REVIEW MG 1/100 MS-14B Gelgoog [ Johnny Ridden Custom ][ MG 2.0 version ], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai plastic model kit Gunpla Master Grade MG 1/100 MS-14B Gelgoog [ Johnny Ridden Custom ][ MG 2.0 version ] from MSV : Mobile Suit Variations

P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 MS-14B Gelgoog [ Johnny Ridden Custom ][ MG 2.0 version ] Review

Gelgoog for Johnny Ridden, newly kitted with MG. The price is 6,380 yen. This time, it was an order from Premium Bandai, and the package consisted of a single color scheme. The manual was a simple black and white supplement to the new parts added to the Char's Gelgoog manual. Therefore, there is no description of the aircraft.

Accessories include a beam rifle, giant buzz, rocket launcher, shield, beam naginata & 2 effects, backpack weapon suspension joint, saber connection joint, pilot figure, and stand joint.

The kit comes with plastic seals and water transfer decals. Some parts of the Gelgoog and some parts of the Zaku 2.0 series attached to the Giant Buzz Runner will be surplus.

The Gelgoog for Johnny Ridden has been made into a kit with MG. This time, it reuses the Gelgoog Ver2.0 series that was released a long time ago and comes with a new B-type backpack and rocket launcher. The crimson and black coloring is reproduced with molded colors, and since it is a Gelgoog 2.0 series kit, many details have been added to the armor.

A new B-type backpack is added to the back to reproduce the high-mobility Gelgoog. The main body itself is the same as the previous Gelgoog 2.0, so the proportion balance remains unchanged. Polycaps and ABS are used for the joints, and due to the originally large size of the body and the packed contents, it is also heavy. The B-type backpack can be equipped with a rifle, bazooka, and rocket launcher by attaching joints. The color scheme of the fuselage is well reproduced with molded colors, and the two-tone red and black color was also replicated by dividing the E runner.

Head Unit

The head is, of course, equipped with an antenna, and clear parts are used for the mono-eye guard. There is also a frame on the crest on the backside, adding a three-dimensional element. The mono-eye is designed to swing in conjunction with the movement of the neck, utilizing clear parts. The pink color of the mono-eye is enhanced with either paint or water transfer decals.

Body Unit

The fuselage boasts numerous details, and the armor edges feature three-dimensional details, giving it a substantial appearance. Naturally, the cockpit can be opened and closed. The louvered ducts in the chest and abdomen are also faithfully replicated.

The Naginata can be attached by unfolding a section of the rear skirt. Additionally, a pilot figure in a standing pose is included. The B-type backpack is also intricately modeled, and the thruster unit can be easily pivoted. The internal details are finely rendered, including the small thrusters which are crafted using separate parts.

Moreover, by replacing the side parts with joints, you can arrange and suspend 3 weapons as you see fit. The arm construction remains mostly unchanged. Only the left hand uses screws to secure the shield, requiring a Phillips screwdriver for the task.

Arms Unit

The bellows at the shoulder joint are replicated by layering thin plates. Additionally, there are frame parts on the rear of the shoulder armor, creating a triple-layered appearance. The ducts on the shoulders and forearms are designed in a three-dimensional manner, allowing the fins to open and revealing the internal components.

Legs Unit

The substantial skirt armor features a sturdy frame on its rear side, and all of his vernier units are individual parts capable of movement. Similar to the torso, the legs are rich in details, emphasizing the armor's thickness.

Naturally, the vernier unit within the flare is also replicated. The ankle mechanism is nearly imperceptible, but it incorporates a cylinder gimmick. The soles are also three-dimensional, with clear molding that highlights the intricate details of the sizable vernier.

Weaponry and Accessories Option

Most of the included weapons remain the same as before. It features a stand joint, allowing for compatibility with the action base. However, while it wasn't originally securely attached, this time the stand joint tends to come off quite easily. There seem to be individual differences, but by slightly adjusting its angle, it can be used with the action base. It's important to note that the joint detachment can be a bit risky.

The Beam Rifle is identical to the one in the previous Gelgoog model. The scope is crafted from clear parts and there are some seams present, although they aren't very conspicuous. A grip dowel is provided on the handle, yet it doesn't affix as securely as the more recent MG models.

The shield can also accommodate Naginata's grip using joint parts. Similar to before, there are arms on the back, but the connection mechanism can't be utilized due to the B-type backpack being attached at the back. It can be firmly secured on the wrist, but leaving it in this state might cause a slight drooping of the shoulder due to the shield's weight.

The Giant Buzz is primarily based on the Zaku Ver. This time, a plastic seal is used for the sensor, adding a shinier accent. It can naturally be held with both hands. The parts around the grip are new additions that match Gelgoog's dowels, though its grip dowels are solely on the right-hand side.

Then there's the new model rocket launcher. The sub-grip rotates, but it does exhibit some seams. Nevertheless, the sensor, being a plastic seal, effectively captures light and gives off a gleam. It's a positive aspect that this weapon is included securely and not omitted. Furthermore, the vernier's intricate details contribute to a commanding appearance from the rear.

Due to the rotating grip, handling the sub-grip with the left hand is simple, enabling a comfortable hold with both hands. Despite being a sizable aircraft, the finely sculpted ducts and armor back are meticulously crafted and definitely worth observing.

The Beam Naginata is accompanied by two effects, just as before. It's designed with a holding dowel that facilitates its setup.

Comparison with MG Gelgoog [ Char Aznable Custom ]

The color pattern has undergone significant changes, with the only distinction being the presence or absence of the antenna and backpack. Please consult this review as there haven't been any notable alterations to the range of motion.

Comparison with HGUC's Johnny Ridden Gelgoog

Comparison with the HGUC Johnny Ridden Gelgoog reveals that the MG version possesses a more refined build. It's evident that the MG version incorporates numerous additional details. At the conclusion, it's displayed alongside an MG Full Armor Gundam for a size comparison. Being based on the MG Gelgoog 2.0, it significantly dwarfs the Gundam in terms of size.

Summary

This time around, most of the Gelgoog Ver2.0 series kits, such as Char's Gelgoog, serve as the foundation, and while many elements are repurposed, the newly added B-type backpack and rocket launcher bring to life the high-mobility Gelgoog.

Given its basis in the Gelgoog 2.0 model, a wealth of additional details has been integrated, which could result in differences in preferences. However, the construction of each duct and the rear side of the armor is meticulously executed, akin to the level of detail found in an MG model. Despite its substantial size, the kit is designed in a way that avoids overwhelming the builder. The stand joint, as experienced by me, tends to detach easily and may pose a slight challenge in handling. Overall, it's a comprehensive kit reminiscent of the quality associated with MG models.