Saint Seiya Myth Cloth Meiou Hades Review

Since I started watching Saint Seiya as a kid, I always wanted hades in my collection. Most of the god cloths were a dream around the 1990’s, and the the myth cloth at the time were big chunks of metal that looked like figures of metal and brick. How far we have come to this moment, from childhood to adulthood, I still remember those days. Now in 2011 we have most of the god cloths, and for every Saint Seiya fan out there, this new figure of Bandai is a dream come true. No matter how long it has been, if you ever loved Saint Seiya as a kid, you will fall in love with this figure

When I got this figure, the first thing you can see is the box. If you have been collecting saint seiya for a long time you can tell this box is very slim and not as fat as most of the hades god cloths. If you want to compare size you could compare it with the phoenix ikke god cloth box. With an almost 12 inch long display, 8 inch tall and almost 6 inches deep box, this box is one of the most slim god cloths out there. The box color is new to the hades line, making this the only box that has dark gray box cover, almost charcoal black for the box. Still it should be different cause this is one of the main characters of the store, like Athena in the story, they should have different boxes to show how important they are. The box art is great, with a good shot of hades in the front of the box and his animated form, im glad the box art in the front is great. The same you can say with the box art in the back. A lot of the backs in the Myth Cloth line have a lot of words in the back and explain about object mode and all the good stuff, not this one. It shows you a lot of pictures and little words, letting the images do the talking and they do that very well. Great Box layout overall.


When you open the package, the first thing you can see is the beauty of this figure, side A or the right side has most of the figures parts accessories. It also comes with a cape and the instruction manual for the figure. And also on side A you get the main base for the figure and object mode. As I have been telling you, it has a basic setup on the plate but as soon as you see the figure you will see the love you immediately start to have for it. It’s very well done. On side be on the plate and the package of the figure, you can see you have most of the object mode parts, you have the extra Seiya head and the extra god cloth Seiya chest piece. You have almost 3 types of swords, one for the object mode and 2 for the figure, they look incredible non the less. The package was great, so I decided to built the object mode and find out how it looked


To built this object mode you must have a lot of love and patience for this figure, it took more then 30 minutes to make this figure come to life. The instruction manual is color coded but some parts are hard to find on the manual and they got rid of the number system they had been using for so long to explain the structure of the figure. As you assemble it you will notice the great engineering it took to make this figure, it was a great object mode. When I was done finishing the object mode, I was in awww.

It was more than 10 inches tall, very stable and the most beautiful object mode I have ever seen. The pegs on the bottom of the legs are so stable that the figure didn’t need anything else to support the massive wings and heavy body. It was a great figure overall. It took my breath away and if I was a spending man, I would buy another hades figure just to have the object mode. It was so great, it was so stable, and it was so breathtaking you just wanted to keep it in that form. But as every good thing I wanted to build the figure now.

When I started to build the figure, you can tell how beautiful it was, the face is made to perfection, the hair is so nice and dynamic, and the armor is so much different than anything out there. And when you are done assembling the figure, you’re left in aww again. They give you many accessories like an extra head with its eyes closed; an extra hair for you can fit it with the helmet, Extra parts for the arms, and so many variations of the sword. It was great, the figure stands a great 8 inches tall, and it is very massive in size. One thing I did notice was that when it was fully armored I started having weight issues with the figure, started falling down and tilting over. So as this figure is concerned, this figure requires a base to stand on. The package itself has a base for the figure and easy instructions on how to put the base to the figure, it was very easy and the weight issues were gone. This figure is not made to have dynamic poses, but it’s a great figure to admire when it’s on your shelf. Most of this armor is die cast metal for the exception of the wings, the waist parts and parts of the chest. Overall this figure is very heavy but its great figure overall. The bonus they give you like the Seiya head and the chest piece for Seiya god cloth is a good touch, and they are made to perfection as well. I was very happy with this figure over all.

Overall I have a great experience making this figure; it was a very interesting build and a very interesting and beautiful experience. You might have a lot of weight issues with this figure and some falling parts but if you don’t move it that often and use the stand Bandai provided you with, I think you will be ok to display it. From dynamic colors of black and silver, to the great and beautiful sculpture of the figures face, this figure is a perfect representation of the hades I remember when I was a child. It feels like I’m looking at hades in my own home and its just a feeling that the wait of so many years for this figure, is finally paid of. I give this a 10 out of 10 review. It is an exceptional figure for the price.


I also want to thank Ishop2go for letting me review this great figure. I totally recommend it so go out and buy it.

My Comments to MG Deathscythe Gundam

Have to admit I did feel a little “ambivalent” when I heard the upcoming new edition “Deathscythe Gundam”.

Years ago, when the “Endless Waltz OVA” was aired, I have built every single model of the entire series, included: All five Gundam, “Tallgeese III” and the “Heavyarms Mass Production MS” of antagonist, and it will be pretty lame for this new “Deathscythe Gundam” to follow the footsteps of those models by adopting the old HG design of Bandai, countless fans would be disappointed as well…but I wasn’t sure if the manufacturer would really let us down like that…so I accepted the request of truth finding, since who knows what tricks might still hidden inside Bandai’s sleeves.

Quite fortunately when I opened the box of this model it was full of surprises. They really did it this time, unlike all previous “Deathscythe Gundam”. We get an utter remake MG Gundam with numerous cutting edge MG technologies built into it. The famous Bandai Gundam MG models include following features: Design based on inner frame system, which enables extensive movement, and all details are superbly loyal to the anime. Plus external parts with great details and specific color indications, those designs would facilitate the construction and painting for fans.

Although the size Deathscythe, is the standard 1:100 MG size which is not too large, roughly as big as F91 and Crossbone Gundam, but to give you an idea: it takes ten pieces to construct merely the head part, even the two yellow air vents on the face take individual pieces to build, that’s how detailed it is. The torso, looks simple, yet is also built by numerous parts. As I’ve mentioned before, MG has a great reputation of detailed pieces and specified painting process, and reflect to this Deathscythe’s upper torso, besides the fine presentation of pilot cabin, the articulation on the waist is also taken care of, both the appearance and movability. So it’s quite obvious that the manufacturer did a superb job on all aspects on this exciting Gunpla.

Example of other noteworthy spot, is the shoulders and attached armors. Although they don’t look complex to assemble, but actually the manufacturer puts in extra pieces to it and its internal rocket devise, in order to increase both the sense of reality and movability, so the very essence of original anime isn’t missing.

As for the feet and thighs, pieces are joined together by vertical-snap fit with a internal frame system inside, as Bandai did on previous versions. But for the calves, two-parts tradition of HG version has been abandoned, instead Bandai provided almost ten different armor pieces agree to the design lines on the legs, one highlight is that armors on the calf articulation are separated parts as on most MG, unlike those on HG which are parts of the legs. Advantage of doing this is to avoid seeing the snap line, and after completion the whole part looks much alike the original anime, plus extensive movability.

Addition to those, the bottoms of the feet are improved as well. The tiptoe is constructed by two individual pieces, also allows extensive movement, and loyal to the original anime. The number of pieces required to build the bottoms of feet has increased, so these entire parts have a great degree of detail.

To summarize what I see here, it’s a bit hard to tell much difference between new Deathscythe and traditional Endless Waltz HG Gunplas on the surface level. But once you start to work on the construction, you will find out it has a whole lot to offer within. The extensive movability makes classic poses possible to be restaged, and high loyal appearance to the original anime, plus superbly detailed parts, are the final reasons to own this model. Many parts have been redesigned, besides more pieces, high details and movement capability, also make the painting process easier.

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My Comment to Evangelion 01 (New Movie "HA" ver.)

When I heard the plan of building model kit EVA-00 from the latest “Neon Genesis Evangelion” movie, an solid ambivalent feeling caught me suddenly.

Since the anime series was aired in 2000, I have done more than a dozen of EVA kits, therefore I figure if they continues this trend of using LM series grade on this upcoming new kit, there is really nothing much to look forward to, which is also a big letdown to fans…

Then that initial speculation led to a curiosity, will kit maker going to disappoint us like that?... So I accepted this request to find out whether Bandai had some surprising new tricks ready to blow our minds…

Fortunately Bandai has proven its leadership of the market by giving us this rebuild version EVA, it’s nothing like what we have seen before. Allow me to make an analogy here to help with visual understanding, if the previous LM series EVA kits were comparable to those regular 1: 100 scale Gundam kits, then this rebuild version would be like MG series.

Trust me that I’m not exaggerating anything by calling it the MG series of EVA kits. Anyone of those who had MG modeling experience would know, the typical features of MG series are: For the frame design, the making focuses on utterly extending the mobility range, in order to reproduce small details from the anime to the possible extent. And for the external parts, the entire layout of small parts and painting instructions are planned with great care, providing more efficient way for modelers to assemble and paint.

Taking the upper body part of the EVA as an example: It took about one dozen pieces in general, but now it comprises almost 30 pieces. The neck part per se includes 5 small pieces, to make both front and back neck moveable parts, each of them has one ball joint connecting to the head. When the head is moving, the front neck would move accordingly to create a reciprocating movement.
Other rebuilds can be found inside the mouth and two side armors of the chest, besides adding additional parts to them, both the space of movement and texture details were upgraded, therefore the mouth part can open wider now and so does armor unfolding. Furthermore, the hand part making requires not merely one but three pieces, separated by distinguished colors, so modelers can paint each piece individually, hence more convenient to craft.

As for the leg parts, Bandai recycled the former LM series 3-piece design for thighs, they are assembled by locking in from both sides with the third piece between them. Yet the cruses have been remade different from LM series 2-piece design, the new design takes advantage of the texture lines on both as the contact lines of joining pieces. Which kills two birds with one stone, because it eliminates the unwanted joint marks, and also helps preserving the original taste.

Besides all above mentioned details, other feet parts has been improved too, for instance the detested 2-piece shoe armors have been replaced with one whole piece, so no more sighs on the joint marks, them look just like in the show now. More pieces also generates finer details.

All in all, judging from the looks only, there isn’t much notable difference between the old and the new EVA-00. But the surprise is surely there in the modeling process. The primary feature of this rebuild version, is the greater details and enhanced design that makes it look closer to the actual cartoon, plus more moveable joints allows to restage poses from the original show.

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My Comment to MG FA-78-1 Blue Color Version

Before working on FA-78-1, I had no experience with Version-2 Gundam, nor did I know much about its structure and design. Therefore it really puzzled me for a while what makes it stands out.

I am not sure what others think about Bandai’s RX-78-2 Version 2, but in my opinion the current design follows the original design concept from the time of Okawara Kunio. Personally I have nothing against Okawara’s style, yet somewhat mediocre comparing with Katoki Hajime, who is highly known for his work on Gundam, which brings more intense ear sensation and greater sense of military mechanical feeling, Katoki’s design is exactly my cup of tea. With this expectation in mind, I didn’t even bother to seek out the newly released RX-78 G3 because lacking of interest.

However don’t take this as your reason to believe that I resent the new FA-78-1, because I do not. If you do a little research on its history, you would find out that previous FA-78-1 model was released almost 30 years ago. And limited by technologies available at the time, it wasn’t much of scenery to modern eyes. And there is a good opportunity to shock ourselves with the comparison between that and latest reborn FA-78-1, and I couldn’t help myself being curious about it.

Bandai’s work of this Gundam, besides much advanced technologies, Katoki Hajime played an important role in this FA-78-1’s fundamental redesign as Version 2 model. Not merely integrated with Version 2 physical form, but also thoroughly transformed the entire model with modern mechanical concept and aesthetics.

As the first step to put all pieces together to recreate RX-78-1 Version 2, as we can see, the manufacturer really has done a excellent work on the interior framework of RX-78-2 Version 2, the design balanced very well of high mobility and delicate details. Especially for its mobility, a great number of dual-jointed parts were implemented to dramatically increase the mobility and flexibility at waist and other areas.

The new tri-level feet design greatly improved stability on all kinds of uneven terrain, to help display various postures according to fans desire. To sweeten the pot even more, aside from the regular frame, additional interior armor frames are included, for instance: chest, waist, shoulders, and lower waist part, plus elbows and knees, with the armor frame installed, the joints are securely protected, and the design gives a good sense of realness. Therefore modelers would be convinced that they are not just working on a toy model, but an authentic miniature Gundam robot.

Talking about the external design, it’s very convenient to install or uninstall the exterior armor attachments, and no extra tool or piece is needed, and it’s possible to switch to RX-78 or FA-78-1. The armors can be switched easily by the two following methods. First one: the lock-in style, this one can be found mostly on shoulder and limb parts (like forearms, cruses), it works by locking in both front and back. Second one: the stick-in style, it can be found on upper body, the sides of waist, knees, and soles. How stick-in armor attachment sticks? The secret is double faced tape, with the more adhesive face sticks to the armor, and less adhesive side sticks to the body, and then the armor is tightly attached to the body.

After this procedure, when taking off armor, the tape stays with it. Because the less sticky face puts on body, this leaves no obvious mark and simple for installation. Both methods bear the thought presents better mechanical and heavy armor sense, while preserving sophisticated but slim body structure.
Last but not the least, color selection was also often mentioned during the promotion, it diverted from the classic MSV green painting, the inspiration came from Katoki’s blue FA-78-1 in GFF, that painting concept is once again picked for the newer model. I think this FA-78-1 Blue Version is quite a nice match with the formal green version.

A great pleasure to craft this FA-78-1 Blue Version, I enjoyed it very much! First of all, this is a good opportunity to relish Bandai’s latest MG product. In addition, Bandai’s reworking on the classic MSV FA-78-1 brings back lots of memories. From now on, whenever I see this FA-78-1 Blue Version, I feel I can’t help grabbing and admiring it. It’s easily a must-have as a masterpiece Gundam model.

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My comments to MG PMX-003 The O

Piloted by chief antagonist, Paptimus Scirocco of the Zeta Gundam series, this mobile suit is known for being the signature "heavy mecha" of the Federation army. And having taken on Zeta Gundam, Hyaku Shiki, and Qubeley in the final battle of the series, "The O" was able to establish itself as one of the Zeta Gundam series' lead mobile suits. Although plans for its MG release have unfortunately been tentative for a long time, in 2010 Bandai finally made a MG "The O"! Packaged as a PG kit, "The O" will make both modelers and Gundam fans feel a sense of excitement like none other when they take it home.

Being a "heavy mecha", the shape of The O's armor was designed to be simple in order to emphasize the bulk of the model. However, this in no way detracts from the strong and aggressive air of the mobile suit. Also, its bulk is exaggerated through each of its body parts, further adding to its intimidating look. Take the butt area for example; it's at least as big as a RG model, which quite obviously shows just how big the O is. As far as the inner frame, it does a good job with faithfully representing the same bulkiness shown throughout the model. Although the legs have a simple inner construction, they don’t affect the model's ability to support its own weight; it's completely solid. Bandai has obviously put a lot of work into the engineering of this model kit to make everything work considering its size and weight.

Although the O is a really big model, it has a fairly standard amount of parts. This allows its assembly process to be rather smooth. Also, areas on the kit in which modification is needed are few; about 1 or 2 days of work will be sufficient to complete the model. However, something worth mentioning is that it has about 50 maneuvering thrusters that should be painted. This is a crucial area when adding final touches to the O. In order to show delicacy amidst the O's coarse bulk, it's necessary that modelers put enough heart into the assembly and refining of the model.

Personally, I painted the O with the color scheme of a real desert tank, which matches the thick heavy feeling of the mobile suit, and makes it seem more like a realistic machine of war. And after applying the provided marking seals and etch decals, the model looked a lot more striking and pleasing to the eye. It's really hard to come across a model that, even if you casually put it on a table, exudes such an incredibly mechanical appearance.

I feel that while the O is bulky looking, and the design of the outer armor is simple, it still looks completely aggressive and strong. Being a fan of the Zeta Gundam model kit line, I say this is a model that you've got to have. Don't miss out on it!

My comments to RG Char's Zaku II

All right, now onto the Real Grade MS-06s Zaku II —
Being the second model of the RG line, the new Char's Zaku II has truly raised the bar in terms of level of detail and difficulty of build.

In creating the second representative model kit for the RG line of Gundam 30th Anniversary, Bandai was able to use its prior experience in making the first RG Gundam to further improve its engineering and design techniques.

As you might know, a Real Grade model is lot like a mini-sized Perfect Grade—from the inner frame to the outer armor, the structure of the real grade is meant to resemble that of a real, 1:1 scale mobile suit.

The Zaku's inner frame, like in the first Real Grade kit, is exceptionally articulated; it's also quite solid, allowing the model to be posed in virtually any position while still strengthening and supporting it. And although the inner frame shares slight similarities with the RX-78-2's inner frame, it is for the most part a completely new design.

If you've built the first RG Gundam, you know that incorporating Master Grade and Perfect Grade features into a 1:144 scale kit makes it especially crucial to maintain concentration and patience during assembly. In the RG Zaku, some outer armor pieces are quite small, which may be a problem for certain modelers. However, aesthetically, this has allowed the mobile suit to be much more dynamic. Furthermore, the Zaku has significantly fewer small parts than the RX-78, which is good news for those who initially may have been dissuaded from buying a RG model kit for that reason.

Personally, I feel that a spray of flat coat is enough in terms of embellishing the model. Including an outer armor with impressively precise nuances in color, the Zaku already has many outstanding features that require little or no modification. Also note the new marking seals that are provided—not overly conspicuous, they add a liveliness to the model that make it "pop" even more. However, many would agree that water-slide and etch decals will always be better than marking seals. If Bandai were willing to provide decals in its RG model kits, Gunpla modelers would hold the RG line in much higher esteem.

As I said last time when I finished building the RG RX-78-2 Gundam, whether it’s the build process or the quality of the kit, the Real Grade line is the highest standard in Bandai plastic kits. Whether you're a modeler or just a Gundam enthusiast, this is a kit you have got to have.