HGUC 1/144 Rozen Zulu Review

At the end of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 5 "The Black Unicorn," a new mobile suit appears to aid our protagonists when faced with a truly hopeless situation. And, boy, was its 2-minute appearance something! The Rozen Zulu really stole the show for that last brief moment before bowing and exiting stage-left. What's a bit upsetting is getting this kit before it's true abilities are showcased, which won't be until Episode 6. But, this aside, Bandai still decided to pull a Banshee and release the kit prior toward it's true OVA appearance. With some rather controversial sleights. I acquired mine through GGInfinite, as payment for a commission for Gundam Guy, of which you can see as the banner to his blog! ^___^

D-Arts Zero (1st Ver.) Review

When the D-Arts X (Mega Man or Rockman, pick your poison) was announced, it didn't take a Reploid engineer to know who was following suit. Though, the iteration used certainly took everyone by surprise.

Though, it's only logical to go with the first appearance's version rather than straight to the one everyone's more familiar with. Some thought this was a stupid move, but I was grateful to see Zero's X1 design get a figure, after being glossed over in the old Mega Armor Series during the mid 90's.

HGUC 1/144 MSN-02 Zeong Review

Char’s final mobile suit used during the One Year War, the Zeong held the title as being the first MS that Char piloted that wasn’t a unit customized for his use (On-screen, anyway). I never got this one previously, so this was a brand new addition against my old line-up.

HGUC 1/144 MS-06S Char's Zaku II Review

 In 2001, when the US releases of the HGUC line were out (to run alongside the broadcast of Mobile Suit Gundam), there was the issue of lack of 0079-based kits in the line, with the RX-78-2 Gundam just being released in Japan and was converted for domestic sale (with the Hyper Bazooka and Core fighter removed for unknown reasons, aside from making it cheaper, I guess). Especially with the lack of any of Char’s mobile suits being introduced into the line. Bandai did a quick-fix for this problem for us with a recolored HG 08th MS Team MS-06F/J Zaku II, complete with it’s own original boxart and manual.

HGUC 1/144 Qubeley Review

Another reclamation from my previous HGUC collection, the AMX-004 Qubeley has always been another favorite MS from Z Gundam and Gundam ZZ (Though I've still not seen it). Its organic design, along with its strong femininity (It is piloted by a woman, after all), makes it very sleek, endearing, yet wrathful looking. Being Haman Karn's personal machine throughout the end of the Gryps Conflict and through the 1st Neo Zeon War, this machine stays ahead of the game the whole way, thanks to the miniaturization of the Psycommu System and being the fore-bearer of the Funnel weapons.

HGUC 1/144 Hyaku-Shiki + Mega Bazooka Launcher Review

A re-acquisition from my old HG-Gunpla days (although it’s only from 2004). I still prefer this version over the plated original release.
Giant guns just win. Period.
This was also the first in a line of me waiting for more complete versions of HG kits, which is why the Master Gundam + Fuunsaiki kit will be a day-one must on my list! Hopefully…

HGUC 1/144 Kshatriya Review

The NZ-666 Kshatriya. Neo Zeon's sleeved beast. When I first saw this thing in images, I thought it was just bulky and messy. Then I saw the first episode of Mobile Suit Gundam UC...
Nothing prepared me for how awesome of an impression this mammoth MS would make on me. It's huge, mobile, and an overwhelming powerhouse! As of current, this is my favorite Zeon suit - "Neo" or otherwise. Say what you want about Hajime Katoki. But his designs for Gundam UC are easily the most welcome Gundam designs in almost a decade.
After the "Day of the Unicorn", this kit was a must get, and I obtained it during Ohayocon 2011.

D-Arts Rockman X Review

Image from Happinet Online

History lesson:
As stated in my review for Kotobukiya’s 1/10 scale Rockman kit, I was introduced into the Mega Man game franchise with the first Mega Man X, which I got in 1993 when it came out. I never actually beat it until 14 years later, when I got the Mega Man X Collection on the PlayStation 2. Sigma always mowed over me.
However, Mega Man X4 was what truly hooked me. My first game on the PSOne in 1997 (I played it before I played my Final Fantasy VII), the game’s story depth (for an at-the-time Mega Man game) and graphics blew me away! The anime-like cut scenes alone were enough to hook me.
Flash forward to 2008. Long after Bandai’s Mega Armor Series died off, I managed to get some of the 2003 re-issues at a very reasonable price. I loved these little things. Even with all of their flaws, they represented the little bit of MMX that I loved… And then came 2010.

HGUC 1/144 GP03 Dendrobium Review - Part 3 [Finale]

Ending this series with the docking procedure, complete weapons payload and my final verdict.

Previous parts:
[Part 1] [Part 2]

HGUC 1/144 GP03 Dendrobium Review - Part 2

Picking up right where I left off, part 2 will focus on the core of this beast, the Gundam itself.
Don't worry. The longest part is over. ^_^; *phew*

HGUC 1/144 GP03 Dendrobium Review - Part 1

I can say that since it's announcement back in 2002, I wanted this kit. The final product of Anaheim Electronics’ GP Development Project, The RX-78GP03 Gundam GP03 Dendrobium mobile armor is one of the most remarkable and overpowered units ever to be given to a privileged manchild*!

*For the record, I hate Kou Uraki, and felt he had no right using such a marvelous piece of machinery.

Anyway, it's not until 2010 that I'd be able to realize this dream. Thanks to a three-check month and Christmas funds from family, I was able to obtain this behemoth!

Kotobukiya 1/10 scale Rockman Review

Having been a Mega Man fan for not as long as most, I came in during Mega Man X, so I honestly didn’t know much about the original save for what I “learned” from the old Ruby Spears cartoon. Yes, it was pure cheesecake, but it was entertaining for my young age. I own all of the classic series and have beaten 2 ~ 5, most of 1 and 8, and only a couple of levels of 9. With the exception of character introductions, I know there’s not a lot of story to miss. >_>

The announcement of this kit was definitely a blind-sided left hook. I had always wanted a Mega Man (or in this case “Rockman”) model kit since my discovery of the Mega Armor Series back in the late 90’s.
I wasn’t able to obtain it right when it launched, but I still got mine prior to the official US release (which I think is still pending), during Ohayocon 2011 in my “Tax Refund, I Don’t Want You No More” spending spree…

T_T

D-Hell and H-Arms Review Updates

I finally added the missing photos for the back views and weapons, as well as some revised textual information. Their links can found below.

HG 1/144 "Fighting Action" Gundam D-Hell Custom (UPDATED)
HG 1/144 "Fighting Action" Gundam H-Arms Custom (UPDATED)

To be honest, I feel a little ashamed over the half-assed reviews I slapped up on here. I assure, from here on, all reviews will be completely photographed and written BEFORE being posted...

HG 1/144 "Fighting Action" Gundam H-Arms Custom

Ah, Heavyarms... I'm quite certain the first thing I thought of when I saw this thing was, "What happens when it self-detonates?" Aside from such an apocalyptic side-thought, the overall design and color scheme makes this so much more menacing than the original white/red/orange combo of the original TV version. That and double double beam gatlings!?

HG 1/144 "Fighting Action" Gundam D-Hell Custom

It's been 11 years since I first seen this kit, back when Gundam W was airing in the U.S. and Endless Waltz, it's OVA/movie sequel, wasn't far behind it. I had pretty high expectations for these kits, being the first time I'd seen the "HG" moniker attached to a 1/144 scale line. (I would later find out about the first 1990 High Grades as well as the HGUC line.)
When I went to Toys R' Us one day back in 2000, I first saw this kit. Asking my mom to by this was difficult (I was 13 at the time) because of the $14 price tag. But she caved and got it for me. I can remember now, the thin layer of red paint along the face and chest vents, the ridiculously unremoved sprue flash, and the foil sticker eyes... sigh. Well I was young.
Anyway, 11 years later, I meet this kit again at a chance encounter on the east side of Columbus. Almost like fate, as I'd never been to this store, only hearing about it the day before, going there with the intention on picking up some 1/144 Endless Waltz kits. Destiny, right?
Ironically, the prices for these were $12 and $11, respectively. Eat your heart out, Bandai America...

HGUC 1/144 Gundam GP01Fb "Linkin Park Edition"

This is, probably, by far, one of my holy grails of Gunpla. A very limited release in Japan, it ties one of my favorite albums from one of my favorite bands to my favorite hobby.
The Linkin Park: A Thousand Suns ‘Gunpla 30th Edition’ blindsided me the moment I heard about it.

1/48 scale MSN-06S Sinanju Head Display Base

This was kinda one of the things I opened this blog for. To share my hobbies with, like, 2 people out there. Well, anyway, this is a bit less of a review as more an ease into reviewing.
Moving forward! I ordered this a bit on a whim, but I knew I couldn't miss this...

Dengeki (Monthly) Gundam A (Ace) No. 101, January 2011.

Now, you're probably thinking "It's not a first issue and you can't read Japanese (perfectly)?" Which you're right about, Person Who Quoted Me Exactly. No. I had other reasons for this purchase...


... Curious, now?
(Also note the thickness of the mag itself! This is a monthly publication!?)



Included with the magazine is a Bandai 1/48 scale MSN-06S Sinanju Head Display Base, to be used by the HGUC 1/144 MSN-06S Sinanju model kit!



As you can see it's a kit in itself! Although, I have no qualms about that. Though this has larger parts needing painted than I'm used to, it was still a quick build.



The assembly instructions were printed inside the magazine, and (not at fault to my lack of Japanese-e-ing) was not listed in the contents. So it took me a minute to find, because these pages are thin! But construction is fairly simple, and allowed me to do something to make this a little special...



I painted the parts after removing all of them from their runners, instead of one at a time. Which, by the way, I see so many Gunpla reviewers do and don't understand how they don't lose track of the parts O_O'

Anyway, heeeeeerrrrre's the final product:





I know you can't tell from the one photo at the end, but the monoeye can turn with the head, in lieu to how the Master Grade 2.0 Zaku kits have been. However, it sticks way easier (i.e., the MG Zaku's eyes don't), and in result, kept looking to the right more than centered >__<. So... I glued it, 'cause I'd rather it be centered than perpetually to the right.

And, as you can see, I do not yet own the HGUC Sinanju, so a very confused Sazabi will have to make due for now...



In closing, this is an awesome stand, and I definitely can't wait to get the Unicorn Gundam one with it's HGUC kit!

Rating: 4 out of 5