OZ-MS 00 Tallgeese Ver. EW

With the release of the first MG of Bandai’s Gundam Wing revival line, fans have clamored and begged for one of the most popular suits of the Gundam Wing Universe: Antagonists Zech’s Marquise’s first mount, The Tallgeese. Packed with gimmicks and tons of articulation, even a few redesigned elements here and there, this is by far one of the most advanced kits of the wing line. While true that in 1997 Bandai did release a tallgeese I, II, and III combo kit as parts of the HG Endless Waltz line, it pales in comparison to this kit.

Articulation

Built from a completely different inner frame from the Gundams that proceeded it, the Tallgeese features articulation on par, and in some respects exceed that of the kits of the XXXG line. The head is mounted on a ball joint which is in turn mounted on a hinge joint ot the torso allowing for a full range of movement – even allowing it to move up and down which is especially handy for in flight poses. Much like the recently released RX-93 Nu Gundam ver. Ka, the Tallgeese features a double jointed shoulder assembly which can extend outwards and clear the torso. This feature allows the Tallgeese to reach across its massive chest and pull its beam saber from the shield, as well as grasp the secondary handle in its dober gun without looking clunky and awkward.

The arms and legs the Tallgeese are both double jointed allowing for a full range of articulation and even allowing it to kneel. Both the elbows and knees feature a linked movement with the armor panels surrounding armor panels which shift when the knees and elbows are bent. While a fairly common occurrence in recent MG kits, it is never the less a very nice feature. The waist of the Tallgeese is mounted with a series of vernier thrusters – two on the back and one on each side. The rear packs feature a hinged covers which can be opened to reveal the thrusters. Furthermore, the thruster vent modules on either thigh of the Tallgeese are connected to both the thigh itself as well as the waist section. While this does limit articulation somewhat, the impact is fairly minimal. Though making it kneel does require removing it from one of the connection points.

A key concern for many fans upon the release of the Tallgeese was the rear vernier packs. The original designs had said packs mounted on the rear of the shoulder armor panels which severly limited the articulation of the HG kit, especially when attempting to use the dober gun as the  packs blocked the forward rotation of the arms. This is not the case with the new design. The vernier packs were moved from the shoulders to the back mounted hinges. As such, the arms are free to move without being obstructed by rear packs.

G, H, I, J, P Q, R

Color Separation

                When the first renderings of the redesigned Tallgeese were released, one of the first differences spotted was the new color scheme which featured a myriad of yellow highlights and trim. Much to Bandai’s credit, most of these highlights on the Tallgeese are molded separately from the white portions of the panels.  Furthermore, Bandai also decided to address a myriad of detail issues that plagued the first Tallgeese kit. Among these are the inner panels on the shoulder armor of the Tallgeese. These inner panels are lined with secondary grey panels for an added realism as opposed to simply bare plastic.  The only portion that actually needs the decals provided are the small yellow trim areas on the fins of the rear vernier panels.

S, BA,  O,

Accessories

The weapons load out of the Tallgeese, while simple, is nevertheless impressive in its own right. Both the shield and dober gun are mounted on the Tallgeese under the shoulder paldrons via sockets which are revealed under the opening hatches. The shield is molded in three colors with the saber racks molded into the shield. Furthermore, the detail underneath the shield is absolutely impeccable with an articulated handle that can be grasped by in the left hand.  Mounted on its right side is the trademark weapon of the Tallgeese: The Dober Gun. It is molded in three shades of grey as well as well as a clear lens for its targeting scope. A particularly nice feature included is a spring loaded rear breach for the weapons clip on the dober gun as well as a forward shifting barrel.

While the Tallgeese uses a completely different frame from the XXXG Gundam kits, they do have a similar design scheme in regards to the hand design. They feature a central palm piece on which alternate figure pieces are to be mounted. There are pieces included to build the hands in the following configurations: Open palm, closed fist, beam saber grip, and rifle grip. For the latter two, pegs are molded into the hands which fit into sockets molded into the various weapon handles. This results in a firm grip without the worry of weapons sagging while being held.

BB, BC, BD, U

Final Notes

As the first non-gundam kit of the line, the MG Tallgeese kit proves to be every bit the modeling marvel that its predecessors are. It should also be noted that like the XXXG kits, the Tallgeese features what appears to be an adaptable inner frame labled “Leo Frame” by Bandai. While by no means definitive, it does appear that the frame lends itself for use in other designs – namely the massed produced Leo, Mercurius, and Vayate. One can only hope.

RX-93 Nu Gundam Ver. KA

In the winter of 2001, Bandai releases at that point was quite possibly one of the most anticipated Master Grade kits of its day, the RX-9 3 Nu Gundam. Featuring die cast parts, and a complete inner frame, it was easily one of the most advanced MG kits of its day. Flash forward to winter of 2012, Bandai releases what is arguably the most sophisticated 1/100 scale kit it has ever produced: the RX-93 Nu Gundam Ver. KA. While containing no die cast parts like its predecessor, the Nu Ver. Ka features over double the original’s parts count a much more complete frame, unrivaled articulation, and most importantly, a fresh and dynamic take on an age old and beloved design.

Articulation
In the 11 years since the release of the first MG Nu, the ranger of articulation of the MG line has increased exponentially with the development of newer molding technologies. The MG Nu Ver. Ka however takes a huge leap forward even when compared to its more recent MG brethren. Its arms and legs feature a double joint allowing for a complete U bend at the elbow and knee. Furthermore, the waist is articulated to feature individual rotating hip joints which allow the pegs which mount the hips to move independently of one another enabling the kit to kneel. Furthermore, the hip joint is designed as an independent swiveling hinge joint allowing a full spread eagle pose for the legs for more dynamic poses.

The shoulders of the Nu Ver. Ka feature a double jointed design in which the arms are mounted via peg/socket joint to a separate shoulder joint which is mounted via  swivel joint to the torso. This allows the entire shoulder assembly to be pulled away from the torso as opposed to simply swinging forward as featured in the most recent MG Seed and Wing Kits. This new joint design allows for an almost lifelike articulation – such as when grasping the rear beam saber.

While other MG kits feature similar articulation, in one area the Nu Ver. Ka stands alone: its fully articulated hands – akin the larger and much more costly PG kits. This kit needs not part swapping for its grasping, trigger, or spear palm poses; these new style hands are capable of a myriad of manipulator poses, save perhaps crossing its fingers.

In the past, it has often been Bandai’s practice to sacrifice articulation and stability for transformability as seen in kits like the MG RX-0 Unicorn kits. This trend was first broken with the release of the MG Wing Gundam TV version which featured superior articulation as well as the ability to transform. The Nu Ver. Ka continues this tradition with a complete range of articulation and stability while still allowing its transformation into the “invoke mode”; even allowing for it to bend at the waist.

Color Separation
Upon the release of the RG line in 2010, many have since wished for the MG line kits to feature a similar level of color separation, as well as the two tone panel designs. With the release of the Nu Ver. Ka, these wishes were answered in full. The Nu Ver. Ka features a two toned white panel design similar to those on RG kits. Furthermore, the new design was based off the 2005 “Gundam Evolve” style which features parts of the inner frame showing through where there would normally be solid armor. These armor breaks are molded into the panels thus negating the need for any sort of masking and minimal decals. Many of the small details featured in the Nu Ver. Ka are molded in separate colors – which does have the minor downside of having a multitude of small parts – which in turn can easily be lost.

In what is perhaps the largest area of departure from the Izubuchi Nu Gundam Design, the Nu Ver. Ka features a green tinted psycho-frame which is exposed when in its so called “Invoke Mode” These green areas are molded in transparent green plastic which are then lined with silver foil decals in order to reflect light. While these decals are not necessary, they do add a luminous effect to the kit – though they are admittedly very small in some areas and rather finicky, application with tweezers is recommended to prevent finger prints from getting onto these foil stickers and subsequently the kit.

Accessories

As with most gundam designs, the Nu Ver. Ka is outfitted with a beam rifle, shield, bazooka, and sabers. It was initially a concern for many a builder that the new hyper articulated hands would be able to hold the rifle. However, in what can only be deemed an impressive feat, Bandai has managed to engineer an exceedingly stable double pegged attachment system in which a peg swings outward from both the hand itself as well as the rifle in a complementary  configuration, thus pegging into each other. Both beam sabers are also engineered with this feature.  The Nu Ver. Ka’s shield features an articulated mount which allows it swing forward and thus allowing the user to display the shield either bolted to the back of the arm or positioned forward with the shield on the side of the Nu’s arm. It should also be noted that the hyper bazooka features a sliding front end for extension.

Aside from the standard Gundam arsenal, the Nu Ver. Ka features the most distinctive of the Nu’s weapons – the rear mounted Funnels.  Each of these funnels are able to fold into a U shaped cannon configuration or fold on themselves for storage. Furthermore, they mount together via a series of notched racks which can swing forward and adjust for multiple configurations. The Nu ver. Ka also features parts to display a double mounted funnel design where three funnels can be mounted on either side for a more symmetrical look.

As a final piece of added display versatility, the Nu Ver. Ka includes a base shaped like Amuro’s stylized A thus allowing for mid air poses. Furthermore, the kit includes a series of hinged rods which allow the user to pose each individual funnel on its own arm.

Final Notes

                Since the release of the Mk.II 2.0, fans of this particular design have clamored and begged for a new release of the admittedly proportionally challenged MG RX-93. The Nu Ver. Ka delivers this and then some; not only featuring superior articulation, but also an updated and modern design. Though it does go without saying that this kit is a great deal more complex than the usual MG kit and thus greater care should be taken – there is no shortage of miniscule parts in this kit that can easily be lost. As a final tip, a sharp hobby knife is recommended when cutting the great psycho frame parts – as it would be most unfortunate to damage these during the build process.

HG XVM-FZC AGE Gundam Legilis

The latest kit to be produced from Gundam Age’s HG kit line, Bandai presents us with the unconventional but undeniably unique XVM-FZC Gundam Legilis. This seemingly simple kit is packed with features and engineered with articulation points enough to make some of its larger brethren blush.

Articulation

While appearing deceptively simple, the Legilis is packed with a wide range of motion. The head of the Legilis is mounted to its body via a double ball jointed poly cap allowing it turn 360 degrees as well as providing it with a vertical motion. The arms of the Legilis are particularly interesting as the arms are mounted to the shoulder armor via a swing joint, and it is the shoulder armor that is mounted to the torso via a swinging ball joint. This particularly arrangement provides the Legilis with fluid and natural range of motion. The elbows and knees of the Legilis feature a double jointed design allowing them nearly a full U-shaped bend. Like most HG kits, this kit features ball jointed wrists. An interesting feature found in the beam emitting hands is that the beam emitters in the palms are mounted via small ball joints thus enabling some directionality to the beam sabers. Furthermore, the knee armors of the Legilis are mounted separately from the lower leg. As far as the articulation of the feet are concerned, they are ball mounted to the lower legs via a separate ankle joint that can swing forward and back. Furthermore, the ankle guards are mounted on a pin and socket joint so as not to obstruct the articulation of the feet and ankles.

As impressive as the range of articulation is, the backpack of the Legilis is equally impressive. The “wings” of the Legilis are ball joint mounted to the base and have a hinge joint with a rotating pin allowing the two separate sections of the wings to spread open and swing 360 degrees at the mid-point of the wings. The tail mounted cannon of the Legilis features multiple rotating hinge joints that allow the tail to swing forward, back, and even twist around the body to face forward.

Color Separation

Upon first seeing the first prototypes of the Legilis, I assumed that a fair deal of painting was going to be necessary to make this kit even remotely displayable. I was however quickly proven wrong. While the Legilis boasts a lower parts count than its counterparts in the Age line, the parts that are there were used so efficiently that almost none of the yellow trim needs to be painted on. A great deal of the yellow highlights in the Legilis use separately colored pieces, notable in the legs and shoulders of the kit. Furthermore, even the bottoms of the feet make use of color separated pieces. The relatively small decal sheet is evident of the engineering put into this kit. In fact, only a tiny bit of trim on the forearms, the black recesses in the wings, eyes, and chest jewel use decals. Most if not all of these can be dealt with using Gundam Markers for a more finished look. To top off an already astonishingly well designed kit, the biggest highlight for me is the head of the Legilis. The black parts of the head are molded separately from the yellow vents in the side of the face and not to mention the red chin piece. Furthermore, the HG Legilis provides the user with two different eye pieces, one for the standard Vagan eye slit and another for the more Gundam like eyes.

Accessories

While not being equipped with a particularly impressive arsenal, the Legilis still has a few surprises. Instead of using hand held beam sabers, the Legilis comes with an optional set of left and right hands which feature beam emitters to mount its beam saber blades. Secondly, it is armed with a hand held beam rifle, though only a right rifle holding hand is included. Last on its list of accessories is Legilis’s shield expanding shield. The nose of the shield can be removed and replaced on a second peg on the shield’s nose to form an expanded version of its shield. Molded with hard points on both left and right forearms, the Legilis can mount the shield on either arm. On a more interesting note, the shield can be mounted onto the right arm while equipped with the rifle with out obstructing the positioning of said rifle. This way, all three of the Legilis’s weapons can be deployed at once.
While not exactly an accessory, the Age features a core block system in which the head and back pack can separate from the main body forming a sort of escape hatch.

Final Notes

While smaller than its Age brethren, the HG Legilis is nothing short of impressive. The low parts count results in a short but pleasant build. It’s articulation provides limitless display possibilities, and its efficient parts separation leaves the builder with a decent display piece with minimal work.

GATX-103 Buster Gundam

Following the release of the MG Age 2 Normal, Bandai resumes its release of the MG Seed line with the incredibly detailed MG Buster Gundam. Armed with two massive beam cannons this kit is not only an entertaining build project but also an immensely imprressive display piece.

Articulation

Like the MG line of Gundam Wing kits, the Buster uses a modular frame which first appeared in the Duel Gundam. The Buster features double jointed elbows, knees and ankles. Furthermore, the shoulder to torso joint can swing forward allowing for a wide range of realistic poses. In regards to the upper arms, they are mounted via peg and socket joint which allows a full rotation at the joint. Furthermore, the shoulder armors are mounted via hinge joint so as not to impede the arm’s articulation. As an added gimmick, the two missile hatches on the front faces of the shoulder armors are hinged to reveal a set of missiles in each shoulder. The waist features a peg and socket joint which allows the torso to swing from side to side. Also like the recent MG Wing kits, the Buster features a hinge joint to enable the kit to perform a stomach crunch for dynamic poses which is especially important for its duel cannon poses.

The legs of the Buster join to the pelvis of the kit independently resulting in two separate leg to pelvis connections, This allows the hip joints to move separately of one another allowing the kit to replicate many of the Buster Gundam’s dynamic poses. I find this type of connection useful in kneeling poses as it allows the forward leg to clear the skirt armor. The knees of the Buster Gundam feature a linked motion mechanism that lifts the knee armor when the leg is bent. In regards to the skirt armor, they are mounted onto the pelvis piece on a hinge joint as opposed to the central crotch guard. This enables them to swing forward and out of the way of the kits legs during posing. The large beam cannons are mounted to the blitz using a second set of waist armors that are mounted on top of the red side skirts. These secondary mountings in turn hold the cannons via a pair of articulated “arms” each having 4 points of articulation which allow them to swing forward and in front of the Gundam itself. It should be noted that the panel above the hinge joints hides the joint itself resulting in a less toy like appearance.

While the new set of Seed MG kits have been proved to have incredible articulation, this marvel of gunpla engineering has never been more apparent in the Buster Gundam. Even when the two massive beam cannons are deployed, the kit can be manipulated to hold both cannons using the side handles with ease. Furthermore, the pivoting shoulders enable the entire shoulder to swing forward when grasping the cannons when deployed. The end result being a natural and true to anime pose similar to what is seen on the box art.

Color Separation

As has been evident with the previous 2nd Generation Seed MG kits, color separation has been a key concern during the engineering and design of these kits. Aside from its eyes, virtually no touch up painting is needed save perhaps for the clear lenses on the rifles, waist sensors, and head camera. Each vernier is molded in two colors (red and grey) so as to negate the need for touch ups and masking for those who wish to paint their work. Even the grey trim details on the side skirts are molded separately. It should be noted however that a bit of panel lining and a matte top coat greatly enhance the look of this kit.

Accessories

As stated before, the new line of Seed MG kits features a number of similarities to the recent MG Wing kits. Another of these similarities aside from a common frame design between suits is the execution of the Gudam’s hands. They feature a central palm piece on which alternate figure pieces are to be mounted. There are pieces included to build the hands in the following configurations: Open palm, closed fist, beam saber grip, and rifle grip. For the latter two, pegs are molded into the hands which fit into sockets molded into the various weapon handles. This results in a firm grip with out the worry of weapons sagging while being held. While the ability to grip the weapons is a concern for most kits, the Buster does not particularly benefit from the pegged hand feature. The cannons hold themselves up just fine and while the mannual reccommends pegging the hands onto the multitude of rifle grips when posing the rifle in various configurations, pegging said hands onto the handles really isnt necessary to retain the overall look of the gundam wielding its weapons.

Final Notes

Regardless of how one feels about the re-release of Gundam Seed in HD and the myriad of Seed related goods, it cannot be denied that the new lline of MG kits from this series is nothing short of spectacular. Form proportioning, to detail, these kits are well enginneered and equally well designed. The Buster is by far my favorite kit of this series. The ABS frame provides smooth articulation and stability. I can only hope that the MG Aegis and the MG Strike HD version will be equally fun to build.