HG 1/144 D Gundam 2nd: The Scrappy Hero Returns for May 2026

From the HOBBY Division of BANDAI SPIRITS, Japan, comes the latest addition to the ‘HG (High Grade)’ series—a line renowned for its diverse selection of 1/144 scale Gunpla. Collectors can anticipate the release of the “HG 1/144 D Gundam 2nd”, an exciting new entry from the 1988 manga, “Mobile Suit Gundam Double Fake.” This particular model is slated for a May 2026 release and will be exclusively available through Bandai’s official online store, PREMIUM BANDAI.

The narrative of “Mobile Suit Gundam Double Fake” unfolds in Universal Century 0090, introducing us to Dali, an operator employed by the Monoton Mouse Company, a subsidiary of Anaheim Electronics. Dali’s passion for Gundam borders on obsession, leading him to construct his very own “D Gundam” from an assortment of salvaged mobile suit components. While initially a passion project intended for engineering tasks, its construction using advanced contemporary materials inadvertently endowed it with formidable combat capabilities. Dali’s entanglement with the terrorist group “Carade” ultimately thrust the D Gundam into battle, prompting its subsequent conversion into a full combat-spec unit with support from the Earth Federation Forces.

The “HG 1/144 D Gundam 2nd” is a substantial evolution from its predecessor, the D Gundam 1st kit. This new iteration reinterprets the 1st unit’s form after battle damage, dramatically upgrading it to a combat-ready configuration. It leverages a significant number of newly sculpted armor pieces, thrusters, and armament parts to faithfully represent the 2nd unit. The design beautifully captures its distinctive “patched-together” aesthetic, with exposed pipelines and hydraulic rods revealing the intricate mechanical skeleton beneath. This attention to detail in the 2D-to-3D sculpt volume is commendable, reflecting Bandai Spirits’ commitment to bringing niche designs into physical form with modern engineering. Furthermore, it boasts the flexible articulation expected from a contemporary HG kit, incorporating deployable “crush punch” gauntlets on both forearms and synchronized nozzle deployment mechanisms for its thrusters, adding a layer of dynamic posing potential.

The model’s armaments are impressively comprehensive, not only including the original D Gundam 1st’s utility-focused “seven tools”—such as the Rivet Gun, Drill Gun, Wire-guided Bombs, and Magnetic Anchor—but also introducing a suite of newly designed combat weaponry. These additions comprise a “Wired Beam Rifle,” two “Beam Sabers,” and a “Rocket Launcher.” The newly molded yellow shield, a key visual identifier for the 2nd unit, incorporates an original model mechanism allowing it to store existing tools like the Rivet Gun and Magnetic Anchor, alongside new payloads like large sticky bombs and decoy flares. This extensive array of interchangeable parts not only enhances playability but also offers varied display options, showcasing the narrative progression of the D Gundam from a humble worker-bot to a formidable combat machine.

The Collector’s Survival Guide: How to Justify This

The Collector Math: Look, this isn’t just *another* 1/144 scale kit. This is the D Gundam 2nd from “Mobile Suit Gundam Double Fake.” A P-Bandai exclusive, dropping in May 2026 for a mere 3,080 JPY (approximately $20 USD). When you factor in the rarity of anything from an ’88 manga, plus the inherent scarcity of a P-Bandai release, you’re not buying plastic; you’re acquiring a fractional share in a historically significant, underrepresented piece of Gundam lore. The investment in future cultural capital is practically priceless, making the sticker price a rounding error.

How to tell your wife: “Darling, you know how I appreciate true craftsmanship? This isn’t some mass-market toy. This is the D Gundam 2nd, a highly specialized, combat-modified mobile suit with a distinctive ‘patched-together’ look, full of exposed pipelines and hydraulic rods. It represents innovation, resourcefulness, and the beauty of functional design. It’s essentially industrial art, a tribute to engineering resilience from a 1988 manga, and frankly, it will elevate the aesthetic of our shared living space. Also, it’s a model kit, so I’ll be occupied for hours building it, which means more quiet time for you.”

How to tell your parents: “Mom, Dad, remember how you always encouraged me to pursue my interests? Well, this is a prime example of meticulous engineering. Bandai Spirits, one of the leading manufacturers in Japan, has crafted this 1/144 scale D Gundam 2nd model. It’s an intricate assembly that requires focus and precision, much like a complex puzzle. It’s a study in mechanical design, showcasing how a mobile suit, initially built from scraps by a character named Dali, can be refined into a high-performance combat unit. It’s an educational experience, truly, a hands-on exploration of mechanical principles and historical fictional engineering.”

How to tell your kids: “Hey kiddos, see this? This is the D Gundam 2nd. It was built by a guy named Dali who loved robots so much he made his own from old parts! He even used a Rivet Gun and a Drill Gun, just like a real engineer, and when it got broken, he made it even stronger with cool new weapons like a Wired Beam Rifle and Beam Sabers. It’s a super cool story about never giving up and using your imagination to build amazing things. Plus, look at this shield! It hides secret gadgets inside, which is exactly what a smart hero would do!”

This P-Bandai exclusive D Gundam 2nd isn’t just another HG kit; it’s a deep cut that rewards long-time fans with an underrepresented design brought to modern standards. Its commitment to the original manga’s salvaged aesthetic, combined with robust articulation and an extensive arsenal, genuinely carves out its space on any serious Gunpla enthusiast’s shelf.

🟢 Product Specifications 🟢

✅ Manufacturer: BANDAI SPIRITS HOBBY Division
✅ Product Name: HG 1/144 Dガンダムセカンド (HG 1/144 D Gundam 2nd)
✅ Series: HG (High Grade)
✅ Scale: 1/144
✅ Price: 3,080 JPY (tax included) (appx. $20.00 USD)
✅ Release Date: May 2026
✅ Exclusivity: PREMIUM BANDAI Exclusive
✅ Material: Plastic Model Kit
✅ Source: Mobile Suit Gundam Double Fake (1988 Manga)
✅ Pilot/Creator: Dali (達力)
✅ Features: New armor/thruster/weapon parts, exposed mechanical details, flexible joints, forearm “crush punch” gauntlet deployment, thruster nozzle linkage mechanism.
✅ Armaments: Rivet Gun, Drill Gun, Wire-guided Bombs, Magnetic Anchor (7 tools total), Wired Beam Rifle, 2 Beam Sabers, Rocket Launcher, newly sculpted shield with storage capabilities.

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