REVIEW HG 1/144 MS-21C Dra-C [Unicorn Ver.], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 MS-21C Dra-C [Unicorn Ver.] from Mobile Suit Gundam UC: Unicorn.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 MS-21C Dra-C [Unicorn Ver.] Review

The HGUC MS-21C Dra-C (Unicorn Version) is a model kit from Premium Bandai, released with a Gundam UC (Unicorn) specification. Originally launched in 2012, this kit has recently been reissued. The package is monochromatic, and while the manual is borrowed from the standard version, a supplementary sheet covers the differences. The kit is priced at 2,200 yen.

Included Accessories

The kit includes a shield and one saber blade. Additionally, a versatile stand is provided, which, although it doesn't allow height adjustments, can swing in all directions. To assemble this stand, a separate Phillips screwdriver is required.

The kit comes with foil stickers for areas like the shoulder thruster interiors, engravings, and the mono-eye, along with marking stickers.

While some extra parts are included, others are omitted, meaning it cannot be assembled as a normal Dra-C.

Kit Overview

The MS-21C Dra-C, as it appears in Gundam UC, has been brought to life as an HGUC model kit. This version is a redeco of the previously released standard Dra-C, featuring some new parts. The unique appearance of the Dra-C, with its large shoulder thruster pods and leg booster units, sets it apart from other mobile suits.

Differences from the Standard Version

The most notable difference is the color change from blue to a red and purple scheme. Additionally, the chest and arms feature new engravings in line with the Unicorn series. The right arm is equipped with a Gatling gun instead of the 40mm Vulcan gun. Due to its design, the kit cannot stand on its own and requires the included stand for display.

Color Scheme and Detailing

The shoulder thruster pods have stickers for the nozzle interiors and engravings, but areas like the black parts inside the thrusters require painting. The overall color scheme is simple, with most of the design captured by molded colors. The main color is slightly purple, but not as intense as the official illustrations or the on-screen appearance. The color recipe suggests a mix of wine red (60%), white (35%), and sky blue (5%), resulting in a more subdued purple tone. If you prefer a stronger purple, additional painting may be necessary.

Head Unit and Details

The head unit is characterized by the mono-eye track, which runs from the side to the top of the head. The helmet is divided into left and right halves, so a seam is visible. The mono-eye is recreated with a sticker, but the track itself isn't color-separated, and the mono-eye lacks detailed sculpting.

Comparison with the Standard Version

The torso design is based on the Zaku, with engraved parts added to the chest. Besides these engravings, there are no significant differences from the standard version. Although the engravings are not color-separated, the mold details are crisp.

Torso and Backpack Features

The torso is molded as one piece, so there is no waist rotation, and the pack connection hole is not universal. The backpack, with its large thrusters, features a stabilizer that can move thanks to a ball joint. The stabilizer is a single piece, with a thin antenna at the tip, so careful handling is advised. The large thrusters are composed of separate parts, with additional triple thrusters that enhance the sense of thrust.

Shoulder Thruster Pods

The shoulder thruster pods include stickers for the recessed thruster areas, but the nozzles themselves require painting.

Right Arm and Gatling Gun

The right arm is equipped with a long Gatling gun, giving it a much more imposing look compared to the Vulcan gun. The Gatling gun is assembled from two halves, resulting in visible seams, and the gun barrel is molded as a single piece, leaving some gaps filled. The muzzle is hollow.

Weapon Configuration

Unlike the standard MS-21C Dra-C, this version cannot be assembled with a standard arm and handheld Gatling gun. The Vulcan gun is also omitted. The Gatling gun in this kit is based on the handheld Gatling gun from the standard Dra-C, with additional armor parts attached.

Left Arm and Engravings

The left arm features new parts with engravings, which can be recreated with either stickers or paint. The joints remain unchanged, and the left hand is molded in an open-palm pose.

Hip and Leg Design

The hip joints can rotate at the base thanks to a ball joint. The stand connection hole is rectangular, not the standard 3mm hole, limiting the choice of compatible stands. The propellant tank and thruster unit are large booster-like structures, which are surprisingly light due to their hollow design. However, the assembly leaves visible seams on the top and bottom. The nozzle area at the tip is made from separate parts, with fine detailing.

Articulation

The neck is on a ball joint, but the waist is fixed. The shoulders combine a ball joint with a swinging polycap, allowing for good swing range. The elbows bend about 90 degrees. Due to the design, the right arm cannot be fully extended. The lower body has simple articulation, with only the hip joints being movable. Compared to a standard mobile suit, the articulation is quite basic.

Comparison with the Standard Version

When compared with the standard MS-21C Dra-C, the silhouette remains largely the same, but the engravings and color scheme give it a distinct Unicorn series feel.

Weapon and Stand Configuration

The kit includes a shield and saber that attach to the left arm. The extended boosters and stabilizers create a wide, imposing silhouette when viewed from behind. The new Gatling gun parts allow the left hand to support the gun like a grip. However, the play value is slightly reduced due to the removal of the arm-swapping gimmick and the reduction in weapons.

Shield and Thruster Unit

The shield is a recolored version from the standard Dra-C, now in purple. It has a saber stored on the back and intricate molding details. The shield connects via joints, allowing for two different mounting positions. The thruster unit can be lowered to a leg-like position, maintaining its large silhouette. Over time, the weight of the thruster unit may cause it to droop, so some adjustment might be necessary for better stability. Other than this, the joints, including the shoulders, remain firm.

Beam Saber

The beam saber is included, with the blade color changed from clear yellow to clear pink. One extra saber blade is included, allowing for a dynamic pose with one blade bent.

Comparisons and Final Thoughts

When displayed alongside the HGUC Dra-C and the HGUC MS-21C Dra-C Kai, the differences between each version are more apparent, with the Kai version’s shoulders making a particularly strong impact.

Finally, when compared with other HGUC kits like the Loto and the AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Cuaron’s unit), the large shoulder thruster pods and extended silhouette give the Dra-C (Unicorn Version) a surprisingly large presence.

Summary

Overall, the HGUC Dra-C (Unicorn Version) is a unique kit that, while based on the standard version, features additional engravings and a striking red and purple color scheme. The Gatling gun integrated into the right arm is a standout feature, offering more size and impact compared to the Vulcan gun. However, the removal of some gimmicks and weapons does reduce the play value slightly. Nonetheless, it’s great to see these subtle variations being brought to life as model kits.