Kotobukiya has announced a new model kit based on Rebuild of Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time, and it’s based on the latest incarnation of the Unit-02. It’s formally called the “Evangelion Production Model-New 02α (JA-02 Body Assembly Cannibalized)”, but that mouthful can be shortened to Evangelion Unit-02α (for “alpha”). The kit is set to go on sale in April 2023 in Japan.
The model stands at 218mm (about 8.6″ inches) tall, set to 1/400 scale. As a plastic model kit, it requires assembly, but the different parts are colored, with some pre-painted. As such, users should be able to get close to the desired look without additional painting needed.
The model is based on the last version of the famed Evangelion Unit-02. Having practically destroyed itself at the end of Rebuild of Evangelion 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, the Evangelion Unit-02α was created by incorporating its remaining parts with the body assembly of something called JA-02. JA-02 is likely a reference to Jet Alone, an automated Eva-like mecha from the original TV series. The Eva Unit-02 head and parts of its torso stick out of the olive drab-colored JA-02 body and legs. Numerous missile and ordnance launchers also stick off its back. Piloted by Asuka Shikinami Langley alongside Mari Makinami Illustrious in the Eva Unit-08γ, the Eva Unit-02α participated in Operation Yamato, the last attempt by WILLE to stop NERV’s apocalyptic plans.
The Kotobukiya Evangelion Unit-02α model also comes with an array of gear. These include a three-barreled gatling gun, naginata blades, a special Signal Termination Plug (in deployed and undeployed versions), and several hand parts to hold the weapons. It can also share its gear with the Kotobukiya Evangelion Kai Unit-08γ model and vice-versa. Both kits are compatible with Kotobukiya’s M.S.G. New Flying Base stand for posing.
The Kotobukiya Evangelion Unit-02α model kit goes on sale in April 2023. The Evangelion Kai Unit-08γ model is currently available. Rebuild of Evangelion 3.0+1.0 is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
