Was navigating one day threw youtube when I stumbled across an intro of Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, tears almost came to my eyes cause I remembered watching commercials about this on satellite television when I was still kid around my 7 or 8 years old. While watching the intro one thing that attracted me was the song, typical song of the 80′s early 90′s which I love, especially since it was the second intro song “Men of Destiny” by MIO it was just awesome, so I decided to get my hands on the full OVA series ^^.
Haven’t watched many Gundam series, only a few episodes of Gundam Wing and Endless Waltz movie, the full Seed series and a couple of Seed Destiny (still watching) and let me tell you…… Stardust Memory the best gundam series I’ve seen so far, I just love these classic cartoon draws, the characters look more human than these new ones which is based on to much fantasy (which I like to) and still prefer some of the classic ones.
Bandai launched many Gundam kits of Stardust Memory, some HG, MG and a PG. Currently the ones I only recommend are the HGUC ones and the PG, the MGs are a bit old and the joints aren’t so strong. The HGUC are small, only on 1/144 scale but I recommend them since I have the GP02A Type-MLRS Physalis which is an advanced version of the GP02A that appears on the arcade game MS Gundam: Bonds of the Battlefield and it’s very sturdy, good joints and good for posing even on a 1/144 scale.
Gundam 0083 was one of my fav gundam series as well, right up there with 08th MS team. You are right on the new character design being too manga and fantasy like, i still prefer the older character design that looks more realistic.
Gundam 0083 showcased Katoki Hajime’s ability to redesign existing Mobile Suits into more streamlined shapes and geometries compatible with the preference of mecha enthusiast from the 1990′s onwards. Despite some of the mechanics being ahead of its time (0083 supposed to bridge Zeta Gundam’s year gap), the GP03 Dendrobium remains as one of the most unique approach of merging a Mobile Suit with a Mobile Armor equipped with capital ship firepower.
The current line of HGUC 1/144 have certainly exceed MGs of the 1990′s in terms of sturdiness and (almost) flexibility. They don’t have any wonky parts that fall of easily, their size is space-efficient (cram in more!) and best of all, the moderate pricetag would make you smile.
I also love that 90′s design. I had Stardust Memory on my watchlist, but I totally forgot about it due to the new animes coming up…thanks for the hint. This one goes right to the top of the watch list now^^