MG 1/100 NARRATIVE GUNDAM C-PACKS Ver.Ka
MESSAGE from Hajime Katoki
Since Narrative Gundam is the protagonist's unit of "Mobile Suit Gundam UC" side story, it was obvious that it would be equipped with Psycho Frame. However, Narrative Gundam appeared later than ν Gundam and Unicorn Gundam, and it is from side story. As a result of thinking about how to make the character stand out in such a position, two concepts were born: "Psycho Frame is appropriated from Unicorn Gundam" (It was born from the both aspects of making the settings add up and the specifications as a plastic model kit.) and "Core Block System equipped type MS" (Due to a desire to see and draw Core Fighter in this era.). From a model kit gimmick standpoint, these two points will be the key to this Ver.Ka. I feel that the best and latest gunpla technology has been put into both.
Hajime Katoki
ABOUT
Ver.Ka's Unchanging Attitude Towards Projects [Challenges and Exploration]
Addressing the Lineage
of Psycho-Frames and Core Fighters
to Fully Reproduce the Immersive World of the Series
MG Ver.Ka
What is MASTER GRADE Ver.Ka?
This is a Master Grade Brand
managed by designer Hajime Katoki.
This is a Master Grade Brand managed by Hajime Katoki, who handles the concept designs for plastic model kits such as MG and HG kits.
Hajime Katoki and the BANDAI SPIRITS Hobby Division have teamed up to take on new challenges while developing each kit. Hajime Katoki’s supervision spans from elements such as the color of the plastic parts to the designs of the marking decals. The product photos, package illustrations, and instruction manual are also manufactured under the direction of Hajime Katoki.
EVOLUTION
The Creation of Psycho-Frames and their Effect on the Universal Century
-
U.C.0093
Axis Shock
MG 1/100
ν GUNDAM Ver.Ka
This was the first time Gundam-type MS equipped with Psycommu. It adopted Psycho-Frame, a special alloy with the functions of Psycommu. At the end of the Second Neo Zeon War, the ν Gundam led Mobile Suits from both its enemy and allies, who had come together to push back Axis, which was on a collision course for Earth. This miraculous phenomenon later came to be called the Axis Shock, and it is said that rainbow-colored light was emitted from the ν Gundam. -
U.C.0096
Laplace Incident
MG 1/100
UNICORN GUNDAM
Ver.Ka Unicorn Gundam 01 was the first unit and one of the three prototype Mobile Suits to be developed under the UC Project. Its movable frame consists of Psycho-Frame materials, and it exhibits extraordinarily high maneuverability when in Destroy Mode. As its pilot, Banagher Links, awakened as a Newtype during the battle against Neo Zeon remnants known as The Sleeves, Unicorn Gundam 01 also displayed abilities that exceeded its mechanical specifications. -
U.C.0097
Operation Phoenix Hunt
MG 1/100
NARRATIVE GUNDAM
C-PACKS Ver.Ka The Narrative Gundam was originally developed as a machine to test Psycho-Frames. It was refurbished and deployed by Luio & Co. during Operation Phoenix Hunt. The C-Packs was a loadout hastily put together and was not part of its original plan. Jona took off on the Narrative Gundam equipped with the C-Packs to stop the II Neo Zeong that was going out of control at the Helium-3 Storage Base within Side 6, and engaged in combat alongside the Phenex.
RESEARCH
POINT.01Psycho-Frame:
A Pursuit of Ideal Designs
and Gimmicks
The Narrative Gundam C-Packs is a configuration where Psycho-Frame for the RX-0 is attached to various sections as exterior armor.
The thickness of the clear parts for this Ver.Ka kit was adjusted and details have been engraved in both the front and back to create three-dimensional designs with a sense of depth. They reflect light like crystal glass when seen from different angles.
Supervisions were made to the Psycho-Frames that are to be attached to the upper section of the shoulders. Instructions were given to change and add 0.15 mm wide lines and a height difference of 0.15 mm to the details originally engraved on the mold cavity (the concave side of the mold), as well as orders to add stair-like steps on the back.
These are drafts for details for the Psycho-Frame parts that are to be attached to the chest. Instructions were given to create the block shown in pink without a sloped surface and to add a slope on the back. It can be seen that the details do not consist of simple repeating patterns.
POINT.02Core Fighter:
Motif and Recreation
of the Transformation
This MS has a Core Block System that was not adopted by other Mobile Suits equipped with Psycho-Frames such as the ν Gundam, Sinanju Stein, and Unicorn Gundam. The main wings of this Core Fighter resemble those of birds, which are symbolic elements of the story.
Cockpit Hatch Opening Gimmicks
In the scene where the Narrative Gundam is undergoing maintenance, its true form is revealed as the A-Pack components are gradually removed, and the cockpit hatch opens up. The hatch on the MS section and the canopy for the Core Block on this Ver.Ka kit can also be opened.
Core Block
Core Fighter
The nose, main wings, and tail are deployed when the Core Block transforms into the Core Fighter. The colors and the design of the nose are reminiscent of the Core Fighter for the RX-78-2 Gundam. When combined with parts of the MS, it is stored in the abdomen, but there are no exterior parts surrounding it, leaving the core block exposed.
The Narrative Gundam's body falls apart until its Core Fighter remains and takes off. Its design resembles a bird, a thematic element that repeatedly appears in the film, and the scene synchronizes with Jona's feelings.
This design was created based on Katoki's wish to “create a Core Fighter that fits the era (the U.C.0090s)”. One of its unique features is the wings, which are long and narrow compared to previous Core Fighters.
POINT.03From the Base Body to C-Packs:
Structures Based on Settings
The Nattative Gundam's Base Body was armed with various types of equipment to capture the Phenex.
MG 1/100 NARRATIVE GUNDAM C-PACKS Ver.Ka was established on these settings, and the Psycho-Frame parts are attached throughout the body after the Base Body is assembled.
The kit includes two types of Psycho-Frame parts to recreate the Activated and Unactivated state.
Base Body
As described as having a build similar to a “scarecrow” in the film, it lacks exterior armor on its upper arm, thighs, abdomen, and ankles, resulting in a lanky body. The chest has an unusual design with three pointed plates vertically lined up on each side. Its only armaments are a pair of 60mm Vulcan Cannons on the head, and its backpack is also small.
C-Packs (NT-D Unactivated State)
Psycho-Frame parts in a state where NT-D is unactivated have been recreated with gray materials for the first time. This gives the kit a subdued white and gray color scheme, and the details in the Psycho-Frame parts are easier to observe.
C-Packs (NT-D Activated State)
The glowing NT-D activated state is reproduced with clear parts. These two types of Psycho-Frame parts are installed after assembling the base body of the Narrative Gundam, allowing you to relive the story through this Ver.Ka experience.
Learning About the Narrative Gundam’s Equipment and Parts Exchanging Features through Ver.Ka
- SHOULDER
- CHEST
- ARM
- THIGH
Customization Unique to GUNPLA With This Ver.Ka Kit
Articulation Gimmicks to Accurately Recreate Scenes
With this Ver.Ka kit, we aimed to recreate dynamic scenes from the film that could only be achieved through hand-drawn animation. Articulation gimmicks such as pull-out shoulder joints, sliding hip joints, and knee joints with linked movements have been cultivated through the MG series over the years, and they have been generously incorporated into this kit.
Linked Mechanisms Maintain a Wide Range of Articulation Without Obstructing the Design.
The white fin-like parts on the calves move in conjunction with the movement of the knee joints and sink in to create space to prevent interference between other parts. Internal mechanisms and sections of the Psycho-Frame that were hidden are exposed when the knees are bent, allowing you to observe their details.
An Entire Moving Hip Section that Enables Natural Forward-bending Poses
The front section of the hips can move and sink down to reproduce forward-bending movements. The left and right axes in the groin joints slide independently. Furthermore, the rotational movements in the hip and the articulation mechanisms in the legs can be combined to display the kit in natural poses. (The right leg and skirt armor parts are removed from the kit in the image.)
Armament that Succeeds the Design of the Unit in the Same Series Enhance the Charm of the Narrative Gundam
According to the settings of the series, the C-Packs is a loadout that was hastily put together, and it used armaments combined with those of other MS. The commonality of the design and attention that went into their details enhance excitement when assembling and playing with the kit.
The Beam Rifle for the Narrative Gundam is a customized version of the types used by Jegans. The sensor and muzzle unit on the rifle included with this Ver.Ka kit can be exchanged to reproduce the Beam Rifle for Jegans.
This is a modification draft for the Beam Rifle. The original CG data had an overall large design, so instructions were given to adjust each section to make it look narrower. Slit details have been added to the bottom of the barrel. Four types of Beam Rifle setting illustrations are shown on the left.
RecreatIng Combat Styles from the Film Through a Ver.Ka Kit
In the film, the Narrative Gundam used its Beam Rifle and shield for medium-range combat and dual-wielded Beam Sabers for close combat. The film meticulously depicts the weapons on the back or hip when they were not in use, and these features have also been incorporated into this Ver.Ka kit.
Beam Sabers were mounted onto a rack equipped to the hip when the A-Packs and B-Packs were used in the movie. This Ver.Ka kit also reproduces the mounting gimmicks even in its Base Body state. In addition, the shield can be mounted on the backpack, the Beam Rifle can be equipped to the rack on the hip, and spare magazines can be attached to the rear skirt armor parts.
Attention to Detail Enhances Quality
3D Metallic Stickers with Solid Details
Multi-layered 3D metallic stickers are used for the twin camera eyes and sensor. The dark green foundation and the detailed light green surface are both covered with clear layers to create a sense of depth within the patterns.
Preciseness Reinforced Through Discussions During the Supervision Phase
Gray parts are placed under the knee armor parts to create dual-layered structures and the gray concaves/convexes peek through the white exterior, enhancing the details. (*The shape of this section differs from the parts included in the actual kit.)
The parts on the side of the legs are vertically divided. They formed a single connected surface before edits were made, but the green section has been slightly raised and steps have been added.
Psycho-Frame parts from the MG UNICORN GUNDAM Ver.Ka were attached to legs created with stereolithography to check the gimmicks. There were also instructions to add folds to the thigh parts.
The covers on the calves consist of curved surfaces and were modified by applying putty directly to parts made using stereolithography and carving it. The appearance of the details and all inconsistencies were mended.
Markings Unique to the Kit Designed by Hajime Katoki
Markings are iconic features of Ver.Ka kits and the markings for this kit have been recreated with water decals designed by Katoki. The red markings are just the right accents that stand out on the white and gray Mobile Suit. Considering its position in the story and history, It has no model numbers or emblems that indicate its affiliations and instead has small Anaheim Electronics markings on its shoulders.
GALLERY
MG 1/100
NARRATIVE GUNDAM C-PACKS Ver.Ka
2024.04 ROLL OUT
Price: JPY 7,000 (tax excluded)
Scheduled to be released in April 2024
- *The target age of this product is over 15 years old.
- *The images and specifications may differ from the actual products.