REVIEW HG 1/144 MS-06R-1A Zaku II High Mobility Type: Char Custom, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla plastic model HG 1/144 MS-06R-1A Zaku II High Mobility Type: Char Custom from Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island Version.

P-Bandai Gunpla Plastic Model HG 1/144 MS-06R-1A Zaku II High Mobility Type: Char Custom – Cucuruz Doan's Island Version Review

Bandai's HG Char's Exclusive High Mobility Type Zaku IIfrom the Cucuruz Doan’s Islandseries is finally here! Retailing for 2,750 yen as a Premium Bandai exclusive, this long-awaited model brings a fresh take on Char Aznable’s iconic mobile suit with a high-speed twist.

Package & Instructions

The kit comes in a monotone box designtypical of Premium Bandai releases. Instructions are presented in black-and-white, with no backstory or mobile suit description, focusing purely on the assembly process.

Included Accessories

This HG Zaku II kit is loaded with a solid range of weapons and parts:

Zaku Machine Gun
Bazooka A2 Type
Anti-Ship Rifle
Two types of Heat Hawks (handheld & mountable)
Spare Magazines
Stand Joint
Interchangeable Right Gun Hand & Open Palm

Also included is a sheet of water-slide decalsfor detailed markings, compensating for areas lacking color separation.

Design & Build Quality

This version of Char's Zaku II is based on the HG Origin-style Zaku design, particularly reusing parts from the Black Tri-Stars High Mobility Zaku II. However, this kit stands out with its integrated chest Vulcan cannons, a signature feature from the Origin Char’s Zaku.

Mechanical Structure

Built on the PC-001 joint system, the kit uses a combination of KPS (hard plastic)and polycapsfor joints, providing excellent flexibility and sturdiness. The high mobility mechanical legsstand out with their sleek and dynamic design, staying true to the aesthetics of a faster, elite Zaku variant.

Color & Detail

Char’s distinctive crimson color schemeis faithfully reproduced. While most parts are molded in accurate colors, areas like the backpack thrusters and internal burnersdo require paint for full accuracy. White line markings and the Zeon insignia are recreated using decals.

Head & Body Details

Head: Features the signature antenna; mono-eye is movable.
Chest: Built-in Vulcan cannons lack color separation and need painting.
Backpack: True to the 06R-1A variant, but requires manual paint detailing for thrusters and highlights.

Poseability & Articulation

The kit offers exceptional poseability, consistent with other HG Origin Zaku kits. Highlights include:

Swingable waist and shoulders
Movable chest blocks for added dynamic posing
Fully articulated legs with decent ground contact
Functional backpack verniers
Toe articulation
Hidden joint lines and minimal hollow parts

Note: The side skirts may detach easily on some units – a minor issue possibly due to part tolerances.

Weapons & Armaments

All weapons are reused from previous Origin kits, maintaining consistent quality and molding:

Zaku Machine Gun: Features movable scope and sub-grip. Mold line visible on barrel.
Bazooka A2 Type: Comes with 3 swappable magazines, attachable to the shield.
Anti-Ship Rifle: Large, visually striking weapon. Mold lines present. Pairs well with the included open hand for two-handed poses.
Heat Hawk (x2): One for mounting, one for hand use – molded in single-color plastic requiring paint.

Stand joint supports Action Basecompatibility but not 3mm peg stands.

Comparisons

Compared side-by-side with other Origin-series Char units (Zaku I, Char’s Zaku I, and the Red Comet Zaku II), the HG Char’s High Mobility Zaku II offers a unique blend of nostalgia and freshness. The overall build is sleek, highly poseable, and satisfying for both collectors and customizers.

While the belt-fed Zaku Machine Gun is not included, the kit compensates with its Anti-Ship Rifle and overall robust weapon selection.

Summary

If you're a fan of Char Aznable or the Zaku line, this kit is a fantastic addition to your Gunpla collection—blending high-speed aesthetics with solid engineering from the HG Origin series.