REVIEW HG 1/144 MS-06D Zaku Desert Type: Pink Panther Forces, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla plastic model HG 1/144 MS-06D Zaku Desert Type: Pink Panther Forces from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin series.

P-Bandai HG 1/144 MS-06D Zaku Desert Type: Pink Panther Forces Review

The HG Zaku Desert Type Pink Panther Team is a newly released kit under the Mobile Suit Discovery (MSD) line from HG The Origin. Priced at 2,640 yen, this version features a unique pink color scheme, representing the Pink Panther team in desert and tropical warfare settings. The packaging is minimalist with a monochrome instruction manual and no detailed background on the mobile suit.

Included Accessories

M-120AS Zaku Machine Gun
Rats River P-3 Twin Missile Pod
Two types of Heat Hawks
Right hand for weapon grip
Left open palm hand
Display stand joint

Instead of standard marking stickers, the kit includes water slide decals, which provide caution markings, line details, and mono-eye options.

Spare Parts

Some spare parts are included, though minimal thanks to efficient runner design.

Design and Features

Based on the original Zaku design, this desert variant is customized for tropical and desert combat, featuring sealed joints to prevent dust intrusion and a large radiator backpack unit. The most notable aspect of this release is the light pink color scheme, setting it apart visually from standard desert-themed Zaku units.

The kit is a color variant of the previously released HG Zaku Desert Type, with the same mold but different runner configurations. Built on the Origin Zaku platform, it uses PC-001 polycaps combined with KPS plastic, maintaining detailed part separation and articulation typical of Origin kits.

Color and Markings

The body is predominantly pink, a rare and unique color choice. While most of the color is achieved through molded plastic, areas like the antenna base and head vulcans require paint. Water slide decals are used for body lines and unit numbers.

Head Unit

The head is identical in shape to the standard variant, with a single antenna. The mono-eye is reproduced via decals, and three options are available including a yellow type. The mono-eye moves in sync with head rotation, similar to MG Zaku Ver.2.0.

Torso and Backpack

The chest armor and pipe bases differ slightly from standard Zaku units. Side skirts can be equipped with cracker pods. The massive radiator backpack adds to the desert warfare design, and the "SA-712 Cracker Pod" covers are openable. The crackers themselves are detachable.

Arm Units

Right arm is plain with integrated detailing to hide seam lines.
Left arm features a Rats River 3-Tube Missile Pod and a small shield below it.

Leg Units

Legs feature heat-dissipation slits and sealed knee joints. Seam lines are minimal, with some visible on the knee parts. The feet have solid soles and articulated toes for better posing.

Articulation

The kit inherits excellent articulation from the Origin Zaku kits. The torso has a good range of twist and tilt, shoulders and elbows move freely, and the hips open widely despite having power cables. Shoulder articulation is enhanced by movable chest blocks.

Comparison with Standard Desert Type

While the structure remains the same, the color palette is vastly different. The Pink Panther version has softer, pastel tones with well-separated and rearranged runners, minimizing leftover parts. It offers a more subdued yet distinctive appearance compared to the high-contrast normal version.

Weapons and Gimmicks

M-120AS Zaku Machine Gun – Compact design with movable sub-grip for dynamic two-handed poses. Mold lines are present and may require sanding.
Rats River P-3 Twin Missile Pod – Can be handheld or mounted, with a deployable grip. Ambidextrous with swappable parts.
Heat Hawks – Molded in a single piece with no color separation.

The model includes a waist-mount stand joint compatible with thicker Action Base pegs, but not with standard 3mm stands.

Summary

The HG Zaku Desert Type Pink Panther Team Unit is essentially a recolor of the original Desert Zaku, but it stands out due to its unique soft pink color scheme and water slide decals instead of stickers. The kit captures the look and feel of a customized tropical warfare unit while keeping build quality high. The subtle tones make it a surprisingly elegant display piece. For builders looking for a distinctive Zaku variant with excellent articulation and clean aesthetics, this kit is a great addition to your collection.