Bandai’s Hobby Division just released full colour pictures of the upcoming PG Strike Freedom.
The talked about wing sliding mechanism which enables seamless transformation from Normal Mode to Full Burst Mode
Sliding mechanism is also incorporated into the frame
Katoki Hajime’s full color lineart. Looks clean and very much like the final product
As usual, a full color CG of it. Looks nice and the colors don’t stray too far from the original Strike Freedom colors
This time, with wings too. 
Bandai has just released pictures of a full prototype of the upcoming PG Strike Freedom designed by Katoki Hajime and Co. While the previous prototype did not display Strike Freedom’s signature wings which the whole Gunpla world has been going on about, this one finally has and it’s no let down. One look and the difference in the wings are obvious compared to the other versions of Strike Freedoms, well partly cause I’m a Strike Freedom fan. XD
The 3 most noticeable differences are,
1. The overall design – The current design for the wings follows Katoki Hajime’s “expose-more-frame” style which is great considering Strike Freedom has a gold frame. More good news, similar to MG Strike Freedom Full Burst Mode, this one will also have Extra Finish Gold Frame Parts on all exposed joints and frame. In order to prevent the gold parts from being scratched off by movements in the wings, there will be a special sliding mechanism for seamless change of the wings from Normal Mode to Full Burst Mode.
2. The proportions – Without me having to tell you, this is going to be the biggest PG so far and with such a dramatic wing span, you wonder how come you haven’t noticed it on a MG Strike Freedom yet. The truth is, length wise, I believe both the PG and MG wings are more or less the same length when scaled down. The key to it is the proportions, which as you can see, Katoki Hajime has taken the liberty to sharpen and reveal more frame to give it a more majestic look and feel. I must say I am impressed.
3. Wing gimmick? – This took me so time to notice. As you can see from the above picture, the PG Strike Freedom’s are currently in Full Burst Mode. On closer inspection, you’ll notice the gap is a little large and there seems to be a locking mechanism within the wings. My take? Wings of Light, definitely. But, for the price tag, I’m pretty sure the wings will not come bundled with the kit. More likely, it’ll be a special parts issue like every other PG launched so far. oh, the price if you ask?
Yup, it isn’t going to be a chap kit especially since it will be coming with 55 Runners, LED mechanism, spring (not sure if it is spring lock) mechanism and clear stickers.
Comparatively, PG RX-78-2 has 24 runners (including beam sabers)
While, PG Astray Red Frame has 36 runners (including beam sabers of 1 runner each and katana)
Not forgetting the most recently launched, 00 Raiser has 32 runners (inclusive of beam sabers and beam swords)
Speaking of comparison,
It is huge and if you’re wondering what else this pricey PG kit will have installed. 
It’ll come with a brand new joint system to handle the weight and stress of the whole kit while retaining the overall posing capabilities and articulation. A custom stand will also be included but no news has been given regarding the stand or whether it will be the one PG Strike freedom is currently on.
So far, so good. Let me know what you think of PG Strike Freedom so far.
I don’t need to but, I have to.
Finally. Ok, back to reality. Below are the conceptual sketches done by the master of Gunpla design himself, Katoki Hajime.
If history if anything to follow by, then PG StrikeFreedom promises to be a drop dead stunner when it does come out just by looking at the design sketch. PG 00 looked 99% similar to it’s sketch and this too should be the same.
Katoki Hajime fans rejoice as this will be the first PG Project he will be doing. Just by looking at the sketch, I’m sure Katoki fans(like me) can spot all his trademark styling cues already. Starting with the sleek revamped proportions with sharp right angles. Plenty of frame exposed and elongated hip cannons also comes from the katoki book of designs. As we all already know, a Katoki-fied kit always looks meaner and seriously means business.
Clearly inspired by the sleeker MG design, Katoki has one-upped an already beautiful design to a whole new level.
When compared with the original Kunio Okawara design, the difference is phenomenal. Overall, the PG design looks totally different but what really catches my eye is really the enlarged shoulder, sharpened chest and re-detailed knee. Those parts playfully expose just the right amount of frame to highlight StrikeFreedom’s gold frame and looks very Unicorn inspired. Best part is, the current PG Sketch doesn’t have any wings at all. Wait till that comes out.
So, what can we expect from a PG StrikeFreedom done by a newcomer/prodigal master?
1. Expect to see the most high tech frame ever on any plastic kit.
2. Also expect to see Katoki Hajime to spice up the frame with two tone gold layered accordingly.
3. Expect irrationally enlarged weapons. Trust me, those rifles and DRAGOONs will be huge. Mind you, the linear cannons on his hips elongate more when deployed
4. Expect ridiculous amounts of articulation
5. Don’t forget to expect a lovely effect part for the Wings of Light. Take that you robot Damashi fanboys! XD
6. Expect a seriously intricate stand for both StrikeFreedom and the DRAGOONs. It may even be separate stands for StrikeFreedom and the DRAGOONs which can then be combined
7. Ah! Let’s not forget a ridiculously large beam shield
8. And a ridiculously huge sheet of decals making Red Frame look normal
9. Finally, let’s not forget an insane price tag. My guess? Somewhere north of 20,000 Yen possibly 25,000 Yen.
10. Possibly a war between Katoki Hajime fans and the rest of the Gunpla world. Possibly.
And what does this all translate to? The best PG ever made? Possibly, highly.
Katoki Hajime already holds the crown for the best MG. Has one of the most successful design franchise, Unicorn, if you didn’t know. Regarded as the undisputed Master of Proportions and Decals. Has his on line up of Gundam figurines which makes Robot Damashi prices look meek.Has his own line up of MGs.
Oh, let’s not forget a legion of anti-Katoki fans who thinks he corrupts the true design of Gundam. Ah, well.
To me, Katoki Hajime has always been an unappreciated genius until the recent success of the unicorn series. I never liked how Bandai had always put him in the back seat and giving him second class priority. To me, he is the best Gundam designer. I mean other designers too are marvelous but, none are as unique as Katoki Hajime And now, with the PG StrikeFreedom project on its way, he has the chance to show all those retro fans what Gundam really is all about.
For all you moping retro Gundam fans who curse and despise Katoki Hajime for putting your beloved StrikeFreedom in a blender or any other desigfn for the matter, I say to you put a sock in it. You’ve got your MG The O, that you’ve been wanting for ages. Just let us(Katoki fans) enjoy our, ahem, “PERFECT GRADE” StrikeFreedom. Not that I’m trying to say anything.
A message for Katoki Hajime then,
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