REVIEW MG 1/100 Musha Gundam Mk-II [ Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. ], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai plastic model kit Gunpla MG 1/100 Musha Gundam Mk-II [ Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. ] from Gundam Musha series.

P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 Musha Gundam Mk-II [ Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. ] Review

The MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. was released in 2012 at a price of 7,334 yen. This particular version of the model was available for ordering through Premium Bandai. While the instruction manual for this kit is based on the Musha Gundam Mk-II, it includes an additional paper insert that provides details about the color scheme and assembly differences specific to the Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. This ensures that builders can accurately recreate the distinct appearance of the Tokugawa Ieyasu version.

Set Contents

The MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. comes with a variety of accessories that enhance its appearance and playability. These accessories include:

Gun "Shoryumaru"
Swords "Kotetsumaru" x 2
Naginata "Senkomaru"
Four types of joints for mounting the weapons

The kit also includes a range of stickers for customization:

Foil stickers used for Musha Gundam Mk-II
Transfer type Gundam decals
Marking stickers
Family crest stickers

Original Japanese-style stickers, which have a texture reminiscent of Japanese paper and match those seen on the MG 1/100 Shin Musha Gundam: Sengoku No Jin Black Robe Large Armor.

In terms of design, the head of Musha Mk-II has been changed to a helmet shape and color scheme to match the Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. This results in a luxurious gold and black coloring, with some parts even gold-plated. The kit utilizes surplus parts from the base MG Gundam Mk-II Ver.2.0 kit, and the overall impression of the Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. changes considerably due to these changes. However, there aren't many parts that differ between the two versions.

The joint structure is consistent with the MG Gundam Mk-II Ver.2.0, using a combination of polycaps and ABS parts. All of the included weapons can be mounted by attaching the provided joints to the waist or backpack, and the scabbard and naginata also feature the distinctive gold coloring. This variant provides an interesting twist on the classic Musha Gundam Mk-II design, allowing builders to enjoy a unique and visually appealing model.

Head Unit

When comparing the MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. with the base Musha Gundam Mk-II, several design differences can be noted. While some parts, such as the twin eyes, mask, cheek pads, and blowback, remain common between the two versions, the helmet part of the Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. is entirely new and distinct. The helmet's design is influenced by Kindabi Gusoku's style, resulting in a more understated silhouette without the presence of large horns. This gives the kit a simpler yet armor-like appearance.

The helmet part is split into front and back sections, which means that there might be visible seams after assembly. A sticker is provided to cover these seams, and it's worth mentioning that the twin eye parts are crafted from clear material. This choice enhances the kit's visual appeal by allowing the eyes to catch and reflect light, giving the eyes a more dynamic appearance. Overall, these design variations contribute to the unique identity and look of the Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver., distinct from the base Musha Gundam Mk-II.

Body Unit

The overall body design of the MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. is based on the Musha Gundam Mk-II, but it features a prominent gold color scheme that adds brightness and a sense of luxury. The gold plating contributes to a stunning and opulent appearance. While the backpack hasn't undergone significant changes, it retains a shape similar to the original Mk-II design, which may not necessarily evoke the image of a warrior.

The kit includes a sticker that can be used to apply a family crest mark. However, if you choose not to use the sticker, you can appreciate the intricate three-dimensional mold of the crest detail. Unlike the original Aoi crest, this kit's crest design is unique to the Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver.

While this version does not feature a beam blade, the saber grip on the back is still present and can be detached. The design of the grip has been altered to incorporate a Japanese-style pattern, further enhancing the kit's aesthetic with cultural flair.

Arms unit

The shoulder armor of the MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. features a design that evokes the appearance of traditional armor, and certain sections are plated for added visual impact. The arms take their foundation from the Mk-II design, with the joints adopting a black color scheme. The wrist articulation remains consistent with the regular Mk-II, offering movement at the base only, a common feature found in older Master Grade kits. The claws located on the forearm can be expanded, giving the kit an added level of customization.

Legs Unit

The waist armor of the MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. is equipped with lining on both the front and rear sides, adding to the kit's visual complexity. The hip joint follows the Ball-and-Joint (BJ) design but also features a swinging mechanism for enhanced posing capabilities. The legs possess a robust appearance and incorporate mesh pipes for the knee joints, maintaining consistency with the original Mk-II design.

The intricately designed gold-plated parts are meticulously divided to recreate the intricate pattern. Similar to the previous version, the thigh armor is designed to slide in line with movement. The ankle area incorporates a cylinder gimmick, with plated rods. The foot sole boasts movable toes, and there's no need for the removal of excess plastic to facilitate movement.

Movability and Articulation

The MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. shares the same underlying construction as the regular MG Mk-II, resulting in a familiar feel when it comes to articulation. The elbow joints offer a substantial range of motion with deep bends, and the waist is capable of swinging. While the shoulder's back-and-forth swing capability might be moderate, the abdomen can pivot sideways.

Given that the hip joint is designed as a Ball-and-Joint (BJ) mechanism, it might not be able to achieve an extremely wide range of movement, and similarly, the ankle joint, also a BJ, includes a cylinder gimmick that may limit grounding. Despite these limitations, the knee joints have the ability to bend quite significantly.

Comparison with MG Musha Gundam Mk-II

The color scheme of the MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. has undergone a significant change, while the overall shape remains quite common except for the head. The armor pattern in various areas has been brought to life in three dimensions. Application of the Japanese sticker and family crest sticker has been performed. The family crest sticker is designed to fit on the circular part, and applying the Japanese sticker, though it's thick and divided into front, back, left, and right sections, is surprisingly easy.

The "Shoryumaru" artillery weapon is modeled after the original Mk-II rifle design and incorporates clear parts for the sensor. However, due to its simple division, there is a seam. It features a dowel for holding, which provides the most stable grip among the included weapons. The "Senkomaru" Naginata stands out due to its gold-plated blade.

As with the original Mk-II, the shaft around the hip joint is relatively narrow, which leads to slightly unsatisfactory holding power. It might give a slightly mushy impression, and there's a possibility that it could sag over time, depending on the pose. Adjusting the position might be necessary for ease of handling.

The next weapon, "Kotetsumaru," features two swords with a shared shape, both of which can be stored in scabbards. The blades have a stunning silver-plated finish.

Though this weapon is also impressively designed, it might not fix as securely as the naginata due to the absence of a holding dowel. However, due to its lightweight nature, it's easier to pose by holding it at the end.

It's worth noting that individual variations may exist, but the naginata and sword blades might be tightly attached due to their thick plating. If this poses a challenge, carefully shaving and removing the plating before inserting them could be helpful.

The gold molded color, unplated but still vibrant, appears even more luxurious than what the official photos depict. Nevertheless, the weld lines remain visible, so selectively painting only the gold parts might be considered. There are also some plated parts used under gates.

Given that there are Mk-II parts available, you can transform the head to create a normal Musha Gundam Mk-II. This alternative head is also quite appealing.

Comparison with MG Gundam Mk-II Ver.2.0

The armor in various places has become more luxurious, resembling traditional armor, and the overall volume has increased. This was the review for the MG Musha Gundam Mk-II Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. It is a kit that adds some new parts to the previously released Musha Gundam Mk-II and changes the molding color.

The head design and coloring are based on the Kandabi Gusoku worn by Ieyasu, with the main color being gold, which gives it an outstanding presence. Since the base is old, the weapon retention and playability are not as good as the latest kits. However, it features a Japanese sticker, creating a unique atmosphere and allowing it to be assembled as a Gunpla that emphasizes Japanese style.

Summary

The head design is distinct, featuring a helmet-style influenced by Kandabi Gusoku armor. A gold and black color scheme sets it apart. The kit's playability and weapon retention aren't as advanced as newer models, but the Japanese sticker imparts a unique Japanese aesthetic.

Notable differences from the base Musha Gundam Mk-II include the head design, intricate gold-plated armor patterns, and customization options. Movability and articulation mirror the original MG Mk-II.

Comparisons highlight differences in design elements, and the kit's overall appearance is accentuated by gold-plated features. The Tokugawa Ieyasu Ver. offers a unique Japanese-themed Gunpla with a touch of luxury and distinct identity.