Gunpla Gallery: HGUC 1/144 RX-0[N] Full Armor Unicorn Gundam Unit 02 Banshee Norn [Destroy Mode] (Customised Straight Build)

Well, I didn't need two Full Armor Unicorn Gundams, so I gave a Full Armor Pack to the Banshee Norn, and look at the result.

Kit Insight: HGUC 1/144 RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam Unit 02 Banshee Norn [Destroy Mode] (Straight Build)

Out of the three Unicorn Gundam units that exist, the Banshee appeals the most to me. Perhaps it is the dark colour scheme, the gold-orange "psychoflame" or its ornate V-Fin, or maybe its just how badass it seemed in the OVA. The first Banshee onboard the General Revil during the events of One of Seventy Two was a little ho-hum: it didn't have much gold on its frame that made it stand out as well as a rather skeletal armament arrangement. The second iteration of the Banshee was better, sporting more golden parts, upgraded weaponry in the form of two Armed Armors as well as a pilot that can draw out its full potential, however forced it may be.

So the Banshee Norn is the ultimate culmination of this particular Unicorn Gundam, and it does live up to that perceived repute.

Kit Insight: RG 1/144 GN-001 Gundam Exia (Painted Build)

The Gundam Exia holds the distinction of being the first Gunpla model kit I've ever constructed, something close to ten years back. Therefore, this particular model has great significance and sentimental value, for it essentially launched my entire Gundam-modelling career.

So it was something of a pleasant surprise when the RG Gundam Exia was announced, with the prototyping shots whetting my appetite for it with each published image. Having made a preorder at the soonest opportunity, I could only live vicariously through the leaked images and fanbase speculations for the months before finally receiving the model kit in my eager hands.

As with the first Exia, the RG Exia has relaunched the way I tackle model kits.

Gunpla Gallery: HGBF 1/144 XM-X9999-A1 Crossbone Gundam Maoh Aurora (Customised Build)

The Crossbone Gundam has always been one of my favourite mobile suit designs, with its unique aesthetic outlook, plethora of weaponry and the grace it possesses while in combat. Being one of the more creative mobile suits that bears its own individualistic character, it is no wonder that many Gunpla enthusiasts are calling for more Crossbone kits and/or an updated animated series. 

So when Mao's Crossbone Gundam Maoh appeared in the anime series, I suffered what amounted to be a slight seizure. Then the HGBF kit got announced, which gave Crossbone fans everywhere another seizure. HG Crossbone kits are still in the pipeline of the HG All Gundam Project, so we just have to contend with Mao's customised version in the meantime.

[Kit Insight] Bandai Robot Damashii ZGMF-X12D Gundam Astray Outframe D

Action figures from The Robot Spirits line aren't not on my priority list as they are A) generally smaller than my usual 1/144 kits in scale, B) most of their offerings are also available as Gunpla kits and C) the high price tag doesn't really justify the tinier toys, although they usually come with a wealth of accessories.

When I first saw the first images of the Astray Out Frame D, I was a little smitten by it even if I was turned off by its hefty price tag. It had sharp angles, an ornate V-Fin as well as a unique set of equipment that differentiated itself from its other overdone Astray brethren. Nonetheless, the Out Frame does not - and probably will not - exist as a Gunpla kit of any grade. Besides, it is a Premium Bandai Online Webstore exclusive, which mean it is limited edition (one of my Kryptonites), thus an order for my very first The Robot Spirits action figure was placed.

I can't say I'm not happy.