The latest Gundam Model Kits] "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury" PROLOGUE, Review on September 4th (Sun.) to commemorate its release! The "HG 1/144 Gundam Lubris" is a great kit that can be displayed, admired, and played with!

The new anime "Mobile Suit Gundam: Witches of Mercury," which will start in October 2022. Its prequel, "PROLOGUE," will begin webcasting on September 4 (Sun.). Akiba Research Institute reviews the latest Gundam plastic models of the mobile suits that play an active role in the anime!

The new anime that will start in October 2022 is expected to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with a large number of high-profile works and highly anticipated sequels, but among them, "Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch of Mercury" has the aura of a major work.

This is the first new TV series in five years since "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphens." It is the first in the series to feature a female protagonist, is set in a school, and has a tie-up with PARCO, among many other topics that have anime fans buzzing even before it begins broadcasting.

In a first for the "Gundam series," the prequel "PROLOGUE" was screened at the event before the main TV series began. The realistic science fiction depiction, serious story, and hand-drawn mechanics that rival those of the theatrical anime have been a real surprise to viewers.

Webcasting of "PROLOGUE" started on September 4 (Sun.)!

It is inevitable that the "Witches of Mercury" fever will increase even more toward the start of the TV broadcast.

So, Akiba Research Institute will review Gundam plastic models of mobile suits that appear in "PROLOGUE"!

This time, we will introduce the "HG 1/144 Gundam Lubris," which is thought to hold the key to the story of the "Witch of Mercury.

HG 1/144 Gundam Lubris

The prototype MS "Gundam Lubris" developed by Ox-Arce Corporation is equipped with a swarm weapon system called Gambit.

It is one of the "GUND-ARM" mobile suits that employ the innovative "GUND format" technology. GUND" refers to a body augmentation technology used for artificial limbs, etc. The basic information about this work is that GUND-ARM - "Gundam" - is a mobile suit that can be controlled like a prosthetic limb and has acquired high combat capabilities.

This is a plastic model of Gundam Lubliss, such an innovative existence. What kind of kit is it?

First, let's check out the box!

The white-based packaging sets it apart from previous Gundam plastic models.

The instruction manual is also finished with a clean look. The assembly diagram is also color-coded, which is great for plastic modeling beginners.

The runners are as shown here. Seven runners, both large and small, are included with stickers.

A feature of HG Gundam Lubris is this shell unit. When the plastic parts are injected from the mold, a technology called in-mold molding is used to transfer the design printed on the film to the surface of the part, reproducing the effect in the play of the light emitting from behind the transparent exterior.

So, let's start assembling it straight away!

The pink color scheme is unusual for a Gundam. The massive, well-defined body shape is powerful, yet the curved surface gives it a feminine look, an impression not seen in other Gundams.

The kit is poly capless and consists only of plastic parts. Only the shell unit, which can be easily removed, is made of ABS material, making it ideal for those who prefer painting.

The assembly itself is also very easy, with gimmicky details that are typical of HG (High Grade) and parts that remind me of the EG (Entry Grade) approach to energy-saving style, giving me the impression that what has been developed in previous Gunpla kits has been put together at a high level. I was impressed by the high level of integration of what has been achieved in previous Gunpla models.

The amount of information on the backpack is amazing. The detail of the power pipes glimpsed through the gaps in the armor tickles the mechanical heart.

The joints are basically treated as molds, or by layering the parts so that they are not visible, so you will be very satisfied with the finish even if you just assemble it straight!

The design of the chest area is remarkable, with multiple layers of parts, giving the impression of a very large amount of information, but in fact it is composed of only a few parts, and one cannot help but be impressed by the design and the odd division of parts.

The head is also beautifully divided, with the joints being molded, and the camera eye and vulcan around the head are also separate parts. Clear parts are also placed in the center of the head, and the amount of information is amazing.

The number of parts itself is small, and assembly is simple.

The shell unit of the chest looks like this.

When the light hits it, the panel lines emerge from under the clear parts.

In addition to the in-molded parts, you can also replace the shell unit with a sticker attached from the back of the clear parts, but the color of the sticker is a bit subdued because it is supposed to reproduce a non-luminescent state.

You can replace the shell unit to your liking by imagining the situation. The shell unit can be easily removed.

The body is flexible and movable, just like a human body!

Let's check out the range of motion!

The arms can be raised to a little over 90 degrees by bouncing up the shoulder armor.

The arms can swing back and forth to some extent.

The elbow joint is single axis, but can be bent quite deeply.

The chest and abdomen can be flexed back and forth between the chest and abdomen.

In addition, the upper body can be rolled to the left or right.

The base of the neck and the connection between the head and neck are movable, allowing the face to move up and down quite significantly. The left-right rotation is also very smooth.

The legs can be opened like this. The legs are very well grounded, allowing the doll to stand in a well-balanced position.

Standing on one leg is no problem!

There is also plenty of room for kneeling!

You can even pose her sitting on her knees to reflect on her actions. (This pose is not shown in the movie, but you can see it at ......)

The distinctive armament!

Next, let's check out the armament of Gundam Lubris!

What makes Gundam Lubliss unique is its "bit-stave" armament.

In the play, this bit-stave was flying around and launching all-range attacks. The Lubris is probably the first Gundam that uses bit weapons from the start.

When docked, the gambits form a shield called the "Composite Gambit Shield.

The parts are neatly assembled.

Here is the Gundam equipped with the "receiver gun" and the "composite gambit shield".

The Gundam-like style of firearms and shield.

The kit also comes with beam blade effect parts, so you can recreate battle scenes like this.

Bit-on form of high mobility form

With a gun with effect parts and a shield that can be used as a bit weapon, the HG Gundam Lubris is already a lot of fun, but the introduction is not over yet!

The "Bit-On Form" has improved mobility by attaching the bit-stave to the backpack. By attaching it to the receiver gun, you can recreate the "Gambit Rifle".

The Gambit Rifle looks like it could fire a powerful beam.

Attach the bit-stave to the backpack and rear skirt to complete the "Bit-on Form. It also gives the impression of high mobility.

The Gambit Rifle can also be mounted on the backpack.

The specs are allocated to mobility! With such a peppy setup, the Gundam Lubris is a true work of romance.

With its lean design, you could eat three bowls of rice just by looking at it and fantasizing about its activities in your mind.

There is a 3mm shaft hole in the crotch area, so you can connect it to a stand and display it to get a closer image of its activities in the movie. In the anime, the figure is depicted fighting in outer space, so it looks good floating in the air.

Bring all the stands you can find to recreate an all-range attack!

Single shot!

The arms are very movable, allowing you to extend the arms to grip the beam saber mounted on the back.

A separate clear blue part is provided for the saber.

Try your hand at creating your own unique display!

Now let's try out the various poses.

She is holding her shield to defend against enemy attacks!

Aiming and shooting pose!

Bending down to hide!

You can display them side by side with the rival machine Begilbeu.

With a month to go until the TV anime begins airing, why don't you think about what kind of story will unfold as you build the plastic model?

Please also check out our review of the HG 1/144 Begilbeu!

Product Information

HG 1/144 Gundam Lubris

Now on sale

Price: 1,760 yen (tax included)

Target age: 8 years old and up

Manufacturer: BANDAI SPIRITS

Launched ahead of the latest in the Gundam series, "Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch of Mercury"! The two MS that play an active role in the prequel to the main story, "PROLOGUE", are now available for an early appearance!

The shell unit is selectable between in-mold parts and clear parts. The in-molded parts can reproduce the luminous state of the shell unit in the chest, while the clear parts can reproduce the non-luminescent state.

The shield can be separated into 7 bit-staves, which can be connected to the backpack and receiver gun.

The receiver gun can be fitted with a giant beam blade effect part.

The parts are carefully divided to create a colorful finish that is easy to assemble.

＜Accessories

Beam saber x 2

Receiver Gun × 1

Shield × 1

Shell unit clear parts × 1 set

Beam Blade effect parts×1

Joint parts×1

Seal x 1

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