Heading into new territory…
Roundnova is part of the 30 Minute Missions line of models from Bandai. The intended scale is 1/144, making them compatible with Master Grade Gundam models.
For those who do not know, the original Gundam was about 60 feet tall and 60 tons. Every Gundam since was designed around that standard. In 1/144 scale, that works out to 5 inches tall.
Bandai released the first 30 Minute Missions model in 2019 and the line continues to grow steadily. Two gimmicks are in play. First, these are foe Master Grade Gundam models in 1/144 scale. That means Bandai can appeal to Gundam model builders without paying a license fee. Second, these models use a system like LEGO bricks allowing the builder to customize them. It is possible to mix and match parts from any model in the line to make custom creations. In addition, Bandai sells a bunch of upgrade part packs allowing further customization.
Some of the Gundam anime series were pretty good but I am not a fan of giant samurai robots. However, I do like mecha in general because…Macross.
Anyway, from the moment I first saw these 30 Minute Missions models I thought, “I can use those parts as the basis for all sorts of science fiction robots”.
Roundnova, released in May of this year, is my favorite 30 Minutes Missions model so far and my first purchase from the line. My intention is repurpose this mode as a 1/35 scale cargo handling robot.
For anyone wanting even more information, 30 Minute Missions models have a very compact and delightfully unoriginal backstory. At some unspecified time in the future, the warring people of Earth invent giant samauri robots because of course they did. A short time later, a portal appears in Earth orbit. Enemy giant samauri robots come out of the portal and attack the people of Earth because of course they do. Miraculously, the pilots of these alien robots are almost identical to human beings because of course they are. All the nations of Earth band together to fight the aliens because everyone knows human beings never double deal against one another or team up with a foreign power. Then a second portal opens and more giant samurai robots belonging to a second alien race come out. Perhaps to the surprise of no one, they attack both humans and the first aliens. Even less surprising, members of the second alien species look just like human beings. However, and this is really important, some of the giant samurai robots from the second alien race looks like cat girls. I am going to be honest. If this actually happens, I am turning on the human species and joining that cat girl faction because, oh my goodness gracious, 60 foot tall robot assassin cat girls with light sabers.
An aside because I feel like it… When I was a kid and saw my first Bandai giant samurai robot model I thought something like, “Wow! This model is super high quality!” That was true. Curiously, Roundnova is really no better than that 40 year old model. Modern military models are way more detailed. In my opinion, the people at Bandai need to up their game.
The movie had a budget of around $1,570,000.00 and only grossed $7,227.00 world wide. Hmmmmm………….I wonder why?? 
