REVIEW HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Colors][Gundam 45th Anniversary!], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla Gundam Side-F HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Colors][Gundam 45th Anniversary!].

P-Bandai Gunpla Gundam Side-F HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Colors][Gundam 45th Anniversary!] Review

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Gundam, the HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Colors] was released as a Premium Bandai exclusive. This kit, priced at ¥1,540, offers a refreshing take on the classic RX-78-2 with special color schemes and markings inspired by the "GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE ROAD TO 2025" initiative.

Packaging and Contents

Package and Manual: The kit comes in a unique box design, but the instruction manual is shared with the standard HGUC RX-78-2. Additionally, a separate sheet detailing marking placements and color recipes is included.

Accessories:

Beam Rifle
Hyper Bazooka
Shield
Right hand (gun-holding), flat hands, and beam saber blades (x2).
Bazooka joint parts.
Notable Absence: No surplus or alternative parts.
Stickers: Includes standard foil stickers for sensors and exclusive marking stickers.

Aesthetic Design

The Earth Colors variant showcases a striking palette reflecting space and terrestrial elements:

Primary Colors: Light blue for the body, accented with blue, light green, and metallic green highlights.
Color Scheme: Though subdued, the metallic green accents add vibrancy, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic.

The model uses the 2015 HGUC RX-78-2 Revive version as its base, ensuring a well-constructed and poseable kit.

Build and Features

Construction: The structure retains the original's excellent design, with KPS plastic and PC-002 polycaps for smooth joint movement. However, the core fighter mechanism is omitted.

Color Accuracy: Most of the kit is molded in appropriate colors, but certain details like the V-fin on the crotch, Vulcan cannons, and knee ducts require stickers or paint for accuracy.

Head Design: Light blue dominates, with yellow twin eyes maintained. The clear parts for the eyes are paired with silver foil stickers for better light reflection.

Details

Metallic green for the abdomen and light metallic gray for the backpack.
The kit has sharp molding throughout, though minor gaps or seam lines appear on parts like the head, forearms, and calves.

Articulation and Poseability

The Revive version's articulation shines here:

Arms and shoulders allow dynamic poses, including the iconic "Last Shooting" pose.
The waist and legs feature decent mobility, though the ankles lack optimal ground contact for stability.
Accessories like the beam rifle and Hyper Bazooka can be posed naturally thanks to their movable grips.

Weapons and Markings

Weapons:

The beam rifle and Hyper Bazooka receive metallic gray updates with light green for sensors.
Both maintain functional, articulated grips but use simple monocoque construction with visible seams.

Markings: Stickers are primarily for shoulders, knees, and the left shin. While easy to apply, edge lifting may occur on curved surfaces. Trimming stickers for a better fit is recommended.

Summary

The HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Colors] offers a fresh perspective on a classic design, balancing subtle pastel tones with unique metallic highlights. Although fundamentally a color variant of the 2015 Revive version, it successfully captures the theme of Earth and space, making it a standout addition to any collection.

Pros

Unique, cohesive color scheme.
Excellent articulation and solid build quality.
Smooth joint movements due to polycap integration.

Cons

Requires additional painting for full accuracy.
Limited ground stability due to ankle articulation.

Verdict: This kit is a delightful tribute to Gundam's legacy, combining nostalgic design with modern aesthetics. A must-have for fans of the RX-78-2 or collectors of unique Gundam variants!