HGUC MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam Revive

 

Zeta Gundam is a cool looking mobile suit which has an unfortunate history with its model kits. It has a transformation ability, which makes it unique, but because of its complex transformation it gave a lot of problems with its model kits. RG is known to be a hand grenade and Master Grade has its own perks and it is getting old. 

HGUC Z Gundam from Gunpla Evolution Project or Revive version came out in 2017. So did it fix the issue?

Well yes. But it still has a bit of an issue here and there. 

The problem began as soon as I opened the box. It had alot of color correction foil stickers. That is not a good sign. 

But then again, it was to be expected since Zeta Gundam has a very complex design. 

The build was a standard Bandai affair. It was simple and easy. There were a few parts that made me go 'why?' but still instruction was clear and I had no problem finishing this without any issues. 

Here is the finished kit without the stickers. 

The kit looks gorgeous and the proportion is great. It does not have details from Rear Grade version but that does not stop it from looking good. 

Unlike Rear Grade kits, this is a part transformation kit. Instead of having the whole kit transform, it swaps out the parts to change it into wave rider mode. Some people have problems with this because it is not accurate, however, I prefer this on a small-scale kits because the model kit comes out more solid. 

Here is the main body of the mobile suit, which gets swapped out when transformed. 

Because it is a separate part, Bandai made it so it can have multiple points of articulation, especially on the shoulder part, so this kit can throw some awesome poses, which out things falling apart. 

Speaking of transformation, here is the wave rider mode. The big gun has a landing gear, but it also has an adopter so you can put it on a stand. 

Still, it has the usual problem where it can't really hold its guns straight because it attaches to the rear. 

Another problem this kit has is its legs. Because it can transform, it can bend int he weird ways. It takes some time to make this kit stand properly without looking weird because of this. 

Here are some pictures of the said knee. 

For this kit, I wanted to try out the new lacquer paint called Gpaint. 

It is pre-thinned and comes in a dropper bottle. 

And here is the finished kit. 

For HG kit, it has just the right amount of details, which gets more emphasized when painted. 

The shield and the big backpack likes to hit each other and gets in the way when posing, but you can make it work.

And that big gun. Man I am such a sucker for a big gun. 

Here are the pictures of the waver rider mode. 

Also, did I mention that this mobile suit can pose?

It's not the greatest, but it can pull some poses. 

Overall I was satisfied with this kit. The color correction sticker was a disappointment but this is a well-engineered kit. I did hear that there is a P-Bandai version of this kit, that is more accurate including the colors. Unfortunately, I don't have that kit and honestly, I am not sure if I want to even build it.

Despite its issues, I do recommend this kit. Especially if you are Zeta Gundam fan. 

And Bandai. Please make a new Master Grade version of this kit.