REVIEW ROBOT Spirits [SIDE MS] RMS-106 Hizack Ver. ANIME, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai action figure Gunpla ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> RMS-106 Hizack Ver. ANIME from Mobile Suit Z Gundam series.

P-Bandai action figure Gunpla ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> RMS-106 Hizack Ver. ANIME

The ROBOT Tamashii Hizack ver. A.N.I.M.E. stays true to the look and feel of the original anime. The sculpt captures the Hi-Zack's bulky and heavy-set body, which was faithfully recreated with careful attention to its green coloration, closely matching the anime.

Head Design

As a direct evolution of the Zaku II, the Hi-Zack’s head retains the simple "Zaku face," but with added details like molded lines on the upper part and under the mono-eye. The pipe on the head is also painted yellow, which is a nice visual contrast. As expected, the mono-eye features the usual metallic paint and can be moved side to side by opening the head cover, just like other Zaku models.

Upper Body and Armor

The design below the neck deviates significantly from the Zaku II, with a much bulkier build and more intricate detailing. The waist area remains sturdy, and the right shoulder features a shield, similar to the Zaku II, but with more pronounced armor on the left shoulder, which is spiked and can open slightly.

Limbs and Thrusters

The legs are notably thicker, and the side pipes found on the Zaku II have been replaced with thrusters. The thruster covers on the calves are also movable, enhancing the dynamic look of the legs. The large backpack is another significant change, featuring new binders that dramatically alter the silhouette. The binders can rotate and move slightly from side to side, while the lower thruster nozzles are also adjustable. The backpack can even be tilted forward.

Articulation

The articulation on the Hizack is excellent, thanks to the innovative design of the ver. A.N.I.M.E. series. The neck features a pull-out mechanism, allowing the head to swing back and forth. The waist is highly flexible, and the shoulders can be raised high, while the elbows and knees bend deeply. Although the legs are thick, the hips utilize a pull-out joint, allowing ample movement in all directions, including front, back, and sideways. The feet provide excellent ground contact, which adds stability.

Like the Rick Dias, the shoulders can extend outward significantly and rotate both forward and backward. The chest area also allows for inward pressing on both sides, enhancing the overall articulation.

Weapons and Accessories

The 120mm Zaku Machine Gun is included, similar in design to the one from Zaku II but with some minor adjustments. The foregrip can move, and the magazine is detachable. The shield is mounted using a joint that plugs into the elbow, with the base of the shield allowing for flexible movement thanks to its ball joint.

The Heat Hawk can be mounted on the rear waist using a special joint, and a saber handle can be attached at the same time. Additionally, a Beam Rifle and Missile Pod are included, both equipped with joints for waist mounting. The Beam Rifle features a movable foregrip, and the E-Pack can be removed, with two spare packs that can be stored on the back of the shield.

The Missile Pod attaches to the rear waist, though the left and right pods are connected and cannot be removed individually. The joints offer limited vertical movement, allowing for minor adjustments. The figure also comes with rifle effects and thruster effect parts for added dynamic displays.

Comparison with Other Figures

Standing side by side with other figures like the Mass Production Type Zaku and Rick Dias, the Hizack clearly shows its lineage from the Zaku II while featuring updated designs that reflect its evolution. It pairs well with figures like the mk2 (Titans Color), giving collectors a sense of the early Z Gundam universe with many complementary units available.

Summary

The ROBOT Tamashii Hizack ver. A.N.I.M.E. is a high-quality representation of the Hi-Zack, with an emphasis on maintaining the anime aesthetic. Its bulky proportions and curved Zaku-like form are sculpted to perfection, and the anime-accurate colors make it stand out. The figure's articulation is impressive, with various pull-out joints allowing for a wide range of motion, far exceeding initial impressions based on its design.

As a machine that appears throughout the early and later parts of Z Gundam, the Hizack complements figures like the mk2 and Rick Dias, making it a must-have for fans of the series. Its extensive accessories and playability only add to the overall value. If you're a Z Gundam fan, this figure is highly recommended for your collection.