First appearing in 'Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam', the Qubeley stands out with its unique, curvaceous design, setting it apart from previous mobile suits (MS). Highly popular among Gunpla modelers, various custom versions of the Qubeley have been created. The recent creation by modeler Take35 (@takerunomin) features a Qubeley motif with a unique "wood grain" aesthetic. It looks so much like a wooden craft you might find in a souvenir shop on Axis. We spoke with him about why he chose this particular custom design.

Base Kit is a Limited Edition "It's ruined the exclusivity by making it look wooden (laughs)"

-- Your wood-grained "Woodbelei" has been trending on social media. How do you feel about this response?

Take35: It's a bit complicated, as it seems that more humorous works get better reactions than the ones I make seriously, thinking they're cool (laughs). But I've received a lot of praise, with comments like "amazing" and "it looks just like wood," and some people are even looking forward to my next project. This kind of anticipation is rare, so it makes me feel like I might want to create something again soon.

-- That's a complex modeler's psychology. Why did you decide to make a Qubeley in this style in the first place?

Take35: I had previously tried various unusual finishes like ceramic and marble, and vaguely thought, "Next will be wood grain." Wood grain painting is an established technique, and it's actually quite well-known. So, as a modeler, it was something I wanted to try at least once. My goal was to create a "wooden model" with a sense of luxury.
By the way, the kit I used is the limited edition 'HGUC 1/144 Qubeley Mk-II (Elpeo Puru's Custom)'. Making the entire thing look wooden ruined the exclusivity (laughs).

-- You aimed for a luxurious "wooden model." Do you have any special attachment to the Qubeley itself? Also, what impression do you have of the Qubeley as an MS?

Take35: I don't have any special attachment to the Qubeley; in fact, this was my first time making a Qubeley kit. Among Gunpla enthusiasts, the Qubeley has a special status, making it seem like a kit one shouldn't casually tackle. Because of this, I wanted to do something unique with such a prestigious kit.
As for the impression of the Qubeley as an MS, I think there's no more feminine mobile suit than the Qubeley. The design wonderfully embodies the "queen-like" presence of its pilot, Haman Karn. That's why it's a bit hard to accept that bits are launched from around the posterior area (laughs).

Source : ORICON NEWS