The Real Grade 1/144 Crossbone Gundam X1’s release date has been announced. Let’s take a look at what we have to look forward to so far.

*All images depicted are a property of Sotsu/Sunrise and were only used for the purpose of general information. I do not claim to own the images below.

The Crossbone Gundam X1 is a mobile suit from the Universal Century series, and is the main mecha of Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam. The real grade version of this mobile suit is due for release in May of this year, and is a part of Bandai’s Gunpla evolution project which promises heavily improved detailing and gimmicks for upcoming gunpla kits. Estimated price upon release is roughly 2,700 yen. That sounds like we are getting a lot from this kit.

Here we have the Crossbone donning its cloak, possibly to showcawse something that it has never been released with before. I have to say, that cloak looks amazing. With all the curves, rips, and holes in place, it is quite the improvement on what we’ve seen so far (I’m looking at you, Sandrock). It would be awesome if it had general attachment points rather than specific attachment points solely for this kit, but that’s just wishful thinking. This look is quite the breath of fresh air from the stiff, full-cloth that we are used to so I am really looking forward to this.

The shot above depicts the long variable X thrusters and core fighter detached from the mobile suit itself. I would like to get a closer look at that core fighter, but from this angle is seems to sport that amazing real grade detail that we have become accustomed to. This gimmick is likely the Crossbone’s version of the opening cockpits we’ve seen with previous RG kits.

Take a look at that alternate eye detail, and tell me that you do not want this suit to come sooner. The amount of detail they’ve thrown into this kit could easily rival the best that the RG line has to offer, and from these photos I’d go so far as to say that the Sazabi may have competition inbound. Here’s a breakdown of the head build:

As you can see, the patched eye is just a nice addition to what looks to be a wide array of accessories. The Zambuster below seems to have been redesigned with more surface details, and sports an awesome finish on its trim.

Overall, this kit is something that many of us are hyped to acquire.

The release date may be quite far off, but with I’m still battening down the hatches as early as today. I’m pretty sure my little friend here can’t wait either.