bandai on December 1st. After that, we will know how we will handle our sign-ups and the final date of our event. 

We have received overwhelming interest in this event and the future of Gundam TCG. To keep in the loop for this event and beyond, please fill out the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_e8pdTyqWIcSutye9UAk0TUAfb68J3njz71tbEzfZOgYQGQ/viewform 

But, what is Gundam? 

If you’re anything like me, you probably thought Gundam was just a name for a type of mecha anime that had big, stompy mech suits. I was wrong, though. Gundam is a specific anime series that began in 1979 with a show called “Mobile Suit Gundam. From that show, a whole universe spawned, the Universal Century Timeline. Needless to say, it’s a universe rich in lore and characters; it even has alternate timelines! According to the Gundam website, an excellent source of information if you’re just starting your Gundam journey, 

The "Gundam Series" encompasses various world settings. While each of them has its own settings, some of them are closely related to multiple series, with battles unique to their timeline. The series has gained popularity not just as an excellent science fiction title but with their intricate story expressed through animation. (https://en.gundam.info/what-is-gundam/) 

Some of you might be familiar with GUNPLA, the not-so-mini, 1/144 mech models, well, there’s a show for that, too! 

A series that puts a spotlight on GUNPLA, the plastic models inspired by the Gundam series and sold by Bandai. Unlike previous Gundam series, it takes place in a setting that is more akin to our present-day world and focuses on characters who build GUNPLA and fight battles in their own original mobile suits. The focus on adolescence and friendship also sets it apart from other Gundam series. (https://en.gundam.info/what-is-gundam/) 

GUNPLA is a great hobby since it tends to be more affordable than miniature sets or games. They’re also easy to build! Most Gundam sets snap together and don’t require glue or a mold line scraper or file. (Of course, you can use them to make it more stable and tidy up errant lines, but it’s not required.)

As you start your Gundam journey, the official site has a flowchart you can use to find a show to start watching! I was recommended Mobile Suit Gundam Twilight AXIS. I’ve linked in below so you can start your Gundam journey, too! (https://en.gundam.info/content/flowchart/)

As we get closer to the Edition Beta Trial Event at the end of the year (and the full release of the TCG sometime in Q2 of 2025), we’ll update you with details as soon as we have them. There’s already been a lot of excitement surrounding this release, and we only expect that to grow as we get closer to the full release!