REVIEW SHFiguarts Shin Asuka (Compass Pilot Suit Ver.), Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla action figure Pilot Gundam SHFiguarts Shin Asuka (Compass Pilot Suit Ver.) from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

Bandai Gunpla action figure Pilot Gundam SHFiguarts Shin Asuka (Compass Pilot Suit Ver.) Review

This review covers the SHFiguarts Shin Asuka (Compass Pilot Suit Ver.), a figure that shares the body design of Kira Yamato in the same Compass Pilot Suit series. The new sculpt is primarily the head, while the suit itself retains the iconic red color from Shin’s ZAFT days.

Full Body and Design

Body Sculpt

The body design is identical to Kira’s, with no changes in the fine wrinkle details or overall slim SEED-style proportions. The figure feels true to the aesthetic established in the SHFiguarts SEED lineup.

Suit Color

The suit’s vibrant red is consistent with Shin’s ZAFT-era uniform, enhancing the figure’s connection to the character’s backstory.

Head Sculpt and Facial Expressions

Neutral Expression

Similar to Kira and Athrun, Shin’s default face is neutral and expressionless. The hair sculpt is particularly detailed, capturing the slightly tousled look perfectly. The subtle purple tint in the hair color is faithfully recreated.

Alternative Expressions

Shouting Face Features sharp brows, intense eyes, and an open mouth, conveying strong emotion naturally. Smiling Face A gentle expression with a faint smile at the lips, portraying Shin in a calm and approachable mood.

Grinning Face A sly grin reminiscent of his mischievous expression when encountering Destiny Gundam in the anime. The accuracy to the source material is remarkable.

SEED Mode Face A unique feature is the inclusion of Shin’s SEED mode face. Unlike Kira and Athrun, whose helmet faces are shouting expressions during SEED mode, Shin’s helmet face retains a neutral look, aligning closely with the anime.

Helmet and Accessories

Helmet

The set includes a helmet with swappable parts to recreate various looks, including SEED mode. The helmeted head sculpt, complete with sharp details like the eye positioning and bangs, is natural and well-crafted.

Weapons and Gear

Gun Identical to Kira and Athrun’s firearms. Saber Includes the saber Shin used during the mock battle with Shura, with a dedicated hand part for proper grip.

Hands Comes with a wide variety of interchangeable hands, including a salute hand, which has become standard for SEED characters.

Optional Displays

The helmet can be held in hand for a casual pose.

Articulation and Posing

Joint Movement

As the body design is the same as Kira’s, articulation is consistent. The neck and waist allow for smooth rotation, enabling dynamic sword-swinging poses. The knees and hips function well, supporting crouching or kneeling positions.

Display Compatibility

Can replicate action scenes such as the Destiny Gundam opening sequence using compatible accessories like the figma Golurkowitz soldier's assault rifle.

Highly poseable, allowing for dramatic recreations of memorable scenes, such as the confrontation with Athrun or SEED’s iconic poses.

Comparisons and Lineup Potential

Side-by-Side with Kira and Athrun

Placing Shin alongside Kira and Athrun highlights the consistent design across the Compass Pilot Suit series. However, Athrun’s head sculpt feels slightly oversized compared to the others.

Future Lineup

With the SEED SHFiguarts characters seemingly complete for now, fans may hope for new additions like Lacus in the pilot suit or Lunamaria Hawke, both of whom have strong popularity among SEED enthusiasts.

Summary

The SHFiguarts Shin Asuka (Compass Pilot Suit Ver.) delivers excellent quality in design, articulation, and accessories. From the accurate head sculpt to the diverse optional parts, the figure is versatile and packed with value. Fans can easily recreate iconic moments from the anime, making it a satisfying addition to the SEED collection. With hopes for more characters like Lacus and Lunamaria, the future of the SHFiguarts SEED lineup is exciting.