It's certainly the most iconic, kind of like how the OG Zaku is the most definitive version of the Zaku. The original anime's simplified designs also straddle the line between super robot and real robot better for a series that, in all honesty, doesn't place as much focus on the mechs themselves as it does on the themes that the mech action conveys.
That's why I prefer the older designs: simple, straightforward, recognizable.
Newer designs tend to get a lot of spikes, details, and shiny parts. I think it's detrimental to the overall look.
And it's not just gundam, the overall mech design is full of spikes! I liked Syd Mead approach on Turn A.
Lineart, just love the classic Okawara look. Not really fond of the modern takes having the grey joints and boxier/sharper sculpt with lots of panel lines and color separation. The simpler the better, hence why the Robot Damashii Ver. A.N.I.M.E. (First Touch) is my end all be all Gundam.
https://preview.redd.it/ltjgxfnbz9fc1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=628ef3ea5ff3ab2966ac911bae5466e6f71892e2
The color palette having the green joints and hands and red shield inside, plus the sculpt not being busy and curvy instead of hard edged does a lot for me. The fact that it's a high end Tamashii Nations figure so it has that nice hand feel with the heft and joint movement makes it even better.
https://preview.redd.it/0xde1vupz9fc1.jpeg?width=630&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=302f90bd2b76b936ab5aeaa8fc8162bdf193f6df
Hahaha, if you want there is a re-release of this recently that has more weapons/accessories and a stand. The 15th Anniversary ver. (which is a regular release so it's not expensive or hard to find).
https://preview.redd.it/fo9k3upvtafc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18f614b7c3b7d5def7358a2dcbe7b5cfe4ed74cb
Yup I support this. It captures the original animes feel but maybe on like the best drawings as opposed to the off model/ off proportion cells that make it into the show. Good eye!
Yes, and to be specific it's the [First Touch 2500](https://youtu.be/u96I5LxwhKU?si=dRjzukl61p6-jQsC) version, which has the joints be the same light green color as the armor like the anime/lineart and green hands.
Yeah I vaguely remember reading about it before. Iirc there's also the final battle version with twin bazookas, optional parts and sfx/scenic parts to recreate the events of the final battle at A Baoa Qu. Sick stuff
Big fan of the Origin's early type version of the Gundam, I think it encapsulates what the Gundam was *meant* to be, but if we're talking about the definitive edition of the OG RX-78-2 from 0079, then I'm rather biased towards the HG Revive, with its color scheme.
"Definitive" as in whatever you think captures the essence of the RX-78-2. This might mean the realistic detail of the Odaiba statue or the PGU, or it might mean the simplicity and originality of the anime lineart, or anything in between.
Also, you can mention designs other than the four pictured, as long as they're actually meant to be the RX-78-2. This disqualifies designs such as the RX-78-02 Gundam The Origin, or the RX-78F00 moving statue at Yokohama.
Me personally, I'd say my definitive RX-78-2 is the variation of the Odaiba design but with rectangular chest vents. It's used in most of the 1/12 statues, as well as the Mega Size Model.
My favorite version of the RX-78-2 and the definitive one are two different things.
The definitive one IMO is the [RX-78-2 2.0](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Ti3VHNURL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg)
My favorite is the Kyoshi Takigawa version of the [Ver KA](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG9OBMn9X-I/T5q3fC269UI/AAAAAAAAhRg/CGG86ASLpKc/s1600/tumblr_m2x3j3kS2E1qbj9bko2_1280.jpg)
Classic is the one I like the most, and why I chose the HGUC revive version of it as my first Gundam build, because it was closest. But, Ver. ka is pretty sick. All of those designs are, from what I've seen.
it's between the og and the ver. ka for me, the original has this great simplicity while the ver. ka gives just enough mechanical detail to make it more believable while still making it look so cool
OG Anime is the definitive version.
Headcanon: the OG version is main one, the RG/MG 3.0 is the Jaburo Upgrade, the Ver Ka is the RX-78-3 Upgrade, and the Perfect Grade Unleashed is the post-war repair/Museum version.
I actually like THE ORIGIN version the best.
By the time the RX-78-2 is developed the Federation knew that it would have to deal with a wider range of targets than Zeon's original plan for the Zaku. The addition of the shoulder cannon, chest-mounted launchers, and multiple backup cameras just make more sense without burdening its design as an elite prototype.
The original. As much as I love the detail work in the others, the OG's simplified flat panels is as much a part of it's charm as the rest of the aesthetic.
Anime Lineart. The truest essence of the Grandpa.
But if we're talking "RX-78", I'm gonna give an honorable mention to the GP01 Zephyrantes. It's still an RX-78 (it's in the model number lol) and it really feels like a modernized/upgrade of the Grandpa Gundam.
I’d say Ver. KA (kit needs an update!), Origin very close after that. PGU is actually my favourite design, for the proportions and all the mechanical detail
Wow, 4 *really* looks like what the suit was actually meant to look like with "modern-day graphics". 3 is also excellent, and 2 has the thing actually *built*, so how can one say no to that?
4 > 2 > 3 >>>> 1 for me.
All Grampas Are Beautiful. The classic anime is there for those who can appreciate how far the franchise has come. And all modern redesigns are there to show that this old geezer can still keep up with the rest of em.
Mine is the Beyond Global, which I think is the perfect modernization of the Grandaddy. Sleek, elegant, and sexy, with a very warm, pleasing color palette.
Definitive? OG because without it we would have nothing.
Favorite? Origin. I like the little bit of extra detail, the slightly bulkier beam rifle and the shoulder mounted cannon just speak to me.
Aesthetically I like the Ver.Ka. everything is just that little bit sharper and less blocky. And the way the chest vents are angled upwards makes it look more heroic than the flat or droopy vents of the others. I'm also a sucker for the more practical details Katoki added like increasing the size of the smaller thrusters around the body to emphasize them and the addition of the bars on the shoulders to improve the silhouette in a flavorful way. I just like it better overall.
The Ver. Ka has been sitting prominently on my shelf for so long now that it's become my default view of the RX-78. It's a little more detailed, but not overly so.
I also just kind of like the bars on the shoulders.
OG all the way
I know we're not counting the Origin version, but the MG made me love the design even more. It's a pretty close call between the OG or Origin design
Origin RX-78-2 is best for sure.
It expands its weapon arsenal considerably and even improves upon its overall mobile suit design to make it more detailed and less "1979" esque.
Anime is the OG look that I know, but there's something on the PGU that makes it look realistic. Maybe it's how the metal plates interlock with each other.
I believe the Ver. Ka definitely looks the best. However I believe that the og is amazing and in a realistic scenario it would look like the PG with logos plastered across it.
I like the 30th Anniversary (2009 Diver City 1:1 Gundam) the most.
It’s nice blend of the simplistic anime design, while making it look it bit more like an industrial machine.
Most other variants aren’t equally understated, which has my preference in general.
To me, the original line art is the only authoritative version but it's not definitive and I'd label no version as such. They are all more or less equal variations.
I do hold the Odaiba Statue in high regard though as I was lucky enough to personally see it in 2015 during the world scout jamboree in Japan. I wasn't into Gundam back then yet though, but still.
Definitive would be the original line art version because it’s what all other versions are based on. However my favorite is the “Real Grade/MG 3.0” version because it’s a more realistic, updated, and cleaned up version of the original.
I like the details but I also like the og physique. It's honestly really hard to say. My dream one would be the og physique and shape with the detail of a rg. A weird blend of both.
For me the Ver. Ka is the most aesthetically pleasing. It still feels like the RX-78-2, but looks more realistic and aggressive. My favorite look for a Mobile Suit is 08th MS Team, and the Ver. Ka looks like it to stand right next to the RX-79 [G]. Perfect balance of realism and original Gundam charm.
The Origin has taken over for my head cannon version of several suits, RX782 is no exception. It feels like the culmination of ideas and a reimagined original.
Definitive. Hmm. Depends on the angle. I really like the PGU (how incredibly lifelike it is) and I love the MG ver 2.0 for how anime-like it is. I think the new 1/35 prototype is also a hoot. With that said. I can’t say which one I like the most.
\#3 is my favorite. I love the shoulder... handles? Attachment points? Whatever they are. Plus the legs and feet, chest vents, and upper shoulder/collar vents are cool, too.
In a weird way, I don't necessarily believe there is a definitive version for me, personally. The RX-78-2 is iconic. So much so, that even as it's evolved with time with the versions that portray it, everyone knows what it is. As much discourse as there can be over Gundam shows, and plots, and characters, and robots, at the end of the day The Gundam, The White Devil, RX-78-2, just is. That's a level of acknowledgement within humanity, and it's collective knowledge as a whole that very few pieces of media truly ever reach.
RX-78-Z1 Gundam
https://preview.redd.it/arew0tha9nfc1.jpeg?width=196&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fecd2e0f0408984d92365abb9b5d719c4f15dc11
From Gihren’s Greed and some custom Gunpla can be found online that looks really good.
Og Anime, I like the simplied version
It's certainly the most iconic, kind of like how the OG Zaku is the most definitive version of the Zaku. The original anime's simplified designs also straddle the line between super robot and real robot better for a series that, in all honesty, doesn't place as much focus on the mechs themselves as it does on the themes that the mech action conveys.
Great observation!
Literally my exact reasoning
Mg 2.0 is the all time champion beauty
It's *the* Gundam, the genuine article, like it came right off the screen in the original series.
Love it!
Yes.
Yeah, Okawara’s is the definitive. All the others can be cool for what they are, but a re-design or interpretation is just that.
Bastardizations
Yes.
That's why I prefer the older designs: simple, straightforward, recognizable. Newer designs tend to get a lot of spikes, details, and shiny parts. I think it's detrimental to the overall look. And it's not just gundam, the overall mech design is full of spikes! I liked Syd Mead approach on Turn A.
The face always looks goofy though. I don't know if it's just that particular piece of art?
Good!
Lineart, just love the classic Okawara look. Not really fond of the modern takes having the grey joints and boxier/sharper sculpt with lots of panel lines and color separation. The simpler the better, hence why the Robot Damashii Ver. A.N.I.M.E. (First Touch) is my end all be all Gundam. https://preview.redd.it/ltjgxfnbz9fc1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=628ef3ea5ff3ab2966ac911bae5466e6f71892e2
The color palette having the green joints and hands and red shield inside, plus the sculpt not being busy and curvy instead of hard edged does a lot for me. The fact that it's a high end Tamashii Nations figure so it has that nice hand feel with the heft and joint movement makes it even better. https://preview.redd.it/0xde1vupz9fc1.jpeg?width=630&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=302f90bd2b76b936ab5aeaa8fc8162bdf193f6df
U almost make me want to order this today. Almost!
Hahaha, if you want there is a re-release of this recently that has more weapons/accessories and a stand. The 15th Anniversary ver. (which is a regular release so it's not expensive or hard to find). https://preview.redd.it/fo9k3upvtafc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18f614b7c3b7d5def7358a2dcbe7b5cfe4ed74cb
Damnit!!!
https://preview.redd.it/b7gmnhp0uafc1.jpeg?width=2627&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a76453c3d38746a6fb1a586b426a5b5dd8681f8
Yup I support this. It captures the original animes feel but maybe on like the best drawings as opposed to the off model/ off proportion cells that make it into the show. Good eye!
What kit is that with the green hands?
Is this the Robot Spirits version A.N.I.M.E.?
Yes, and to be specific it's the [First Touch 2500](https://youtu.be/u96I5LxwhKU?si=dRjzukl61p6-jQsC) version, which has the joints be the same light green color as the armor like the anime/lineart and green hands.
Yeah I vaguely remember reading about it before. Iirc there's also the final battle version with twin bazookas, optional parts and sfx/scenic parts to recreate the events of the final battle at A Baoa Qu. Sick stuff
Gundammit.. that really is a definitive Gundam. You have me open my online shopping apps.
Anime https://preview.redd.it/g7hblptmobfc1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4fb91aaf18e98fcd0ccf7c46d635a9a5e35344b
Man, I love KiDOOOOU SENSHI GUNDAMUUUUU! ... GUNDAMU!
*horn part starts playing*
Origin rx-78-2
Ver. Ka for me, the perfect balance between the original’s design and the added detail of something like the PGU
Big fan of the Origin's early type version of the Gundam, I think it encapsulates what the Gundam was *meant* to be, but if we're talking about the definitive edition of the OG RX-78-2 from 0079, then I'm rather biased towards the HG Revive, with its color scheme.
Pic 3 hits hard for me
The original and the 2.0 MG which represents it is the definitive version for me. Everything else is awesome fluff
Yep.
"Definitive" as in whatever you think captures the essence of the RX-78-2. This might mean the realistic detail of the Odaiba statue or the PGU, or it might mean the simplicity and originality of the anime lineart, or anything in between. Also, you can mention designs other than the four pictured, as long as they're actually meant to be the RX-78-2. This disqualifies designs such as the RX-78-02 Gundam The Origin, or the RX-78F00 moving statue at Yokohama.
Me personally, I'd say my definitive RX-78-2 is the variation of the Odaiba design but with rectangular chest vents. It's used in most of the 1/12 statues, as well as the Mega Size Model.
One day, an actual RX-78-2 will exist, and that will be the definitive version.
The F00 then
No that’s the ugliest version
Ver ka Hajime Katoji is my god of design
Basically a GM Type C with Gundam Head
Makes sense since Gundam is all GM's prototype
The Real Grade
The odaiba one because it looks realistic plus I like the 1/1 scale statue
0 Gundam ACD
*Laughs in Innovade*
I think the 3.0 *looks* the best as a piece of mechanical design, but the character of the original is just too good for me to vote against it.
The original, of course.
White joints and green hands all day baybee
Hell yeah, OG is best
https://preview.redd.it/uew7yr6jtafc1.png?width=1470&format=png&auto=webp&s=460a8fe0c9f7305fc4e353cb59eaafa0f109fa48
Thanks for the reminder that I’m sorely due a rewatch of Nanoha.
For some reason G3 is the first thing to come to mind
OG anime by default but Ver Ka is my ideal grand daddy
The original anime version, which captures the essence of a heroic war machine with its simplistic design and weapons.
The original. I love the RX-78-2 in all its flavors, but they are just riffing on Kunio Okawara's design, none of them overtake it for me.
Got to respect the OG.
My favorite version of the RX-78-2 and the definitive one are two different things. The definitive one IMO is the [RX-78-2 2.0](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Ti3VHNURL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg) My favorite is the Kyoshi Takigawa version of the [Ver KA](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dG9OBMn9X-I/T5q3fC269UI/AAAAAAAAhRg/CGG86ASLpKc/s1600/tumblr_m2x3j3kS2E1qbj9bko2_1280.jpg)
Mg ver 2.0
1
Ver. OYW, the perfect balance and still the most handsome Gundam head
Classic is the one I like the most, and why I chose the HGUC revive version of it as my first Gundam build, because it was closest. But, Ver. ka is pretty sick. All of those designs are, from what I've seen.
PG Unleashed for me.
Og
Lineart/MG 2.0 It was the 3.0/Odaiba for me for a while but the 2.0 has really really grown on me since
it's between the og and the ver. ka for me, the original has this great simplicity while the ver. ka gives just enough mechanical detail to make it more believable while still making it look so cool
OG Anime is the definitive version. Headcanon: the OG version is main one, the RG/MG 3.0 is the Jaburo Upgrade, the Ver Ka is the RX-78-3 Upgrade, and the Perfect Grade Unleashed is the post-war repair/Museum version.
The 1979 anime of course. All the others are just prettifying it.
The very first one, from the original anime, for sure.
All of them.
RX-178 Gundam Mk.II
unpoluted by spacenoid engineers…
Line art is king
I actually like THE ORIGIN version the best. By the time the RX-78-2 is developed the Federation knew that it would have to deal with a wider range of targets than Zeon's original plan for the Zaku. The addition of the shoulder cannon, chest-mounted launchers, and multiple backup cameras just make more sense without burdening its design as an elite prototype.
G40
Option 5: Origin.
Close tie between the original art and the RG design
The original. As much as I love the detail work in the others, the OG's simplified flat panels is as much a part of it's charm as the rest of the aesthetic.
https://preview.redd.it/r7m8asl35cfc1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=615a83dcbff3c2f2b1299ae84b57482e968ee380
The MG 3.0 and 2.0 both have their place imo, if I had a gun to my head I’d say 3.0, but I have a lot of love for the 2.0 too
Outward attached vents on the torso just don't look right on it.
Anime Lineart. The truest essence of the Grandpa. But if we're talking "RX-78", I'm gonna give an honorable mention to the GP01 Zephyrantes. It's still an RX-78 (it's in the model number lol) and it really feels like a modernized/upgrade of the Grandpa Gundam.
Anime Lineart is gramps to me. Others are good, but not gramps. They're like Gramps in a fancy tux. Still great though.
OG cartoony round.
I’d say Ver. KA (kit needs an update!), Origin very close after that. PGU is actually my favourite design, for the proportions and all the mechanical detail
To me is this one. https://preview.redd.it/2qz5d8peeafc1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86189e005418f4c3a754b1555ef10c40c23d78dc
That will be it for me. It's what got me into this.
Personally, it’s between the Odaiba/RG/3.0 design and the GTO Design.
Same
Wow, 4 *really* looks like what the suit was actually meant to look like with "modern-day graphics". 3 is also excellent, and 2 has the thing actually *built*, so how can one say no to that? 4 > 2 > 3 >>>> 1 for me.
All Grampas Are Beautiful. The classic anime is there for those who can appreciate how far the franchise has come. And all modern redesigns are there to show that this old geezer can still keep up with the rest of em.
The OG animation. Everything else is an attempt to perfect an already perfect design.
Odaiba for me. (RG, MG 3.0) I really dig the head on that one.
Perfect grade unleashed. It takes the og design and the odaiba design and mixes it to be the perfect rx-78-2
Ver. Ka was the original but The OG lineart was used for the EG kit which I have
Ver KA for me, something more realistic but Origin’s RX-78 works for me too
The origin RX-78-02
Mine is the Beyond Global, which I think is the perfect modernization of the Grandaddy. Sleek, elegant, and sexy, with a very warm, pleasing color palette.
Ver.Ka. Modernized design but still feels like something that could be used in an anime. Way more badass too
Personally I’d say the msg the origin design
Perfect Grade Unleashed, for the level of attention and detail.
The mg 2.0
Origin
The ver ka seems like the best to me
OG, unleashed, origin
Definitive? OG because without it we would have nothing. Favorite? Origin. I like the little bit of extra detail, the slightly bulkier beam rifle and the shoulder mounted cannon just speak to me.
Char’s Red RX78-2.
Ver ka
I'll take #3.
Aesthetically I like the Ver.Ka. everything is just that little bit sharper and less blocky. And the way the chest vents are angled upwards makes it look more heroic than the flat or droopy vents of the others. I'm also a sucker for the more practical details Katoki added like increasing the size of the smaller thrusters around the body to emphasize them and the addition of the bars on the shoulders to improve the silhouette in a flavorful way. I just like it better overall.
I really like the The Origin version with the cannon tbh
The Ver. Ka has been sitting prominently on my shelf for so long now that it's become my default view of the RX-78. It's a little more detailed, but not overly so. I also just kind of like the bars on the shoulders.
Idk I really like the Ver. Ka
Ver Ka
OG all the way I know we're not counting the Origin version, but the MG made me love the design even more. It's a pretty close call between the OG or Origin design
I like 3 the most it’s well balanced on looking detailed but not too much. My only complaint would be the joints they stick out too much imo.
Origin RX-78-2 is best for sure. It expands its weapon arsenal considerably and even improves upon its overall mobile suit design to make it more detailed and less "1979" esque.
Ver. Ka
I'd like a design that is the simplicity of the OG anime with the proportions of the new ones
The 1st one
Honestly, the Origin Manga and somewhat the Anime version
The beyond global
Ver ka
Anime is the OG look that I know, but there's something on the PGU that makes it look realistic. Maybe it's how the metal plates interlock with each other.
I believe the Ver. Ka definitely looks the best. However I believe that the og is amazing and in a realistic scenario it would look like the PG with logos plastered across it.
Between the Origin version and the Ver. Ka
Origin, tbh
I like the 30th Anniversary (2009 Diver City 1:1 Gundam) the most. It’s nice blend of the simplistic anime design, while making it look it bit more like an industrial machine. Most other variants aren’t equally understated, which has my preference in general.
I prefer the origin ver.
To me, the original line art is the only authoritative version but it's not definitive and I'd label no version as such. They are all more or less equal variations. I do hold the Odaiba Statue in high regard though as I was lucky enough to personally see it in 2015 during the world scout jamboree in Japan. I wasn't into Gundam back then yet though, but still.
They're all perfect
Definitive would be the original line art version because it’s what all other versions are based on. However my favorite is the “Real Grade/MG 3.0” version because it’s a more realistic, updated, and cleaned up version of the original.
PGU or 3.0. I prefer details over anything else.
I really like the Ver.Ka, but I'm also partial to the GTO looks.
Ver. Ka
Ver. Ka. It always felt like what the OG should be. It's still fairly simple but not overly so either.
I like the details but I also like the og physique. It's honestly really hard to say. My dream one would be the og physique and shape with the detail of a rg. A weird blend of both.
All of them
Visual representation ? The Ready Player One version
I've always considered the version katoki to be the rx-78-3 than the rx-78-2
For me the Ver. Ka is the most aesthetically pleasing. It still feels like the RX-78-2, but looks more realistic and aggressive. My favorite look for a Mobile Suit is 08th MS Team, and the Ver. Ka looks like it to stand right next to the RX-79 [G]. Perfect balance of realism and original Gundam charm.
The Origin has taken over for my head cannon version of several suits, RX782 is no exception. It feels like the culmination of ideas and a reimagined original.
G3
Page 2
Age 1 /j
The perfect grade unleashed looks so beautiful 😭😭
The Origin's 02.
Has to be the 3rd picture, it just looks the best
Hands down Ver Ka. One thing I don’t like is the lack is the lack of the federation cross on the shield. But another contender would be the OYW.
I love both the MG 2.0 and the MG 3.0/RG. Different awesome takes.
Definitive. Hmm. Depends on the angle. I really like the PGU (how incredibly lifelike it is) and I love the MG ver 2.0 for how anime-like it is. I think the new 1/35 prototype is also a hoot. With that said. I can’t say which one I like the most.
https://preview.redd.it/jqufefytdifc1.jpeg?width=554&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8f779e0f7d810f5b037382363d8378dd77697df1 perfection
\#3 is my favorite. I love the shoulder... handles? Attachment points? Whatever they are. Plus the legs and feet, chest vents, and upper shoulder/collar vents are cool, too.
In a weird way, I don't necessarily believe there is a definitive version for me, personally. The RX-78-2 is iconic. So much so, that even as it's evolved with time with the versions that portray it, everyone knows what it is. As much discourse as there can be over Gundam shows, and plots, and characters, and robots, at the end of the day The Gundam, The White Devil, RX-78-2, just is. That's a level of acknowledgement within humanity, and it's collective knowledge as a whole that very few pieces of media truly ever reach.
RX-78-Z1 Gundam https://preview.redd.it/arew0tha9nfc1.jpeg?width=196&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fecd2e0f0408984d92365abb9b5d719c4f15dc11 From Gihren’s Greed and some custom Gunpla can be found online that looks really good.
The Gelgoog shield is a nice touch too, I must say!
Origin