The Missing Piece of the 00 Collection: Why There Is Still No MG Arios Gundam

The quest for a Master Grade (MG) 1/100 Arios Gundam is a common journey for fans of Mobile Suit Gundam 00. As of mid-2024, the direct answer is clear: Bandai has not released an official Master Grade kit for the GN-007 Arios Gundam. While its predecessor, the GN-003 Gundam Kyrios, received a stunning MG release in 2020, the second-generation high-mobility transformable suit piloted by Allelujah Haptism remains absent from the Master Grade lineup.

Collectors looking for a 1/100 scale Arios are often confused by online listings or secondary market sales. To clarify, the only 1/100 plastic model kit produced by Bandai is the "No Grade" (NG) version released in 2009. While it shares the same scale as an MG, it lacks the internal skeletal frame and high-fidelity engineering that define the Master Grade brand.

The Reality of the 1/100 No Grade Arios Gundam

For many builders, the 1/100 No Grade Arios is the "placeholder" on the shelf. Released during the height of the Gundam 00 Second Season's popularity, this kit was designed to be a more affordable, simpler alternative to the MG line. However, simple does not always mean poor quality—it just means different priorities.

Engineering and Articulation

In our hands-on experience with the 2009 NG kit, the most immediate difference compared to a modern MG is the reliance on polycaps for joint tension. The Arios is a "spiky" suit with long protrusions on its shoulders and legs. In the NG kit, these parts often feel heavy for the simple friction joints. After a few months of posing and transforming between Mobile Suit (MS) mode and Flight Mode, the hips and the nose-cone hinges tend to lose their grip.

The transformation is "parts-lite," meaning most of the transition happens through folding mechanisms. However, unlike the MG Kyrios, which features a locking "tab and slot" system to keep the fighter mode rigid, the NG Arios often suffers from "sagging wings." Without an internal frame to provide structural integrity, the legs—which become the rear stabilizers—can droop if not mounted on a dedicated Action Base.

Color Separation and Aesthetics

If you are used to the color-accurate parts of an MG, the NG Arios will require extra work. Out of the box, it relies heavily on foil stickers for the GN condensers and the orange/white accents on the wing-claws. The GN Twin Beam Rifle is molded in a single dark gray color, missing the color-accurate white highlights seen in the anime. For a professional finish, a builder must invest time in masking and airbrushing, as the seam lines on the forearms and the prominent nose unit are quite visible.

The Designer’s Color Version: A Premium Variation

There is a specific edition of the 1/100 NG kit known as the "Designer’s Color Ver." This version is often mistaken for an MG because it includes an LED unit and custom decals.

This kit features a color palette supervised by the mecha designer Takayuki Yanase. The orange is more "pastel" and muted, which many enthusiasts find more "realistic" than the vibrant, toy-like orange of the standard release.

Key features of the Designer's Color Version include:

• LED Integration: It comes with a green LED unit specifically for the eyes. This is a rare feature for an NG kit and adds a layer of "Master Grade-like" shelf presence.
• Aurora Stickers: The GN condensers use specialized "Aurora" stickers that shift color depending on the light angle, simulating the flow of GN particles better than standard foil stickers.
• Marking Decals: Unlike the standard NG, this version includes a sheet of tetron stickers with technical markings and "Celestial Being" logos.

Despite these upgrades, the underlying plastic and joint structure remain identical to the 2009 base model. It is a visually superior kit, but it is not a Master Grade.

Why the MG Kyrios Set Such High Expectations

The frustration among fans regarding the lack of an MG Arios stems largely from the success of the MG Kyrios (2020). When Bandai released the MG Kyrios, they introduced the "MG GN Frame." This frame was meticulously designed to handle the stresses of transformation.

In the MG Kyrios, the transition from MS to Flight Mode is satisfyingly mechanical. The shoulder binders lock into place with a definitive "click," and the landing gear is integrated into the mold. Most importantly, the MG Kyrios solved the "hanging feet" problem by allowing the ankles to fold flush into the leg structure.

Fans expect an MG Arios to use a derivative of this GN Frame. Since the Arios is the direct evolution of the Kyrios in the lore, an MG version should theoretically feature:

1. Fully Integrated GN Submachine Guns: Hidden in the forearms with sliding armor plates.
2. Mechanized Shoulder Claws: The ability for the GN Beam Shields to open and close without parts-swapping, featuring translucent beam effect parts.
3. Advanced GN Drive Placement: The Arios has its GN Drive located between the legs to facilitate the docking with the GN Archer. An MG would need to replicate this complex pelvic engineering while maintaining hip articulation.

Third-Party Solutions: The Resin Conversion Route

For the advanced modeler who cannot wait for Bandai, the third-party market has stepped in. The SH Studio & GMD "MG Arios Ascalon" kit is a notable example.

Note on Resin Kits: These are not for beginners. They are "Full Resin Kits" or "Conversion Kits."

• The Build Process: You usually need a "donor" frame (often from an MG Kyrios or MG Dynames) or a custom resin frame provided in the box.
• Detailing: The level of surface detail on these resin kits far exceeds anything Bandai produces. We are talking about micro-panel lines, recessed metal parts, and sharper proportions that give the Arios a "Fallen Angel" aesthetic.
• The Catch: Resin requires sanding, washing in detergent to remove mold release agents, and specialized CA glue (super glue) because plastic cement will not work. It also requires a full paint job, as resin is usually cast in a single solid color like gray or beige.

While these third-party kits are often labeled as "MG Arios" on retail sites like Gobotstore, they are unofficial products. They provide the Master Grade experience in terms of detail and scale, but they are significantly more expensive and difficult to build than a standard Bandai snap-fit kit.

The GN Archer: A Major Engineering Hurdle

One reason Bandai might be hesitating to produce an MG Arios is the GN Archer (GNR-101A). In the Gundam 00 series, the Arios is designed to dock with the GN Archer to form the "Archer Arios."

If Bandai releases an MG Arios, they almost certainly have to consider how it interacts with an MG GN Archer.

• Scale and Weight: A 1/100 MG GN Archer would be a substantial model on its own. Docking two Master Grade models together creates immense weight on the rear of the Arios.
• Connection Points: The connection between the Arios's GN Drive and the Archer's nose cone requires a very high level of structural integrity. In the NG 1/100 versions, this connection is often wobbly and prone to falling apart.
• Retail Strategy: Would Bandai sell them as a set, or as two separate MG releases? Given the niche nature of the GN Archer, a standalone MG release is risky, but excluding the docking feature would disappoint purists.

Technical Specifications of the GN-007 Arios Gundam

To understand why this model is so complex to engineer at a Master Grade level, one must look at its "real-world" technical data. According to the Gundam 00 lore, the Arios was developed by Celestial Being during the four-year gap after the defeat by UN forces.

• Model Number: GN-007
• Head Height: 19.1 meters
• Empty Weight: 55.4 metric tons
• Armor: E-Carbon
• Primary Weaponry: GN Twin Beam Rifle, GN Beam Sabers, GN Submachine Guns, GN Beam Shields.

The Arios focuses on speed and acceleration. Its "Flight Mode" is not just for travel; it is a combat form. This means an MG kit needs to be durable enough for "action posing" in its transformed state. The transition of the shoulder binders into the nose-claws is particularly difficult to replicate with the thinness required for a 1/100 scale model.

Gunpla Evolution: Will we ever get an MG Arios?

Looking at Bandai’s release patterns, there is hope, but it requires patience. Bandai often completes "teams" over a long period.

1. The Season 1 Team: It took several years, but we finally have MG Exia, Dynames, Kyrios, and Virtue. The "Season 1 quartet" is complete.
2. The Season 2 Team: We have the MG 00 Raiser (and its various Seven Sword/XN variations). However, the MG Cherudim, MG Arios, and MG Seravee are still missing.

Currently, Bandai seems focused on the SEED Freedom line and the "MGSD" (Master Grade SD) series. However, the frame developed for the MG Kyrios was labeled as the "MG GN Frame," suggesting it was designed with future 00 suits in mind. The Arios is the most logical next step because it can reuse approximately 30-40% of the Kyrios's internal engineering, specifically in the torso and arms.

Comparison Table: 1/100 NG vs. Theoretical MG

Summary for Collectors

If you are a fan of the Arios Gundam and want a 1/100 scale model today, your only official option is the 1/100 No Grade Arios Gundam (preferably the Designer's Color Version if you can find it). It is a decent kit for its age, but it requires painting and seam-line work to stand proudly next to modern Master Grades.

If you are an advanced builder looking for the ultimate version, the SH Studio Resin Kit is your best bet, but be prepared for a difficult and expensive build process.

For everyone else, we wait for Bandai. Given the completion of the Season 1 MG lineup, it is highly likely that the "Season 2" suits will eventually get their day in the sun. Until then, the NG Arios remains the king of its very small hill.

FAQ

Is the 1/100 Arios Gundam on Amazon an MG?

No. Most listings on Amazon or eBay that label the 1/100 Arios as an "MG" are mislabeled by sellers. Always check the box art; if it doesn't have the gold "MG" logo in the corner, it is the No Grade version.

Can the HG 1/144 Arios transform?

Yes, the High Grade (HG) version can transform, but it requires more "parts-swapping" than the 1/100 version. The 1/100 NG version is superior in its "all-in-one" transformation capability.

Does the MG Kyrios come with parts for the Arios?

No. The MG Kyrios is a completely separate kit. While they share design DNA, no parts from the Kyrios kit can be used to "convert" it into an official Arios.

What is the best paint for the NG Arios?

To match the "Designer's Color" aesthetic, we recommend using lacquer-based paints like Mr. Color. Specifically, look for "Character Orange" and "MS White." For the GN condensers, a clear green over a silver base coat provides a great depth of field.

When will the MG Arios be announced?

There is no official release date. Bandai typically announces new MG kits during major hobby shows like the Shizuoka Hobby Show (May) or the All Japan Model & Hobby Show (September/October). Keep an eye on the "Bandai Hobby Site" for official updates.