While smaller than a MSiA figure, it is of substantially better quality.

The NRX-044 Asshimar is a transformable mobile armor from the anime series Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam which aired from 1985 – 1986. The toy was released as part of the HCM Pro line. HCM Pro stands for

Hi-Complete Model Progressive.

The toy is made out of hard ABS plastic with some select PVC details. Asshimar in robot mode is not that tall, about 3.5 inches. While smaller than a MSiA figure, it is of substantially better quality.

The construction of the toy is meant to mimic the style of the old High Complete Model line, only smaller. It feels like it is a completed model kit – all you have to do is take it out of the package and play with it.

The most notable feature of the Asshimar is its ability to transform into three modes. For a figure this small, the transformation is complex and effective. My only complaint about the transformation is that the hands need to be removed to transform from Mobile Suit mode to Mobile Armor mode.

Asshimar comes equipped with two weapons: A Beam Rifle and a standard rifle. The Beam Rifle can be stored underneath the Asshimar when in Mobile Armor mode. Also included is an additional hand, spare antenna and a display stand. The display stand can hold the Asshimar in any mode.

This is my first purchase in the HCM Pro line and I was really impressed by the quality. I doubt I will get more though, due to the fact that I am not that big of a Gundam fan anymore. The unique design and transformation drew me to this figure, but the rest of the line does not appeal to me. If the HCM Pro line branches off into toys form other series, I would be interested in checking it out again.

RX-178 MK II (Titan) Action Gokin
By Banpresto

Action gokn is a line of articulated diecast figures released by Banpresto (a subsidary of bandai). They were originally designed as UFO catcher toys, prizes in a crane game machine.

In 2000, Banpresto Released 5 Action Gokin From Zeta Gundam TV to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the series. They originally cost 1500 Yen each.

The RX-178 MK II (Titan) is about the same height of a MSIA figure, but with slimmer proportions. It includes a removeable shield, but sadly, no gun. It comes packaged in a white box with a blister carded figure inside.

What's remarkable about this figure is that its almost entirely metal. The hands, head, and joints are plastic. Thats it. It's very heavy. Even with the metal, it is extremely poseable.

The detail is not too great on the figure. There are no markings, or panel lines, just solid color. Still, it is a great addition to any Gundam collection.

Over 739 Parts on 30 trees, 2 books, and a DVD. That's what comes with Bandai's new PG RX-178 Gundam Mk-II.

Let me say first that I am not a model builder. I typically shy away from models based on the fact that you have to paint, sand and putty the average model to make them look good. The PG series, however, do not really need this level of detail. The only thing really demanding about a PG kit in my opinion is the time it takes. If you've ever put together a snap-together model you can build a PG kit.

The Mk-II stands almost an inch taller then it's predecessor, the PG Wing Zero Custom. At 31.5cm tall (12.5 inches), it is taller than the US released DX Gundams as well. Its presence is undeniable.

The kit is loaded with gimmicks, including removable armor, opening cockpit w/light, light up eyes, collapsible shield, articulated fingers, 2 weapons, 2 beam sabers, spring loaded ankles and more. The armor comes off fairly easy do display, but will not fall off when handling it. There are gold plated tubes, made out of actual metal, that flex as the joints move. Also included with the kit is a booklet that looks to have a lot of interesting information in it, but it's all in Japanese. The DVD is kind of a letdown... You get about 15 minutes of CG footage of your kit in action. No real story, just some kind of test-pilot footage. The most amusing thing about the all-region DVD is a section where you can view Japanese Gundam commercials.

This kit was easier to put together than the Wing Zero custom. I only spent about 15 hours on this one. You will need a hobby knife, a philips screwdriver, and 2 LR43 watch batteries to complete the kit.

Although the kit is beautiful, I had a few minor gripes about the kit:

• The waist joint is really fragile. It separated twice from its base plate, so I finally superglued it together and it works fine. It is a real flimsy part to have the whole torso turn on.
• The electronics stay on. It has an on-off switch, but that doesn't seem to work. It may be something I did, but you can unplug the backpack if this happens to you.
• It's very top-heavy. My kit took a plunge off the table before I tightened up the leg joints. Remarkably, it survived the fall unscathed.
• There is almost no metal in this kit. The PG Wing Zero kit had a bunch of metal, so I was expecting the same, but there is only one metal piece in this kit.

Overall, this kit is great. It displays well, you can handle it without fear of it breaking, and it was fun to build. If it weren't for the fragile waist, it would be perfect. But for now it's an almost perfect Perfect Grade Kit.