HGFC 1/144 Neo-Sweden Mobile Fighter GF13-050NSW "Nobell Gundam" ✨🇸🇪
I finally found one! I've wanted to pick up a Nobell Gundam since even before I watched G-Gundam, and I was lucky enough to find a kit at the Gundam Base pop-up side-store a few weeks ago. Nobell is one of the few G-Gundam kits to be revived in the short-lived 2011 HGFC retail line, alongside the Shining Gundam, God Gundam, Master Gundam, and the Death Army grunt.
The Nobell is an especially small kit, with only 4 sprues, although it doesn't look too out of scale next to the other HGFC kits as the heels help make up its height.
Despite being an older kit, Nobell easily matches the quality of the newer P-Bandai HGFC kits (my Dragon, Maxter, and Rose are linked), complete with almost perfect colour correction and a complete lack of polycap parts. Nobel uses some really impressive design to make sure that the various red , white, and yellow parts are all separated, with an especially interesting head construction. There's still a decent amount of colour correction, including the grey on the inside of the "hair" cooling fins, the white lines on the "scarf", and the green sensor on the bow on the front, as well as the red markings on the neck and left thigh. There are some nice stickers for the white and red colour correction, but I found it a nice excersise in brush control to paint all of them myself, especially since the red stickers felt too metallic for their purpose. I also did my usual metallic weathering for the grey parts.
Unfortunately, as it's not part of the P-Bandai Anniversary line, the articulation and gimmick inclusion is palpably of-its-time. There's no articulation on the back-skirt and very limited hip articulation, preventing some of the more flexible gymnast-like poses achieved by Nobell in the anime. Thankfully, you can still achieve a lot of dynamic poses, thanks in-part to the hair-piece being articulated on a ball joint.
Included in this kit are two open hand options, two open fists, and a single left handed peace sign. There's also two Beam Ribbon hilts, with four different flexible plastic efffects parts. There's two different sizes of large spiral, one tighter spiral, and two straight parts. I found the spiral ones really difficult to effectively pose, as their flat spiral shape can be pretty stubborn to get into place.
The design of the Nobell was apparently inspired by the casual/civillian outfit for Sailor Venus, so I had to copy her signature pose.
The Berserker Mode for Nobell was clearly inspired by how Sailor Venus' hair fans out as well, although unfortunately despite the only difference being the hairpiece, Berserker Mode is only available as a separate kit (although it is a slightly glossier and red-tinted plastic, evoking the red glow of Berserker Mode, and was entirely retail, which is more than can be said of similar gimmicks such as Trans-Am).
Overall, I had a lot of fun with this kit. it was super quick to put together, and it helps to nicely round out my HGFC collection while I continue to wait for Bandai to make the anniversary Bolt Gundam (*cough cough*).
Next up, on to the star of the show... Shining Gundam!
The whole Kingdom of Gatlon knew of their Princess. They knew of her wondrous speed, for she was fast enough to outrun even the four winds. Only Mercury, with his winged sandals, could best her in a race. Tales of her beauty and grace spread far from the lands of Gatlon, and suitors from miles around flooded the city in pursuit of her hand in marriage.
But Danna didn’t want to marry anyone, especially not a man. Especially not someone that treated her as a prize to be won. Her parents, insisting that she begin her search for a partner, allowed her to set up a contest. Anyone who beat her in a foot race across the beautiful green hills would be allowed her hand in marriage. It was the only means of choosing a partner that Danna would accept, despite her parent’s best efforts. They were holding on to the hope that someone, anyone , would miraculously beat her in the race and that they’d marry and have heirs to carry on the family legacy.
But Danna knew that was useless. No one could beat her, certainly not a man. She would make sure of it. Her parents, while not openly against her sexuality, were still hoping for an heir and a future king. They allowed women to participate in the race, but none caught her eye. They still saw her as a prize, a trophy to be won. She beat them all, watching as each hopeful face crossed the finish line, sweaty and gasping for breath, only to see their faces fall as they saw her before them, her coiled hair windswept and dark skin glistening in the sunlight.
After every race her parents would ask her if she was sure, if she didn’t want to talk to any of them in private, just to get to know them.
She always said no.
Nova scowled as Ace paced in circles, muttering on about his plan. Take back the castle. Kill the monarchs. Take over while everything was in disarray. His plotting was always like this. Full of holes, too dependent on everything going perfectly.
“Nova, you’ll have to infiltrate the castle. They know the rest of us too well, but you are still unknown. You are our only chance in succeeding.”
Nova rolled her eyes. “I highly doubt that, Uncle. There are two sides to a coin, and never only one way to do something. Besides, how do you expect me to infiltrate the castle? I doubt they’re hiring, and it’s unlikely that I’ll get close to the monarchs as a humble maid.”
Honey emerged from the doorway, a paper fluttering in her hand. She brandished it at Nova, a grin slowly spreading across her face. “The race, little nightmare. The Princess will hardly be able to resist you. Spend time together, learn the inner workings of the castle, perhaps make her fall in love with you, then betray and kill her.” She laughed, shoving the paper at Nova when she was met with a hesitant and somewhat disgusted frown. Nova took the paper, noticing the gold monarch butterflies embossed around the edges. The Princess was famous for her love of the orange and black butterflies, and was often seen sporting a gown or accessory inspired by them. She carefully folded the paper, tucking it into her pocket.
“I highly doubt that she’ll just let me win, Honey. We need a backup plan.” She looked past Honey, towards a glittering gold speck.
The stars.
She stood up, walking across the room and scooping up a few of the gleaming gold spheres. Her father had made them, and although she’d never discovered their purpose, she would often pick them up, rolling them around in her hands. They emitted a pleasant sound as they ran into each other on her palm, a strangely melodic ring. She let go of most of them, letting them clatter back into the bowl they resided in, pocketing the three that remained in her grasp.
Honey smiled. “Good plan, Nightmare. Our perfect Princess won’t be able to resist such shiny objects.”
The day of the race arrived sooner than Nova anticipated. Dressed in her finest tunic, Nova made her way through the city streets towards the fields at the back of the palace, where throngs of people were already gathered, either to race for the hand of the Princess, or to watch the defeat of the participants. Honey was on her heels, disguised to the best of her ability to avoid any attention from the guards. Nova swept her hair back in a short ponytail, and stepped hesitantly towards the starting line. Honey pushed her gently, and Nova stumbled a little bit as she took her place at the line. Honey pulled some strands out of Nova’s ponytail, curling them slightly around her fingers and letting them fall down to frame Nova’s face. Nova squirmed away, letting out an exasperated sigh.
“It’s fine, Honey. It’ll just get messed up in the race.”
“Hush, Night- Nova.” She quickly corrected herself. “The Princess is watching.”
Honey jerked her head to the left, and Nova followed the gesture.
Princess Danna was beautiful. She sported a stunning white tunic and gold sandals, her hair tied back with ribbons and monarch clips. Nova felt her cheeks heat up, and quickly shook herself. She was there for revenge. She was there to win. It didn’t matter how the Princess’ graceful fingers brushed her hair from her eyes, or how her dark skin glowed under the bright midday sun. She looked away, determined to not be distracted by the Princess, but she was always drawn back to her. Danna looked around surveying all the different contestants, and met Nova’s gaze. She wanted to look away, but Nova felt herself being drawn in by Danna’s eyes. The Princess smiled a little and offered her a small wave, eyes twinkling. Nova tore her gaze away, turning away and focusing on the rolling hills before her.
Danna had awoken early that morning, spending the early hours of dawn out in the fields, practicing for the competition. Not that she needed practice. It was said that she was so swift on her feet, it was as if she had wings.
People started to arrive an hour before, spectators and competitors alike. Many gawked at her, others smirking or sauntering up to flirt their way into her good graces. She turned away from all of them, reminding every single one that her heart was only won from the race. Which was a lie. Her heart was not the prize won at this race. The true trophy was the title of Princess. Or prince, as her parents hoped. But she refused. She knew that no one would beat her, but she absolutely refused to be married to a man.
Danna distanced herself from the crowd, gathering a couple of guards to ensure her privacy. She watched the contestants, rolling her eyes at their smug smiles. They all thought they had a chance.
Something caught her eye. A short girl in a pretty tunic was pushed towards the starting line by an elaborately dressed older woman. The girl pushed her away, muttering to herself as she stalked to her place among the other racers. Danna watched her for some time, waiting for the girl to look towards her.
She finally looked up, and Danna’s breath hitched. Her hair framed her face beautifully, falling in perfect black waves. There was something indescribable on her face, like she didn’t want to be there. But that was silly. Everyone wanted to be there. Why compete for the hand of someone you didn’t want? Danna was intrigued. She smiled at the girl, offering her a small wave. A flash of surprise flickered over the girl’s face, but she didn’t smile back. She looked away, surveying the fields before them.
The warning bell rang out, signaling that there were 3 minutes until the race started. Danna shook out her limbs, preparing for her next win. She made her way down to the other contestants, eyeing the black-haired girl from before. Her face was determined, a hand reaching up to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
Danna took a deep breath, closing her eyes as the bell chimed three more times and the race began.
HAPPY PRIDE! Proudly presenting the Nobell Pride Gundam. Fashioned with lavender panel lining, rainbow hair, and rainbow accents, and purple scarf. Nobell is ready to be the hero we need! https://twitch.tv/o_oblique
- fuck evander wade. all my homies hate evander wade
- frostbite? who? you mean frostbitch?
- the canon straight ships are pretty cool
- but also danissa is canon
- nova and danna were together at some point
- nova is bi
- danna is a lesbian
- winston deserved better
- but also he kinda sucks
- adrian is a himbo, but we love him
- danna is black!!1!1!
- stan georgia rawles for clear skin 2020
- what the FUCK did the renegades think they were doing??
- what the FUCK did the anarchists think they were doing??
- rcsfu is god tier
