REVIEW HG 1/144 ASW-G-08A Gundam Amazing Barbatos Lupus, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 ASW-G-08A Gundam Amazing Barbatos Lupus from Gundam Build Metaverse.

Bandai Gunpla HGBM 1/144 ASW-G-08A Gundam Amazing Barbatos Lupus Review

Previously, the metallic version included with the limited edition CD was released, but now the normal version of the HG ASW-G-08A Gundam Amazing Barbatos Lupus has been made into a kit. The price is 2,750 yen. The instruction manual is essentially the same as the metallic version, although some photos and descriptions differ.

Accessories

The kit includes the Amazing Mace, Sword Mace, angled grip, lead wire, and a stand without runners. The Sword Mace remains an optional part that can be assembled according to preference.

The kit comes with foil stickers to supplement the color separation for various sensors, ducts, thighs, and knees.

Spare parts from the normal Barbatos Lupus are included, allowing for assembly into the standard Barbatos Lupus.

Since this kit is based on the Iron-Blooded Orphans series, some of the frame is recreated, using runners from the Gundam Frame 4.

Design and Color

From Gundam Build Metaverse, the Gunpla assembled by the third Meijin Kawaguchi, Gundam Amazing Barbatos Lupus, is now available in its normal color. The flashy red color scheme remains unchanged, maintaining its imposing presence. The normal Lupus is considered the 7th form, while the customized version is set as the 8th form. It also includes the Amazing Booster Tenshiki, allowing transformation into the 9th form (Kurenai Form) and the 10th form (Beast Form).

Differences from Barbatos Lupus

The kit largely uses parts from the HG Gundam Barbatos Lupus, but with different head antennas, shoulder armor, neck parts, and backpack. The colors are mostly replicated with molded parts, with blue on the thighs, gray around the neck and ducts, and knee markings recreated with stickers. The joints combine KPS and PC002 parts.

Detailed Comparison

Head Comparison

Compared to the metallic version, the antenna has grown larger, making the twin eyes more visible.

Torso

The front shows minimal differences except for the collar, while the back features a smaller backpack. The central vernier is a separate part.

Booster

The booster is shared with the Lupus, showing a seam in the middle.

Shoulder Armor

The outer armor design has changed to a spiky appearance, with white parts separately molded.

Forearm

The forearm is extended with parts attached to the frame, resulting in a unique balance. There is a seam on the forearm.

Hip Joint

The hip joint allows for rotation, with a simple design without back covers.

Legs

The legs remain unchanged from the Barbatos Lupus, with longer heel-type ankles and a long lower leg balance. The seam is present but not very noticeable. There is a small hollow in the sole, and the toe is movable.

Articulation

The articulation is unchanged from the metallic version. Despite being based on the latest kits, the Iron-Blooded frame gives a slightly flimsy feel.

Comparison with Metallic Version

The metallic version has a flashy, glaring appearance, while the normal version has a slightly calmer impression. The colors are close, despite the lack of metallic sheen.

Transformation and Weapons

Kurenai Form

The Amazing Booster Tenshiki can be attached to transform into the 9th form, Kurenai Form, creating a distinctive silhouette with the booster attached to the back.

Amazing Mace

The Amazing Mace is a non-metallic, thick cannon-shaped mace with an internal machine gun.

Sword Mace

The Sword Mace remains a popular option, not omitted in this kit.

Beast Form

By removing the booster’s claw parts and attaching them to the arms, then folding the backpack’s wing support arm and connecting the tail-like blade with a lead wire, the kit transforms into the 10th form, Beast Form. This form is specialized for melee combat, with longer forearms and a tail blade resembling the Lupus Rex.

Amazing Iron Blood

Combining the backpack mace forms the bow-type ultimate weapon, Amazing Iron Blood. Due to its weight, it is best displayed using a stand. It has a bow-like shape and is quite bulky.

Size Comparison

The kit is compared with EG Exceed Galaxy and HG Command Quanta. The Lupus itself is large, but the Amazing Booster Tenshiki adds significant width.

Summary

In conclusion, the HG ASW-G-08A Gundam Amazing Barbatos Lupus is an impressive kit with many playable features. Despite its simpler color scheme compared to the metallic version, it remains a highly versatile and fun kit. However, the Iron-Blooded frame and the heavy booster require some adjustments for stability, similar to the metallic version.