REVIEW HG 1/144 gMS-01 Gelgoog: Sugai Custom (GQ), Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 gMS-01 Sugai's Gelgoog (GQ) from Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX series.

Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 gMS-01 Sugai's Gelgoog (GQ) from Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Review

The HG Gelgoog Sugai Custom has been newly released as part of the HG GQuuuuuuX (Zeke Ax) series. The kit is priced at 2,420 yen.

Included Accessories

The kit comes with a beam rifle, a left hand for wire shooting, a left open hand, two beam saber blades, and a wire hook part. The parts shown in the bottom right of the photos are spare parts.

Decals and Markings

There are no foil stickers included. Only a marking sticker reproduces the witch emblem on the shoulder.

Background and Design

The Gelgoog from the anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (Zeke Ax) is newly modeled in this kit, specifically the Sugai Custom version appearing in episode 4. This mobile suit is said to be developed by Zeon based on reverse-engineered Gundam data, which explains its design that barely resembles traditional Gelgoog models, instead leaning closer to the appearance of a GM.

The Sugai Custom sports a white and red color scheme, unlike the muted gray of the typical Bokata unit, evoking the classic GM design.

Complex Design and Build

True to the Zeke Ax series style, the design is intricate and complex, featuring a cantilever joint system and unique leg structure resembling tanks encased in frame and armor. The parts are finely segmented, with detailed, three-dimensional framing.

The joints do not use polycaps or ABS, but are fully made from KPS material, consistent with previous kits.

Color Accuracy and Paint Requirements

The model is mostly molded in correct colors without decals, confirming the lack of stickers. Only minor paint work is needed for details like the head vulcans, gray backpack parts, and yellow side armor accents, making it relatively easy to achieve the intended look straight out of the box.

Head Close-Up

Comparing the head with HGUC GM and HGUC Gelgoog, the Sugai unit features a visor reminiscent of a GM but with a unique bolted design. The visor is molded in green plastic rather than clear parts. Pipes near the head lend a Zeon-like aesthetic, though the design is distinctly different from classic Gelgoog.

Though the visor isn’t clear, it features internal detail for realism.

Torso and Waist Details

The torso has a sharp, angular design with a distinctive neck frame. Yellow block parts on the chest and waist are separate pieces, but the round details on the side armor require yellow paint.

The waist can mount two beam rifles alongside a saber.

Backpack and Thrusters

The backpack thrusters are mounted on ball joints allowing both rotation and swing. The red armor is molded in two halves, so seams appear, and gray parts require painting.

Arms and Hands

The elbow is a cantilever joint with a roll axis in the upper arm. The arm design is relatively simple, with additional armor parts attached to the forearms. Only the left hand has an open palm. There are no seams on the shoulder, but the forearm parts have left and right halves, so seams are present.

The forearm armor is removable, revealing detailed undersides. The forearm joints use a 3mm peg system.

Hip and Legs

The hips use a rod joint, and the side armor can swing. A stand hole is included for display bases.

The legs feature a unique design with yellow tank-like structures encasing the thrusters, molded as separate parts including white lines. Minor seams appear around the tank area.

The thigh verniers flip up to allow deeper knee bending. The ankles are cantilever style, with mechanical detailing.

The soles have minimal hollowing, and the toe is articulated with very fine openings that are barely noticeable.

Articulation

The elbow bends well on a single axis. The waist has a wide front-back swing range, and the neck can tilt up significantly but is limited in side rotation due to the mouth frame design causing interference.

The shoulder can swing and flip well, with lateral waist swivel for a clean silhouette.

The lower body allows for high leg lifts and wide splits after flipping up the waist armor. The knee bends deeply with the verniers flipped up, enabling good ground contact.

Comparison with HGUC GM and Char's Gelgoog

While the coloring and head resemble the GM, all other parts have completely different shapes. The height difference between the GM and Gelgoog (including antennas) is notable, both standing about 18 meters tall in-universe.

Weaponry

The beam rifle is compact, evoking memories of the beam spray gun. The backpack thrusters offer good articulation but can be prone to coming loose, so some tightening might be necessary.

The kit includes two small beam rifles with molded details and open muzzles. Both rifles can be equipped simultaneously for dual-wielding, with no differences between left and right.

The beam sabers are shorter, fluorescent, and bright, adding visual flair.

Additional Features

A unique plastic sword blade can be attached to the grip ends, an original gimmick that enhances the model’s cool factor.

The wire hook accessory is recreated with lead wire and a small plastic tip, attached to a special left hand. The wire holds straight with almost no weight on the tip, providing a realistic effect.

Size Comparison

Compared with previously released HG Zeke Ax and HG Military Police Zaku kits, the Sugai Gelgoog is slightly smaller in scale.

Summary

The HG GQuuuuuuX Gelgoog Sugai Custom is a bold departure from traditional Gelgoog designs, featuring a GM-like aesthetic with complex, unique elements characteristic of the Zeke Ax series. The intricate build and detailed parts separation are impressive for an HG kit. Most colors are accurately molded, and the inclusion of accessories like the wire hook adds playability.