REVIEW ROBOT SPIRIT [SIDE MS] EDM-GA-02 Gundam Lfrith Thorn ver. ANIME., Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai action figure Gunpla ROBOT SPIRIT魂 <SIDE MS> EDM-GA-02 Gundam Lfrith Thorn ver. A.N.I.M.E. from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.

P-Bandai action figure Gunpla ROBOT SPIRIT魂 <SIDE MS> EDM-GA-02 Gundam Lfrith Thorn ver. A.N.I.M.E. Review

Bandai’s ROBOT Spirits Gundam Lfrith Thorn ver. A.N.I.M.E. is a distinctive addition to The Witch from Mercury lineup, showcasing its unconventional proportions and detailed design. With its unique features, including reversed arm and leg lengths, this model captures the essence of the Thorn while maintaining excellent articulation and playability. Below is an in-depth review.

Design and Aesthetics

Unique Proportions

The inverted limb proportions (long arms and short legs) define the Thorn’s unconventional appearance. When posed in a neutral standing position, this asymmetry becomes strikingly noticeable, whereas floating poses balance the proportions.

Shell Units and Color Scheme

The Shell Units feature a clear part design similar to the Lfrith Ur but with standard paint rather than metallic, slightly reducing the perceived glow effect.

The primary brown coloration closely mirrors its anime depiction, providing an earthy and heavy-duty aesthetic.

Head and Details

The antenna’s unique design and the armored chin contribute to the heavy-duty look, similar to the Lfrith Ur but slightly less pronounced.

As with other ROBOT Spirits models, the eyes are metallic painted, and the forehead uses a clear part for added realism.

Articulation and Build

Movement Range

The neck offers more swing range than the Lfrith Ur, making it easier to achieve dynamic poses. The waist articulation is moderate but effective, while shoulders can lift high and have a pull-out design for better reach.

Elbows and knees are deeply bendable, with the knee joints featuring a pull-out mechanism to accommodate the Thorn’s short legs.

The hips allow wide movement in all directions, and the model maintains decent ground stability despite the unusual proportions.

Weapons and Accessories

Beam Diffuse Gun

Larger than the Lfrith Ur’s Gatling Gun, the Beam Diffuse Gun is the Thorn’s primary ranged weapon. Unlike the Ur, this weapon does not integrate with the shield.

Shield and Beam Sabers

The shield attaches via a simple pin-to-hole connection on the arm, with a ball joint at the attachment point for positional flexibility.

Two beam sabers are stored on the shield’s rear. Unlike the Ur, the Thorn can deploy beam sabers directly from its forearms by moving specific panels.

Phased Array Cannon

The Phased Array Cannon remains identical to the Lfrith Ur’s version in design, attachment, and functionality, including its articulation and ability to simulate firing poses.

Comparisons

Lfrith Ur and Floating Poses

When displayed alongside the Lfrith Ur, the Thorn’s proportions stand out starkly in grounded poses, emphasizing its alien, asymmetric design. However, floating poses downplay this difference, blending the two designs seamlessly.

Performance in Action

Poseability

The model’s excellent articulation allows for a variety of dynamic poses. The Beam Diffuse Gun can be comfortably wielded with both hands, thanks to the smooth articulation of the shoulders and elbows.

Stability and Playability

The figure maintains good balance, even with its shorter legs. Unlike the Lfrith Ur, the weapon grip is more secure, minimizing frustrations during posing.

Summary

Pros

Distinctive Design: The reversed proportions and brown color scheme perfectly capture the Thorn’s unique identity from the anime.
Enhanced Articulation: Features like the pull-out knee joints and improved neck mobility allow for greater pose variety.
Improved Playability: Secure weapon grips and thoughtful design ensure a frustration-free experience.

Cons

Shell Unit Colors: The lack of metallic paint on the Shell Units is a minor letdown, as it reduces their glowing effect.
No Shield Integration: Unlike the Lfrith Ur, the Thorn’s shield does not integrate with its primary weapon, limiting display options slightly.

The ROBOT Spirits Gundam Lfrith Thorn ver. A.N.I.M.E. stands out as a highly detailed and thoughtfully designed figure. Its unusual proportions, combined with its solid build quality and excellent articulation, make it a fantastic addition to the collection of any The Witch from Mercury fan.