REVIEW Figure-rise Standard Luna Maria Hawke, Bandai

This is review of Bandai plastic model pilot Gundam Figure-rise Standard Luna Maria Hawke from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Bandai plastic model pilot Gundam Figure-rise Standard Luna Maria Hawke

The Figure-rise Standard series has released a kit for Luna Maria Hawke. This version features her appearance from SEED DESTINY, not SEED FREEDOM. The price is 4,180 yen.

The kit comes with two interchangeable faces (using water-transfer decals), gripping hands, holding hands, hands for saluting and greetings (both left and right), an interchangeable body, a helmet, and helmet replacement parts.

The kit includes foil stickers to supplement detailed color separation and water-transfer decals with an array of eye decals from which two can be chosen.

There are surplus parts due to the molding color, including extra face parts and POM joints that are often included with 30MM Nevari sets. Most of the joint runner parts are surplus.

Body Construction

The kit includes two types of bodies, with the inner part of one being made of very soft TPE material.

Overview of the Kit

Luna Maria Hawke, in her pilot suit from Gundam SEED DESTINY, is the second character to be made into a kit in the Figure-rise series, following Lacus Clyne. The pilot suit gives the model a simple silhouette but with a structure that allows for a wide range of motion. The helmet parts and body can be swapped to recreate various looks.

The construction of this model closely follows the 30MS format, allowing for diverse combinations and superior range of motion. Most joints are KPS, but the wrist joints are POM.

Interchangeable Body

The interchangeable body shows the inner suit with the zipper lowered. Swapping the entire body is straightforward, avoiding complicated disassembly. While some fine lines and patterns require stickers, the kit itself replicates these details well without them.

Head and Face Details

The head details, including sharp bangs and ahoge (a single hair that sticks up), are finely crafted. The default face parts are pre-printed.

The interchangeable faces can be recreated with water-transfer decals. The mouth parts are separate, but the molded color is too dark without decals or paint.

Helmet Assembly

Face parts can be inserted into the inner helmet parts to assemble the helmet. The helmet has yellow lines that are stickers and a clear visor that can be attached as desired.

Compatibility and Flexibility

The ahoge is movable and securely attached to the face part base. The face part joints are compatible with the 30MS series, allowing for interchangeable faces.

Body and Suit Details

The body design is similar to the 30MS series, with detailed side gray lines that can be painted. The interchangeable body also faithfully replicates the loosened neck area. The backpack connects via a 3mm shaft, making it easy to reattach during swaps.

Joints and Movement

Both the shoulder pads are color-separated, and the ZAFT mark is supplemented with stickers. The arms have complex color separation mostly achieved with molded parts, although some gray and white areas require stickers.

The hip joints allow for up-and-down swinging, and the legs have white ankle lines represented by stickers. The yellow ankle lines are molded, with the seams cleverly hidden. The thighs have a roll axis for additional movement.

Poseability

The kit features a wide range of motion, similar to the 30MS series, with torso rotation and swing performed by the chest. The neck can be slightly restricted by hair interfering with the collar, which might be a consideration for painters.

Accessories and Display

The kit includes hands for holding weapons, and the 3mm joint on the back allows for additional equipment attachment. The neck joints are also compatible with other kits, enabling easy transplantation.

Comparisons and Compatibility

The kit is compatible with other figures in the series. The skin color matches well with the 30MS color B. It can be attached to mechanical bodies like the 30MM Achery.

Summary

This Figure-rise Standard Luna Maria Hawke kit offers a high degree of compatibility and customization with the 30MS series. While it lacks extensive weaponry or gimmicks, the ability to swap helmet and body parts allows for various display options. The diverse eye decals enhance expressiveness, making it a fun kit to pose alongside Gundam models.