Modeler Spotlight: Kim Genovea and the Mythic Shinobido

MODELER: Kim Genovea (Liquidform Studio)

MODEL TITLE: Shinobido

MODIFICATION TYPE: Custom kitbash, scratchbuild, sculpting and diorama

KITS USED: FM Aerial, MG MK2 Shin Musha, Mobile Doll Sarah, HG Kshatriya, MG Dom, MG Quebeley, HG Quebeley, HG Hygogg, MG Zaku, HG Dilanza, SD Nightingale, RG Sazabi, MG Tallgeese

For Kim Genovea, the journey to becoming the GBWC 13th Philippine Champion began with a fascination for Japanese lore. His award winning work, Shinobido, combines ancient myth, yokai legends, and the spirit of the wandering shinobi into a single cinematic diorama. This feature looks deeper into the inspiration, the craftsmanship, and the personal growth behind one of the most compelling Gunpla builds in recent years.

Inspiration and Concept

Kim shares that he has always been drawn to Japanese mythos, especially the mysterious world of yokai. His concept focused on a lone shinobi mech confronting the legendary catfish yokai Onamazu, a creature believed to bring calamities and earthquakes to nearby villages. This dramatic moment, frozen in time, became the soul of Shinobido. The narrative of a stealth warrior striking down a demon over a lakeside mountain scene guided the entire direction of the piece.

Creative Process

The build began with a rough silhouette sketch to capture the dramatic pose and overall composition. Kim selected the FM Aerial as the base because its profile already aligned with his vision for a shinobi inspired mech. He extended the limbs, modified the waist and neck, and reshaped the silhouette to evoke agility and stealth. Sculpted armor pieces, a scratchbuilt cape, and various kitbashed parts brought the ninja aesthetic to life.

The yokai Onamazu was kitbashed from several kits including HG Kshatriya, MG Dom, and MG Quebeley. The head combined elements of the Hygogg and Kshatriya binders, resulting in an eerie fishlike creature with a human face embedded in its mouth. Kim drew inspiration from Koh the Face Stealer from Avatar to enhance the unsettling aura.

The diorama was crafted from styrofoam, wall putty, and epoxy resin for the water surface. A Buddha ornament added spiritual atmosphere while the landscape was repeatedly reshaped until it matched the vision of a serene yet haunted mountainside.

Challenges and Breakthroughs

Time was the ultimate enemy. Kim could only devote a few hours each day and often battled fatigue and lower back pain while pushing through the schedule. Sculpting and sanding required multiple cycles of curing, grinding, and refinement. The shoulder armor alone took nearly a week. Despite these hurdles, careful planning, long weekends, and steady discipline allowed him to finish the build. Painting took ten focused days to complete.

Personal Journey and Growth

Kim highlights dedication and the ability to visualize his own growth. While naturally artistic, he often wrestled with balancing creativity and composition. Shinobido became a testament to sharpening his execution, refining his artistic instincts, and pushing past personal limits.

Advice for Aspiring Builders

Kim encourages builders to keep creating and to think beyond traditional approaches. Judges have seen nearly everything, so originality is key. He suggests exploring inspiration beyond Gundam itself, such as anime, manga, world cultures, artworks, or even everyday objects. For him, a standout build requires courage, imagination, and the willingness to push boundaries.