|
|
|
|
Welcome to the first Excellent Exhibitors, the blog series where we discuss why we love certain exhibitors that we would normally get to see at cons, tell you what they're all about, and let you know why you should give them your support!
Today, we're telling you all about the Gunpla and Hobby Kit specialist Gundam Mad, who have been a mainstay of the convention community in the UK and are well known for their wide range of authentic model kits from a variety of franchises, including the highly popular 'Gunpla' and many more! Gundam Mad operates an excellent online shop with efficient service and friendly, informed staff - if you're looking for a specific giant robot to assemble, or if you're just looking for a new hobby, they've got you covered!
If you don't know what a 'gunpla' is, don't worry - we'll explain it as best we can. At first glance, Gunpla and Hobby Kits may not seem like they fit in with the cutesy style that we're normally focused on promoting here at Tofu Cute, but we can assure you that's definitely not the case - Gunpla and model kits can definitely be cute too! |
 |
If you don't fully understand these terms then I can get why they may sound confusing or even threatening on the surface. But I can assure you that they're anything but!
To put it simply, 'Gunpla' is a shortened term for 'Gundam plastic model' which in itself may be confusing to some. 'Gundam' refers colloquially to the type of giant robot weapon present in the popular animated franchise Gundam, which began in 1979 with the classic animated series Mobile Suit Gundam. The series spawned an entire media franchise of sequels and spin-offs centring around exciting sci-fi mecha action, and 'Gunpla' is one of the many merchandising side effects of this immense franchise success story.
This is all a massive simplification of something with such a rich and interesting history, but 'Gunpla' has remained one of the most popular aspects of Gundam's media franchise and had a huge impact on the popularity of other types of similar 'model kits' - and with good reason. They're such good fun!
In essence, Gunpla are a type of model kit that contains everything you need to make your own giant robot 'mech' out of small plastic pieces. With detailed instructions and many small mechanical pieces on coloured plastic 'sprues' (the 'frame' that connects the plastic pieces within the plastic mould: see image to the left) for you to assemble, they can be a highly therapeutic and interesting way to spend some time - and you get a cool 'gundam' that you can display afterwards!
Of course, Gunpla aren't the only kind of model kits available; far from it! Gundam Mad also stocks model kits from all kinds of different franchises, and many kinds exist - Evangelion, Macross, Pokemon, Kamen Rider (a personal favourite of mine), Star Wars, Digimon and more! Whatever your specific interest in the world of anime and entertainment, there may be a hobby kit that will appeal to you! |
 |
Gunpla and Model Kits are an inexpensive, fun and creative way to build a collection of awesome and dynamic figurines to display, with a lot of flexibility for creative customisation and interaction between the kits. A huge community has formed around Gunpla and model kit creation, customisation, painting and photography. The official 'Gundam Base' in Odaiba, Tokyo (also the location of a life-size Gundam statue) contains not only a huge Gunpla shop, but also a comprehensive museum of Gunpla history, and a space exclusively for fan created custom Gunpla. It's a huge deal.
As well as being a huge deal, creating a model kit is definitively a very relaxing hobby. As the top of Gundam Mad's website itself says - 'keep calm and build Gunpla' - and I can assure you that building a model kit of your choice will certainly keep you calm. It's inherently quiet and almost meditative as you snap together pieces and slowly but carefully build something that's gonna look awesome to display. It's the perfect thing to do when you're stuck at home, which many of us are right now. Pictured to the right is one of the first Gunpla I created a couple of years ago - as you can see, it fits right at home with my collection of cute plush.
Not only is it relaxing, but to the contrary, model kits can be also be energising for those with a creative mind. As I mentioned before, there's lots of people involved in the detailed customisation of Gunpla and other forms of model kits. Whether you're looking to get something screen-accurate to your favourite show, or something particularly unique to represent you, there's a way to make it with a model kit. The art of 'kitbashing' (sticking together pieces from multiple different kits) to create something unique is very popular, as is the art of detailing the models with painting and texture techniques to create something truly photogenic and astounding. You can even make them look cute
|
 |
But what makes Gundam Mad the most 'Excellent Exhibitor' of Gunpla and Model Kits in the UK? Simply put, they provide some of the best range of products and excellent service, backed up by many years of experience serving the community. I personally miss being able to browse their excellent storefront at conventions and see the rows and rows of model kits, but you know what? Their online shop is just as good.
We wouldn't recommend them if we didn't believe in them, and we believe that if you're looking for a Gunpla, Model Kit, or other type of plastic model, Gundam Mad will likely be able to help you out. If this article is making you interested in the idea of all this Gunpla stuff, then they'll be able to point you in the right direction and provide with a good kit to start off your plastic modelling journey. |
 |
If you've been convinced to jump on board with Gunpla or Model Kits, you'll find a huge range of interesting items and you may be a little bit confused with where to start. Although there are certain models might be easier for beginners (if you're just getting started, I recommend 'HG' High Grade kits if you're looking to get into Gunpla specifically), the world's your oyster. Gundam Mad stocks kits of many different scales, difficulty levels and from many different series.
If you're a fan of Sanrio, which we know you may well be - Gundam Mad currently has a variety of Hello Kitty x Gundam Collaboration sets (like the one in the banner of this article!), and in addition, is offering a FREE mini Gudetama gift with any order during September to Tofu Cute customers who use the code TOFUGUDE at their checkout! Woo!
Beyond the model kits Gundam Mad also stocks an assortment of Gundam themed gift items such as apparel, mugs and much more. If you know a giant robot enthusiast, this is where to shop for them! |
 |
| That's all for this first edition of 'Excellent Exhibitors'! Please show Gundam Mad some love: you can click here to visit their website, and don' forget to use the code TOFUGUDE at their checkout for a free Gudetama gift! You can also follow them on Facebook for more updates on new products, offers and everything Gundam!
|
|
|
Welcome to the first Excellent Exhibitors, the blog series where we discuss why we love certain exhibitors that we would normally get to see at cons, tell you what they're all about, and let you know why you should give them your support!
Today, we're telling you all about the Gunpla and Hobby Kit specialist Gundam Mad, who have been a mainstay of the convention community in the UK and are well known for their wide range of authentic model kits from a variety of franchises, including the highly popular 'Gunpla' and many more! Gundam Mad operates an excellent online shop with efficient service and friendly, informed staff - if you're looking for a specific giant robot to assemble, or if you're just looking for a new hobby, they've got you covered!
If you don't know what a 'gunpla' is, don't worry - we'll explain it as best we can. At first glance, Gunpla and Hobby Kits may not seem like they fit in with the cutesy style that we're normally focused on promoting here at Tofu Cute, but we can assure you that's definitely not the case - Gunpla and model kits can definitely be cute too! |
|
|
If you don't fully understand these terms then I can get why they may sound confusing or even threatening on the surface. But I can assure you that they're anything but!
To put it simply, 'Gunpla' is a shortened term for 'Gundam plastic model' which in itself may be confusing to some. 'Gundam' refers colloquially to the type of giant robot weapon present in the popular animated franchise Gundam, which began in 1979 with the classic animated series Mobile Suit Gundam. The series spawned an entire media franchise of sequels and spin-offs centring around exciting sci-fi mecha action, and 'Gunpla' is one of the many merchandising side effects of this immense franchise success story.
This is all a massive simplification of something with such a rich and interesting history, but 'Gunpla' has remained one of the most popular aspects of Gundam's media franchise and had a huge impact on the popularity of other types of similar 'model kits' - and with good reason. They're such good fun!
In essence, Gunpla are a type of model kit that contains everything you need to make your own giant robot 'mech' out of small plastic pieces. With detailed instructions and many small mechanical pieces on coloured plastic 'sprues' (the 'frame' that connects the plastic pieces within the plastic mould: see image to the left) for you to assemble, they can be a highly therapeutic and interesting way to spend some time - and you get a cool 'gundam' that you can display afterwards!
Of course, Gunpla aren't the only kind of model kits available; far from it! Gundam Mad also stocks model kits from all kinds of different franchises, and many kinds exist - Evangelion, Macross, Pokemon, Kamen Rider (a personal favourite of mine), Star Wars, Digimon and more! Whatever your specific interest in the world of anime and entertainment, there may be a hobby kit that will appeal to you! |
Gunpla and Model Kits are an inexpensive, fun and creative way to build a collection of awesome and dynamic figurines to display, with a lot of flexibility for creative customisation and interaction between the kits. A huge community has formed around Gunpla and model kit creation, customisation, painting and photography. The official 'Gundam Base' in Odaiba, Tokyo (also the location of a life-size Gundam statue) contains not only a huge Gunpla shop, but also a comprehensive museum of Gunpla history, and a space exclusively for fan created custom Gunpla. It's a huge deal.
As well as being a huge deal, creating a model kit is definitively a very relaxing hobby. As the top of Gundam Mad's website itself says - 'keep calm and build Gunpla' - and I can assure you that building a model kit of your choice will certainly keep you calm. It's inherently quiet and almost meditative as you snap together pieces and slowly but carefully build something that's gonna look awesome to display. It's the perfect thing to do when you're stuck at home, which many of us are right now. Pictured to the right is one of the first Gunpla I created a couple of years ago - as you can see, it fits right at home with my collection of cute plush.
Not only is it relaxing, but to the contrary, model kits can be also be energising for those with a creative mind. As I mentioned before, there's lots of people involved in the detailed customisation of Gunpla and other forms of model kits. Whether you're looking to get something screen-accurate to your favourite show, or something particularly unique to represent you, there's a way to make it with a model kit. The art of 'kitbashing' (sticking together pieces from multiple different kits) to create something unique is very popular, as is the art of detailing the models with painting and texture techniques to create something truly photogenic and astounding. You can even make them look cute
|
|
|
But what makes Gundam Mad the most 'Excellent Exhibitor' of Gunpla and Model Kits in the UK? Simply put, they provide some of the best range of products and excellent service, backed up by many years of experience serving the community. I personally miss being able to browse their excellent storefront at conventions and see the rows and rows of model kits, but you know what? Their online shop is just as good.
We wouldn't recommend them if we didn't believe in them, and we believe that if you're looking for a Gunpla, Model Kit, or other type of plastic model, Gundam Mad will likely be able to help you out. If this article is making you interested in the idea of all this Gunpla stuff, then they'll be able to point you in the right direction and provide with a good kit to start off your plastic modelling journey. |
If you've been convinced to jump on board with Gunpla or Model Kits, you'll find a huge range of interesting items and you may be a little bit confused with where to start. Although there are certain models might be easier for beginners (if you're just getting started, I recommend 'HG' High Grade kits if you're looking to get into Gunpla specifically), the world's your oyster. Gundam Mad stocks kits of many different scales, difficulty levels and from many different series.
If you're a fan of Sanrio, which we know you may well be - Gundam Mad currently has a variety of Hello Kitty x Gundam Collaboration sets (like the one in the banner of this article!), and in addition, is offering a FREE mini Gudetama gift with any order during September to Tofu Cute customers who use the code TOFUGUDE at their checkout! Woo!
Beyond the model kits Gundam Mad also stocks an assortment of Gundam themed gift items such as apparel, mugs and much more. If you know a giant robot enthusiast, this is where to shop for them! |
|
| That's all for this first edition of 'Excellent Exhibitors'! Please show Gundam Mad some love: you can click here to visit their website, and don' forget to use the code TOFUGUDE at their checkout for a free Gudetama gift! You can also follow them on Facebook for more updates on new products, offers and everything Gundam!
|
|
|
|
|
