REVIEW ROBOT SPIRITS [SIDE MS] MDX-0003 Gundam Schwarzette Ver. ANIME, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> MDX-0003 Gundam Schwarzette Ver. ANIME from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury series.

P-Bandai Gunpla ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> MDX-0003 Gundam Schwarzette Ver. ANIME

This review explores the highly anticipated ROBOT Spirits Gundam Schwarzette Ver. A.N.I.M.E., an exciting figure from the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury series. Faithful to its anime counterpart, this figure offers excellent detailing, dynamic articulation, and a variety of accessories. Let’s dive into its key features and performance.

Overall Design

In line with the rest of the Witch from Mercury series, the Gundam Schwarzette remains true to the original anime design, with no significant modifications or redesigns. The dark color scheme matches the on-screen appearance, though the Shell Unit has a fixed glowing look, lacking the ability to switch between glowing and non-glowing states as seen in the anime.

Head Sculpt

The Schwarzette’s head features its iconic ring-shaped antenna and skull-like face. The sculpt faithfully captures the eerie, skeletal design, and the overall proportions are accurate to the anime. The mask and duct details are precisely molded, and the eyes are painted in a bright, fluorescent pink, slightly lighter than the Shell Unit’s color.

Body and Armor Detailing

The body of the Gundam Schwarzette is noticeably slimmer than the Aerial, with intricate details that enhance its futuristic and mechanical feel. The Shell Units are crafted from clear parts, painted in metallic lavender and pink, adding a level of complexity to the figure's aesthetics. The detailing, especially on the torso, gives the figure a high-tech appearance.

Arms, Legs, and Feet

Like the torso, the arms and legs are slimmer than those of the Aerial, emphasizing the Schwarzette's agility. One of the unique design elements is the horse-hoof-like feet, which contribute to its distinctive look. The black heel parts can rotate, adding versatility to posing.

Articulation

The figure offers a wide range of motion, with good flexibility in the neck and waist. The shoulders can lift high, allowing for dynamic arm movements, and the elbows and knees bend deeply, enabling more dramatic poses. The hip joints feature a pull-out mechanism, and the figure has excellent ground contact, making it stable in various stances. The shoulders have about 45 degrees of pull-out motion for more elaborate posing.

Optional Accessories

Guardian Display System: The figure comes equipped with two configurations for the Guardian Marionette, a set of triangular bits and blade-shaped bits. These can be attached to either the waist or the backpack, allowing for multiple display options. The base of the bits is adjustable.

Beam Blade: The clear beam blade is detachable, though the color is pink instead of the blue seen in the anime, which might disappoint some fans.

Guardian Sheath Mode: The bits can be combined into a sheath-like structure, which can be attached to the waist or held in hand. A second handgrip with a specific angle is included for more dynamic posing with the sheath.

Guardian Draw Effect: Like the Aerial, the Schwarzette includes display parts that allow you to recreate the Guardian Draw move. The base is compatible with both the waist and a Tamashii Stage stand, offering flexible display options. Each bit can be securely attached using special joints, and the pins on the bits can be reversed for different configurations.

Comparisons and Posing

When compared to other figures in the Witch from Mercury series, the Schwarzette is slightly smaller than the Aerial, though the two pair well together. Its proportions are accurate to the anime’s depiction, with no noticeable deviations. It also scales well against figures like the Dilanza Guel Custom, offering plenty of posing possibilities for battle reenactments.

Posing is generally smooth and stable, even with more complex setups like the Guardian Sheath or Guardian Marionette. The joints are sturdy, allowing for one-handed poses without any balance issues. Shoulder movement is somewhat restricted, preventing the full range of motion seen in the anime, but it’s not a major drawback.

Summary

The ROBOT Spirits Gundam Schwarzette Ver. A.N.I.M.E. lives up to the high expectations set by the Witch from Mercury series. While the pink beam blade color deviates from the anime's blue, the figure's proportions, articulation, and detailing are excellent. The dark color scheme and Shell Unit effects are mostly accurate, making it a striking figure on display.

With the upcoming release of the Demi Barding, another figure from the Witch from Mercury series, collectors have even more to look forward to. Overall, the Schwarzette is a solid entry with impressive features that will satisfy fans of the series.