REVIEW Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 E Prize: HG 1/144 XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero Solid Clear, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 E Prize: HG 1/144 XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero Solid Clear from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing series.

The Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 series continues to impress, following our previous review of the Barbatos Lupus Rex from the D Prize. This time, we take a closer look at the E Prize: the HGAC Wing Zero Custom Gundam in its Solid Clear form. Like the other models in the series, the packaging is in full color, although the instruction manual is shared with the standard version.

The kit includes the essential accessories such as the Twin Buster Rifle, shield, two beam sabers, and parts for transformation. There are no extra or leftover pieces in this set.

The included stickers help with detailing various parts, including the sensors, yellow accents on the wings and Twin Buster Rifle, and red lines on the shield, provided as foil stickers.

The HGAC Wing Gundam Zero Solid Clear is a variant kit familiar to those who follow Ichiban Kuji's releases. Some parts of the armor are rendered in transparent plastic, particularly in yellow, green, blue, and red. The white and gray parts of the frame are opaque, which gives the upper body a noticeable clear finish. The white plastic, like that of the Barbatos Lupus Rex, has a glossy sheen that enhances its premium appearance.

The base model for this kit is the HGAC XXXG-00W0 Wing Zero Custom Gundam released in 2014. While most Wing Zero kits are based on the "Endless Waltz" (EW) version or older Zero Custom versions, this one represents the TV version, which features more mechanical wings compared to the organic designs seen in EW.

The kit uses a combination of PC002 and KPS materials, without any ABS plastic, ensuring a durable and easy-to-assemble model. While the main colors are accurately represented, some areas like the yellow lines on the wings and Buster Rifle or gray sections might require additional painting for full accuracy.

A close-up of the head reveals that both the antenna and the area around the jaw are made of clear parts. The plastic is quite firm, so caution is advised to avoid damaging the thin antenna. Fitting the jaw part was challenging due to the tightness of the clear plastic.

The twin eye parts are clear red, making it difficult to achieve a transparent effect with paint.

The body, particularly the chest area, includes numerous clear parts. While the chest ducts are not color-separated, the transparency helps them blend into the overall design. The chest’s search eye assembly remains the same, with a sticker placed beneath a clear part.

The backpack’s vernier nozzles are provided as separate parts, and the wings can extend sideways, allowing for flexible posing. Though the hinges are noticeable, the lightweight construction makes the model easy to pose and balance.

The forearms are also made of clear parts, which reflect light well and don't leave a hollow impression. The rear armor around the waist is made of clear plastic, and there is a 3mm hole on the hip joint for attaching the model to a display stand.

The legs feature a simple white-dominant color scheme with non-clear parts except for the soles. However, areas like the ducts on the shins and ankles are gray and require painting.

The transformation to Neo Bird mode is relatively simple. The feet are detached, and the verniers are attached to transformation-specific ankles. The calves' covers open to accommodate the changes. After adjusting the knee joint, the shoulder armor is lowered, and the torso and lower body are rotated 180 degrees. The Twin Buster Rifle is attached to the shield, which is then mounted onto the backpack, completing the transformation. This straightforward process ensures stability and reduces the risk of parts falling off.

The model offers a wide range of articulation. The waist is connected via a polyball joint, allowing for swinging and rotation. The shoulders and elbows offer ample movement, with a high degree of freedom in the neck as well. While the legs and knees allow for adequate articulation, the ankle joints don't provide the best ground stability due to their design.

When comparing it with the standard HGAC Wing Zero Custom Gundam, the Solid Clear version has a unique appearance, with selective clear parts giving it a distinct and premium feel.

The weapons, including the Twin Buster Rifle and shield, remain the same as the original kit. The clavicle-mounted machine cannons are present but lack an opening mechanism, requiring the removal of a cover to expose the barrels. The Twin Buster Rifle’s grip can be stored, but its yellow detailing is done through stickers.

When illuminated under blacklight, the green and yellow parts of the model respond well, though the blue and red parts don’t glow as brightly.

The HGAC Wing Gundam Zero Solid Clear is another stellar offering from the Ichiban Kuji Gunpla 2024 line. The kit offers a blend of glossy and clear parts, with a refined design that stands out. The clear colors are well-balanced, and the overall finish is clean and visually appealing. While the base model is from 2014, it still feels fresh, and the transformation into Neo Bird mode is both easy and stable.

For collectors, the Solid Clear version offers a unique take on the TV version of Wing Zero, and the inclusion of glossy white parts adds an extra layer of elegance. However, due to the hard plastic used for the clear parts, extra care is needed during assembly, especially around the head.

In conclusion, this kit is a great addition to any Gunpla enthusiast's collection, combining nostalgic design with modern enhancements.