Gunbuster, known in Japan as Top o Nerae!, is a Japanese original video animation (OVA) series produced by Bandai Visual, Victor Entertainment and Gainax, released from October 1988 to July 1989. It was Hideaki Anno's directorial debut, before he created Neon Genesis Evangelion. Noriko Takaya enlists in the Okinawa Girls' Space Pilot High School and trains to pilot the experimental giant robot Gunbuster against space monsters. This page gathers Gunbuster model kits and figures, from Aoshima 1/1000 kits to MODEROID and PLAMAX.
Main characters
- Noriko Takaya: enlists in the Space Pilot High School to follow her father, Yuzo, and becomes Gunbuster's pilot.
- Kazumi Amano: the school's top Machine Weapon pilot, nicknamed "Big Sister" by her peers.
- Koichiro "Coach" Ohta: the Machine Weapon coach and head of the Gunbuster development program.
- Jung Freud: a Machine Weapon pilot from the Soviet Union's moon base and Kazumi's rival.
Gunbuster figures and model kits
How to choose
Aoshima, MODEROID, PLAMAX and Kotobukiya are plastic model kits you build yourself; the MODEROID Miniature Combining & Transforming Gunbuster and Buster Machine No. 7 are the robot kits, while PLAMAX minimum factory pairs Noriko Takaya with Gunbuster. The CCSTOYS alloy figure and Nendoroid Noriko Takaya come finished. Availability changes as makers reissue and retire items, so check each product page for the current status.
Why buy from P-Rex Hobby
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Frequently asked questions
What is Gunbuster about?
In the OVA, Noriko Takaya trains at the Okinawa Girls' Space Pilot High School to pilot the giant robot Gunbuster against space monsters. Gainax made it in 1988–1989, and it was Hideaki Anno's directorial debut.
Who are the Gunbuster characters?
Noriko Takaya is the pilot of Gunbuster, Kazumi Amano is her senior and partner, Koichiro "Coach" Ohta trains them, and Jung Freud is Kazumi's rival. Noriko appears here as a Nendoroid and in PLAMAX minimum factory kits.
Who makes Gunbuster model kits?
Good Smile Company (MODEROID, PLAMAX minimum factory), Aoshima (1/1000 kits) and Kotobukiya; CCSTOYS makes a finished alloy figure.
Is Diebuster a sequel to Gunbuster?
Yes. Diebuster, also called Gunbuster 2, was released as an OVA sequel to celebrate Gainax's 20th anniversary.
How long does US shipping take?
US orders arrive in 2–8 business days after dispatch, with duties prepaid.
