Gundam Model Kits "MG 1/100 Zeta Gundam Ver.Ka" Review: Assembling the Ultimate Zeta Gundam by Making Use of Molding Colors and Easy Processing!

In the 7th issue of "YU-GO's Character Modeling LABO," we tried assembling the BANDAI SPIRITS "MG 1/100 Z Gundam Ver.Ka!

YU-GO's Character Modeling LABO Vol. 7 "MG 1/100 Z Gundam Ver.Ka

It has been 38 years since the release of the "1/100 MSZ-006 Full Action Zeta Gundam" in 1985.
During that time, many fully transformable Zetas have been released, and this kit is the culmination of all the technology that has been accumulated to date.

Let's start with the box art.

The Zeta, drawn by Hajime Katoki, is placed in the center of the box, and as usual, the packaging is very tasteful.

Now, let's open the box!

It is packed with colorful parts, and it is very exciting!

The edges are sharp and the anticipation is high from here. The molded color white is also a nice touch.

Gray parts. The molding is sharply molded here as well.

Two types of antennas are provided: movable and fixed antennas.

Red parts are molded in deep red.

The blue parts are also molded in a nice blue color.

The face parts are handsome and sharp.

The camera eye is also molded clear, so you will want to modify it in various ways.

The beam saber is also molded in clear.

This time, I will make the best use of the color of these molding.

Camille Bidan of the same scale is also included. It is beautifully sculpted down to the smallest details.

Check out the proportions of the latest mode Z Gundam!

So, I put it together right away.

I was shocked when I first saw it, and the image of the Z Gundam that is close to the setting drawing of the TV anime is now complete.
The molding and proportions of the various parts have been updated in a modern style, which is wonderful.

The face mask part was sculpted with extraordinary attention to detail.

There is a lot of information around the rear vernier area, and it is tempting to add a little seasoning.

The soles of the feet are also finely sculpted. The separate silver-colored parts are a nice accent.

The wide range of motion allows for flashy poses like this.

A grenade launcher is included.

Various hand parts are also provided, including a flat hand, allowing for a wider range of expression.

Shockingly thin! Transforms into a Waverider!

Now let's transform it into a Wave Rider!

First, fold the head antenna ......

Push the neck inside and lift the chest part up at the same time.

Furthermore, bring both arms forward.

Move both legs wide apart to the left and right. It is a little difficult deformation process, but let's deform it slowly and calmly!

Move the flying armor on the back to the front and deform it as well.

Transformation complete! The shape of the wave rider and the thickness of the top and bottom are perfect!

According to the settings, it takes about 0.5 seconds to complete the transformation from MS form to Waverider form, but it's not easy when you actually try to transform it (lol).

You can either transform it carefully while looking at the instruction manual, or you can transform it while referring to the thorough deformation explanation navigation video on the Bandai Hobby website, which can be played by scanning the QR code included in the instruction manual. Aftercare is also available.

Upgrade with easy processing!

Now, let's do the usual "promise" and make a few modifications!

We will use various files such as iron files, God Hand's "Kami Yasu" and Wave's "Yasuri-Stick" for the parts, and carefully process the gate marks and surface preparation.

File sticks are useful for filing small areas.

For fine parts such as vernier parts, setting the file on a bamboo stick makes it easier to shape the parts and paint them.

I wanted to add a charm point, so I applied splitter camouflage using Gaianotes' "Ice Cobalt Blue".
The finish has a nice difference in brightness. The molded color finish is great for experimenting with different techniques without fear of failure.

The red part of the vernier is painted "Primary Metallic Red".
The body color was painted with GSI Creos "Mr. Metal Color Iron + Black" and then polished a little.
This kind of detail painting is also a good accent.

The camera eye on the head was clear molded, so I wanted to make it shine, so I applied a simple electric decoration. A hole was drilled in the back of the head part, and the tip of a 3mm green LED was cut and inserted.

The power source is directly connected to a button battery (CR2032) and fixed with tape. It is set at an angle that cannot be seen from the front. Instead of "casual" decorations for exhibitions and contests, why don't you try "rough and casual" decorations?

The head intake is painted with "Mr. Color GX1 Cool White" before assembly to give it a glossy finish. The face in particular is an attractive part of the figure, so it is a good idea to add a different tone or point to the face to accentuate the figure.

After applying the marking decals patiently, it is completed!
Lastly, the entire surface was sprayed with GSI Creos' "Mr. Super Smooth Clear Matte Finish".

The ideal Zeta was born here!

Bust up. The splitter camouflage is a good charm point.

The mask is quite handsome. The antenna of the head is sharply pointed, as is the promise of Gunpla production.

The flying armor is also decorated with decals to add more information to the figure.

The beam saber is painted white and gradated to give a nice atmosphere.

Waverider form. It looks more convincing as an aircraft.

If you paint the detailed parts of the vernier section, it will look better when completed.

How did you like it?
The theme of this kit is "challenge to the origin," and we felt that it is the closest plastic model to the Zeta Gundam that we were shocked by, including the expression of the edges. The deformation mechanism and ease of assembly were also taken into consideration, making it an excellent kit that can be played with with little worry of breakage if you trust the instructions and assemble it honestly.

It has already been 38 years since the first fully transformable Zeta was released. We can now look forward to seeing what the future Zeta kits will be like.

See you in the next example!

BGM: "To the Water Star with Love" by Hiroko Moriguchi
　　 Believe in the starry sky" by Maya Ayukawa

(Article by YU-GO)


Product Information

MG 1/100 Z Gundam Ver.Ka

Now on sale

Bandai Spirits

Suggested retail price: 7,150 yen (including tax)