REVIEW Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 D Prize: HG ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex [ Solid Clear Color ], Bandai

This is review of Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 D Prize: HG Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex Solid Clear from Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-blooded Orphans.

Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 D Prize: HG Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex Solid Clear Review

Previously, I introduced the Ichiban Kuji color version of Gundam, and today, I'll be reviewing the D Prize: HG ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex Solid Clear. The instruction manual is a reused version from the standard Lupus Rex.

The kit includes the Super Large Mace, a set of hands, a stand joint, a joint for mounting the mace, and the tail blade's wire. The kit comes with foil stickers to enhance the color details of the chest, shoulders, toes, heels, and tail blade. Some frame parts are leftover, specifically around the frame area.

Frame Details

The kit uses the Gundam Frame 4, but the frame for the chest and arms has been redesigned to accommodate the enlarged arm parts.

Appearance and Design

The HG Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex Solid Clear, released as the D Prize for Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024, features clear parts in blue, yellow, red, and dark gray. However, the main white color and the Gundam frame are not clear, giving the kit a balanced, subtle appearance.

The white armor also has a glossy finish, though it’s not as shiny as a gloss injection. The kit is based on the previously released HG Iron-Blooded Orphans ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex, with no differences other than the color scheme. The design reflects a monstrous transformation from Lupus, with larger forearms and the addition of the tail blade.

Details and Construction

The part separation remains unchanged, so the color accuracy is similar to the previous version. While the main colors are well represented, some details are replicated with stickers.

Head Close-Up

The head design is as fierce as ever, with a large antenna and sharp eyes typical of Barbatos. The antenna, ducts, and areas around the chin are made from clear parts.

Body and Backpack

The torso features some clear parts, with the clear blue and yellow parts overlapping to create a greenish hue. The backpack, excluding the blades, also uses clear parts. Stickers are used to supplement some of the details on the chest and side armor.

The backpack has a two-hole joint typical of the Iron-Blooded Orphans series, which is not compatible with more recent two-hole joints.

Tail Blade

The yellow part of the tail blade is entirely replicated with stickers. The base of the blade can be flipped up, and the blade itself is a two-part assembly with a visible seam line.

Shoulder Armor and Arms

The shoulder armor is molded as a single piece, with no seam lines. The blue armor can be slightly lifted, and the narrow black slits are covered with stickers.

The enlarged forearms and wrists give the arms a fierce appearance. The frame has been redesigned to increase the holding strength around the elbows and shoulders. However, the forearms are a two-part assembly, resulting in visible seam lines.

The sub-arms can be deployed without any parts swapping.

Hips and Legs

The hips have limited rotation, and there’s no detailing on the inner side of the armor. The mace can still be mounted on the waist with the included joint parts.

The legs maintain Barbatos's signature long shin design, with high heels. Stickers are used to replicate the black on the calves, the red on the heels, and the yellow on the toes. The armor doesn't have seam lines, but there are some on the frame of the calves.

The toes are articulated, and there are some hollow areas in the claws and heels. The pile bunkers on the heels are sculpted but non-functional.

Articulation and Movement

The articulation is consistent with the Gundam Frame series. The torso has a good range of motion, and the shoulders can swing adequately. The elbows bend about 100 degrees.

The legs, with their long shins, make kneeling poses challenging, but the feet have excellent ground contact, and the hips move well, providing a wide range of motion.

Comparison with Standard HG Barbatos Lupus Rex

When compared to the standard HG Barbatos Lupus Rex, the color pattern hasn’t changed significantly, so the overall impression remains the same.

Although it’s a bit hard to see, the shoulder area in the Solid Clear version has a noticeable gloss.

Weapons and Accessories

The kit includes only the Super Large Mace as a handheld weapon, but it’s a significant and impactful piece. While it may not be immediately noticeable, the white parts have a gloss finish, offering a beautiful shine.

The Rex Nails on both hands are large and imposing, but since this is an HG kit, the tips are rounded. Sharpening them would enhance the look. The yellow on the nails is not replicated, so some detailed painting is necessary.

The Super Large Mace has an extendable grip. It’s molded in a smoky color, giving it a translucent finish.

The sub-arms can assist in holding the mace or other weapons.

The Gundam Frame from Iron-Blooded Orphans tends to have loose joints around the shoulders and hips, but in Lupus Rex, the shoulder joints have been upgraded from polycaps to KPS, significantly improving the holding strength. As a result, it’s now possible to hold the mace with one hand.

The mace grip is long enough to be held with both hands comfortably.

The tail blade can be displayed in a firing position using a thick lead wire, which can be positioned without support and fixed in various poses.

Special Features

While there are clear parts, only the yellow ones are fluorescent. They glow when exposed to black light.

Summary

This review of the HG Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex Solid Clear from Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 reveals a kit with subtle yet effective use of clear parts, providing a balanced accent to the overall design. While the kit remains largely unchanged from the standard version, the monstrous forearms and massive mace are well-replicated, showcasing the fierce appearance of Barbatos. The strengthened elbow and shoulder joints make posing with the mace easier, adding playability. The glossy white parts offer a different, more rigid feel compared to the standard version, making this a well-rounded and satisfying kit.

Gallery

Related Article

• Ichiban Kuji Mobile Suit Gundam Gunpla 2024, Bandai
•  REVIEW Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 D Prize: HG ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex [ Solid Clear Color ], Bandai