Mecha, Gundam, Gunpla, whatever they’re calling it this week, is a thing. It is a popular genre and seems to be gaining more and more popularity.
But the models are boring.
Why is this? Well, to a traditional modeller, a large, brightly-coloured Mecha that looks like a toy you would give to a 5 year old, doesn’t really count as a model. And to some extent, this holds true.
Most mecha models are snap fit, they do not require glue. They do have parts which need to be removed from the sprue, but there is basically no clean-up required. You can put the whole thing together in under an hour. Strike one!
Most mecha models come pre-coloured, with all the individual parts already finished in the requisite colours. No painting required. Strike two!
All mecha is not real, and a lot of it looks a bit silly. Strike three, Yyyyooooouuu’re out!
It is a shame. Fundamentally mecha is still modelling, but it sits on the very fringe. Traditional modellers look down their nose at it, or ignore it altogether. But really, we want the mecha crowd in our fraternity. The more the merrier. Fans of mecha buy kits, which help manufacturers like BANDAI keep on going. Fans of mecha (not the builders themselves) come to model shows and exhibitions to see mecha. They pay the entrance fee, and support the wider modelling community by handing over their cash. They buy model kits too.
It is difficult for the poor mech. They sit there at model exhibitions, invariably right next door to the fantasy figures, and in comparison, they look like toys. It’s a tough gig. So is there anything that can be done to improve the image and acceptance of mecha amongst traditional modellers?
Yes, there is. Maybe the mecha crowd don’t care what anyone else thinks. Gundam is a sub-culture and the fans are fans of the subjects, not model building itself. If so that’s cool, don’t worry about what I’m about to suggest. But if you are into mecha, and you would like to get a bit more attention, to be taken more seriously by traditional modellers, then you need to mix things up a bit. Put aside your devotion to the sub-culture and try some “modelling”. Have a go at some alternative schemes. Eschew that bright yellow and white cartoon drawing on the box, and have a go at painting a military camouflage. Don’t want to mess with the colour scheme, have a go at some serious weathering. Image your mech is a survivor of numerous battles. Paint and damage that thing up so it looks like it got into a scrap with half a dozen Abrams tanks. You will need to let go of the “lore” and try something different. Build a model, not a mech.
These things will make your mechs interesting to traditional modellers. They may have no idea about the sub-culture, but a visually interesting mech will get their attention.
Have a go mech guys/gals/they-thems. We want you in our team.
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