Gundam Collection : Dengeki Hobby MS-06R-1A Zaku II High Mobility Type

I just added a new item to the Gundam Collection 1/400 check list and figured it could be a good idea to write a few lines about it. This figure has been patiently waiting in its bag for almost 20 years and finally got to taken out on a spin. The 1/400 figure line started its life in 2002 and Bandai and Dengeki Hobby Magazine of course took the opportunity for a bit of cross-promotion. This figure was a promotional item for the September 2002 issue which I do not have at hand as I have not yet began fetishizing over hobby magazines. :)


The main purpose of me doing this review is to aid 1/400 collectors in recognizing its packaging, as it is quite unspectacular and easy to miss. Got to love that fear of missing out-hyperbole written on the packaging. I don't think FOMO was really a thing back then, limited edition seemed to be more trendy as far as I can recall. Some of the rare Gundam Collection figures are really pricy these days but this item does not appear to hold much value and I picked one up for a mere ¥200.


The figure is made up of these three pieces. The right arm has a shaped peg and so is not intended to swivel, which is typically (though not always) a mainstay gimmick in the series. Not also the completely unique take on a base which has no underfoot peg, but rather the feet are slid into position. I wonder if this was made so to avoid ugly see through effects in the foot since the material is transparent. The base is labelled MS-06R-1A Zaku II and has a "Z1" identifier. There are no other markings underneath it as it is clearly not intended to be compatible with the 1/400 game system.


While I am not really a fan of clear color figures there is no denying that this one upholds the fine sculpting standard of the regular 1/400 line. Thanks to its large feet you will also have no trouble displaying it without its stand.


This figure interestingly seems to be a completely unique sculpt. I may have missed kinship with one of the many Zaku II figures available in the Gundam Collection catalogue but it sure does not match either of the other two High Mobility Type Zakus available. The figure also appears to be a bit larger than the standard figures, so if you wanted to grab one and repaint into your favourite ace pilot keep that in mind.