REVIEW HG 1/144 RX-78(G)E Gundam EX [ Requiem Of Vengeance ], Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 Gundam EX [ Requiem Of Vengeance ] from Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance.

Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 Gundam EX [ Requiem Of Vengeance ] Review

With the recent release of *Mobile Suit Gundam: Vengeance Requiem* on Netflix on the 17th, Bandai has released the HG Gundam EX as a model kit. This kit is priced at ¥2,090 and was launched alongside the HG Zaku II Solaris-type.

The kit comes with several accessories: a beam rifle, shield, right-hand grip for holding weapons, stand joint, and two beam saber blades. The kit includes foil stickers for the sensors and the Earth Federation insignia on the shield. There's also a set of marking stickers to replicate fine line markings. Due to runner configurations, some parts related to the neck and beam sabers are left over.

Design and Background

The Gundam EX appears as a unique antagonist mobile suit in *Mobile Suit Gundam: Vengeance Requiem*, which is told from the perspective of Zeon. According to the kit’s manual, this Gundam is one of the Federation’s prototype units, optimized for ground combat. It was designed for deep reconnaissance and disrupting enemy lines, with enhanced mobility and operational capabilities.

The Gundam EX features a highly unusual design compared to traditional Gundams, with notably longer arms and a modular armor design that looks as if small plates are layered onto the frame.

Color and Detail

The unique, high-detail design is reflected in the color scheme, which is a two-tone combination of white and light gray. The inner frame is also exposed in certain areas. Though the weaponry is simple, the inclusion of a shoulder-mounted Gatling gun on its backpack is a standout feature.

The joints are constructed using KPS plastic, which is common in modern Gunpla, so no polycaps or ABS parts are used in this kit.

Color Scheme

The Gundam EX deviates from the typical Gundam color scheme. The white is more of a light gray, and there are no blue or yellow parts, creating a near-monochrome appearance. Some parts, such as the soles, are dark red, but even this is a muted, darker shade. While the kit faithfully replicates the intricate color patterns, some details, like the gray on the shoulder hooks and cheek ducts, require additional painting for accuracy.

Head and Body Design

The head is one of the most distinctive features, with four built-in machine guns and a unique shape. The twin eyes have several sensor patterns that can be recreated with the included stickers. The manual offers three different sticker options for the eyes, with the kit allowing flexibility in how the sensor is portrayed.

The torso features several small armor plates attached to the frame, giving it a more humanoid silhouette. The ducts are compact, and the red areas are minimal compared to a standard Gundam. The backpack connection features a two-hole configuration, allowing for a variety of backpack attachments.

Backpack and Armaments

The backpack has an unusual design with a shoulder-mounted Gatling gun on the right, three beam sabers on the left, and a central ammunition drum for the Gatling gun. The detailed mechanical design continues in the abdomen, where there’s visible detail even in areas that may not be immediately noticeable.

Thrusters feature afterburners and can swing for articulation. The beam saber rack can also be raised, and the sabers themselves can be displayed in an open position. The grips need some painting to match the light gray accents.

The Gatling gun’s ammunition belt is made of TPE, a flexible material that moves with the figure. While some assembly lines are visible on the Gatling gun, the high level of detail makes it stand out with additional detailing like panel lining.

Articulation and Mobility

The model’s joints are well-articulated, allowing for a decent range of motion, though the shoulder armor, which integrates with the arms, limits upward movement. The waist articulation is average, but the leg joints allow for dynamic posing. The design sacrifices some posability for aesthetic reasons, especially around the shoulders.

Weapons and Accessories

The Gundam EX comes with a beam rifle and shield, both of which are simple but effective in their design. The rifle lacks the usual scope and foregrip mobility seen in other kits, but the gun fits well into the right hand. The shoulder-mounted Gatling gun can swing both horizontally and vertically without obstructing the pose.

The shield is straightforward, held via a handgrip. The Earth Federation insignia is recreated using stickers. While the outer surface is highly detailed, the interior of the shield may require painting to bring out the intricate details.

Summary

The HG Gundam EX is a fresh take on the Gundam formula, offering a unique look that is significantly different from traditional Gundam designs. Its monochromatic color scheme and modular armor give it a more mechanical and eerie appearance, especially as an enemy mobile suit.

Despite being part of the HG line, the level of detail is impressive, from the intricate armor segmentation to the mechanical features in the torso and backpack. While the weaponry is basic, the visual impact of the design more than compensates for the simplicity.

Fans of Zeon mobile suits or anyone looking for a Gundam model that breaks from the norm will likely find the HG Gundam EX to be an enjoyable build. Let’s hope that more Zeon suits like the Zaku and Gouf Custom get similar kit treatments in the future.