I want to make some difference in this post. This time I will do some review of gunpla instead just show you my photography work.
I just bought and built a very cool gunpla. Or rather: A VERY BADASS GUNPLA. This kit is more than able to make other kits run and hide in fear. Let me introduce: The HGUC 1/144 MSA-0011 [Ext] Ex S Gundam from Gundam Sentinel photo novel.
This Gundam was one of the first designs made by Hajime Katoki. You can see the Katoki's signatures in this gunpla: extreme detail, very mechanic, blocky, and realistic. This is actually a 'successor' unit in the story (Gundam Sentinel), developed from MSA 0011 S Gundam (S is acronym of "Superior"). Ex S ( usually read as "Excess") is acronym of "Extraordinary Superior". I know, what a cocky name. But it just fit with the Gundam's appearance. This Gundam is literally a "walking gigantic arsenal". Enormous in size. Full of beam weapons.
Ok, enough for the introduction. Now let's jump to the review.
Once this kit arrived my home (I bought it online) the first thought I had in my mind was WTF is this?? The box is HUGE! More than HGUC Nu Gundam's, and I think it has same size with HGUC Sazabi's. When I opened the box, I got a manual, 9 runners (2 PCs) and 2 stickers (color and decals).
There was nothing special about the built. This kit was definately not an easy one, but I had worked more difficult kits before. But for a HG I could say this kit is pretty challenging.
What made it difficult was not the design: it was the plastic's material. This kit has poor plastics. Very breakable. Maybe because this is old model (this kit was released on 2002). When I worked on it, I broke several parts and I needed glue to repair those. I suggest everyone who want to built this kit to be careful, especially when you cut the parts out of the runners. The parts are exceptionally big but again, THESE ARE VERY BREAKABLE.
Aaaand after breaking and reparing continuously, I finished this bastard. And just like the box, this thing is HUGE. It almost look like MG. And it looks so menacing, not just because its size, but also the proportion. HG Nu Gundam maybe has the same size, but the proportion is just right so it just look like normal HG with some expands. But this kit has small head and torso, also big leg and shoulder. This extreme proportion make its look like "monster". The weapons, well... I don't know that Katoki was beam maniac. 4 on the backpack, 2 on side skirts, one on hand, plus one at the head. Not including 2 beam reflectors at knees, 4 vulcan guns at the head and 4 others on backpack. Phew. Oh, did I mention 2 beam sabers? And i-field generator at beam smart gun and the torso?
Ok, let's see the detail and articulations. I must admit, as old kit this thing is pretty detailed. Only the cheeks, the wings, the smart gun, the beam sabers and the feet are not in original color. Newer HGUC kit usually has more detailed color (thought by stickers). But it is not a big deal. The biggest flaws on the detail is the incapability of this kit to transform into mobile fighter. Man, not cool. This gundam is originally able to do that.
What about articulations? VERY LIMITED. This thing actually can only stand and carry weapon. That's all. Even the head can only turn 20 degree side by side. That because the bulkiness, no one can help it. Sigh....
Another problem with this kit is the balance issue. The backpack is so heavy. It can stand without support only after you put it in right position, with efforts of course. But after that it is still easy to fall even with gentle touch. So I suggest you to stand it with some supports (maybe the wall or action base).
What about stability? Well this kit is pretty stable, almost every parts fit in secure, except the armpit joints and the i-field generator on beam smartgun.
Long review, eh? Why don't we resume that?
Good points: nice design, good details, a lot of weapon acessories, pretty secure parts.
Bad points: poor material, balance issues, limited articulations.
Score: 7.0 out of 10.
Suggestions: be careful when cutting parts, be careful not to lose any polycaps (you will use them all).
