The Centennial Master Grade is the Universal Quanitifier, but does this seem like an overglorified High Grade?

MG #100

Despite a wide number of ‘collectors’ edition kits, Bandai’s Master Grade collection has finally reached its Centennial and there was much speculation as to what Gundam would win the 100th model kit title. The speculation started with the proposal for additional “Char’s” Variants, kits that were simple retools of earlier kits. This made some fans nervous, unsettled with the idea of a retool for the big 1 0 0. After months of shadows and the MG number approaching its mark, Bandai revealed the 100th Master Grade kit: Turn A Gundam!

Do Gundams Dream of Electric Sheep?
The Turn A Gundam comes from its self titled series and celebrates Gundam’s legacy from start to (then) finish and marks the 20th Anniversary project of Gundam by its creator Yoshiyuki Tomino. While commonly these events are carried out by a ‘traditional’ group such as Tomino and his longtime partner Kunio Ohkawara, Tomino chose to change things up a bit; taking the Gundam design duties to the American artist Syd Mead, whose credits include the Cyberpunk Masterpiece Blade Runner. The end result is one of the most striking designs ever for a mobile suit. It lacked the traditional ‘V-crest’ on the forehead instead sporting a mustache that curved upwards, gaining it the nickname ‘White Mustache’ which was written into the Turn A series. The body itself followed a ventilated pattern along a curving linear form making the Turn A more of an artistic piece than a mechanical one. This stunning contrast compared to Gundam’s origin struck a cord with fans and newcomers, some bitter, others enthusiastic, none the less, the Turn A Gundam is a much celebrated design.

This Amish Earth

Turn A Gundam takes place in the ‘Correct Century’ calendar, CC 2345, a time when Earth’s technology was destroyed after the cataclysmic events of the “Dark History.” During this era of space travel and interplanetary war, all of Earth’s great advancements had been lost and all technology was destroyed. With no physical specimen to rebuild from, those living on Earth have slowly redeveloped their technology in a Re-Industrialization Revolution, recreating vacuum tubes, prop planes, and Model-T style internal combustion engines to name a few. In the meantime, the People living on the Moon (dubbed the Moonrace) have lived with much of the lost science and capacity for space travel and Mobile Suit technology. Growing to believe its superiority over the Earth, the Moonrace begins planning to reclaim the Earth, either by peaceful relocation and force. In preparation, the Moonrace’s leader Diana sends three young observers to the Earth. Loran Cehack one of the observers, holds high hopes for the relocation after establishing himself as a driver and caretaker for the Heim family, a wealthy industrial family of the Earth.

After growing to enjoy life on Earth amongst the normal Earth dwellers, Loran is equally caught off guard when the Military faction of the Moonrace begins its assault, quickly dispatching Earth’s fledgling militia with their overpowering Mobile Suits. Unbeknownst to the general public, Earth retained some of its Mobile Suit and space-faring technology, much of which was buried underground where it was protected from history. Some technology however was encased in stonework, such as the “White Doll,” a statue used by Earth dwellers in a Coming of Age ceremony. During the initial attack, Loran witnessed the Doll crumble away to reveal the statue is really a Mobile Suit, the Turn A Gundam. Learning how to use it through field experience, Loran comes to terms with the reality that the Earth is worth protecting, even from his own homeland. Little did he realize that the Turn A Gundam had more significance to the Dark History than being a mere relic of that time period.

Turn A Turn

The Turn A Gundam’s incarnation of models came with the standard roll out, a 1/144 scale version and a 1/100 scale high grade constructed in the most basic fashion typical to both scales. For the Master Grade Turn A, the design team chose to forgo the internal mechanical aspect and make the Turn A in its external Aesthetic glory. The model lacks much of the internal detail and mechanical components famous for the line and instead focuses on the final product and there is much internal construction which compliments this theory.

Preliminary examination shows that the Turn A model can be done with minimal paint work. In fact most of the work I did on this was detailing with a rapidoliner, with touch ups with a tooth pick in some areas such as the symbol on the Turn A’s forehead and Loran figure in the pilot’s seat. Detailing is where much of the Turn A’s style stands out, with its panel markings exposed and raised areas that stand out with a little ink. There were some areas where paneling was not fully pressed. However when compared to the whole kit, these small points are negligible.

The Turn A’s head is constructed from the inside out starting with a sub-layer that makes up the bulk of the head, mainly the eyes and chin constructed on a spheroid block that then connects with a two disk assembly that makes up the Gundam’s neck. This half sphere shaped piece is molded in the clear yellow plastic with two protruding wedges to make the Gundam’s eyes. Instead of having to paint this area, the Turn A has a ‘mask’ which fits over the eyes and completely encases the first layer. The armor of the Turn A’s head consists of two shell halves (cut front and back) that are locked together by an additional strip on the top of the Turn A’s head. The Turn A’s famous mustache is then slid up into place at its chin and locks into place in a groove. For the must part, the Turn A’s head is impressively constructed, well thought out, and very pleasing to its design.

The Torso of the Turn A is where much of the Gundam’s internal and external mechanisms are showcased. The front of the chest itself is made of individual doors that open like vents. These panels connect to large plates which then lock into the main bay blocks. These two blocks can be removed and shown for their detail, or exposed by opening the plates on the front of the chest. The missiles are adjoined parts, where there are three long missile tubes injected vertically and joined by a flat strip with groove points that run along the inside of the pod. The missile bays as well are solid cast injected parts where both pods are singular pieces. There is some drawbacks to this detail because of their recessed design, making use of the Turn A’s peg mount for the Action Base as a turn key to push the pods out from the back. Speaking of the Action Base, this additional stem arm connects to a small port on the center of the Turn A’s back (by removing the plug installed over the port). One last piece of business involving the front of the Turn A, or more over like two optional pieces. The center rib that divides the chest regions was included in two colors, blue and white. Both parts are exactly the same, and why they were included is beyond me, but the addition is just one piece of extra thought included into the Turn A Gundam’s model.

The range of flexibility in the Turn A Gundam’s torso is incredibly balanced. Through an arrangement of rolling stem hinges, the Turn A’s torso has an excellent range of rotary motion in its abdomen similar to the effect of a ball joint. The shoulders however lack that, as they are only mounted on a peg with limited horizontal rotation, and no vertical motion. This is compounded by the way the shoulder armor locks into place on the shoulder region of the body.

In an interesting fashion the Turn A’s shoulder armor literally floats on itself. Constructed out of a series of underbelly plates and a seating ring (that floats over the shoulder stem) the shoulder armor then connects to the back armor plate. Through an arrangement of interconnected hinges built between the upper and lower plates, the shoulder armor is articulated on its own. In some instances the shoulder armor impedes the arms from flexing beyond a given point, but otherwise they have no influence on the arms and the arms have no impact on how tight the shoulder armor fits. This comes as a nice change of pace where shoulder armor is either built onto the bicep or rests against the arm through a plate that slides onto the shoulder stem. Additionally, the shoulder armor has a series of grooves cut into the rear section so to mount docking brackets for storing the Turn A’s arsenal.

Expanding on the ‘Version 2’ hand parts, the Turn A’s hands are assembled with much better articulated fingers compared to the classic hinged fingers of older MG kits. Unlike earlier kits, the Turn A’s fingers are individually cut digits for the middle finger, ring finger, and pinky. Articulation for the hands is however typical of the Version 2 method, the thumb and index finger are molded with ball joints while the additional fingers fit together as a three piece hinge. Although the Turn A is remarkably taller than most Gundams like the RX-78-2, its hands are quite petite which makes constructing the hands ridiculously tedious as they are sandwiched between the back hand and the palm. So a word of “slipping” caution for those with big hands who endeavor to construct the Turn A. When completed, the hands fit onto the spheres at the end of the wrist joints. There were two additional hands included with the kit, as two splayed open palms. For sake of saying, I did not bother to construct them because I wanted minimize excess parts floating around.

The difference between what I call the ‘sub-ankle’ and the main ankle is their location. The sub-ankle is an extension of the lower leg, and works to articulate the body of the Turn A’s lower leg in relation to the main ankle. The main ankle is a full assembly designed to rotate and flex at an extended range from the leg and connects to the feet. The feet are constructed in three piece assemblies for the front and back with the outer armor covering an underside piece with hinge points to connect to the ankle. Above it all are the hip joints, which follow the same construction theory as the shoulder joint. The hips are canister shaped assemblies that connect to the waist with a rotating block that connects to the legs.

The outer armor of the Turn A’s legs are a series of half-wrap around sleeves for both the upper and lower sections. Naturally because of the radiator-leg design, they do not cover the rear and instead fit on from the front. Like the forearm, the upper thigh armor has two layers of armor that cover the sides of the hips with a short ‘wrap-around’ section where the legs meet the hips. The lower leg is comprised of ventilated strips of armor which fit onto the sides of the legs and two front sections that encases most of the body. The knee armor is then attached and constructed of two sections for the front (outer armor, and underlying plate) and locks into a bracket in the rear.

The waist section is built from a series disk shaped parts, two making the lower sides where the hip joints connect, which are then encased in armor from the front and back. The upper section of the waist is made of a flat disk with two protruding ball-stems and an encasing ring that locks down on top of the main plate. The ball stems coming from the central locking plate are the mounts for the Turn A’s side-skirt armor. This whole assembly then adjoins the Turn A’s torso and legs together, naturally.

The design is a dome-topped canister with the two triangular wings that make the front skirt armor for the mobile suit. The skirts are articulated via a swing arm that rotates around on the body of the corefighter, and again where it attaches to the skirts. The Cockpit itself is a spheroid structure made up of two parts, the outer dome, and lower hemisphere. The lower piece is molded with Loran sitting in the deeply receded control seat which can then be painted before encasing him in the dome. With the dome molded in the clear yellow plastic, a painted Loran really stands out against the surrounding armor. However the minute size of both pieces makes it difficult to hold the cockpit together without glue because the outer dome rests on two miniscule tips on the seat portion.

There is no such thing as a Gundam without weapons, and the Turn A comes with a raw assortment comparable to the original RX-78-2. This weapon assortment includes the Turn A’s shield, beam rifle, beam sabers, and its own incarnation of the ball and chain “Gundam Hammer.” The beam sabers are simple single pieces with no assembly required. The only assembly required is for their docks, which are long ‘u’ shaped pieces that attach to a docking port which fit into grooves on the back of the Turn A’s shoulder armor. The beams themselves are different from the traditional ‘bulb ended’ beams included beam parts, instead they are pin point tubes. While no building is required, the beam sabers themselves are exquisitely detailed, and can really shine with some added touch up work.

The Turn A’s beam rifle is different from the typical idea of Gundam weaponry, and looks like something out of Star Trek. The rifle is constructed in two halves for the main body, with two red triangular parts encased at the end. Additionally built on the inside are the gun’s grip and main trigger, which is made from a rotating disk with a retractable grip. This is then enclosed within the stock of the rifle which slides back and forth like a sock on a track. There is another sliding door on the underside of the rifle which closes over the gun’s regular grip for when the side grip is exposed. This makes the Turn A’s rifle aesthetically streamline like the rest of the mobile suit.

The Turn A’s shield is an interesting design based on the Turn A’s curved look. The oblong shape is almost reminiscent of the shields from the Gelgoog mobile suit of the UC generation. The Shield is built from the back to the front, with the docking assembly where it mounts to the Turn A’s arm connecting to a track which it then can slide across. This comes as a nice change from most MG shields that are simple mounts on a given point with a peg port. The track assembly then connects to an underbelly frame, which then fits onto the main body that is made of three separate pieces. The shield suffers from a problem that can also be applied to the rifle; posing. Due to the overall size of the shield and rifle, it is difficult to pose the Turn A when both items are attached to the arms because they often collide with the shoulder armor. If set properly, the arm does have some range of motion with the shield attached.

The Gundam Hammer, as said is the Turn A’s version of the mace weapon used by the original RX-78-2. Unlike the previous version which was released with the MG RX-78-2 Version 1.5 and again with the Version OYW, the Hammer for the Turn A is a brand new version. While almost identical, the difference is in the gripping anchor which has a groove cut to lock in the peg molded into the Turn A’s palms. Construction of the Hammer is simple with two half spheres making the body and an arrangement of individually added spikes. The anchoring link is then fitted with a snap ring and connects it with a length of chain that connects to another snap ring attached to the grip end.

Overall
Despite its skill class and celebratory status, the Turn A Gundam might seem like an over-glorified High Grade rather than a Master Grade. None the less, the Turn A is composed of a level of engineering that sets it above the High Grade level. While its design has set it apart from many Gundam enthusiasts, the execution in this model form is a real delight for the design and pays its respect with being the one of the best incarnations of the Turn A done yet. For MG #100, it has earned its number!

Although Gundam SEED Destiny came to a close more than a year ago, Bandai has continued to remind us that they are far from done with the series and every aspect of its legacy. They do so with their recent Master Grade scale offering of the Strike Freedom Gundam.

Although Gundam SEED Destiny came to a close more than a year ago, Bandai has continued to remind us that they are far from done with the series and every aspect of its legacy. They do so with their recent Master Grade scale offering of the Strike Freedom Gundam.

The ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam is the reincarnated, upgraded form of the Cosmic Era’s legendary Freedom Gundam piloted by Kira Yamato. What some fans of the traditional Gundam universe (the Universal Century) claimed foul on the SEED universe (the Cosmic Era) that it relied too much on borrowing from past generations as the series progressed. Later persecution came as SEED Destiny began, from mirroring the machines of the One Year War with the ZGMF-X1000 Zaku Warriors and borrowed technologies such as beam shields from Gundam F91, even so much as comparing the Freedom to being a rehash of the F91 itself. However without trying to add more fuel to the fire, the Strike Freedom closely resembles the until-recently untapped image of the RX-93-2 Hi Nu Gundam (the upgraded form of the original Nu Gundam from the novel version of Char’s Counterattack). Still none the less, and petty bickering aside the Strike Freedom exists now as one of the most popular Gundams since its predecessor.

Freedom Flies

As Gundam SEED Destiny reintroduced the Freedom, it set off into the series’ third story arch (the first being the introduction of Shinn Asuka as a new protagonist and the second about Athrun Zala acting as a witness to all sides) which followed returning SEED stars Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne along with the remaining crew of the Archangel heading out in order to halt the coming crisis between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT while uncovering the conspiracy set into motion by the new leader of ZAFT, Durandal. With Kira once again commanding the power and grace of his revived mobile suit, he made the machine’s presence known.

As good intentions run astray, the Freedom’s interference in multiple battles only begat more tragedy and loss. Kira’s actions in disarming other mobile suits ultimately lead to their destruction by enemy fire, and crippling warships would result in their destruction by the remaining mobile suits made no solution. In a later event, the Freedom was pulled into the devastating encounter with the Earth Alliance’s new mobile weapon the GFAS-X1 Destroy Gundam, piloted by Stella Loussier; Shinn’s attempted love interest and Earth Alliance guinea pig “Extended” pilot. As Shinn could not bring himself to defeat the menace, Kira forced Freedom’s hand destroying the Destroy and unwillingly killing the girl inside.

Seizing the opportunity following the event, ZAFT sets into motion “Operation Angel-Down” in which Shinn Asuka and his ship, the Minerva, were sent after the Archangel and Freedom Gundam with orders to eliminate them. Reeling from the tragedy of the Destroy Gundam incident, Shinn Asuka makes destroying the Freedom his top priority. Shinn ultimately succeeds with his first machine the ZGM-X56S Force Impulse Gundam using the beam sword from its Sword Silhouette weapon pack. Although Kira managed to disable Freedom’s nuclear reactor in time, there was no recovering for the legendary Freedom this time.

Meanwhile in space, Lacus Clyne leads her own ship the Eternal in a hunt for information about Durandal’s plans for the Earth while constructing new Mobile suits of their own. Among them are the new ZGMF-XX09T Dom Troopers and the new incarnation of both the Justice (ZGMF-X19A Infinite Justice) and the Freedom. After learning of their actions ZAFT sends orders to eliminate the ship, however Kira comes to their aid with the commandeered MBF-02 Strike Rouge. For his efforts, Lacus presents him with his revived wings, the ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam. This machine would be his to pilot for the remainder of the series, and ultimately remain intact as one of the most power machines in the SEED universe.

Strike Freedom, Take 5

The Strike Freedom is the first machine of the Gundam SEED Destiny series to be recreated into the fifth scale. As standard to the series, Bandai gave it the low grade 1/144 scale and subsequent high grade treatment in both 1/144 and 1/100 scales. Additionally due to the Strike Freedom’s unique nature Bandai crafted it again in 1/60 scale utilizing an LED light up feature for its joints and vents. However all of these forms strayed from one end of the spectrum to the other without presenting a full quality version of the design that was equally available to the general public or worthy of the machine’s design in plastic form.

As proven with the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and the GAT-X105 Aile Strike Gundam from the past generation of the SEED legacy, there was success in the Master Grade market. As such the Strike Freedom Gundam was recreated into Master Grade form. As the first many machines from the SEED Destiny assortment of Master Grades (including the recent XGMF-42S Destiny Gundam and rumored Infinite Justice Gundam), the Strike Freedom sets an impressive benchmark for things to come.

If comparing to the prior editions, the Strike Freedom Master Grade form has a multitude of differences, all courtesy of the Bee Craft design team and the Master Grade engineers at Bandai. The differences are present in both visual and technical applications into recreating the popular machine. However before finding these firsthand one must open the box.

All That Glitters is Gold

The Strike Freedom Gundam comes out of the box in the colors that can only be described as the native Freedom scheme. This includes white, pale blue, cobalt blue, yellow, and dark (near black) blue. What sets the Strike Freedom so far apart from its previous incarnation is the interior skeleton which is designed to be Gold, and so Bandai has once again turned to gold injection. Metallic injection does not have the sheen or value of the popular electrostatic chrome as seen with models such as the Hyaku Shiki, but it does possess the glistening qualities one could hope for. This injection plastic was used before with the previous 1/144 HG and 1/100 scale HG version of the Strike Freedom, as well as the Hyper Mode editions of the God Gundam and Master Gundam Master Grade model kits. Unlike the latter, Bandai has produced for the Strike Freedom in such quantities of the rare material plastic to create the Strike Freedom in its full chromatic detail. Even the Polycaps are gold, talk about “Bling Gundam.”

Building

Construction of the Strike Freedom begins in the center, at its very core to be exact. In recent years, Bandai has miniaturized the Perfect Grade work load into the Master Grade line, with nearly perfect endoskeletons of the machines done with MG engineering without going into the extremes of the Perfect Grade technology, using fewer parts to create the same rich value. As such the Strike Freedom Gundam incorporates this same level of work. Nearly every part of its body is layered upon a complete endoskeleton frame. The only parts without this are the weapons and the head but these components share a wonderful attention to detailing and construction.

The head of the Strike Freedom in MG form is a much sharper interpretation of the design missed entirely by the 1/100 scale HG version’s rounder, long faced attempt. Construction follows the standard Master Grade method, and as such each part of a different color is a corresponding part. The parts count includes the two helmet halves (front and back), eyes, the nose and chin, face mask, cheeks, and the three parts needed for the crest. As standard, the head has a swiveling ball cup polycap for where it connects to the neck. Included with this standard work Bandai put in an extra ounce of work by giving us parts for interior vents. Molded in the gold plastic, these two short strips fit to the inside of the head and are exposed to see from the front. The eyes are a clear strip with a raised extension for the forehead sights, so the basic paint work is needed. Fully built, the head is extremely sharp, much sharper than the past incarnations of the Strike Freedom. Compared to both the Strike Freedom HG and the original Freedom MG, there are no overpowering or distracting features of the head. The head just looks right, and builds solid.

The Torso sports some of Bandai’s latest innovations of expanding on the limits of articulation. From the interior out the Strike Freedom has a swiveling neck and shoulders that have been standard additions in recent kits, but sports a newly designed hinged midsection. While other kits have shown progress and balance with ball socket construction, the weight of the Strike Freedom’s backpack and wing binders prohibit their use. As such, the Strike Freedom’s torso is constructed in sections: the lower abdomen which is hinged by the upper chest. Without using polycaps, this method relies on the primarily on the tightness of the union between the upper chest parts. However as a precaution, Bandai integrated a locking plate into the back to help hold the hinge in the upright position. When swung out, the plate allows for the torso to flex back to some degree. Combined with the rotation of the neck, this adds some real dynamic flair to the look of the Strike Freedom when posed. The shoulders are built with the standard double hinge, swinging horizontally at the base, and swinging vertically where they meet the arms. This construction works especially well with the design of the torso, and allows for some balanced rotation without getting too worked up with over articulation that can interfere with the wings or head.

The torso’s outer armor is molded in its individual colors, and construction is done in the layered process. The midsection and lower abdomen armor fit as sleeves over their respective areas and are locked into place by the armor of the chest. Another standard of MG tech is the inclusion of the cockpit into the design, and the Strike Freedom does not break the rule. Like its predecessor, the cockpit is in upper chest, and its door is built on a sliding rail that runs forward from the base of the neck. Despite being a ‘sliding’ mechanism by design, in practice Bandai fakes the motion via an arm that is hinged at the front most section of the chest to the rear most section of the door. As always, there is a molded figurine of the pilot in 1/100 scale that requires paint. Much like the original Freedom, this figure is recessed underneath the neck line and needs to directed light in order to be seen.

The waist area is a marvel of simple engineering to accommodate the hip mounted cannons and their articulation. The inner most assembly is built in halves and layered by the additional armor of the front and back. Unlike the original Freedom where the back skirt was a solid piece, the Strike Freedom’s armor is two skirts which fit the style of the front skirts with a flatter profile. The main rear block is mounted on a sliding bracket to allow the rear section to slide down so the swing arms of the hip cannons can fold back and lock down for displaying in their inactive mode. The cannon’s assembly arms are molded bricks with a ball socket crevice, and a cut-out to allow the arms to swing out and lock into place.

The limbs of the Strike Freedom take a couple of shortcuts in order to expedite construction, by the means of using duplicate runners and making paint applications necessary. None the less, there are hardly any faults with the design and application. The arms are built from an internal endoskeleton with polycaps at the primary connection points and sleeve-type parts for the outer armor. On the inside, the arm is articulated at the upper section of the bicep via a polycap sleeve to the interconnecting peg of the shoulder. The elbow is double jointed as to allow a near 180 degree flex in the arm, which really kicks up the display value when combined with the torso’s shoulder range. The forearm uses a simple double hinged arm to allow an action feature for exposing the Strike Freedom’s beam shield generators.

The areas of paint work needed for the Strike Freedom are in its shoulder armor. The first place is the ‘interior detail’ of the lower section of the shoulder armor which is molded in white plastic (that needs to be gold) and in the blue vents off to the side (again, needs to be gold). The last addition to the arms is the use of the Version 2.0 hands molded in gold plastic. These hands are individually jointed (but fused between the middle, ring, and pinky) digits on ball joints with an angled peg in the center of the palm used for gripping the weapons and built with a hinged wrist.

The legs of the Strike Freedom could literally be described as the combined technology of the original Strike and Freedom Master Grades combined. Using the endoskeleton for the legs as the base, the Strike Freedom has an articulated muscle structure for the knee. This is accomplished through the sliding block of the thigh as it joins with the knee which replicates the quadriceps muscle. From there the knee connects to front armor of the lower leg which shifts back the knee flexes. This assembly seems a bit tricky at first, but is really expressive the more the knee moves. The legs are connected by a separate hip block above the thigh which provides some much needed rotation for the legs, a feature missing in most kits where the hip and thigh share an assembly.

Additional articulation of the leg includes the added thrusters in the back of the leg. These thrusters are exposed on a hinge which is mounted to an armor plate with the basic vents and dividing plate in between. This plate is able to close down and fit to the contours of the leg with an accessible tab to pull it open. The feet are jointed at the toe, but have a limited range of swing to about 40 degrees upwards, but the missing motion is complimented by the double ball joint of the ankle assembly. While on the feet, the soles of the feet are molded in the gold injection as the rest of the legs’ endoskeleton, and provide some much needed detail to the Strike Freedom’s clean armor exterior.

The Wing binders are the Strike Freedom’s most noteworthy feature and it is really brought to fruition in its Master Grade incarnation. The Strike Freedom’s wing binders are concealed thrusters combined with powerful weapon system called “Dragoons,” the SEED universe’s form of guided remote weapon comparable to the Universal Century “Funnel” system. Compared to past editions, the binders were lacking in many ways, from assembly to display value, even the scale was a variable of quality. Fear not, for many of these problems have been corrected and truly made in the best form ever for the Strike Freedom’s unique form.

The scale of the binders is impressive, measuring at roughly 7 inches in length from tip to end, which gives the Strike Freedom an impressive 14 inch wing span. The assembly of the main binders is an astonishment of MG engineering. Built from the inside, the binders are interlocked by a series of clockwork mechanisms that respond to each other for showing the binders in their full open position. The main shaft which connects the gear work together also acts as the force that holds the binders together on the swing arm of the backpack. The shaft acts as a key which controls the binders’ motion. As the rear binder is rotated upward, the shaft activates the mechanism in both binders which then spread out the secondary arm of each unit. At its peak rotation of 90 degrees, the binders lock into their final place. While this is impressive, it does have some possible problems. As the assembly is molded in the gold plastic, it makes the binders susceptible to breaking. None the less, the assembly works well and is a magnificent sight.

Although ‘opening’ is a main feature, the MG Strike Freedom goes an extra mile for the binders’ action. The extension arms of the binders are mounted on grooved plates which allow the arms to be pulled outward. Once done provides some additional gold gear detail which is really impressive when colored in. The docking plates of the Strike Freedom’s Dragoon units are also mounted in the extensions, and molded with the gold plastic. This provides for an impressive display even without the Dragoons mounted. Fully built and loaded, the Binders are impressive as they are hefty which can often through the model off balance. Still the binders make up for past mistakes and attempts of the design.

The Strike Freedom’s arsenal is another prominent feature which has been improved with the MG treatment. These include the Dragoons, the beam sabers, hip mounted cannons and the beam rifles. The sabers have seen some slight changes but remain remotely the simplest bit of work in the Strike Freedom’s assembly. As singular tubes they require no assembly but can benefit from paint and detailing. Following another trend in most Master Grades, the saber’s beams are curved which adds some much needed flair to the static tubes of past kits. Upon closer inspection of the sabers, one will notice that they have the feature of combining. This is done through two clips on the ends of each saber that allow them to snap together. Also present are grooves at the center of the sabers that fit into the peg in the palms of the hands. Simply put simple construction into simply one of the finest changes.

The hip mounted cannons have been improved and they are reconstructed with the Master Grade treatment. Originally, the cannons simply unfolded in the front and back, but now extend in the same nature as the Dragoon binder arms for the forward section. Also worth mentioning is that they are not hindered by the wing binders whether the wings are open or closed. The hip cannons have a lot more going when factoring in they also have the mounted docks for the beam sabers and their ability to swing around and dock onto the back side of the waist. This exposes a feature for the next weapon set.

The beam rifle of the original Freedom was scrapped along with the wing mounted cannons and in their place exchanged for a pair of beam rifles. The beam rifles for the Strike Freedom have a combination feature to create a more powerful beam weapon. In model form this is done through simple detailing to recreate the complex mechanics. In application, the right rifle becomes the forward section and the left rifle as the rear. For the combination, the right rifle extends its barrel on a slide rail, folds in the trigger and rotates its rear block to be a primary sight on the side. The left rifle then extends its rear section to be the stock and is then is inserted at the barrel into the rear of the right rifle. The completed rifle can then be held by one hand, however due most often to the weight of the rifle the hands lose their grip. After a balancing act of arranging the arms, the rifle displays well.

There are some minor gripes with the rifle, no matter how small or big parts can be made, or how many there are in a kit, the striping on the rifles needs to be painted cobalt. No matter though as the rifles are much needed and welcome features of the Strike Freedom. On the final note, the rifles sport a set of arms on the sides to allow them to dock onto the hips of the Strike Freedom for when not in use. Unlike previous attempts, the revised proportions of the Strike Freedom’s torso combined with the rescaled rifles do not impede on the range of body motion.

The Dragoon units of the Strike Freedom are not as complex as they are tedious. There are eight of them, with two halves for constructing one each needing their share of detailing. The Dragoons of the Strike Freedom MG are much richer in detail and scale when compared to past incarnations, with details present such as vents and panel lines as well as the much needed barrel to define them. While defining the exterior detail can be accomplished with Gundam markers and fine-line pens, the interior section where it docks to the wing binders can simply be ignored or filled in with paint.

Last but not least is the Strike Freedom’s energy shield. The weapon has no defined form other than the two red jewel shaped blocks on the forearm. These are mounted to simple snap arms that rise up into position. Included with the kit is a clear, soft plastic sheet with the details painted. Connecting the shield to the ‘generators’ takes a bit of disassembly and reassembly as they are to be docked in between the two halves making the generator’s casing.

Like all of the Master Grade line, the Strike Freedom has its own set of dry transfer decals, but due to the optional nature of the SEED line, placement of the decals is not mandatory as much of them are for the declaring the machine’s name. Also, choosing simply one or two decals can prevent the Strike Freedom from being NASCAR-ed. The Strike Freedom also comes with a base stand much like the original Freedom did. This base stand connects to the underside of the waist, and features a series of grooves cut into its assembly to allow for the Strike Freedom to pose in a modest range of poses on the stand. Unfortunately these ports are stressed by the weight of the final build of the model.

OVERALL
It goes without saying that the Strike Freedom Master Grade is one of the finest incarnations of the legendary design. From the application and the practice of past kits and incorporating the newest features, it stands out as a mark for Master Grades to follow in future endeavors. For those interested, there are two versions of the Strike Freedom available. The first is the standard version as reviewed here and a second edition called “Full Burst.” The Full Burst edition is a much more expensive (early release) version that includes a set of chromed parts and a full Dragoon display arrangement of clear tube parts. Also included in this version is a crystal blue “ACTION BASE,” Bandai’s most recent accessory for display purposes which was first released with the limited edition of the 1/100 scale Legend Gundam. Despite the rare nature of the Full Burst Strike Freedom, Action Bases are cheap and easily available to compliment this amazing kit. Unfortunately the retail Action Base does not come with the corresponding mounts to park Strike Freedom in its base point. None the less, this is a minor grievance to an outstanding model. Let Strike Freedom Ring.

Super Robot Wars and Gundam SEED, one might imagine that revisiting classic, less flamboyant designs was a thing of the past. However, it is good to return to the past and revisit a classic design with a new flair of the modern.

Between Super Robot Wars and Gundam SEED, one might imagine that revisiting classic, less flamboyant designs was a thing of the past. However, it is good to return to the past and revisit a classic design with a new flair of the modern.

Its Name Is Gundam

The RX-78-2 is the first Mobile Suit to wear the Gundam name. By design, the RX-78-2 was an open ended, multipurpose machine that could use an assortment of weaponry and functional tasks. It would also work towards becoming the test bed for future machines such as its descendent the RGM-79 “GM” Mobile Suit. Moreover it would set the benchmark for series to follow, creating one of the most successful anime mecha franchises in history, Mobile Suit Gundam.

Mobile Suit Gundam is set in the first Gundam universe called the “Universal Century.” In the year UC 0079 at the time called the “One Year War,” a war was fought between the Principality of Zeon (leading a rebellion of Earth’s orbiting space colonies, called Sides) and the Earth Federation. Zeon, having declared its independence was the first to introduce Mobile Suit technology with the introduction of the MS-05 Zaku, their front line infantry for the war against the Federation’s limited arsenal of tanks and warplanes. The RX-78-2 was the first machine for the Earth Federation’s “Operation V” produced in secret at the Earth Federation controlled space colony Side 7. It consisted of three machines: the RX-75 Guntank, the RX-77-2 Guncannon, and of course, the RX-78-2 Gundam along with the Space Carrier White Base.

Before Kira Yamato and Heliopolis, there was Amuro Ray and Side 7.

Having learning of the Federation’s Mobile Suit program, Zeon launched an assault on Side 7 to seek out and destroy the “Operation V” prototypes. In the chaos of the assault, the citizens of Side 7 are unwittingly forced on board the new Federation carrier ship White Base. Among them is Amuro Ray, son of the creator of RX-78-2, whose curiosity and love of machines would unwillingly throw him into piloting the same machine his father built, the Gundam. With the Federation forces occupying Side 7 weakened, the Civilian refugees aboard the White Base are forced into becoming the ship’s permanent, active crew. Amuro stayed among them to pilot the RX-78-2, claiming the Mobile Suit as his own personal property. In the beginning, their mission was to deliver the Operation V prototypes to Federation headquarters in Jaburo (located in the South America), but as soon as the order was given did it become clear that this ship and its Mobile Suit were destined to fight until the end of the war.

Version OYW

From the very beginning, Bandai has always had model kits for Gundam. Considering that toys were not as pronounced as they are today (say Masterpiece Optimus Prime compared to G1 Prime), model kits were a readily available solution for the marketable occasion. The RX-78-2 has had models from the very conception of the franchise, quite literally one version for each year and in every one of Bandai’s model classes. There are versions of the Gundam in First Grade, High Grade (first generation), High Grade Universal Century, Master Grade, and Perfect Grade. Version OYW joins the ranks of the many Master Grade forms the RX-78-2 has seen:

Version OYW, or Version One-Year-War was released initially as a tie-in for the Mobile Suit Gundam -The One Year War- video game. Although typical promotions would include just another remold of a previous RX-78-2 kit, Bandai went to greater lengths to make a new model for the occasion. The end result is one of the best versions of the RX-78-2 they have ever created. Focusing on creating a ‘game accurate’ edition and showing off advancements in Master Grade designs, proving that no matter how old the design may be it still has plenty more to offer.

Tone it Down a Hue

The first edition of Version OYW comes out of the box in a different color scheme than the Gundam is known for. Instead of being in Gundam’s solid primaries of Red, Blue, Yellow, Gray, and White, the colors are much softer, pale colors. The White is more of a sun bleached color, the yellow is a much richer ‘creamy’ yellow (almost like a hint of orange), and the red is very pale, almost pink. While this might put off some builders, this tone of pink is not so bad when executed in moderation. On the other hand, the Infinite Justice Gundam was almost solid pink but was a pretty good kit. The Gray color compared to the others of the kit is the closest to the RX-78-2’s normal tone.

On a side note and as a throw back to my previous breakdown of the RX-78-2’s lifetime in plastic, the Version OYW has already seen a number of remolds in its time of circulation. The first was a convention exclusive in Gundam’s typical primary color scheme in chrome followed closely by its second and most likely expensive “Real Design” exclusive. This version consisted of duplicate runners for the outer body in alternative colors such as black, gray, drab green, and white to create the design in its varied “Mass Production” colors. Finally, there is another version in standard circulation that is in Gundam’s ‘Anime Accurate’ primary colors of red, white, blue, and yellow. Although the exact same kit as the one reviewed here, this one can often be found to be a little expensive due to its more recent release.

Building

Version OYW is almost an entirely new kit, short of borrowing parts from the RX-78-2 Version 1.5 model such as its prefabricated endoskeleton leg parts and its subsequent runner. The other parts included on the same runner are also used because these parts are needed to build the Gundam’s mace weapon dubbed the “Gundam Hammer” which is an included part of the kit.

The rest of the model is brand new, with new parts to build the Gundam’s primary endoskeleton and outer body. Aside from the differences in color, compared to previous RX-78-2 models this one’s outer body has a vast amount of panel markings. This frame lining style works to make the mold more accurate to its source from the video game. Additionally it serves as a reminder of the original Master Grade RX-78-2 and the earlier 1/100 scale High Grade lines from back before Gundam SEED.

The construction of the Version OYW features a number of differences from the previous incarnations of the RX-78-2 and introduces some of the latest advancements in Bandai’s Master Grade engineering. Of the differences to other Gundam models, the designers opted to remove the Gundam’s Corefighter (a fighter plane that transforms into the mobile suit’s primary control) and replace it with a fully articulated inner skeleton although there is a front plate that resembles the collapsed nosecone of one. While the lack of a Corefighter reduces the ‘Accuracy’ of the RX-78-2 design, removing it from the model’s design allows for a wider range of motion. In its place, the torso is built with a double ball joint assembly between the chest and mid section that connects to the waist. Add in the two ball joints for the neck, and the Version OYW has some of the most articulation ever made for the RX-78-2. The shoulders are a three piece assembly that allows for an added range of motion to the arms. Even though the shoulder parts are done without polycaps, they hold up resiliently with limited stress and friction.

The outer armor for the torso is made of five primary parts and its detailed components. The Primary pieces are two collar-like parts for the midsection which fit around and lock onto the inner skeleton, and the chest armor which are front and back skins. The detail parts include the collar of the chest and the front hatch as well as the exhaust vents. As an extra step in value, the exhaust vents on the front of the chest are hinged. This is a nice change from the previous RX-78-2 kits where the front vents are typically single pieces with gashes to see through to the inner frame that are molded into their frame. The Gundam’s rear thruster pack is another example of Bandai simplifying construction with a single body piece to make up its inner body with the necessary parts for the Beam Saber docks and thruster swivels as the only assembly work. This is then covered by the backpack’s housing.

The head of the Version OYW has the most common with its RX-78-2 relatives in terms of assembly. The head is comprised of the eight parts, the face plate, chin/nose arch, optics (normal eyes, forehead optic), the “V” crest and its locking piece, and the front and back halves that make the head. As always, the head is connected to the body by a swiveling cup polycap. Although standard in construction, the details are remarkably tight, with etched details continuing the armor plating look. There is some paint work needed here for the barrels of the forehead mounted guns. There are some grievances here, as the head is connected to the runner at an area that seems like extra flack plastic, but that is not the case, as that area is meant to be a raised panel. If cautionary steps are taken, this can be done neatly and without ruining this added detail.

The Waist of the Version OYW features one of the latest additions to Master Grade engineering with the adjustable hinge line frame for the legs. This single molded piece is sandwiched between the two components in the waist that connects the waist into the torso (which also mounts the side skirts), can shift forward and back on its guide frame. This works to compliment the model’s posture to push the legs forward more when in a lunged kneeling posture to push the legs out further than the skirt armor. This new piece, although a great addition, has some minor frustrations attached. Because of the legs being attached to the hips via ball-cup polycaps, these caps tend to hold tight and the tension has a tendency to pull the hinge while performing even the slightest rotation.

Gundam’s skirt armor remains as close to the source as it has ever done. Bandai did another good job in keeping the details on the exterior matching the integral lining of the rest of the body. While the side skirts are simply hinged on a polycap cup, the four main skirts are articulated via a ball socket that is locked under the main body housing (crotch and central rear armor). This adds a much wider range of articulation, allowing the legs to rotate further back, and to some degree out to the side. Sideways articulation is limited due to the construction of the legs.

On the matter of the legs, Bandai opted to simplify their work load by reusing a set of parts from their second attempt at the RX-78-2 Gundam. Version 1.5 was produced after Bandai’s introduction of the Perfect Grade line and was a testament of their progression in Master Grade technology. By a process of double injection similar to their original System Injection molding, articulated parts could literally be assembled on the runner. The end result was first used in Perfect Grades for joint pistons and fingers. Continuing the same process, Bandai’s technique evolved from simple double runs (first layer finger tip and joint, second layer the conjoining knuckle) to the entirely complex. As such, the prefabricated leg was born, some assembly still required.

The prefabricated assembly resolves some of the minor technical issues of creating a balanced and functioning system of piston joints in the leg. The bare leg parts are molded with the needed pistons at the knee and ankle regions pre assembled and floating at their hinge points. Also present are a set of floating hinges for opening panels in the armor. At this stage, the leg is only half built and requires more assembly with the needed parts. These parts consist of the upper thigh which holds the polycap socket to connect it to the hips (also acting as the track for the upper knee joint), the outer knee covering, and the upper calf armor which locks into the lower knee pistons. The knee armor is the real locking point of the assembly, reinforced by screws to adjust tension. This screw is hidden beneath the joint cap armor. The final product is one of the most solid constructs in the entire kit.

Although the legs are built with the internal mechanism from the Version 1.5, Version OYW has an entirely new skin, with armor plating that fits the motif of the design’s integral look. The floating hinges I mentioned with the prefabricated leg connect to armor plating on the back of the leg that can open and expose parts. However these parts are fickle and tend to fall off when the hinges are open. There are some minor changes with an additional component at the ankle. The ankle armor of the Gundam is executed by three parts, segmented at the panel markings which are then held in place by a “Y” shaped guide rod with a ball stem. This stem is then built into the heel of the main foot assembly. This adds a delicate, refined touch that continues the separation of Version OYW and its RX-78-2 relatives on which this armor is just hinged at the ankle where it houses the ankle’s ball joint. Another difference is in the feet, where Bandai’s advancements in articulation have allowed the design of a hinge assemble at the toe to allow the foot to rotate forward and curl backwards. Although the legs are built with an old assembly, the minor difference in the Version OYW armor’s plating breathes new life into the process.

The arms are a compliment to the legs and armor design of the entire kit. Using a simplified method for an endoskeleton, the arms are built around the elbow, a sandwich assembly that holds the forearm and bicep in place (this is locked by an elbow plate on the back). Polycap sleeves set in place to hold the wrists and connect the arms to the shoulders. The shoulders are a series of plates holding a sleeve, which connect it to the shoulder stem. Starting at the shoulder, the primary armor is a set of plates, two making the top section (exterior armor, and underlying vent), back plate and the front plate. Additionally there is a hinge plate which connects to the inside of the front and back plates. This plate has a sleeve hole, allowing it to be held in place on the stem that connects the arm to the torso. The bicep armor is split and fits to the sides of the arm with the elbow ‘joint cap’ molded into it. The forearms armor is done using a shortcut technique of sleeves, often reserved for the bicep armor but easily translated for the forearm. The sleeves are two parts, the upper section below the elbow, and the main body. Locking the armor in place is the wrist plate, which also helps in hiding the polycap socket.

From experience, hands in a Master Grade kit have always had that air of frustration. For the longest time, Bandai’s use of hands have been limited to six piece assemblies, the thumb, index finger, and fingers sandwiched in a split palm and locked down by a backhand. The thumb, held by a ball socket whereas the fingers were simple hinges. The shifting thumb and loose tension in the finger hinges often left weapons falling out of the hand and greatly depreciating the display value. In Bandai’s first MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam Master Grade, they attempted to create a new set. This assembly used ball joints for all of the fingers and included hinge joint at the knuckles of the molded fingers (which were suspended by a single ball). While the idea might have been sound on paper, the practice was less than stellar in execution. The results suffered from a combination of loose joints and the same grievances of weapons not holding in place.

Making their debut with the Version OYW is the Master Grade version 2.0 Hands (their name given by fans and hobby enthusiasts). These hands sport a number of differences from the standard MG hands. The standard assembly has been upgraded, now a palm front and back hand pieces, a hinged ball joint for the wrist, and ball jointed fingers. The palm now has a protruding rail that is now used in locking weapons into the hand. The thumb and index finger of course are molded separate from the remaining fingers which are fused together. Unlike the Zeta attempt, the fused fingers have three corresponding balls for each digit, instead of just one. This introduces another “Bandai Extra Mile” technique for advanced building.

The Bandai Extra Mile is a technique that can range from extra clean up to making simple adjustments to parts that are typically molded as single pieces, from clearing excess tabs off the end of the Gundam “V” crests to splitting the skirt armor of a High Grade. For the Master Grade 2.0 Hands, this technique is incorporated into making the hands fully articulated. I learned about this from a Korean modelers’ resource site, and this prompted me to experiment. Due to the size and proximity with each ball joint, cutting them free from each other takes a very fine blade and steady hand. The reward however is something that can not be expressed in words, but in the end results. The fingers can now conform to the grip of a weapon, and the kit just looks that much better with the hands cut freely.

The Version OYW comes equipped for battle with the basics of the RX-78-2: its beam rifle, two beam sabers, shield, hyper bazooka, and the Gundamhammer. Complimenting the changes to the design and its new incorporation of the Version 2.0 hands, each weapon is fit with a groove to fit that mentioned palm-peg. This is a greatly appreciated inclusion especially for the sabers and rifle. Missing the groove however is the Gundamhammer, whose entire construction is comprised of RX-78-2 Version 1.5 parts.

The Gundamhammer is a spiked mace suspended on a chain, and is a very popular weapon of the Gundam. Done to scale, the hammer is suspended on a pre assembled (eight inch) plastic chain and connects to the handle and mace ball via slip rings. The mace ball itself is an example of repetitive construction with each of the 14 spikes needing to be cut and placed into grooves of the ball (which in itself is composed of two separate halves). When finished the hammer is a fun addition to the classic design. The additional melee weapons of the Version OYW are the Gundam’s trademark pair of beam sabers. With both of the sabers molded in solid pieces, they require only cleaning and detailing before being applied to the model. As for the saber beams, Bandai gave the Version OYW a set of curved blades, a much more accented beam than the typical MG “tube” beams. Missing in action however is the Gundam’s beam javelin, but between the hammer and the projectile weapons this weapon is easily forgotten.

The shield, beam rifle, and hyper bazooka are all reinvented classics for the Version OYW. The shield, while molded in entirely new parts, reflects greatly on the original look of the design. The main viewport has a clear plastic window that needs painting to hide it into the backside of the shield. The shield’s grip is mounted on a snap clip that holds it into place on the arm, but when the grip is rotated it reveals a secondary peg that can attach the shield to the Gundam’s backpack. The main grip component piece is mounted to the shield via ports in the track rail on the interior. While this might seem like a lazy, last minute detail, the shield really doesn’t need to be adjusted to any of its other ports when posed in hand.

Gundam’s beam rifle returns as its primary weapon, but features a few differences to its history. The overall look of the rifle remains unchanged, with minor changes to the exterior look to compliment the panel marks of the model it is included with, and very subtle changes such as its length and height when compared to its relatives. The scope eye and the forward balancing grip are of course hinged to move but there is also a swinging tab on the side of the gun that allows it to dock to ports mounted on the Gundam’s backpack, back skirt, and additional ports in the shield.

The hyper bazooka is the last of the Gundam’s reinvented weapons. While compared to the previous incarnations shows that little has been changed (except for Version KA which has a mounted scope), it was given the same port-tab like the beam rifle on the side of the weapon. Construction follows the rule of the rifle, split down the middle with an extended solid cut cap-barrel, and additional cap parts that hold the halves in place and add more detail. The biggest and only major gripe here is that the bazooka is molded in solid gray plastic, but requires being painted white. The drawback is the shade of white is somewhat bleached and mixing the right tones can often backfire. Having painted mine, I can say that was the biggest fault on my part. Still, the bazooka is a welcome addition, and makes for some exceptional display poses complimented by the OYW design.

Simply put, the Version OYW RX-78-2 Gundam is a nice reminder of the design’s importance to its legacy. It introduced the world to the Gundam and Bandai continues to use it as the test bed for introducing new and exciting changes in the world of Master Grade models. As stated earlier, those not enthused by the default Version OYW color scheme will most likely want to go for the later released “Anime Accurate” edition. In either case, this model was well worth the time and building.

I go to buy tools and walk away with a model

I go to buy tools and walk away with a model

Around a year and a half ago, before I built the Master Grade version of the Freedom Gundam from Gundam SEED, there was the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam, Bandai’s first installment of the SEED franchise in Master Grade form.

Bandai’s infamous Master Grade line of Gundam models has forever and a day been dominated by machines from the original Gundam universe known as the ‘Universal Century.’ Variants such as anything “Char” and Side Story machines aside, there have only been a few kits to come from the ‘Alternate Universe.’ These AU series are the stand alone Gundam tales that have been fortunate to receive Master Grade kits as well include G-Gundam, and the Wing Gundam Zero from Gundam Wing. Joining their ranks is the Strike Gundam from Gundam SEED.

Following the tradition of the Gundam name brand, Bandai capitalized exceedingly on the popularity of Gundam SEED with model kits. With a total of three 1/144 low grades, one 1/144 high grade, three 1/100 scale High grades, and its 1/60 scale the Strike needs no introduction. However since Master Grade is more of a status than any other model, the Aile Strike had to stand out as something different than its previous incarnations.

Planting the SEED

The Strike Gundam is the first Gundam declared for Bandai’s last generation of the franchise: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. Set in its own universe of the Cosmic Era, SEED seemed to most as a ‘rehash’ of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. The normal, terrestrial Earth Alliance against the forces of ZAFT and its space dwelling super-advanced “Coordinators” in a bitter genetically driven Civil War. Neither side was greater than the other short of ZAFT’s technological superiority with the development of Mobile Suits and the Neutron Jammer, a device capable of eliminating Nuclear power sources, thereby crippling the Earth Alliance.

A few years into the war, in a cooperative effort between the Earth Alliance and the neutral colony Heliopolis and produced through Morganrate, the Alliance began producing its own mobile suit forces. However in a cunning attempt, ZAFT successfully captured four of the experimental mobile suits, save for one. The GAT-X105 Strike Gundam, piloted by Kira Yamato.

The Model

Using a minimal amount of weight and sticking to the character value of the Strike Gundam, the MG Aile fills its role very well. Construction is simple but uses just enough parts to do the job. The model stands very sleek and slender which is a complete contrast to the rounder, more “clunky” looking version like the 1/100 scale High Grade.

Out of the box, the Strike comes molded in its primary colors: white, blue, red and yellow with the additional gray plastic for interior parts and weapons. As for the “Aile Striker” parts are molded in the darker gunmetal gray with an additional red parts tree. Your average builder will be please to know that there is hardly any paint work to do. There are a few points such as the usual red-points inside thrusters and gray spots on the front of the skirts and back of the shield.

The head of Strike is made up of nine parts. This includes the face (3 parts) head casing (2 parts plus polycap) and the ‘Gundam crest’ (3 parts). Detailing is very streamlined and done to above the initial character value. Paint work includes the gun barrels for its ICWS machine guns and the vents on the back of the head. The mold of the parts is really good and tight.

The torso is a solid assembly with the armor plating done around a central subassembly. The neck is one solid piece and is mounted on a swivel point to raise the head up or down. The cockpit is built into this as a box which fits inside. The pilot figure comes separate and unpainted and needs work; I painted mine like the Strike’s late pilot Mu La Flaga. The shoulders of the kit are a new simplistic articulated assembly. This acts as a fixed rotary block and allows the arms of the model to have an enhanced range of motion and flexability. Finally, as always the cockpit can open and close, but in the Strike’s two door housing.

The hip section of the Strike is very loose fitting but snug. It features the standard of Gundam with its interior section with polycaps for side armor and the main ball joint socket (for the torso). The additions for the Strike’s unique launch base though include a secondary polycap in the back of the rear skirt and another polycap at the base of the tailbone underneath. The rear skirts are hinged and are held in place by a rear block piece. On the front however is something different, the absence of a front skirt polycap. Instead the sockets are done in the undercarriage and front block. This sounds problematic because of the threat of plastic on plastic friction, but there is no weight to cause any. The last parts of the hips are the side containers. Because they hold the Strike’s back up weapons, the Armor Schneider, they can open and close.

The arms of the kit are really great. With the shoulder armor separate and the addition of the new shoulder mechanics, they have a higher range of flexibility. The biceps use a more advanced method of the HGUC style assembly with the polycap inside a housing piece that connects to the elbow. The elbows are double jointed to allow a better range of motion. The shoulders’ armor fits over the arm bar from the torso/shoulder mechanism and features a nifty opening shell. There is one questionable region at the top though; inserts for possible future Striker packs. Seeing how this kit is made with the AILE equipment in mind, these go unused. The hands in the kit are some of the best Master Grade hands, period. They have the plated knuckles of the Strike but also in crisp articulated detail that the 1/100 scale High Grade generation lacked.

The legs of the Strike are done with the simplest amount of assembly with a healthy bit of good looking. Starting at the foot, the soles of the feet are done in full detail. They are separately cut; toe piece and heel piece with panel lines and with the thrusters molded into the heel piece. They are joined together on a simple hinge and polycap ankle to allow for a better degree of posing, and a more dynamic step. The legs themselves are built like the rest of the body with the inner frame making up the real assembly work with the armor just being plated on. There isn’t any real piston/joint system like Master Grades are famous for, but the detailing is good and articulation is as well. The knees are double jointed but the upper leg portion is on a very simple mock quadriceps. This can be seen with the armor plating being able to shift forward when the knee is flexed.

Essentially, the Strike Gundam is an all purpose mobile suit, not confined to a particular style or excessive gimmick and so it is complimented with any array of additional weapons known as Striker packs. From the start of the SEED series, it was equipped with three unique types: ‘SWORD’, ‘LAUNCHER’ and ‘AILE.’ The Aile pack is made for long distance flight and is the more notable Striker pack from the show. While it had been done in 1/100 scale for the High Grade incarnation, the MG Aile Striker was lacking in both accuracy and detail. The Aile pack is divided into two sections; the upper wings section and the lower thruster blocks. The wings were not even worthy of being stabilizers let alone primary wings. The MG version is how it should have been; WINGS! They are articulated wings to be exact, with a double hinge mechanism that allowed them to fold down.

The dual rear blocks are also given some much needed detail with the tails having ventilation down the insides. The only pet peeve I have from this is that no matter how advanced Master Grade construction gets or no matter how detailed tiny parts can be, there is no such thing as a separated thruster assembly. The rear sections of the back boosters and thruster packs are done in red plastic and the detailed engines inside them are done in the same part. Painting can be a real chore if you’re looking for a real separation.

The Strike comes with the bare essentials; shield, beam rifle and beam sabers. The shield is a more streamlined variation of past SEED shields, less bulky and with a new mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is a down graded version of what is now on Perfect Grades; two plates that either fit flat on the back of the arm or fold the shield around to the side of the forearm. It also comes with the basic grip handle that fits on pegs.

The rifle is another modified piece of weaponry; it’s thicker and longer than the prior versions and also sports a clear lens piece. Its detailing is worthy of the new MG treatment. The sabers that come with the Aile pack are more narrow and longer than those of the 1/100 scale but compliment the new sleeker look of the MG kit. Finally comes the one feature weapon of the Strike’s basic arsenal; the Armor Schneider. These two folding daggers are stored in the side pockets and are an actual folding blade which really makes for good toyetics.

An Added Bonus:

I like to think that Bandai’s having fun with giving new ways to display models: the PG GP-01 with its hangar assembly, the Zeong with its ‘pyramid’ or even the EX-S with its slab. The MG Aile Strike comes with its own piece of its hangar away from home. The launch base is to be a simplified replica of the launch pad inside the Archangel. It sports a set of foot blocks that slide back and forth and a raised block in the rear which holds the Strike’s battery cables, with REAL cables! Sadly though these aren’t electrical but the steel wire cables are flexible and hold their shape when disconnected from the rear of the Strike. It also features an additional raising arm that fits into the polycap in the undercarriage of the hips to put the Aile Striker into the air.

On a side note from later builds, this action display base is also compatible with the Master Grade Freedom Gundam. However there is no port on the back of the Freedom to connect the battery cable.

Details:

 While this was a tie-in in for the popularity of SEED, a lot of genuine Master Grade love went into this kit. This can be seen through the amount of decal work. From basic ‘CAUTION’ marks to tags unique to the Strike. The Dry transfer decals in this kit are very different from the normal ones seeing how the word markings are almost one solid sheet rather than being separate letters. This made application to those that bend around corners extremely easy. The ‘correct’ application really shows how much the Bee-Craft crew had fun with their work. The only unlisted decal of the dry transfer series that is a real show of the pilot is the “ENDYMION” which comes from the last pilot, Mu La Flaga.

Closing:

Albeit a simple kit, the Master Grade Strike fills in all the desired gaps from Bandai’s work with the design and the SEED series. It combines the character of the MS but also has some nice new generation toyetics from the Master Grade line. On the downside, Bandai has all but given up on making the additional Striker packs in MG form. For those, Bandai relies on B-Club to make adapter parts that use the original 1/100 scale High grade versions. Even so, the Strike Gundam is another welcome addition to the Master Grade collection.

The Wing Gundam Zero Custom has been one of the most popular Gundam machines next to current fan favorites such as the Strike Freedom and super powered mobile suits of other generations.

Looking back

It’s been a long time since I’ve built a model kit from the Gundam Wing universe.

For the novice, Gundam Wing was the first Gundam series to be released in the United States by Bandai for the Cartoon Network’s “Toonami” block, the network’s slated broadcast for action cartoons. Wing’s debut kicked off the ‘American Gundam Boom’ of the late 1990’ before its unfortunate slump in the early 2000s. Gundam Wing’s flashy, cadre of individual mobile suits were successful with an audience whose previous experience with Japanese anime was tagged with the marketable “Collect ‘Em All” attitude seen in Poke’Mon and even Dragon Ball Z. Also, Wing helped to revive the Giant Robot genre in America set by classics such as Robotech and Voltron. Following up on Gundam Wing’s success, Bandai opened the merchandising flood gates with their assortment of model kits based on the television series bringing the “Gun-Pla” Gundam model kit hobby trend to the Western Hemisphere.

In the months going into years to follow, Bandai would later release other chapters of the Gundam Legacy such as Mobile Fighter G-Gundam and the original Mobile Suit Gundam. With the release of the original, Bandai followed up with its collection of side stories and sequels: O8th MS Team, Gundam 0080, Gundam 0083, Zeta, Char’s Counterattack, and Gundam F-91. In the more recent years, Bandai has continued to release Gundam to the masses with the releases of the current serial: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. Unfortunately, this rush for more recent material side lined the chances for other Gundam series such as Gundam ZZ (double Zeta), Turn-A, Gundam V, and Gundam X. However, even with this number of series made available to the American public, none have caught on where Gundam Wing was successful.

At the point of saturation, Gundam’s popularity began to falter, in some respects due to the content of releases following Wing were not as popular. The stories of the original series and its succession were directed for a more adult audience. Mobile Suit Gundam was a war story about heroes whose victories came with losses and moral dilemmas of why they pull the trigger, rather than showcasing the adventures of individuals in flashy mobile suits who always won with no damage (this difference could also be applied when comparing between Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny). Added complications would come with the slated television release for series such as Gundam 0080 and Gundam 0083 whose subject matter and content came under scrutiny after the September 11th tragedy. How? Well, in 0080 Zeon soldiers successfully infiltrate of a space colony with the intent to destroy a Federation military base and in 0083, a Former Zeon militia not only infiltrate a Federation army test base but succeed in stealing a prototype Gundam mobile suit armed with a Nuclear warhead. Wait! It gets better: they use the same mobile suit and its nuke to destroy a Federation naval outpost hosting the Federation’s annual naval review. This action not only crippled the Federation’s Space Force, but allowed this same Zeon militia’s follow up plan of dropping a space colony onto Earth with minimal resistance. I think that could constitute a ‘whoa…’

On a much lighter side of the argument, the biggest difficulty in establishing Mobile Suit Gundam after Gundam Wing came from audience’s plain lack of interest in older, more simplistic animation as opposed by the sharper, more detailed and varied style. In addition, there was a generalized lack of understanding in the differences in time tables: everybody knew the ‘After Colony’ time table, but they were utterly clueless about the ‘Universal Century.’ If Gundam were taught as a general history course, many would be able to list out the time table of the Colonies’ Liberation from AC 180 to AC 196 than discussing the pivotal events from the One Year War of UC 0079. You know what they say: One man’s Operation Meteor is another man’s Operation British. I’ll leave you folks at home to check that one out.

Then there were the models: Wing’s starting five mobile suits followed by its upgraded assortment in both 1/144 and 1/100 scale (except for some, IE Tallgeese, Sandrock and Heavyarms) outnumbered Mobile Suit Gundam’s one Gundam and bevy of Zeon mobile suits, no matter how many Char’s variants there are or how many times the RX-78-2 has been remodeled. If not the more direct cause in the decline, Gundam’s death in America could also be applied to gouging costs for most of the model kits. I myself will never live down the fact that I took the domestic route and paid 80$ USD for a model kit that I would have paid 45$ USD if I imported online. In retrospect, I think another nail in Gundam’s domestic coffin was the fact that not many American kids were interested in building model kits as opposed to buying pre-assembled action figures. I suppose now that the “What is Your Level” ad campaign had enough problems before I showed up with my 1/144 Dendrobium.

In light of such a tragic rise and fall of an iconic series, there is a sort of reluctance for being a Gundam fan. There is no more competition between domestic or imported releases so the models are relatively cheaper again through some online dealers. Bandai’s made collection releases of some of the series to distribute again but in the narrower channels so not to flood the market like so many other anime franchises with a more open domestic market have. Also, there’s plenty of parking in the giant robot parking lots again, so I don’t have to cheat by borrowing my grandmother’s handicapped tag anymore.

With my long winded history of Gundam out of the way, let me begin the long winded introduction to my model kit review. Starting with Gundam Wing’s trademarked introduction:

In the year After Colony 195…

…Tensions rose between the space colonies and Earth, igniting into a full scale Civil War. The Earth took the upper hand with their advanced development of mechanized war machines called Mobile Suits. In retaliation, five mobile suits were developed in secret and sent to Earth by the Colony Liberation Organization to eliminate the Earth's stranglehold on the orbiting Space Colonies and defeat the military organization of OZ (Organization of Zodiac) in a coup dubbed “Operation Meteor.” These five, specialized mobile suits were constructed using a rare space metal with extreme resilience for combat called ‘Gundanium’ and were known as “The Gundams.”

The mobile suits were produced and sent by each of the five main Lagrange colonies.

L1: XXX-WG01W “Wing Gundam” piloted by Heero Yui
L2: XXX-WG01D “Gundam Deathscythe” piloted by Duo Maxwell
L3: XXX-WG-01H “Gundam Heavyarms” piloted by Trowa Barton
L4: XXX-WG01SR “Gundam Sandrock” piloted by Quatre Reberba Winner
L5: XXX-WG01S “Gundam Shenlong” piloted by Wu Fei Chang

After a long tour of battles, each of the Gundams where given upgrades or superior modifications. The Wing and Sandrock suffered from fatiguing battles and were self detonated in order to complete their missions. In the time to follow, both machines were resurrected: the Wing Gundam received no modifications and disappeared after a while whereas the Sandrock received an extra machine gun. The Heavyarms suffered relatively no damage to require upgrades however it was later outfitted with a modified double barreled Gatling unit to keep up with the increasing firepower of its enemies. The units Deathscythe and Shenlong on the other hand were both completely destroyed and replaced with follow up units: XXX-GW01D2 “Deathscythe Hell” and XXX-GW01S2 “Altron.”

As the machines made their way across the Earth and into Space, another Gundam was discovered in the L1 colony. The prototype for which the others were produced outfitted with a powerful battle computer unit called “Zero System” emerged from space ultimately retiring the Wing Gundam due to their extreme similarities and its superior power: the XXX-WG00W0 “Wing Gundam Zero.”

New Gundam Look, Same Gundam Taste

The layout of the Gundam history you just read was based on Gundam Wing’s story, but not in the history of its mechanical designs. Now before I keep going, let me explain something. According to Myth, there were a series of short comics that explained the evolution between the sharp aesthetic difference between the television series of Gundam Wing and its follow up OAV ending Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. The truth of the matter is that the designs between them are different was because there were two different lead designers: Kunio Ohkawara and Hajime Katoki.

Ohkawara was the original, the first man to design the Gundams dating back to the original Mobile Suit Gundam who designed the Wing machines for its television series. Katoki on the other hand was a rising star of the industry thanks to his more modern, realistic machines seen in the Gundam Sentinel novels and additional mechanical designs from series such as Gundam 0083 and his portfolio of artistic renders of past machines. During Wing, Katoki acted in an assistant designer’s position filling in some of OZ’s mobile suit ranks and also working on filling in his own “Gundam FIX” portfolio. With his career on the rise, Katoki was asked to design his interpretations of the Gundam Wing machines for an article in one of Japan’s leading model and art books. The ending results were sleek, sharper concepts to the already popular designs. Due to their popularity, Katoki was tagged to produce his own ‘Upgraded’ versions of the upgraded Gundams from Gundam Wing for its sequel Endless Waltz. Henceforth, the “Customs” where born.

Spread your Wings Zero

The Wing Gundam Zero Custom has been one of the most popular Gundam machines next to current fan favorites such as the Strike Freedom and super powered mobile suits of other generations. Its design was a sharp contrast in form and style to its alternately designed origin. It’s been so popular, that in model form it has received every model kit form Bandai has ever produced. At its release there were the standard grades: 1/144 (with a follow up limited clear injection/chrome version) and its 1/100 scale high grade (yet again followed by a chrome/clear limited version). As Wing crossed over seas, Bandai pulled out the stops and produced a Perfect Grade.

Unfortunately, the Perfect Grade wasn’t so perfect. Having built one I can honestly say why: construction was out of balance with the wings out weighing the body and the varying tension on the legs’ assembly making balance difficult, the electronics were hit or miss depending if the wires going to the front chest light didn’t get pinched under the cockpit assembly or arm sections, and finally how the armor plating didn’t stay in place very well. All in all, good form, bad follow through.

When Bandai opted to begin their “Version Ka” assortment of Master Grades, it was only a matter of time before this version of the Wing Zero would be realized in much better conditions.

Wing Version Ka to Wing Zero Custom

In all simplicity, the Wing Gundam Zero Master Grade model kit is a remold of a reinvention of another design with new parts and colors to make up the difference. The body is made almost entirely from the same runners used to produce the Wing Gundam Version Ka, but with the differences in color and in some minor assemblies such as the shoulder armor and the back unit where the wings attach. Another visible difference is in the colors: where the Version Ka used a yellow hinted white, the Wing Zero is solid. Also the Wing Zero is narrowed down on its color scheme to solid primaries: Blue, Red, White, with Gray for inner parts, and yellow in trim only. There are additional runners to make up for some of the Wing Zero’s more prominent features and the addition of a base stand (which would later be retooled for the Limited Editions of the Strike Freedom, Infinite Justice, and Destiny Gundam 1/100 scale models).

Construction

The Wing Zero’s assembly is relatively light without going too little or putting too much. In fact completed the model’s weight is surprising lighter than other kits of its size and level of assembly. The overall assembly is done remarkably in scale, although 1/100 scale, the machines from Wing are smaller in scale compared to other models to bear the Gundam name, including the short statured Gundam F-91.

The head is modeled in roughly 13 parts. The head itself is modeled in side split halves with the face consisting of the eyes, chin, and face plate built within and a ball socket polycap for the neck. The Wing Zero’s head fins are done in three parts on both sides of the head and finally there is the ‘V’ crest on the front of the head. The eyes are done with both the face’s eyes and also the forehead sensor eye. Unfortunately there was no physical way to incorporate the eye piece into the crest as it is designed as, so instead paint work is mandatory in that area. Overall construction is tight, although there are small parts such as the front tabs on the side fins which you might consider gluing so not to worry about losing them later on.

The torso construction combines some new elements with a few older ones too. The interior skeleton is built on the principle of a hinged midsection that then connects to a double ended ball joint which connects the waist and abdomen. The shoulder of course is built on a hinge so the arms can be swung forward at most 30 degrees and upwards to about 20. Within the construction, you also have the cockpit and neck swivel to assemble along with the base port for the back pack to connect to the body. The cockpit comes as a solid piece which sits dead center of the shoulder and upper body component and is also used as the base point for where the clear ‘Sensor globe’ fits on. The armoring of the Wing Zero’s torso is a multiple part affair due in part mostly to the past incarnation of these parts seen in the Wing Version Ka. In addition, the main armor of the torso is not recommended for removal. Thereby unfortunately, there is no refined door hatch like in other models of the Master Grade line. So opening the cockpit requires removing the cover piece over the sensor globe.

The Waist assembly is done in a combination of simplistic execution with some additional assembly. The waist is done in standard form, two halves split front and back with the polycap hinges set on the sides for the hips and the front and back blocks designed to hold in the main skirts. The skirts are an eleven part affair: roughly two parts each, with a shortcut by the rear two skirts being joined by a solid bar with two additional parts connected at the top. The reason for so many parts is due to the same reason with the torso. Although with fewer colors in its design, the Wing Zero still uses the same construction from Wing Version Ka.

One of the newest points of the Wing Zero that replaces parts from the Wing Version Ka is the backpack. While the Version Ka had only two wings to attach, the Version Zero has four wings. So for this, a new backpack was constructed, this time matching the Wing Zero’s design. Initial construction requires the construction of the ‘shoulder’ for which the wings’ extension arms can connect to. Although this kit makes many attempts to surpass the Perfect Grade, this area has more in common with the Wing Zero’s 1/100 scale High Grade. The construction differs by not requiring polycaps for the rear wing arms and the main back plate that covers the assembly and holds it in alignment. In addition to this extra assembly, Bandai also adapted this model be held by a base stand.

The arms are constructed in the more ergonomic structural interior for exterior design. This means that the inner assembly of the bicep is done so to shortcut costs but improve construction with the armor done as a sleeve. Construction is equally improved with the elbow being built into the bicep assembly and reinforced via polycaps. This is then joined into the forearm which is done in box plate construction so not parts are less cluttered but they hold themselves in place firmly. The Sensor blocks on the outside of the arms are done in the same “more pieces for one component” assembly from the Wing Version Ka, simplified for its design as the Wing Zero. The hands are done in Master Grade form 1.0. In which the middle, ring and pinky finger done in a solid piece with the index finger and thumb done separately. The main fingers are then fitted in the traditional hinge joint assembly with the thumb fitting to a ball joint groove with the hand halves joined by the back hand guard. Compared to previous MG 1.0 hands, the fingers are accented where they are bent at the joint and the overall construction is much tighter.

The shoulder armor assembly revolves around a sliding track which is then plated with the Wing Zero’s shoulder armor. This track assembly is used to fold the shoulder armor down in both the Wing Zero and Wing Version Ka for their ‘atmospheric’ modes. While the principle of the assembly remains the same, the Wing Zero uses a different front cover piece (which is designed into the Wing Version Ka, but is done with two separately colored pieces). The armor plating on the shoulders is done in front and back halves, with the top most section being a solid domed piece which attaches to the top of the completed assembly. When completed, the track assembly fits over the main shoulder peg connecting from the torso via a heavy grade ABS sleeve and reinforced by the shoulder from the arm. One of the biggest difficulties I’ve had with the shoulders is due in part to the track on which the armor rests. For the most part the armor simply rests on the track and floats freely against the arm so not to impede movement, but in some cases it just feels like the armor is too loose for its own good.

The Wing Zero’s legs use the more simplistic route of being joint assemblies from the thigh to the foot without any extra moving components short of the knee armor. When the Perfect Grade was first produced with the actuators combining the knee and thigh mimicking the quadriceps muscle, it had its flaws of flex range but when it was done again for other models in Master Grade form, they fixed those flaws. Unfortunately for the Wing Zero, this schematic was cut out all together and replaced with the more generic form: two halves combined over a knee block and a polycap ball socket for the hip. The knee assembly is remarkably minute but the construction is employed to the fullest, a flexed swing arm which then connects to the main knee armor and allows it to float freely from the leg. The main assembly for the lower leg is done in two halves with polycaps that are used for locking on the outer armor and a ball socket for the ankle. In standard form, the armor attaches in sections: the main front and back plates and side pieces in the upper region with the additional front ankle guard connecting via to a polycap hinge. There is also the ankle armor which attaches to a double ball stem piece similar to the one that joins the waist and torso, scaled to fit of course.

The feet are constructed in the modern fashion with a hinge assembly in the front section that bends the foot 90 degrees downward. Armor is in solid block and plate form here as to minimize construction. There is of course a polycap ball socket within the main ankle assembly to connect it to the leg.

The Wing Zero’s wings are by far the real shining difference between the multiple grades of construction and variations of this design. For the original, the Wing Zero’s wings were large vernier booms which opened for long distance and high speed flight. Also they were key elements in the Wing Zero’s “Neo-Bird Mode” in which it transformed into a form of fighter. With the complete redesign into its ‘Custom’ form, the Neo-Bird form was completely removed and the Wing Zero’s wings were now upgraded for a more symbolic look. According to design, the Wing Zero Custom’s wings are based in symbolism of the four winged angel (a Seraphim, the highest order of angel), so the follow up work gives the Wing Zero two large flight wings and two additional vernier binder wings.

First, we take a look at the Vernier binder wings. In the 1/100 scale, Bandai took the ‘optional’ route, making the wings hollow and adding a decorated plate to be set in place if builders decided to pose them in their open form. For the Perfect Grade, these wings were given an excellent action feature with the construction of catch springs and building the trigger within the Wings’ arm which runs into the backpack. By rotating the wing 90 degrees upward, the catch would release and the binders would open. For the Master Grade, Bandai took a less artistic route and made the vernier plate a basic component in the construction. Built from within, the vernier plate is built into the main hinge which connects the bottom housing and the overall wing assembly and helps to bind both sections together. By pulling on the lower cover, the binder opens like a fan and clicks to lock once it reaches its maximum level. Also unlike the PG, these wings can be opened even if they are not raised above a certain elevation.

In the original 1/100 scale, the larger wings were solid shell injection pieces, with the feather tips as solid strips held in place by polycaps. Although with simplified construction the wings couldn’t get out of the way or hold its place very well. For the Perfect Grade, the construction was fundamentally similar except for the addition of a “Wing Rib” which runs from where it connects to its swing arm down to the tip. The feathers were also different by being individually cut rubber strips with a metal strip running through it (think of a reinforced twist tie). In the end, the added weight made for a severe imbalance in the weight distribution. For the Master Grade, Bandai took the wings back to formula. With completely reinvented construction, the wings can now open into three paneled sections through joint, reactive sliding movement performed with the slightest of touch. The feather tips of the wings this time around are not plastic, but light grade rubber, which can easily flex and realign after long durations of being pressed against a surface. There are a total of seven feathers in all which are lined up in sequential order according to length. The wings are attached to the wings themselves via ball tipped hinge arms which fit into a groove cut on the sides of the main wing housing. The weight of the overall completed wing is remarkably light so this added amount of construction puts no imbalance on the overall build. Completed, the wings pose almost flawlessly, and can recreate some of the Wing Zero’s most defining poses, a feature missing completely from the Perfect Grade and the original 1/100 scale.

The Wing Gundam Zero comes with its common assortment of weapons and retains the value of said tools of destruction. First off, the easier of the set are the Wing Zero’s beam sabers. With absolutely no construction necessary, the Wing Zero’s sabers literally come off the runner and fit into the hands. For storage, the sabers rest in their docking grooves molded into the extension arms for the Binder Wings. The beams included for the sabers are clear green, which is a breath of relief considering the most of the Master Grade lineage is overpopulated with “Pink Sabers.” Also it is worth noting that these sabers are curved, almost like a Japanese sword instead of the linear almost European Fencing blades of the standard.

The next weapons included in the Wing Zero are its shoulder mounted vulcan guns. Unlike the common guns which are single barrels, the Wing Zero’s were four barreled gatling guns and fit into blocks on the shoulders. According to the Version Ohkawara, these blocks flipped around with the guns mounted underneath, but in the Version Katoki, these blocks were hinged covers with the guns mounted directly to them. Once open, the guns shift slightly forward and are visibile. For the MG version, Bandai uses a solid construction scheme which uses the guns themselves as the hinge point for the cover plate. Unfortunately, there are the design flaws that come from the Wing Zero’s more compact design. This includes that the hinge does not have as much range to open as one could hope, and that when fully open, the Wing Zero’s head can get in the way.

Also it is worth noting that the gatling barrels do not rotate.

Completing the Wing Zero’s arsenal is its famous double barreled buster rifle. Compared to traditional beam rifles which are designed for short, high output bursts, the Wing Zero’s Buster Rifle is designed for maximum output and maximum penetration. This is why when used it had the capacity to eliminate entire fleets of enemies and a space battle fortress with one shot. The Buster Rifles also had a tactical advantage compared to other rifles by being able to separate and become two distinctly powerful rifles as opposed to one massive gun.

For its MG treatment, Bandai used a complimentary method. This means it retains its simplistic, sleek look but uses smaller detail parts to complete construction that fits both design and form. Construction goes as though it were building two mirrored rifles, one for the left and one for the right. The main rifle body itself is constructed using two full body strips which make the left and right side of the single rifle. Building the rifles begin with a small hinged block which requires the double ended hinge part, fit between the block and its rear holding plate. This block has the ability to rotate to a combined 180 degrees to lock into the side of the rifle and down to hang freely. Included with the sub-assembled locking block are the gun’s triggers, a hinged locking tab and a detail point power cable. Lastly, there is the tip of the gun barrel and the weapon sight (a shortcut done in solid plastic that requires painting on the eye piece). The hinged tab is located in the back of the rifles and is used in combining both the completed rifles. The tabs are constructed facing back and facing forward as to lock together in grooves cut on the insides of either gun. The rotating block portion of the gun is also applied in combing the rifles and works as the main locking assembly.

When combined into its twin buster mode, the Wing Zero’s Buster Rifle can only be held in one hand due to the proximity of both triggers. So in order to be held, one of the triggers must be rotated out of the way (so it fits into the rear stock of its respective rifle). Unfortunately this is where one might find trouble. The combined weight of the rifle might not feel it, but it does put pressure on the MG version 1.0 hands of the kit. When posed upright, the hands tend to lose tension and the gun has a tendency to sag. However Bandai has concluded the construction of the rifles with a way to fix this. Seen at the absolute rear stock of the rifles are little protrusions that are designed to hook under the armor of the Wing Zero’s arms and chest plate (for copying its ‘final shot’ pose). This gives some extra reinforcement to the hands and redistributes the double buster rifle’s weight across a broader area.

As a last accessory Bandai included one of their all purpose display bases. In fact this was the first outing of the display base that would later be released in clear injection for the limited edition 1/100 scale Strike Freedom, Infinite Justice, and Destiny Gundams from the Gundam SEED Destiny line. The base is made up of a flat base followed by a half/half assembled holding block and the extended display arm. The display arm is designed with a groove cut through it and a locking tab at the same end so that the arm can be shifted forward and upward giving it two distinct display styles. For connecting it to the Wing Zero, one must remove a small ‘cut out block’ from the bottom of the Wing Zero’s backpack and connect it directly to the inner frame. This centralized area in the back was a connector for a low construction cost hinge originally designed in the Wing Version Ka to hold a swing arm that would flip/rotate the Wing’s backpack down for its Neo-Bird flight mode. Now that the Wing Zero lacks this feature, it makes for a perfect way to hold it up on display.

Overall

Price of model: 44.99 USD, price of supplies: 32.55 USD, price for replacement parts: 30 USD. Waiting three months for the replacement parts order to be found, shipped, delivered and completing the model said time from the time you originally got it: priceless.

Price of model: 44.99 USD, price of supplies: 32.55 USD, price for replacement parts: 30 USD. Waiting three months for the replacement parts order to be found, shipped, delivered and completing the model said time from the time you originally got it: priceless.

Sometimes when something has more problems than its worth, the only solution is to leave it be. Not in my book. Sometimes you just have to stick it out, wait it out, and finish things up. In the long run, they’ll be worth it, much like this model kit.

Master Grade: From the One Year War to the Battle of Yachin Due

The Master Grade line from Bandai has been the staple for quality and prestige for both mechanical designer and machine. However glorious and well produced the line has been, it has been slim in its variety of series. The majority of the overall Master Grade collection has been dedicated to the Universal Century between the years UC 0079 and UC 0093. When Mobile Fighter G Gundam made its big re-emergence, Bandai opted to produce its first Master Grade from another Gundam Universe. At its conclusion, G Gundam saw four designs made plastic.

When the Version Ka (named for Hajime Katoki) assortment was developed, a new opening was established for other Non-UC models such as the XXXG-01W Wing Gundam. It however was a concept version according to Hajime Katoki, and not the animated version by his senior Kunio Ohkawara. Following this version, was its animated relative, the XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero Custom from Mobile Report War Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz.

While the Version Ka line introduced Gundam Wing machines, Bandai had released its first entry from the Cosmic Era (the calendar table for the universe) with Gundam SEED. The GAT-X105 Strike Gundam set a standard for future models from this series if they were to be produced in the Master Grade line. This standard continued with its second model kit entry, the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam.

As seen with my recent reviews to CDX, I’ve spent a lot of time in the Cosmic Era. While I could seriously use more Zakus and GMs, I have to admit Gundam SEED has offered some nice ideas to the ‘multi-Gundam’ concept. Like past ‘Alternate Universe’ Gundam series, SEED started with a generic five and ended with upgraded versions of past machines and new ones based on the older ones. The ZGMF-X10A Freedom, although an entirely new machine to the SEED era, it was the first jump back to an ‘all powerful’ winged Gundam I’ve seen since the Wing Zero.

No Nukes is Good News

According to the history of the Cosmic Era, a brilliant scientist named George Glenn was the first of a new generation of human evolution called “Coordinators.” Coordinators are genetically altered beings whose mental and physical prowess surpasses the normal, “Natural” human being. His death marked the first in anti-Coordinator movements on Earth, forcing virtually all Coordinators to live in space and beginning a new age in Genetic Segregation and giving birth to new organizations such as Blue Cosmos, an aristocratic organization in control of the Earth’s military and political structure.

In the year C.E. 70, Blue Cosmos orders an event known as “The Bloody Valentine” which leads to the full scale war between the Earth and its orbiting space colonies, the Plants. As a strike against the Coordinators, the event was a preemptive attack by the Earth against Junius Seven (a natural resource and farming colony for most of the Plants) with the use of nuclear warheads. With their superior technology, ZAFT (the Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty, the military government of the Plants) launches its retaliation against the Earth in the form of Neutron Jammers. Long story and scientific words aside, Neutron Jammers cancel out all nuclear energy power sources. While it didn’t bring about the direct loss of lives like the attack on Junius Seven, the Neutron Jammers did their job to cripple the Earth’s arsenal of nuclear weapons and power plants.

With its arsenal of nukes disabled, the Earth Alliance is forced to rely on mobile weaponry, and slowly begins developing mobile suits. In secret, the first five Gundams: the Blitz, Buster, Duel, Aegis, and Strike are created but later stolen except for the Strike. Although they cannot use nuclear reactors, the Gundams use a battery type power source that produces an energy field that changes the color of its armor, the Phase Shift Armor. On an equally important concept, the SEED universe gives meaning for the most of their mobile suits with anagram names. So GUNDAM translates into General Unilateral Neuro-link Dispersive Autonomic Maneuver

After reverse engineering this Phase Shift concept and combining different components from ZAFT’s already superior types of mobile suits, the mobile suits ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam are developed. Along with their enhanced weapons, the Freedom and Justice are built with the N-Jammer Canceller, allowing the mobile suits to use nuclear reactors. Thus, while they share the Gundam name the Freedom and Justice’s anagram of GUNDAM are different: Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assault Module.

Let Freedom Ring

The story of the Freedom spans two series, Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny as the personal mobile suit for Kira Yamato until it is ultimately retired in favor of the ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom.

In a final battle against the stolen Gundams chasing the Archangel, the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam is heavily damaged against a self-destructing Aegis. While Kira is left for dead, he was taken to the Plants and cared for by Lacus Clyne. While in her care, Kira decides to fight against the war between the Earth and ZAFT and vows to return to the battle. Lacus believes in the same ideology, and risking her political position and becoming an enemy of the state, lets Kira steal the Freedom and return to the Archangel.

Knowing full well of what the N-Jammer Canceller meant, Kira used it on a defensive offence, protecting the Archangel and also fighting against both militaries. On one front, ZAFT wanted to recapture it and the Earth Alliance was after him because of the Archangel’s rogue status and the Freedom’s power. However because of the Freedom’s power, it remained elusive and proved itself to be a force to be reckoned with.

Power to the Red, White, and two tones of Blue

The Master Grade Freedom Gundam is the third machine from the Gundam SEED series to be done in MG form. The first and second were both the Strike Gundam in its standard colors and the additional ‘Strike Rouge’ colors. Ironically this is the third time I’ve built the Freedom. In its debut, I got the 1/100 scale High Grade and then when the 1/144 METEOR unit came out, I got the 1/144 scale version that came with it. Both of which shared similar demands for paint work, most of which made up Freedom’s additional colors aside from its primaries.

The Master Grade Freedom comes out of the box in its final colors, leaving essentially nothing as far as paint work on a large scale. You have the basics: white, red, deep dark blue, cobalt blue, pale gray and gray. There are the usual clear parts for eyes and sights and only one yellow part for the crest on Freedom’s forehead. Design wise and construction, the Master Grade title lives up to expectations and makes up for a lot missing from the earlier produced High Grade. Essentially, the only paint work that the Freedom needs is for the striping across its gun and vent areas.

Some fair warning before I begin is how certain parts are attached to the runners. Some parts are connected in an odd, almost scar-certain area. For instance, the red ‘band’ piece that is on the Freedom’s cockpit hatch is connected on the front edge on a fat root stem. To the novice, building this model will take some patience, and care not to rush when cutting parts free.

Building

Like all my kits, the first place I start on is the head. The head of the Freedom has nine parts of assembly to it. This makes three parts for the face: nose/chin, cheeks, and face plate. The eye piece which goes on into them is clear and has the eye point for the top of the head which is held in place by a front and back helmet assembly. On top of that, you have the three part crest which is comprised of the yellow center crest the white outer ‘V’ and the red central block. Completed the head is very solid and much more proportionally accurate than the previous attempts. With some build work comes some color work, while in final colors the head needs filling in for its vents and panel lines. There are also two gun points on the side of the head that need a touch of gray. Visually the head is sound, construction compliments that as well.

The torso has an excellent display of improvements on past attempts and some tricks brought over from the MG Strike. Aside from the two gun points on the top of the chest and inside the thruster vents, there is almost no paint work to be done. In terms of construction, the torso has a full inner assembly and the body armor fits onto it. There is no inner mechanical detail to inner assembly. Its purpose isn’t so much for detail as it is for construction and stability. The armor plating would make from the waist, abdomen, upper torso, and collar. One area of interest is the shoulders. Catching up with more current MG kits, the Freedom has a full swinging shoulder block. Horizontally, this block gives an extra 20 degrees frontward motion and can go to nearly 90 degrees vertically. Compared to the Strike, the Freedom does not need reinforcement screws. Instead it is fully plastic on plastic friction with heavier grade ABS. The torso also features an opening cockpit. Unlike the Strike with a folding block and a swinging cover, the Freedom has what looks like a sliding block which is actually a swing arm built lower in the torso. Inside of course shows the control seat molded in gray plastic (but improved with paint) and a fixed sitting figure of the pilot molded in white plastic (again, improved with paint). While worth painting, the seat is recessed almost directly in the center of the torso. So while the cockpit opens, you need a directed light source to really look inside.

The Arms share some of the highlights and some of the dimmer lights of the MG Freedom. Constructed with a simplified internal assembly of polycaps, the arms have an excellent display of good form and design. The forearm has the detail for internal details, and the bicep really has no stripped down form. The Freedom’s elbows are double jointed, thanks to how it connects from the bicep assembly and forearm. The shoulder armor is where I have my doubts. The shoulder armor is constructed in full color and connects to the shoulder peg from the torso on a sleeve. What hurts here is that the armor almost hangs, and is dependent on tension from the arm for how tight it fits. However the arm has only so much range to connect due to sculpt of the shoulder peg.

The hands are done in the typical MG form; thumb, trigger finger, fingers, palm halves, and back guard. Construction is tight, and the hands ball into a fist smoothly. The one drawback I find myself having is that they have issues gripping the rifle completely. Also on the subject of holding weapons, the forearm has two points for holding the shield. There is a polycap connector on the back of the elbow guard and a port on the side of the forearm. Instead of following the trend of the MG Strike with a swinging plate that connects to the back port and brings the shield to the side, the MG Freedom relies on something less sophisticated. To connect the shield to the side of the forearm, there are two cover plates on the sides of the arm that need to be removed and realigned. These cover plates are essential in building the forearm because they act as locking tabs for holding the forearm armor in place. This fashion for attaching the shield was present in the original Freedom's 1/100 scale form. Instead of leaving them off, the plates fit into a different peg port in the same area. This keeps the amount of excess parts laying around to the minimum. What hurts is that this method was done plain and simple.

The waist area follows the basic laws of construction, the inner portion with a wide mouth polycap in the center for the torso's ball socket connection, and two hinge polycaps on the hips for mounting the skirts. The front skirts are connected in place on the waist assembly and held in place by the center block. There is no polycap placeholder like in the traditional 1/100 scale use, so there is a slight degree of plastic on plastic friction. The rear skirt has an additional amount of assembly to allow it to swing forward and backwards. It’s a simple inner plate with a polycap sleeve on the inside that connects it to the waist. In addition to assembling the waist there is a square shaped polycap piece that fits into the main waist assembly from underneath. What this piece does is connects the Freedom to either its display base or the suspension rod for the 'Action Base' that came with the MG Strike Gundam. To display the Freedom standing however, there is a smaller cube piece that fits into the polycap and fits the contours of the waist.

The distinct character features of the Freedom Gundam are its wing binders. From past experience, the wings for the Freedom have always been molded in whole sections rather than individual binders. Another drawback but cost saving method was having them need paint rather than construction. This really hurt in matters of character value and displaying the wings in full flight. For the MG version, the Freedom's wings come broken down to their smallest, individual parts. This means all the wing plates are separated and given their own range of articulation.

Construction begins at the base of the wings in the swing arms, where they connect to the back pack thruster assembly on the torso. There is a primary assembly done in heavy grade ABS for the amount of part friction, with covering armor over that. In that assembly there is a smaller, secondary binder that swings freely in between. The main wing plates have a rather awkward assembly style almost like a tongue and groove. The construction requires fitting the topside piece onto a main portion (that connects it all together) and onto the main body of the wing at an angle before shifting it into place and somewhere in between connecting another secondary binder plate. While in the full primary colors, the wings do need some secondary color work to do on the inner trim. Going down the wings where it connects the upper portion to the lower portion is a crevice that is shown to be gray. Painting this area will add to the detail value.

While the wings connect through the back of the wing arms using the backside wing assembly, the front wings require mounting on the Freedom's wing mounted cannons. The overall assembly is tight, and visually awesome. The design of the wing binders were great but this really shows how well it works when its model is assembled to the design specs. When completed, the wings stretch from the top of the Freedom's head down to the ankles. With the tight assembly to the torso and legs, the Freedom can hold its weight standing with the wings adjusted properly on the back. Posing the Freedom in flight however requires some getting used to, having to adjust the rear wings first and then adjusting the front rather than swinging either section freely. Fully opened, the Freedom has an impressive 15 inch wingspan.

The Freedom Gundam has a fairly balanced arsenal at its disposal and the model showcases them in their best form. As said through paint, the Freedom has its four gun points on the head and torso. Adding to the weapons count are the hip mounted rail guns, the two cannons in the wing binders, a beam rifle, its shield, and beam sabers that combine.

The Freedom's handheld weapons are its primary artillery. The rifle is constructed to MG specifications by having its upper rail being detachable to show the detail underneath. Construction of the rifle follows the formula of two halves to make the body, an extension grip, barrel tip, sight, clear optic, and the upper rail. The upper rail needs paint. Having been molded in solid white plastic, the trim needs to be painted blue. For the beam sabers, Bandai wanted to maintain a characteristic from the show without the addition of extension parts as seen in the 1/100 scale HG of the Freedom. While molded in full (no assembly required), the ends of the sabers have triangular cut outs with micro locking tabs. What this allows is for the sabers to connect to each other and stay interlocked. While they are molded nicely, the sabers have a band of color around the ends that needs paint. Their color is essentially a match to the chest area of the torso.

Rounding out the Freedom's added firepower are the hip mounted rail guns and wing mounted cannons. The hip mounted guns are designed to fold in half and fold down to the side of the legs. Molded in the final colors, there is almost no paint work to be done here, each piece fitting its needed color. Construction is basic, half and half for each of the three sections. At the end of the rear section is a stacked vent assembly on the front most section is a stacked barrel. There are heavy grade ABS couplers to join each section rather than polycaps for their tensile strength. On the larger, rear portion, of the main cannon there are triggers that swing outward for the Freedom to grab onto. The rail guns are then built into a side skirt assembly that also acts as the dock for the beam sabers. As an added component, the block attaches to a swivel peg that fits into the polycap on the sides of the waist.

The wing mounted cannons are an essential part to both the weapons and the main wing assembly. In fact, their construction requires being done prior to building the wings all together. Construction is mild, with just the right number of parts to do the job and leave you with an amount of detailing to follow up with in paint or panel marking. The main assembly style is half and half for the body work followed by the additional parts for the colored areas such as a red trim rail and a dark blue colored block in the center. What makes the wing cannons so unique are the new swing assemblies in the rear. Unlike the previous Freedoms, the wing cannons could only open forward when the wings were perpendicular to the shoulders. Now through this assembly, the Freedom's wing cannons can be extended with the wings fully opened. What will be tricky to some is setting this pose. Adjusting the rear wing, you need to adjust the cannons, after that it’s a matter of readjusting the front wing. Also, taking into account their proximity to the head, the wings need to be set to the proper height before you knock the Freedom’s head off.

Added to the kit in its general release is a base stand. While not like the incentives released with Gundam SEED Destiny, the base that comes with the Freedom is always guaranteed. The Freedom connects via the insert on the bottom of the waist. Also, should you have the MG Strike Gundam it can also be displayed on the base.

Like every other Master Grade, the Freedom has its own branding marks in Dry Transfer Decals. In the recent trend of DTDs, the Freedom has an assortment of optional marks for areas. Cutting some free, some will end up being destroyed and a decal covered Freedom could end up looking like a NASCAR racer.*

*This Master Grade Freedom is brought to you by ZAFT! Now with Neutron Jammer Canceller!!

Overall

In short, the MG Freedom is worth it. It’s a good model based on a unique design and makes for a great display. Should anyone want this kit, be cautious when searching. There are two types available in general, the standard and a chrome plated version (celebrating its battle with the Impulse Gundam) and other types released for conventions. Not that any other version is bad, but its worth noting because these versions are more expensive than the standard release.

This piece has been a real exercise in frustration for me. For awhile I'd wanted a nice Aura Battler Dunbine toy but wasn't a big fan of the vintage diecast designs.

This piece has been a real exercise in frustration for me. For awhile I'd wanted a nice Aura Battler Dunbine toy but wasn't a big fan of the vintage diecast designs. I'd seen Bandai's MG kit in pictures but didn't want to risk spending the money on it since I was not experienced in model building. Well, after successfully completing 3 or 4 MG Gundam kits and being given a gift card that I needed to spend, I figured I'd take the plunge and pick this up.

Probably the biggest problem with the constuction of it for me was that a few of the pieces that needed to be screwed together were very small so that it was difficult to keep a good firm grip on them with one hand while applying the needed pressure to sink the screw in all the way with the other. I've always hated screw drivers anyway so this really started to annoy me and I really should have stopped rather than work in that mood. I didn't and ended up breaking a couple of integral pieces. But I really wanted to finish it so I bought another one, this time out of my own pocket, and set about completing it. The second time around I made sure to work in small, anger-free sessions and really take my time with it. I was able to complete it without further incident.

The completed model is extremely nice looking but not without it's flaws. The biggest problem, literallly, is the back. It's too heavy for the rest of the model and makes it extremely difficult to pose. The side of the box shows an "action pose" which as far as I can tell is completely impossible.

I like the internal detail and had no problem with the rubber parts, but the hand which is designed to hold the sword is just awful. Rather than have a fist that can actually grip the sword like the Gundam kits do, this hand is in two pieces and would really need to be glued together. Otherwise it comes apart at the slightest touch. I haven't glued mine so I really don't know how easily the sword could be added or removed once that is done, but frankly it seems like just an awful idea from the start. Furthermore, the index finger on the hand the holds the sword is pointing for some reason. Doesn't make any sense to me.

Dunbine stands 8" tall. The cockpit opens to reveal the pilot, Show Zama and the sword can be stored in it's sheath on the back. Most of the pieces are molded in the appropriate color (though it has a more lavender-ish hue than the blue in the anime). You simply have to add two stickers for the markings on the head. Overall, it's a nice looking model and I suppose I'm happy to have it, but in the end it really just leaves you wanting more.

A long time waited, a long time worked. I've had this kit sitting in my face since a month after its release back in 2003. The only problem is I've had a few thousand things to do between then and now.

The History:

The Extended Superior Gundam or "EX-S" (pronounced like excess) comes from the Gundam Sentinel novel/multimedia project also known as the "Battle of Real Gundam." According to the sites I researched, this stems from it being of the first Gundam series to avoid the existence of the Newtypes, much like the animated Gundam 0083 and The 08th MS Team OAV series. On a side note, those of the 'SEED' Generation can think of the Newtype as a Coordinator with psychic abilities.
The EX-S stars as the main mecha of the series, mostly in its less armored form: the Superior. Further information I found showed that it had one pilot, Ryu Roots and an assistant AI named Alice. There is however an additional draft of the story where it had three pilots, Roots and Alice included. Also, since Sentinel was a 'Side-Story' to the Zeta era, the EX-S was also a mobile suit built with the ability to transform.

The Model:

Back when I first built the MSA-0011 'S-Gundam' a long while ago, I noticed that there were certain areas of the kit that looked like there was more work to do. The truth is the S-Gundam kit was really made to become this version here. The EXT components are the only additional parts with their own part trees. As such this review will only cover the additions and modifications.

When talking about modifications most builders think of modified, preexisting parts. For the 'SEED' builders it is like looking at the shield of the HG Strike compared to the shield of the Duel Gundam. In the case of the EX-S, modifications do not include the older parts. Instead the modification is in the assembly thanks to the EXT parts. Areas that include the modifications are the torso, waist, back unit, and legs. While these areas fill up over 70% of the kit, it really is not that much compared to the work to build the S-Gundam's body (which remains intact for the whole of this build).

Torso:

The torso's modifications for the EXT form are the first phase of assembly. In the original S-Gundam there were two core block assemblies. The first one was the basic Core Fighter with two add on parts which were divided between the torso's G-Attacker and the legs' G-Bomber modes. Since this made for additional toyetics, there was the secondary "Solid block" assembly. That could be used to build the model in a stand alone MS mode. This consisted of two shell type pieces which fit three pilot figures and made the central portion of the Core components.

While building this version for the S-Gundam was optional, doing it for the EX-S is almost mandatory so to balance the mass in the kit for its Cruiser mode. For its 'core fighter' portions, there are typically two stabilizer wings in front of the main wings. However as the heart of the body and cruiser mode, the wings are replaced with two 'L' tabs that fit in to place of the arm pits and lock the parts in place. Since the Solid-Core goes down into the waist, it provides even stronger support for the torso and waist acting as the real backbone inside the kit.

The torso also receives some additional armor with its new "I-Field" generator. This is the white block that goes over the torso, which is made of roughly eleven parts. This armor plating fits over the existing cockpit cover like a sock and then folds over the contours of the Superior's chest. While it fits snug enough, the top plate has some reinforcing tabs that fit into pre-existing inserts in the Superior's upper torso. Also the main nose for the Cruiser (or G-Attacker), which acts as a stabilizer for the MS mode, has an additional 'bulb' like piece which adds some more bulk.

The waist also sees some more work with the front block assembly. Originally the front of the waist had two asymmetrical plates that fit onto the right front and left front of the waist block. In there place is instead one larger block which builds a much thicker layer of armor. This assembly consists of three major parts; the plating, orange cover and the internal mass. The mass is the backbone of the whole assembly and makes up the stability connection to the EX-S's display base and connector for the EX-S weapon. The drawback to this assembly is that for transforming between MS and cruiser mode, it has to be removed so to articulate the leg/hip connectors out from under the plating. Also because of how tight it fits, there's a healthy bit of fighting to get it off of the display base along with the MS in one piece.

Legs:

A friend of mine asked me how much was different between the EX-S and the Superior. Pretty much the only real areas that changed in the legs are the calves and hip mounts.

The hip mounts on the legs of the Superior consisted of the main arm for the beam smart gun (right hip) and an additional stabilizer support block (left hip). Since the gun now mounts on the front of the waist block, the EX-S's hips are now built with two laser modules. These blocks are articulated by a series of smaller arms that fit into the legs that allow the cannons to rotate in any direction and fold into place for Cruiser mode. The added advantage is that with the gun mounts on the front of the waist, the legs have an extended range of mobility.

The lower leg assembly isn't so much redone as much as it is re-armored. There are additional plates for the sides and rear of each leg as well as the addition of a new 'knee block' assembly. My friend's real technical question was if the knee armor could be reversed (changed into S-mode). The answer is no. This is because the entire knee assembly has been redone to fit the new, much larger parts. Also since the knee is a subassembly for the lower leg its something I recommend to avoid trying.

The new armor on the knee is at least three times to size of the original Superior's. It still houses the beam sabers, but it also houses the EX-S's additional INCOM units.

For the novice; Incoms are wire guided laser weapons. The Superior comes with a disk in the forehead which is for additional support fire. The EX-S's leg mounted Incoms are made for more elaborate use. They do not fire beams of their own but are capable of reflecting shots from either the smart gun or primary Incom in alternate directions. I think this is for more defensive purposes seeing how the EX-S's mass limits its mobility.

Back on the model, the Incom blocks are hinged and snap open and closed. The one thing that the knee block for the EX-S has an advantage over the Superior is the assembly quality. The original knee block was the base piece, folding portion and the saber mounts with the white armor just fitting over them. This new assembly has the whole of the armor integrated into the main construction so there is no risk of the armor falling off.

The new armor on the legs does not take the place of any portion of the Superior, instead fits over it. The new armor has a small series of assembly of their own and fit into place through preexisting ports on the inside of the Superior's legs. These ports originally housed the legs' thruster binders and cover plate.

EXT Components/Accessories:

Aside from the add-on armor components from the legs and torso there are a whole line of new parts made for EXT mode. This can be summed up as the new vernier thruster units on the back, the propellant tanks and the additional accessory components.

The vernier blocks are built on a series of extension arms for transformation purposes, but they fit into the area where the Superior's smaller units mounted originally. The new units are somewhat shell type construction; the armor housing a block which hold the main thruster nozzles at the base and in the upper area there are an additional set of blocks which connect to the extension arms. These pieces are molded in the form of internal fuel tanks and are detailed as such.

On the outside of each vernier block are pairs of binders for the rear nozzles which are articulated by polycaps. Originally on the Superior there was only one cannon on either thruster pack, for the EX-S that has been doubled. The cannon barrels are a three part assembly, two halves for the body and a cap piece for the end of the barrel.

Builders beware! No kit has perfect fitting parts. In the EX-S the cap pieces for the cannon barrels was where my problem started. I checked my orientation during assembly but not matter what I did right I had to fight to get them on. In fact this was the first time I ever used a rubber mallet on a model. So if anybody wants to build the EX-S after this kit, be ready to really sand and grind down the connecting areas.

Moving on the next phase of the EXT assembly are the new propellant tanks. These tanks are shell based construction with a series of opening doors and a peg panel inside. The peg panel is what connects the tanks to the body in MS mode and an internal 'hook' block inside the tanks are what hold them in place for Cruiser mode. For those if you disappointed by the lack of arm modifications, think again. The Propellant tanks are mounted on the arms via the shielding plates that come down from the shoulders. These parts were ready since the Superior, with a polycap built inside like a sliding lock bolt. That way the peg panel can lock down without risk of dropping the tank.

The weapons from the Superior are back and upgraded for the occasion. The beam sabers and the head mounted Incom are the only parts without modifications. As mentioned before, the legs now sport a pair of Incom units of their own. Unlike the head mounted unit, these are canisters. Construction is a 'half/half' but the seam line runs through the center and doesn't split the barrel tips in half.

The Beam Smart Gun has been reequipped with a new targeting array which is built on a folding assembly so to lock it in place for in-use and carrying mode. In terms of construction, the array is molded in the body's dark gray plastic and needs a healthy dose of white paint. As for the main disk, the white piece is a subassembly and the main eyes seriously need to be painted. The gun retains its original mounting assembly but now that it connects on the front of the body, the stabilizer assembly from the Superior is left out of the kit all together.

The final accessory to the entire package is the display base. It comes molded in smoked clear plastic, it adds some dynamic degree if lit from below. The base isn't an optional bit of work; it is needed since the EX-S is almost incapable of withstanding its own weight. With the base the EX-S rests well over 14 inches in height. The display base is also set to be adjusted at different display angles; having the body face down almost parallel to the base surface. There is one smaller additional arm that mounts on the sides for the core fighter to go.

CRUISER MODE:

As if this review couldn't get any longer, but not as long as the Cruiser mode. From toe to nosecone the EX-S is a whopping 17 and one half inches in length and has a wingspan of nine inches. The Cruiser is the combined mass of the Superior's three components: the G-Attacker (torso), G-Bomber (legs), Core fighter, and of course the EXT parts.

At first glance of the mass of this kit I was almost afraid to transform it into cruiser mode. Transforming is after all very fragile, but thanks to precisely positioned inserts, mounting points and the quality of the parts, it is not impossible. In Cruiser mode the wings from the rear skirts (G-Bomber) are extended, however the wings from the shoulders (G-Attacker) are not extended.

The one thing that bothers me is how open some things are in Cruiser mode. For starters all the inner assemblies from the torso are almost exposed entirely and there is no cover to them. Moreover where the cockpit canopy would be for the G-Attacker there is just exposed plastic and polycaps. While this is just a minor aesthetic bug, the rest of the Cruiser has no problems.

Overall:

To say the least I fell in love with this kit at the Superior. The addition of the EXT components was something rare that Bandai does, seeing how most add on components like this are left for the B-Club resin department. I suppose they made the call to go ABS when they felt how heavy this kit is. About the kit though, I'm very much impressed. The quality of the construction is, for a lack of better terms, Superior on all counts. While he does sit stiff, EX-S is really much more of a display model. It stands out as a trophy and sits like one too!

# of parts: I never bothered to count but let's put it this way: PG quality.

Plastic Colors: blue, red, white, yellow, dark gray, clear, and fluorescent blue

Included for Construction: screws -3 different sizes-

Gimmicks: detachable core assemblies (2 varieties; complete block or multiple), beam sabers (x2), beam smart gun, smart gun stabilizer trigger arm.

Greetings once more from the little mechaholic shop of Hartlaun. After a good three months of fighting fakers, bootleggers and all sorts of scam artists I have been able to get my hands on one of the tallest Gundams ever produced. Ripped right from the Sentinel multimedia project headlined by the new main man of mecha, Hajime Katoki; comes the premiere mecha of the series and the artist alike: the Master Grade MSA-0011 S-Gundam. As most builders know the S in the name stands for 'Superior' and in what ways you ask? Superior design, Superior construction, Superior display piece, so here goes:

The Head: In the post Zeta era of Gundam design, there has been a new style set for designing a gundam's head. The Superior takes all the aspects introduced in the Zeta and beefs it all up while maintaining the new smiling giant face design. Construction wise the Superior has by far some of the more intricate parts to build a head than I have seen in any other model. Starting on the inside there is a new polycap (square with the cupped center to connect as a ball joint on the neck) which is fit inside a gray support piece which also holds the eyes (clear), the face piece, 'INCOM' unit and the head crest bar with the scope eye at the front. Around that then go side by side halves for the full head which are then locked together in the rear by a solid vent piece. Finishing off the whole head design of course are the yellow vent bars from the side of the face, thus bringing the parts count to 16; a new MG record. As far as the proportions go, this is the first time I've seen the S-Gundam's head look good. The only pet peeve I found with the head design was the parts for the head crest. They fit onto the bar which I said holds them and slides them back and forth on the head for transforming it, but I don't think they realized that it's a fight to get them to fit in the first place. I fought for an hour between them and the red eye block shaving them down little by little to get them to fit and lock the eye in place. Once that was done, the head fit together just perfectly.

The Torso: Construction for the torso for the Superior is like combining the RX-78-2 with parts from the Zeta, Zeta Plus and roughly some of the ZZ. The torso assembly as is consists of the front of the chest which is attached to a near PG quality folding arm system at the shoulders. The back piece has some added assembly work, something the Zeta and Zeta Plus series lacked, with an under armor piece that fits into the back panel to show some of the mechanical detail on the inside of the torso (instead of molding the detail into the parts which make up the outer shell). The downsides is that its tight and when you go to adjust things the spine has a tendency to go flying if you tug too hard. On the plus side, the door and cockpit assembly is on hooked tabs so there's no "falling hatch door" problem seen in the ZZ (or FAZZ). All else, that's all there is for a torso to be built since the S is a core block based design.

The Arms: Since the Zeta Plus A1, the Sentinel related MG models have solid construction in their arms. The Superior keeps up tradition only with more work to be done in the forearm and shoulders. The forearm is built with a series of hinged plates to help the arms fold in and flex back without causing friction and help lock the booster/arms in place when in G-Attacker mode. The bicep is another run over from the latest in HGUC technology with a sleeve over a bar piece going into the shoulder and elbow. The shoulders for a change are not directly connected to the torso, instead the arm runs into the booster/shoulder armor and from there (or rather a hinged bar) connects to the torso. The boosters are well built, each different colored block is a separate piece (unlike most models where you sit there and mask and paint the right areas) and fits together without friction or problems. As most of the Superior has shown off an extensive amount of under layering detail the arms show off a good variety from the underside of the arm guards (blue bars from the side) and the inner paneling of the shoulder armor. My only concern is that because the outer shell for the shoulders are secured by screws they tend to be somewhat loose if you're not careful.

The Legs: When I look at the legs of the Superior I'm oddly reminded of ZZ Top's classic "She's got Legs." Jokes aside, I did a side by side comparison with another MG and the leg almost towered over my measuring model. Construction is solid but there are a few places where it's too tight and somewhat too loose. An example of this problem is the foot and ankle assembly as it tends to be a pain for pivoting the joint for changing modes. The legs are very sturdy when attached to the entire model but when standing alone; they are less than perfect due to the ankles being so thin. Up towards the knee, they've got some weight to them to help balance out the rest of this monster while still being able to stand out on their own. My only peeve here is that the knee armor which houses the beam sabers tends to fall off if the knee is over flexed. Another feature about the legs is that it's the usual place for inner mechanism detailing, just remove the outer armor and that's about it.

The Waist: A lot of assembly for not a lot to work with. That sums up the waist in a nutshell. The hip pegs for the legs are built on double jointed hinge points but are locked in place by a top and bottom crotch assembly which makes up a good 70% of the entire block. The only thing that seems to make sense in a complex assembly like this was the rear assembly which consists of the wing units for the G-Bomber and the connection arm for the model's spine.

Core units: Ever since the first Gundam, there has always been the Core. This can be either your standard core block or a removable core fighter. The Superior has just the fighter or fighters if you want to get technical. The first core fighter assembly in the Superior model is the three part assembly which can be divided amongst the G-Attacker and G-Bomber units leaving just the simple core fighter to be on its own. The second one is a much simpler, shell based assembly made for those of us that like to show off toothpick skills with detailing pilot figures (this block assembly is also one for those who like to keep core fighters separate). Because I didn't feel like fighting an all gray block in terms of painting, I just went with the triple block core unit. Either way, the super block is going to be built when I need it.

Back unit: The back unit for the Superior has more function as a backbone than it does a back unit. The connection arm from the waist goes through a small poly-abs- connection sleeve hidden below the tail (G-Attacker nosecone) which helps secure the entire model in place with or without the core fighter inside. To the sides and secured by screws are the actual booster units made with the typical shell style construction. Then again, this isn't your typical Gundam in the first place so there's more work to be done, such as the beam cannons that stick out to the sides which are able to fold around for the Attacker Mode. The nose cone for the Attacker is well detailed for a simple half/half shell with an extending tip (subassembly) and is proportionally accurate. The only downside is that it throws the model off balance when raised up.

Weapons: The Superior Gundam has to have the superior weapon, so enter the beam smart gun. Or as I like to call the "Long Frickin' Rifle" The construction is an advanced version of the HGUC with the barrel being five parts instead of two and the sight assembly having a big clear dome and more than four pieces to it. The rear and trigger are the only average assembly points but still maintain the Superior's advanced construction quality. This would include the assemblies such as the connecting arm for mounting the rifle on the right hip which extends when needed and the folding trigger assembly mounted on the left hip. The trigger's housing is built with an opening door that automatically pushes the trigger into place or rather into an easier place to push into place manually. The last thing on the weapon list is the usual Gundam add on, the beam sabers. The sabers of the Superior are squared and fit snug within their places on the knee armor though they're a pain to get out of there.

Overall: Although I'd like to go into the basics of the two body fighter modes: G-Attacker and G-Bomber, I'm afraid I have to cut to the chase. Overall the Superior Gundam has a lot to offer, good size, good style, and damn good construction. There are however places that seem to dumbfound most builders out there but don't forget the EX-S which uses these confusing points just came out about a month ago (not to mention its got a lot more to work with ^_^). On the scoreboard the Superior Gundam gets a solid 9.5 out of 10. Superior Construction=Superior Display.