[Kit Insight] BTF MG 1/100 MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam (Painted Build)

Model Number: MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam

Designation: AEUG Variable Attack-Use Mobile Suit

A reimagination of the titular mobile suit piloted by Judah Ashta in the ZZ Gundam series, this sleeker, slimmer and far sexier version eschews heavy armour for superior agility, mobility and speed. The design however, may be a tough pill to swallow for some.

But not for me.

Construction-wise, the BTF ZZ is atypical of third party manufactured kits: fitment is not as precise nor as well-engineered as the A-to-B fittings that Bandai has spoiled us with. That said, BTF kits are made in Japan (or so they say on the box), lending them a quality that is superior to China-made kits and allowing your fingerprints to live another day.

I must say, the BTF ZZ is much sturdier and stable than almost all of the Bandai MGs I have constructed. Perhaps it is due to its more simplistic design that takes cues from the HG 1/100 series, combining big parts with decent details that go onto a solidly-molded inner frame. While armor components still fall off while posing, they don't cause as much frustration to me as their Bandai counterparts.

For almost half the price of the original MG ZZ Gundam, you get a proportionately larger and arguably sexier version of the same mobile suit.

Gallery

Left: stock colour scheme; right: updated colour scheme.

From left: Bandai MG Qan[T]. BTF MG ZZ, Bandai MG Star Build Strike

From left: Bandai HGUC Gundam Mk-II, BTF MG ZZ, Tomica Batmobile

From left: MC Model HG Xi Gundam, BTF MG ZZ

From left: Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Build Destiny Gundam, BTF MG ZZ