REVIEW HG 1/144 ZGMF-2027/A GYAN Strom [Hilda Haken Custom], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HGCE 1/144 ZGMF-2027/A GYAN Strom [Hilda Haken Custom] from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

P-Bandai Gunpla HGCE 1/144 ZGMF-2027/A GYAN Strom [Hilda Haken Custom] Review

Previously, the Agnes version of the HGCE ZGMF-2027/A GYAN Storm was released for general sale. Now, the Hilda Haken Custom has been made into a kit as well. Priced at 3,190 yen, this kit is available exclusively through Premium Bandai. The package is monochromatic, but the manual is in color and includes detailed explanations about the mobile suit.

Included Accessories

The kit comes with a beam rifle and mounting joint, both deployed and stowed versions of the Falks G7 beam axe, an auto-protective shield, Slayer whip parts, a right-angled hand, the Trident 3-barrel rotating beam gun, and various effect parts. There is one extra beam saber blade, but no other surplus parts are included.

Stickers and Detailing

The stickers included are for the antenna, the white line on the collar, the gray around the leg verniers, and the bolero's wing area, which serve to enhance the color details of the kit.

Kit Design and Features

The Gyan Storm (Hilda Haken Custom) is an HGCE kit based on the Gyan motif, featured in the movie Gundam SEED FREEDOM. True to its name, this mobile suit is piloted by Hilda Haken, but it comes in mass production colors. The design retains the Gyan-inspired aesthetic but is dominated by blue tones, giving it a distinctly Gyan-like appearance.

Comparison with the Agnes Version

The base kit is the same as the previously released Agnes version. However, the back pack is different; while the Agnes version is equipped with the space-use Bolero S, the Hilda Haken Custom comes with the atmospheric Bolero A. The joints and construction are the same, ensuring a wide range of motion thanks to the SEED Action System. KPS is mainly used, with no ABS parts, though some joints use polycaps.

Bolero A and Its Characteristics

When the Bolero A is deployed, it closely resembles the one used in the HGCE GELGOOG Menace [Lunamaria Hawke Custom]. The wings are sharp, fitting the design of an atmospheric-use mobile suit. The waist can store a rifle, beam saber, and beam axe.

Without the backpack, the body’s color accuracy is commendable, with only the antenna, collar white, and leg vernier gray requiring stickers. The skirt armor’s verniers need paint. The Bolero A uses a significant number of stickers, especially for the fine lines on the wings.

Head Unit and Movability

The head unit shares its design with the Agnes version, featuring a long, conical silhouette. The mono-eye is a sticker, but the detail is still present. The mono-eye can be easily moved by removing the top cover of the head, allowing it to be positioned freely.

Body and Chest Hatch

The torso is quite long, with distinctive 3D armor. The back has a single joint hole, compatible with the Bolero units from both versions. The chest hatch can open, and the MMI-T818 Trident 3-barrel rotating beam gun can be attached.

Comparison of Bolero Units

The Bolero A included with this kit features sharp wings and thrusters reminiscent of the Fatum. It’s a thinner, sharper design, with two missile launchers on each wing. The wings can be angled thanks to ball joints, and unlike the Bolero S, the engine unit can flip up 90 degrees to level the wings horizontally. However, some seams on the missile launchers need attention.

Arm and Leg Design

The arms have a defined silhouette, with minor seam lines on the shoulders and a joint for the shield on the forearms. There are no optional wrist parts. The hips have no unusual mechanics, and while the large rear armor lacks internal details, it still includes some detailing.

The legs maintain the iconic Gyan silhouette but feature more modern and detailed designs. The seams are turned into panel lines, and the thrusters are separate parts, though additional painting is needed.

Articulation and Display Options

The articulation of the main body is unchanged from the Agnes version, though the design of the Bolero A can interfere with shoulder movement when the wings are deployed. The lower body remains unaffected, allowing for good movement and stable footing.

Comparisons and Display Possibilities

When compared with the HGCE ZGMF-2027/A GYAN Storm (Agnes version), the blue color scheme stands out. While the Bolero unit is the main difference in terms of design, it makes a significant impact when deployed.

Weapons and Accessories

The kit includes a variety of weapons, consistent with the previous version, maintaining their versatility. A 3mm stand can be used, and when raising the Bolero, the side engine units lock securely, preventing drooping.

The MMI-M635D beam rifle is the same mold as the Agnes version, with most seams turned into panel lines, though some seams remain visible. The foregrip is movable, allowing for a two-handed grip. The evolution of HG kits is evident in the detailed part separation.

The MA-GFD230 Ferosecale beam saber features a slightly shorter blade, with a right-angled hand included for posing. This allows for easy thrusting poses, making such hand options desirable in other kits.

The MA-M767E Slayer whip is recreated by swapping out the wrist, and while it’s not very long, it’s solid and doesn’t sag. The soft plastic material ensures durability during play.

The MA-MR Falks G7 beam axe can be recreated in both stowed and deployed modes by swapping the grip, with effects shared with the Agnes version. The kit’s excellent articulation makes posing with close-combat weapons easy, with sufficient holding power.

The MMI-T818 Trident 3-barrel rotating beam gun is well-detailed, with reinforced armor ensuring its durability. Finally, the MMI-KX8E4 auto-protective shield comes in a lighter color, with no other differences from the Agnes version. The shield can be equipped with dramatic effects, though arm movement is somewhat restricted when attached.

Summary

The HGCE Gyan Storm (Hilda Haken Custom) is a great addition to the lineup. While the base kit is reused from the Agnes version, the mass production colors bring it closer to the original Gyan. The atmospheric Bolero A features thin, long wings and a 90-degree folding mechanism, giving it a sharp and distinct appearance compared to the Bolero S. The kit retains its variety of close-combat weapons, ensuring high play value, with the option to swap out Bolero units to create your preferred setup.

The HGCE series is becoming more comprehensive, and it would be exciting to see larger kits like MG versions in the future. For now, this Gyan Storm stands proudly alongside HGCE Immortal Justice and HGUC Gyan, offering a design that stays true to its roots while incorporating modern enhancements.