REVIEW HG 1/144 PMX-002 Bolinoak Sammahn, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla plastic model HG 1/144 PMX-002 Bolinoak Sammahn from Mobile Suit Gundam Zeta series.

Bandai Gunpla plastic model HG 1/144 PMX-002 Bolinoak Sammahn

The HGUC PMX-002 Bolinoak Sammahn is a highly anticipated kit from the Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam series. With a retail price of 3,520 yen, this new addition to the HGUC line offers a wealth of features and attention to detail, making it a must-have for collectors and model enthusiasts.

Contents and Accessories

The kit includes a specialized shield, an alternate head, a left open hand, and beam saber and beam tomahawk effect parts. Additionally, it comes with foil stickers to cover small yellow details across the model, including parts like the mono-eye and the inside of the head's radar dome. Notably, there are also leftover parts due to shared beam components with the HGUC Sinanju, as well as extra thruster pieces.

Design and Details

This version of the Bolinoak Sammahn, piloted by Sarah Zabiarov and developed by Shirocco, captures the mobile suit's unique and imposing design. The kit features sharp, fine panel lines and well-thought-out part separation, typical of newer HGUC kits. The bulky, asymmetrical upper body and massive backpack are faithfully recreated, and the overall silhouette mirrors the gorilla-like posture of the mobile suit. Its design places emphasis on reconnaissance and sensor systems, as seen in the radar-equipped head and large thruster units.

Head and Mono-Eye

The head offers two assembly options: one with a standard design and the other with a radar dome featuring clear parts to replicate the glowing effect. The dome has reflective cuts on the underside to enhance the glowing effect, and a special sticker with a gradient is applied to help achieve the desired look. The mono-eye is rotatable, controlled by a lever on the back of the head, allowing for some dynamic posing.

Torso and Backpack

The chest is massive and barrel-shaped, while the shoulders are asymmetric, with large thrusters and thruster units. The backpack, a standout feature, includes three large thrusters at the center and additional thruster units on either side. The thruster cones are mostly made from separate parts, which improves the visual quality. The thrusters and backpack can rotate thanks to polycaps, adding some fun poseability. The back also features a 3mm hole, which allows for customization with additional parts or display options.

Articulation and Posing

Despite the bulky design, the upper body of the Bolinoak Sammahn has good articulation. The head offers a wide range of movement, while the arms and waist can swing quite well. However, the shoulders have limited forward and backward motion. The legs feature well-designed hip joints, although the overall leg movement is somewhat restricted by the unique design of the suit.

Shield and Armament

The Bolinoak Sammahn’s massive shield is one of its most distinctive features, with large scissors that open and close. The shield can also store a beam saber, which doubles as a beam gun when closed. The model offers a simple but effective mechanism to swap out the saber grip. The shield and the beam parts have a satisfying, heavy feel when attached to the arms, and the movable parts are sturdy enough for various posing options. The shoulder-mounted explosive launcher also adds a touch of detail, though it requires some paint for full accuracy.

Beam Saber and Beam Tomahawk

The beam saber is unique, doubling as a beam tomahawk with a distinct design. It uses a transparent yellow blade, and additional beam effects from the HGUC Sinanju kit can be swapped in for an even more dramatic appearance. The beam tomahawk effect parts are a great touch for dynamic display, and the model allows for easy swapping between the saber and tomahawk configurations.

Comparison with Other HGUC Kits

When displayed alongside other HGUC kits like the Z Gundam or the Gi' No and Pallas Athena, the Bolinoak Sammahn stands out due to its size and unique design. It is slightly smaller than some of its heavier counterparts but still has a commanding presence with its robust frame and weighty feel.

Summary

The HGUC 1/144 PMX-002 Bolinoak Sammahn finally brings this iconic and unique mobile suit to life in plastic model form. With its intricate design, dynamic accessories like the glowing radar dome, and impressive shield gimmicks, this kit offers a lot of playability and visual appeal. Whether you're a fan of the Zeta Gundam series or a Gunpla collector, this model is a worthy addition to your collection. Plus, it’s a delight to see it alongside other major mobile suits in the series. The Bolinoak Sammahn truly stands out as one of the most interesting releases in the HGUC lineup.