mastergrade

Master Grade, commonly abbreviated MG, is Bandai Hobby’s premium line of Gunpla model kits. Introduced in 1995 with a 1/100-scale RX-78-2 Gundam, MG kits are designed for more experienced builders and collectors, offering higher details, larger size, and advanced construction compared with the standard High Grade line.

Key characteristics of Master Grade kits include a higher piece count, more intricate surface detailing, and often an internal skeletal frame that provides stronger articulation and poseability. Many MG kits also incorporate optional parts, richer color separation, and in some cases metal components or detailed inner mechanisms. While they are generally snap-fit and not glue-dependent, their assembly typically demands more time, precision, and finishing work such as sanding, panel lining, and painting to achieve the intended look.

MG kits cover a broad range of Gundam titles and characters, including several Ver. Ka variants designed by Hajime Katoki, which emphasize additional detailing and stylized markings. The line has continued to evolve with improvements in molding and engineering, maintaining a strong following among hobbyists who value display-quality models and advanced building techniques.

In the Gunpla hierarchy, MG sits above the 1/144-scale High Grade and Real Grade lines in complexity and size, but below the even more detailed and larger Perfect Grade line. The Master Grade line remains a benchmark for premium plastic modeling within the Gundam franchise.