REVIEW MG 1/100 Gundam Stormbringer P.F., Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 Gundam Stormbringer P.F. from Gundam Build Divers.

P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 Gundam Stormbringer P.F. Review

The Gundam Stormbringer has been released in various forms as MG (Master Grade) model kits. This time, the final version, the Gundam Stormbringer P.F., has been made into a kit. As usual, it is available exclusively through Premium Bandai, priced at 7,590 yen. The packaging is monochrome, but the instruction manual includes some color pages with a brief explanation of the unit.

The kit comes with a twin beam cannon, a large gatling gun, two saber blades, open hands, two types of gripping hands, and a stand joint.

The kit includes foil stickers to supplement the white lines on the GM head antenna and various sensors, along with water-transfer decals. The decals feature emblems such as the Vickers insignia.

There is a considerable number of leftover parts in this kit. Since it includes almost all parts from the Stormbringer F.A. and new runners, more components are left over than usual. However, it lacks some parts from the C runner, so it cannot be assembled as a complete Stormbringer F.A. or other variants.

Design and Features of the Gundam Stormbringer P.F.

From the "Gundam Build Divers Genius Head Line," the final form of the Stormbringer, the Gundam Stormbringer P.F. (Phantom Fang), has been released as a kit. This model is based on previously released Stormbringer kits with additional new parts, representing a further heavy-armored form of the Stormbringer F.A.

While the F.A. version featured a Full Armor Gundam-like design, this kit adopts a low-visibility grey base color, supposedly painted with "Phantom Color," a special radar-absorbing paint. Several parts of the armor have been modified, particularly the legs, which have been heavily reinforced to create a bulkier silhouette, incorporating design elements similar to the Perfect Gundam.

Kit Structure and Composition

The kit is based on the MG GM Dominance, which uses the frame of the MG GM Sniper II. Consequently, the joint structure is similar, featuring a mix of polycaps and KPS joints, with no ABS plastic used. The color scheme is faithfully reproduced in molded colors, though some detailed areas, such as the interior of ducts, require painting.

Additional Features

The head of the GM Turbulence is also included, allowing for an interchangeable head configuration based on preference. Additionally, the left hand can be equipped with a large gatling gun. However, unlike the F.A. version, there is no gimmick to swap parts between the Stormbringer and GM Turbulence; only the head can be replaced.

Head and Body Features

Head Details: The twin eyes are blue, with slight changes in antenna shape, while the overall helmet remains the same.
GM Turbulence Head Comparison: The head shape is the same, with different colors. The white line on the antenna is not reproduced and requires a sticker.
Clear Parts and Visor: The twin eyes are clear parts, and the GM head's visor remains movable.

Body Armor and Back Details

Body Armor Modifications: Some armor parts have been altered, including additional armor on the abdomen, changes to the side and rear armor on the waist, and a rear armor piece designed to hold saber grips, similar to the GM Sniper II.
Backpack Compatibility: The backpack is shared with the F.A. version, featuring a modified 360mm rocket launcher.

Weapon Details

360mm Rocket Launcher: The launcher can be extended to face forward but lacks lateral movement. Most seams are molded as panel lines, except for the round barrel section.
Shoulder Armor Changes: Some parts of the shoulder armor have been redesigned to feature wing-like armor on a sturdy pipe frame.
Arm Modifications: While the basic arm structure remains unchanged, the forearm armor has been modified to include a joint for the gatling gun.

Legs and Articulation

Leg Modifications: The most extensive changes are in the leg armor, which has been significantly reinforced, with a slightly altered toe shape.
Articulation Range: The armor covering the ankles can open to avoid interference, and the toes are independently movable. The torso armor may slightly hinder forward bending, but overall articulation remains largely unaffected. The joints retain the high degree of freedom typical of the GM Sniper II series, allowing for good flexibility in the shoulders and legs.

Comparison with Stormbringer F.A.

The overall head-to-body ratio remains unchanged compared to the Stormbringer F.A., but the thicker legs provide a more stable silhouette.

Weaponry and Playability

Twin Beam Cannon: The cannon is based on the F.A. version, with additional protruding parts inspired by the Perfect Gundam. It attaches securely to the wrist and forearm, eliminating wobbling but exposing some seam lines.
360mm Rocket Launcher: The launcher features sharp, solid construction, with limited swing width but sufficient functionality for posing.
Large Gatling Gun: This weapon is borrowed from the MG GM Dominance (Philip Hughes' unit), now molded in a black color. It can be configured as a ground turret or mounted on the forearm.

Summary

This kit recreates the heavily armored form of the Stormbringer P.F., with a low-visibility grey tone that complements the green of the F.A. version for a refined finish. The addition of a large gatling gun offers versatile play options, whether mounted on the arm or used as a ground turret. With plenty of spare parts, including most of the F.A. parts, customization opportunities are abundant for those who wish to modify the model to their liking.