REVIEW Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 F Prize: HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ichiban Kuji Original Color, Bandai

This is review of Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 F Prize HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ichiban Kuji Original Color from Mobile Suit Gundam series.

Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 F Prize HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ichiban Kuji Original Color Review

Every year, the Ichiban Kuji Gunpla series releases new kits, and this time I decided to try my luck with about 20 draws. Each draw costs 800 yen. Unfortunately, I didn't win any of the top prizes, but I did manage to get C, D, E, F Prizes and three sets of J Prize custom parts. With four kits and no duplicates, I consider myself quite lucky.

The Gunpla kits for this Ichiban Kuji are generally in solid clear colors, but the F Prize HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam stands out with its original Ichiban Kuji color scheme. Let's take a closer look at this kit.

The kit includes the following accessories:

• Beam Rifle
• Shield
• Two types of flat hands
• Gripping hands
• Angled saber holding hand
• Right hand for holding the rifle
• Two beam saber blades

The kit comes with foil stickers for sensor details, shield markings, and to cover the white parts of the ankle armor and the V-shaped crotch area.

Original Color Scheme

The HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam F Prize features an original color scheme dominated by green and red, giving it a subdued and mature appearance. This kit is based on the HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam [2020 Dubai International Expo Japan Pavilion PR Ambassador] version rather than the HGUC Gundam (Revive) version. As a result, the parts separation and color patterns are quite distinct from the standard HGUC Gundam.

Proportions and Silhouette

While the kit's proportions and silhouette are similar to the standard HGUC Gundam, there are several differences:

• No joint holes in the forearms
• Small thrusters added to the calves
• Line moldings added in various places

These changes result in more intricate parts separation.

Color Separation and Stickers

The Dubai Gundam features white lines on separated color areas, which were originally represented by stickers. However, the F Prize kit has more detailed color separation, reducing the need for stickers. Only the V-shaped crotch and white parts of the ankle armor require stickers or painting.

Details

Head

The head design is almost identical to the Revive version, with clear parts used for the twin eyes, molded in a bright fluorescent yellow. However, the cheek ducts and Vulcan cannons lack color separation, so painting might be necessary.

Torso

The torso has a military-like, subdued color scheme, with white ducts and a helium core. The backpack remains unchanged, with separate parts for the thrusters and 3mm joints. However, the waist joint from the Revive version is omitted, likely due to the absence of the bazooka.

Arms

The forearms have a two-tone color scheme, making the parts separation more complex. The kit also includes solid gripping hands, which is a nice touch.

Legs

The legs feature two-tone colors, with small thrusters added to the calves. The armor has some visible seams, and the soles of the feet are slightly thicker due to the Dubai Gundam's color scheme. The soles also have some hollow areas at the toes.

Articulation

The kit has a good range of articulation:

• Shoulders can raise almost vertically
• Elbows bend deeply
• The torso can swing adequately

However, the side-to-side movement of the torso is limited, and the ankle articulation is not as good as in the Revive version.

Comparison with HGUC Dubai Gundam

When compared with the HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam [2020 Dubai International Expo Japan Pavilion PR Ambassador], the F Prize kit shares the same parts separation but lacks the white line stickers, resulting in a simpler color scheme.

Comparison with HGUC Gundam

The F Prize kit has subtle differences in its design, but its silhouette and balance are almost identical to the standard HGUC Gundam.

Weapons and Stickers

The Beam Rifle is molded in black, matching the joint colors, with a white scope. The shield shares the same design as the Dubai version but has a large Ichiban Kuji logo sticker on the front. The joint hole in the forearm is removed, so the shield is held with a special joint.

The beam saber grips are partly molded in red, with angled holding hands included, allowing for dynamic poses similar to the Dubai Gundam.

Summary

The Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 F Prize HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Ichiban Kuji Original Color is an intriguing variant of the Dubai Gundam, featuring unique colors and detailed parts separation. The wide range of hand options adds to its playability, and while some parts require painting, the kit's simplicity and charm make it a delightful addition to any collection. Unlike the usual solid clear kits, this original color version stands out as a special item among the recent Ichiban Kuji Gunpla prizes.

Gallery

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• REVIEW Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 F Prize: HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ichiban Kuji Original Color, Bandai