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 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 MG Figure-rise "Super Saiyan Goku"

I didn't really think much of it when we heard Bandai's plan to develop a series of Dragon Ball figures, because I thought it would be just another warm-over collection of old action figure. Yet until I caught a glimpse of some pictures leaked on Internet, and we realized it will be developed at "Master Grade" level, and they include a figure of "Super Saiyan Goku". And my passion was suddenly fueled and can't wait to get my hands on one!

So how exactly will Bandai demostrate this MG level "Super Saiyan Goku" figure? Will they be loyal to the original cartoon? While retaining the quality and the style of the MG series as usual? Well, I was full of curious questions and anticipation.

And then it finally arrived which turned out Bandai did an excellent job on it! They extracted the exact taste of the cartoon for the figure. From the facial features to the hair style, and the scale of body, even the small cloth wrinkles and the wound textures, they stretched their efforts to the last detail, and there was a pure gold from the scene depicts Goku powered up and became Super Saiyan for the first time when fighting Frienza.

The most appealing design is Bandai’s expression of plastic tight fitting based on precise calculation. Very lifelike demonstration of the fine curve of Goku’s biceps-muscular arms, quite a marvelous job there!

The facial expression is another outstanding masterpiece, especially the shouting expression face, you can actually tell how serious the company was trying to make this one stands out by delicately putting teeth, tongue, and inner part of mouth together. Besides all that, the choice of material for crafting the joints and the joint design are both solid and sound. Those would give collectors more freedom for posture. Also the painting arrangement of the body part is helpful for further coloring.

To help making the model stand, the soft plastic design of the soles provide stronger grip on ground.

After finish assembling all pieces, easily it can be noticed from every detail, that how much work the manufacturer has devoted to this model. The scaling is distinctive, plus the most surprising work they have done with this whole “MG Super Saiyan Goku” and made it snatched the original flavor of the cartoon, either the quality and design are equal to hand-craft models.

Even better than hand-craft model, with one you can pose many classic postures in the comic or cartoon, and because of its heavily-loaded lower body, therefore it has an excellent balance due to lower center of gravity. With proper adjustment of the lower body part, many action postures such as energy wave attack, heavy strike, and combat ready can be easily made. With the enclosed bracket, collectors can also make in air combat postures, which adds a lot fun.

The only small complaint about this model is the fist part falls out quite easy, which leaves room for improvement. Overall personally I think it’s an appealing model with careful crafting and well-done design, easy-to-use joints plus the soul of the cartoon. It’s totally a must-have with all the reasons stated!

Lastly, thanks to iShop2go.com. They gave me a chance from having assembling this new model. ;}