By: Kayla Brunner

Are you a fan of giant robots like transformers? Did you enjoy building Legos when you were younger? Or maybe, you just consider yourself the creative type. If so, Gunpla may be the thing for you.

Gunpla are model kits based off of the Gundam anime that first aired in 1979. Since then, the Gunpla market has exploded throughout Asian countries and has since made its way to both Europe and America.

And that’s where Robot4Less comes into play.

Robot4Less is a local Gunpla and Figma store in Fullerton, California, and may have one of the biggest selections I’ve seen outside of warehouses. What makes it even better is the employees, and their eagerness to answer questions and point you to the best kit or tool you may need.

I even got a chance to interview a veteran Gunpla builder, who’s actually brother to the owner of the store, Roy. He explained how the anime Robo Tech originally got him into Gunpla, and now, his whole family, including his 8-year-old son now share the same love for the hobby. “Gunpla is for everyone” He shared, “There’s a kit for you no matter how old you are, or how much money you have.” He expressed that even females get into Gunpla. “You’re only limited by yourself.”

With Gunpla, 3 people can get the same base kit and create something completely different. You’re able to paint them, add stickers, extra parts, it’s truly up to the builder. But of course, if you’re like me, you don’t exactly know where to start or you think you can’t afford it. However, Chuck quickly dismissed this notion and explained how someone could come into the store with 20 dollars and leave with a kit. “You could even cut the piece with a nail clipper.”

Although another issue that Chuck says he sees a lot is that people are afraid to ask questions. “Every single beginner who’s just starting out sometimes gets intimidated asking questions to those who’re better. Never be intimidated when it comes to asking questions.” Because everyone all started the same way.

So, if you’re interested, I highly recommend going to Robot4Less and asking them where to start. Every other Sunday they have “Sundays with Phil”, where Phil helps people with their kits, answers questions and also helps with the basics.

Down below will be the link to Robot4Less’ information, and also some of my personal favorite sites for Gunpla building.

http://robot4less.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ROBOT4LESS/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/robot4less-fullerton

http://www.gunpla101.com/

http://goodguydangunpla.blogspot.com/