I started building gunpla this year, and this was the first kit I ever built. I am really glad it was this GM, because not only did it instill a love for this hobby, but it absolutely made me a stalwart GM fan. Grunts are definitely my thing and the GM just nails the look of a cool, capable machine that any pilot can use. I am just getting started with MSG as a series too, so I can't wait to see GMs in action (although I'm aware they'll get knocked around a fair bit!)
The kit is super easy to put together and extremely satisfying to assemble. For a beginner, it's very easy to see what parts do what. I really particularly love seeing the legs come together - watching how the articulation works internally really made me realize how much goes into making these models come to life and that building them really is half of the fun!
I haven't seen the Origin series these guys are from yet, but I was originally caught between buying these and the HG RGM-79 Ground Type from 08th MS Team - this was the original winner, although I have since obtained squads of both grunts. The clean lines, satisfying panels, and huge variety of weapons make this a really packed kit.
After investing a bit of time and passion into learning about MSG, there's something I came to realize about the original GM which carries over to this kit well - the helmet, particularly the visor. A huge part of a Mobile Suit is the head, as from what I can tell it imparts really critical character to the MS. Zakus have an intimidating, menacing, but also endearing look with their mono-eye. The RX-78 and similar Gundam have a very austere, serious, capable gaze with their two eyes.
The RGM, meanwhile, has a wide visor that cants slightly upwards, and to me it gives them a wide-eyed, eager, and almost trepidatious look. Like the MS knows that it's against immense odds, but it's going to try its best all the same. That's what I like about GMs, they're regular pilots in mass produced suits that have to fight on the same field as legends and monsters, and they've got to do whatever it takes to survive and maybe become aces themselves - at least, that's the idea, and that little hint of idealism is what I get from their appearance.
And at the very least, they've won me over (and a lot of my money too).
