REVIEW HG 1/144 AMS-129 Geara Zulu [Gilboa Saint Use], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 AMS-129 Geara Zulu [Gilboa Saint Use] from Mobile Suit Gundam UC: Unicorn.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 AMS-129 Geara Zulu [Gilboa Saint Use] Review

The HGUC Geara Zulu (Gilboa Sant Machine) was released as a model kit in 2014. Like other kits from the Gundam UC series, it has recently been re-released. This model is priced at ¥2,420 and is available exclusively through Premium Bandai.

Included Accessories

The kit includes a Beam Gatling Gun, a joint for attaching the Gatling Gun, a Lange Bruno Gun, a Beam Hawk, as well as a right hand for holding the gun and a left open hand.

The stickers provided are similar to those in other Zulu series kits. They include sensor stickers and white foil stickers to enhance small nozzle details and engraving parts.

This kit comes with many extra parts, primarily weapons from the standard AMS-129 Geara Zulu. However, the backpack cannot be fully assembled, making it impossible to build it as a regular Geara Zulu.

From Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, the AMS-129 Geara Zulu piloted by Gilboa Sant, a member of the Garancieres crew, has been turned into a Premium Bandai-exclusive model kit. While the HGUC Geara Zulu serves as the base for this model, its distinctive backpack gives it a silhouette similar to the Angelo Sauper version. However, this version is not equipped for the royal guard, making it a standard AMS-129 Geara Zulu.

Articulation and Materials

Since this model is based on the HGUC Geara Zulu, it does not use ABS or KPS for the joints, but instead uses PC-132ABC polycaps. The shoulder armor is asymmetrical, with a shield attached to the right shoulder. Although the engravings on the body are subdued, the helmet features an antenna.

Backpack and Weaponry

The backpack allows for the attachment of the large Lange Bruno Gun, a significant feature of this kit. The newly designed Beam Gatling Gun can also be attached to the shield. The white detailing on the engravings and small nozzles is achieved using stickers. Although some parts require painting, the color separation is quite good for an HG model.

Detailed Views

Head

The head is the same as previous AMS-129 Geara Zulu kits, featuring an antenna-equipped helmet. The mono-eye can be swiveled by moving the lever under the chin. The eye is detailed but relies on stickers for the effect.

Body

Compared to the Angelo Sauper version, the Gilboa Sant model's body is less ornate, lacking the detailed engravings on the chest and front armor. The waist features a weapon mount for the Beam Hawk, different from the standard AMS-129 Geara Zulu.

Backpack

The backpack is similar to Angelo's version, with large verniers and two massive propellant tanks. The belt connecting the Lange Bruno Gun is made of flexible plastic, allowing for some movement.

Arms

The arms have a clean design, without spikes on the shoulder armor. The engravings are minimal, contributing to a simpler look. The shoulder armor is split front and back, resulting in visible seam lines.

Legs

The leg design is similar to that of the royal guard version, except for the lack of added armor on the thighs. The more straightforward design makes the Gilboa Sant model less visually complex. The seams remain unchanged from previous versions.

Articulation Range

The model's articulation is consistent with previous Geara Zulu kits. The shield can sometimes interfere with the rear tanks, but it doesn't significantly impact poseability. The waist, head, and shoulders have ample range of motion, and the hips allow for decent leg spreads, while the knees and ankles provide stable footing.

Comparisons

When compared to the painted HGUC AMS-129 Geara Zulu and HGUC Geara Zulu (Angelo Sauper version), the silhouette of the Gilboa Sant model, due to its backpack, gives it a similar appearance to the Angelo Sauper version. However, the Gilboa Sant model maintains its own distinct identity.

Weaponry

Equipping the kit with weapons, including the imposing Lange Bruno Gun, adds to the model's powerful silhouette. The Beam Gatling Gun, identical in design to the Angelo version, has some parts that require painting. The gun can be held with both hands, though care should be taken with the grip as it's fragile.

The Beam Hawk is the same as in other AMS-129 Geara Zulu kits, molded in bright clear green. The kit includes a variety of spare weapons, allowing for customizable loadouts.

Summary

The HGUC Geara Zulu (Gilboa Sant Machine) is a distinctive kit, offering subtle variations in design and weaponry from its counterparts. The combination of the Beam Gatling Gun and the massive Lange Bruno Gun gives it a unique and memorable appearance. While the model follows the established structure of the AMS-129 Geara Zulu, the simplicity of the engravings makes it easier to paint for those looking to customize their kit. Overall, it's a well-rounded kit with plenty of options for customization and display.