Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt creator Yasuo Ohtagaki has spoken out after discovering an unlicensed 1/100 scale model kit based on the manga's iconic Acguy design being produced by a Chinese manufacturer.
The model, which recently surfaced online, recreates the distinctive Thunderbolt version of the Acguy and is reportedly scheduled for release in August 2026. While many fans have long hoped to see the mobile suit receive an official GunPla release, Ohtagaki made it clear that this particular project is not something he can support.
Taking to X, Ohtagaki revealed that he first learned about the kit through a friend and expressed frustration that neither Bandai nor any official representative had contacted him regarding the product.
友人が知らせてくれました。バンダイから何の連絡も無いし、コレって無許可で発売？中華ガンプラはどういうルールで作られてるのでしょう？サンボル版アッガイのガンプラ化はずっと夢だったけど、これは…流石に喜べません。 pic.twitter.com/eCFr0eYD6H
— 太田垣康男 (@ohtagakiyasuo) June 11, 2026
"A friend brought this to my attention. I've received no communication from Bandai. Is this really being released without permission?" Ohtagaki wrote. "I've always dreamed of seeing the Thunderbolt Acguy turned into a GunPla kit, but I can't be happy about this."
The veteran manga creator also questioned how Chinese Gundam model manufacturers are able to produce kits based on existing Gundam designs, suggesting his disbelief that a Thunderbolt Acguy model could reach the market without proper authorization.
What makes the situation particularly bittersweet is that Ohtagaki has openly admitted that a GunPla version of the Thunderbolt Acguy has been one of his longtime wishes. Rather than celebrating the arrival of a kit based on one of his most popular designs, he found himself disappointed by the circumstances surrounding its release.
The post quickly drew attention from Gundam fans, many of whom shared Ohtagaki's frustration. While unofficial Gundam-inspired products are not uncommon, seeing a model based directly on a well-known Thunderbolt design has sparked renewed discussion about licensing and intellectual property within the hobby industry.
For now, fans hoping for an official Thunderbolt Acguy kit may have to keep waiting. As Ohtagaki's comments show, even the creator himself would rather see the beloved mobile suit receive a proper release than an unlicensed one.
I mean if Bandai isn't going to give Thunderbolt any love, someone has too.
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, very much understand how painful and frustrating it is to see one's design get effectively stolen and then marketed, and only finding out about it second-hand... that downright sucks, no matter how one looks at it.
ReplyDeleteOn the other... Bandai's been slacking really hard when it has come to gunpla lately. Granted, it's because they're now having to deal with several more in the way of IPs that also are getting Plamo kits, but even then, it really does feel like Gundam's taken a back-burner and been left to simmer, especially on the front of master grades. Third party companies and bootleg companies are closing the gap rapidly, and some have even already surpassed Bandai... going to be interesting to see the response in this case.
Bandai should've made their own kit back when Thunderbolt season 2 was coming out
ReplyDeleteBREAKING - China releases a bootleg kit. In other news, the sky is blue and water is wet.
ReplyDeleteBandai has drastically slowed down their new gundam releases, with most products being recolours. There's clearly a demand and if Bandai doesn't want to fill it, someone was going to. They've had 10 years to release this but they haven't and, let's be honest, they weren't going to at least for another 10 years.
ReplyDelete