REVIEW CHOGOKIN X-EX01 Gundam Calibarn, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla action figure CHOGOKIN X-EX01 Gundam Calibarn from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury series.

P-Bandai Gunpla action figure CHOGOKIN 超合金 X-EX01 Gundam Calibarn Review

The entire model is a completely new creation with no reused parts from the Aerial. As it is a Chogokin, there are no significant modifications, and the markings are minimal, giving it a simple appearance.

Head Design

The face is sculpted faithfully to the on-screen design, including the distinctive dual cheek guards, which are crafted without any awkwardness and look quite impressive. The eyes feature a built-in light-up gimmick, but even without it, the metallic paint provides a striking appearance. The forehead and antenna are reproduced using clear parts.

Details of the Proportions

Like the Aerial, the proportions closely follow the design sketches, with the shell units made of clear parts. However, the white molding color differs significantly from the on-screen and sample images, giving it a much cheaper look than expected.

The thigh shell units include a light-up feature, but even when not activated, the red lines are still somewhat visible. The arms and legs maintain a balance similar to the on-screen depiction, with the characteristic thick and rounded thigh shape being accurately represented.

Backpack Features

The back features movable saber racks, and the side thrusters are articulated with ball joints. Removing the covers from the backpack and the back of the thighs reveals the switches and battery covers for the light-up feature.

Light-Up Gimmick

When illuminated, the eyes, forehead, main camera, chest, and thigh shell units light up. Compared to the Aerial, the number of light-up parts has significantly increased, likely addressing previous criticisms.

Articulation and Poseability

The neck has decent articulation, while the waist can swing slightly. The shoulders can raise to a horizontal position, and both elbows and knees can bend sufficiently. The hip joints, while not pull-out types, move well forward, backward, and sideways, providing good ground contact. The shoulders can also be pulled out by about 30-40 degrees.

Optional Equipment and Accessories

The set includes optional equipment such as the Gund-Bit support stands and a full base. The Variable Rod Rifle is significantly large, just like in the show, and connects to the right side of the backpack via an arm.

The rear part of the Variable Rod Rifle can extend and expand. The green lines on the back, which were not replicated in the ROBOT Tamashii version, are accurately reproduced here. The arms are highly flexible, and both the front and rear grips are movable.

The model also includes exchangeable rainbow-colored shell units and Gund-Bits. The antenna, like in the ROBOT Tamashii version, is also colored in a rainbow hue. The replaceable shell units include parts for the forehead, chest, shoulders, central waist, and thighs. These parts feature a holographic finish, allowing the color to change beautifully with light reflection, even without being illuminated.

Gund-Bit Attachments

The Gund-Bits can be attached to the shoulders, forearms, thighs, backpack, and rear armor. The light-up feature remains functional even in this state.

Gund-Bit Shield Mode

The Gund-Bits can also be combined to form a shield by gathering parts on the shield base. The shield is securely held with two-point connections to the grip and arm hole.

Gund-Bit Display and Movement

For the Gund-Bit display, stands are attached to the base, with each Gund-Bitplaced on them. The stands can rotate to change the direction of the entire Gund-Bit array, though individual Gund-Bit movement is not possible.

Comparison with Chogokin Aerial

When compared to the Chogokin Aerial, the size is nearly identical. However, the white color and texture of the Aerial were noticeably better in my opinion.

As mentioned earlier, the articulation is decent, and holding the Variable Rod Rifle with both hands is possible, without any major issues. The back of the Variable Rod Rifle is also fully painted, making the rear shot quite impressive.

The light-up gimmick has been significantly improved compared to the Aerial, especially when illuminated in dim lighting. The model also includes a beam saber, with the neck and waist having full rotational capabilities.

When equipped with the Gund-Bits, the model maintains a stable display. The main support for the body is a metal build type, ensuring stability. Although it was not featured in the show, the model can also use the Gund-Bits as a shield.

Summary

Similar to the Chogokin Aerial, the model features simple and faithful sculpting with no noticeable modifications from the original design. The proportions and facial sculpt are not bad, but the predominant white color is molded, and the color and texture differ significantly from the sample images, resulting in a much cheaper look than expected. This was a major disappointment for me.

In terms of articulation, there are no significant issues, and the weapons and shell unit gimmicks are well-reproduced. The light-up gimmick, which was underwhelming in the Aerial due to only the eyes lighting up, has been greatly improved with the addition of illuminated chest and thigh shell units, making the light-up feature much more impressive. Content-wise, several aspects have evolved from the Aerial, which is a positive point.

Initially, I thought of this model as a temporary release before the inevitable Metal Build version, similar to Chogokin Aerial. However, the white color molding significantly differs from the on-screen image and sample photos, and the sculpting lacks detail despite the model's size, giving it a rough and unimpressive feel. I don't believe it justifies its 36,300 yen price tag, so I wish more effort had been put into various aspects of the model.