(Perfect Grade Gundams)

Then, there were the Perfect Grade Gundams. I was told that there had originally been a total of six P.G. Gundams on display when the tour began: three of the original RX-78-2 Gundams, a Zaku (also from the first Mobile Suit series) and two of the elegant Wing Gundam Zero Customs. The Zaku, unfortunately met with a disastrous fate when it detached from its mounting screws, fell over and shattered in many small pieces.

The reason there were multiple RX-78-2s and Wing Gundam Zero Customs being displayed is because one of each was built-up showing only the internal endoskeleton. A second showed the completely finished models.

The P.G. Gundams are made up of over 600 parts. The RX-78-2 is composed of 626 parts, while the Wing Gundam Zero Custom has 670 parts.

All of the Perfect Grades retail for around $250.00. It is because of this rather hefty price tag that the marketing folks at Bandai decided not to release them directly into the US market. It was thought that this price would probably be too high for most of us.

(The other merchandise on display)

These P.G.'s can still be obtained, though, through some specialty stores found in the US, along with some Web sites that sell model kits, (like Hobby Link Japan).

There was also a whole lot of other Gundam merchandise being displayed inside the trailer. Included were a full range of small figure and vehicle toys, posters, books, comic books, magazines, cards, pins, videos, CD's, DVD's, and Playstation games.

(The prizes)

In addition, to all of this, Teeg and Amy were also giving out merchandise. Included were posters, tee shirts and limited edition cards. These cards showed the Epyon Gundam against an Independence Hall backdrop.

Different versions of the cards had been produced exclusively for the tour, with the background scenes on the cards changing with the different locations.

According to Teeg, the cards had been averaging around $7 or $8 on Ebay, with some going for as much as $40.00.

(The Interviews)

In between tours I was able to corner Teeg and Amy and ask all sorts of questions.

They informed me that the tour had been averaging around 500 attendees. However, this number has been as high as 900 at some locations.

Bandai actually produces the Gundam series', along with creating, marketing and selling all of the associated merchandise from the shows. (Smart move)!

Gundam toys and models are currently being sold here in the U.S. at numerous stores, like Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target and Kay Bee. In addition, some smaller stores like Babbages and the Electronics Boutique also carry them.

Bandai has been releasing Gundam model kits here in the US from the associated animated series' that The Cartoon Network has been airing.

Even though the latest type of Gundams currently being sold - (at the time, which was a year ago -Ed.) - are the High Grade ones from the 08^th MS Team Series, there are plans to also sell other kits. Included will be Master Grade models from this series, along with other types from Mobile Suit Gundam.

I was also told that the reason Gundam kits being sold at locations like Hobby Link Japan are cheaper than their counterparts here is because those kits are being sold for the Japanese market. (I imagine that there are no export/import fees associated with purchases of this type).

(Conclusion)

I HAD A TOTAL BLAST!!!!! I WENT, I SAW AND I GOT CONQUERED! I PLAYED GUNDAM GAMES, TALKED THE EARS OFF OF TEEG AND AMY, ADMIRED A WHOLE LOT OF NICELY BUILT AND WEATHERED GUNDAM MODELS, RECEIVED A FREE GUNDAM CARD AND A POSTER AND TOOK A WHOOOOLE LOTTA PICS. (And just think, it was all free)!

I spent over 3 hours there and my sons were there for over 5 hours in total. We all really had a GREAT TIME!  The Gundam Invasion Tour was very impressive! The Bandai folks really do have their stuff together!

Hopefully the Invasion Tour will be back next year for an encore' performance. If the interest level in Gundam remains high, I'd say that this would be a safe bet.

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