Evangelion Plastic Model Kits
Like with other popular mecha series, Evangelion has merchandise that closely resemble “Gunpla” from the Gundam series. These models look like a standard character figure when completed, but they require an intense amount of assembly and, in some cases, painting and decal application. While they can be considered to simply be collector’s items, many people who own these types of models consider crafting them a hobby as well. There have been numerous runs of Evangelion models throughout the years and more are still being made to this day. While Bandai is the main manufacturer of Evangelion plastic models, there have been a number of releases from Kotobukiya as well.
LM-HG Models
The first series of LM-HG (Limited Edition-High Grade) models was manufactured by Bandai from 2001 to 2003. This series includes twelve different models, but only eleven of them are numbered. Unless otherwise noted, all of these models sold for a suggested retail price of 2,500 yen. The following list includes all of the models in the LM-HG series:
#01: Evangelion Unit 01 Test Type: The first model in the series. It is the classic version of Evangelion Unit 01 that any fan should be easily able to recognize.
#02: Evangelion Unit 02 Production Model: The vibrant red unit piloted by Asuka Langley Soryu.
#03: Evangelion Unit 00 Proto Type: The yellow version of Rei’s unit before the fight with Ramiel.
#04: Evangelion Unit 00’ Proto Type: The upgraded version of Evangelion Unit 00 after its fight with Ramiel. It is now blue and has the shoulder pylons that all of the other units have.
#05: Evangelion Unit 03 Production Model: The dark purple Evangelion Unit that is to be piloted by Toji. This unit does not appear to be infected by the Thirteenth Angel.
#06: Bardiel - 13th Angel: A model of Eva-03 after it is infected by the Thirteenth Angel. It looks nearly identical to Evangelion Unit 03, but some parts like the arms, are changed.
#07: Eva-01 Test Type: A re-release of LM-HG #01, but with extra accessories (sold for a suggested retail value of 3,500 yen).
#08: Evangelion Unit 05 Mass Production Model: A model that is based on the Mass Production Evangelion Units that were first shown in The End of Evangelion movie.
#09: Evangelion Unit 04 Production Model: This model is essentially a recolor of Evangelion Unit 03, as these two units are nearly identical in design. It does, however, come with different accessories. (The suggested retail price of this unit was higher due to some parts being plated with metal.)
#10: Evangelion Unit 05 Mass Production Model Final Version: An improved version of LM-HG #08. (This model has a suggested retail price of 3,000 yen).
#11: Sachiel - 3rd Angel: A model of the first Angel that appears in Neon Genesis Evangelion. (This model has a suggested retail price of 3,000 yen).
Eva-01 Type F AFC Experiment: The only model in the series to be left unnumbered. It is based on Eva-01 with the Type-F equipment from the PS2 and PSP game Neon Genesis Evangelion 2. (This model has a suggested retail price of 3,000 yen).
Kotobukiya Models
Kotobukiya has released several different models for the Evangelion franchise. These models come from a variety of sources, including the original series, the Rebuild movies, and even Godzilla vs Evangelion. The first model was the Rebuild version of Evangelion Unit 01, which was released in November 2013 (though it had a re-release in January 2015).
RG (Real Grade) Model
Bandai currently (as of January 2020) )has an Evangelion model that is scheduled for a March 2020 release. “RG” is a ranking often used for Gunpla models to designate that the model was designed with realism in mind. RG models have a large number of intricate parts that may make building the model more difficult, but the result is a model that moves close to how it would in real life. This Evangelion Unit 01 model is the first release of an RG model outside of the Gundam series. The product itself is a 1/144 scale model of Evangelion Unit 01 from Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not Alone). The basic version of the model will be available for 4,950 yen and includes accessories like a Progressive Knife, a Pallet Rifle, Unit 01’s Umbilical Cable, and a variety of different hands to fit a variety of different poses. There is also a version of the model that includes a transportation platform for 7,150 yen.
Metal Build Evangelion
Not essentially a ‘Model Kit’, however just as popular as an Evangelion model kit are the ready made Metal Build Evangelion figures. In collaboration with Evangelion mecha designer Ikuto Yamashita, Bandai has also released a line of sturdy and highly detailed figures of Evangelion Unit 01 and 02. The figures included die-cast in the frame, making the figures easier to pose, and brings a feeling of a more refined figure toy.
Links
RightStuf Page for RG Rebuild Eva-01 Model
Bandai Page for RG Rebuild Eva-01 (Japanese Only)
Kotobukiya Page for Evangelion Figures and Models (Japanese Only)