REVIEW METAL ROBOT Spirits [SIDE MS] ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos [ 1st to 4th forms ], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla action figure die-cast METAL ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos [ 1st to 4th forms ] from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-blooded Orphans series.

P-Bandai Gunpla action figure die-cast METAL ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos [ 1st to 4th forms ]

This is a review of the METAL ROBOT Spirits ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos, which includes Forms 1 through 4. The overall proportions and design share a commonality with Lupus. As a METAL RoDa: ROBOT Damashii figure, it features full paintwork, which enhances the texture and includes precise markings for added detail.

Head Sculpt

In its initial state, the head is simpler compared to Lupus Rex or Lupus, which were released earlier. The antenna size and shape are true to the original image and the sculpting is sharp.

The eyes are painted with metallic Rick paint, and the complex mask area is accurately detailed.

Body

Although the body design resembles Lupus, it is an entirely new sculpt. The waist frame remains exposed, and the Tekkadan emblem and red lines on the chest are beautifully rendered.

Cockpit and Limbs

The cockpit can slide open. The arms and legs are all newly sculpted. The large shoulder armor and robust limbs are well-crafted, with just the right amount of molding and markings to enhance the appearance.

Back and Thrusters

Like Lupus, the central thruster on the back can be adjusted.

Accessories

The figure includes a stand and various accessories. The full equipment setup includes the mace, which features a retractable tip that can be extended using a support rod. The mace grip (short) and latch allow it to be mounted on the back. The latch is movable and can be positioned to the rear.

The smoothbore gun can switch from storage to firing mode without parts replacement. The magazine is detachable, and the grip parts can slide and move sideways.

Weaponry

The figure comes with two types of tachi (swords). The one with a white hilt and the initial state one without a hilt can both be mounted on the back using the same latch mechanism as the mace. The axe, taken from Graze, is also included and can be mounted in the same way.

Form Changes

Form 1

Form 1 is achieved by removing the inner black armor of the Form 4 shoulder armor and replacing the left forearm and upper arm armor. The left arm is equipped with a gauntlet, and the left shoulder can be fitted with Graze's shoulder armor.

Form 2

Form 2 involves changing the shoulder armor from Form 1. The Tekkadan emblem is present on the left shoulder.

Form 3

Form 3 involves removing the gauntlet from Form 2's left arm and attaching the wire claw and Form 3 armor. The wire claw can be deployed using the included wire made from lead wire.

Comparisons

When compared to Barbatos Lupus and Lupus Rex, the white color tones are slightly different. It's surprising that METAL ROBOT Tamashii released so many variations of Barbatos. When compared to the regular ROBOT Spirits version released in 2016, there are significant differences.

Summary

Overall, this figure is highly satisfying with its powerful proportions, detailed design, and excellent paintwork. The ability to recreate Forms 1 through 4 adds to the figure's versatility. Although the METAL ROBOT Spirits line for the Iron-Blooded Orphans series may be concluding, there's hope for more releases if they sell well. Personally, I would love to see a Gusion Rebake Full City figure.