Gundam STANDart volume 2

Well, it has been a long time since we paraded the STANDart collection here on the blog and I think it is time for them to receive some love. With all the model kit-style figures in today's Shokugan line it is easy to forget that this market segment used to have room for highly detailed and prepainted figures second to none. Nowadays, FusionWorks are still showing their skills and dedication in the wonderful Gundam Converge line but the 1:220 scale figure-era sadly seems to be a thing of the past.

STANDart volume two was released in March 2008, some four months after the initial wave of figures and as one of the early sets its standard is even higher than the more scaled back figures that would follow in 2011. This was the John Hammond-era of FW STANDart when they spared no expense. :)
  

005 : RX-93-v2 Hi-Nu Gundam

The Hi-Nu is a perfect example of the jaw-dropping effort that went into the early STANDart line. This figure is just chock-full of exquisite detail and a very dedicated paint job. People sometimes moan that the colour applications on STANDarts are not as perfect as they could be, something we see in Converge as well to a certain degree, but I find myself unable to fault these figures at that. I guess the only thing that bugs me is the fact that the manufacutrer loves to put item numbers or copyright markings on the figure back sides, something we see in many Gashapons as well.

The early STANDart figures come in extra large boxes with inserts that are compartmentalized where as later figures would introduced more exonomically scaled boxes, ditch the collector card and place parts in plastic bags similar to the ones used in Converge. There is of course also a chewing gum inside the plastic bag with the collector card because this is a Shokugan candy toy. :)

Just look at this thing. The word beauty does not even begin to do it justice. STANDart figures retain full detail and colour applications also on their back sides, in fact I think the Hi-Nu looks even better from behind.

The large dual wing binders and propellant tanks on the figure's back do make it a bit back heavy but the figure will typically stand up properly without support. As you can see in my photos though, the toes do not always stay in touch with the ground. :)
   

005 (special) - RX-93-v2 Hi-Nu Gundam (Metallic ver.)

One of the continued practices in STANDart is to release figures in groups of four, consisting of three completely different mobile suits and the fourth being either a simple colour variation or perhaps a model evolution (such as the Blue Destiny Unit 1 and 3 figures in volume 12 for example).

The Metallic Ver. figure of the Hi-Nu is the first figure given the cryptical "005 (special)" designation which as helped to make the STANDart figure numbering so messy. Together with the Nu Gundam which followed shortly after, these are the only two metallic colour versions released in the regular line-up. A few other mobile suits also received pearl colour variations but these were "Overseas Only" limited editions distributed by Bandai Asia.

The metal colour version of the Hi-Nu retains the same decals and unit markings as the standard version. This is unlike the metal colour version of the RX-93 which saw some unique markings of its own.

Whether you prefer traditional or metallic colours on your figures neither Hi-Nu figure will disappoint in this regard.

   

006 : MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki

The Hyaku-Shiki is interesting in that it is one of only a few mobile suits that have been released twice under the STANDart banner. This extravagant figure was later followed by a somewhat simplified figure from STANDart volume 12 in January 2012, which wielded a single Clay Bazooka as armament only.

While this Hyaku-Shiki figure comes with its signature beam rifle as well as two clay bazookas the latter two are only intended for storage on the figure's back. Most STANDart figures do not come with accessories as such, rather weapons will be assigned to them and sculpted directly into their hands.

The Hyaku-Shiki is a joy to behold, and this STANDart incarnation features some really astonishing sculpting, especially on its legs. Additional painted detail heightens the impression even more. It is interesting to see the way the two bazookas are carried. Hyaku-Shiki figures typically feature one clay bazooka stored completely vertical and barrel pointing upwards, I really dig the way this figure makes them look part of the aerodynamic design. Notice also the curious unit markings on the its left fin, a peculiarity unique to this figure.

The Hyaku-Shiki has been modelled several times in 1:220 format. The figures in the image above hail from STANDart volume 12, Assault Kingdom EX06, STANDart volume 2 and FW Ultimate Operation Plus 3.

The Hyaku-Shiki has always been a bit of a looker and this figure is a superb choice for your 1:220 line-up. If you prefer a more traditional looking Hyaku-Shiki the STANDart volume 12 figure is worth a look as well.
   

007 : MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom

The last figure of this volume is a Zeonic monster from the gritty The 08th MS Team series. However, it seems the FusionWorks sculptors have decided to beef it up even more, taking quite a bit of artistic freedom. If you have seen the Zaku II from STANDart volume one you will be familar with what I mean.

The Gouf Custom figure has been bulked up to the point where its head looks very tiny placed amid two extra large shoulders with gargantuan devil-like horns. Its waist size appears to have gone up a couple of numbers as well, and the skirt armor with it.

As with many Zeonic figures in the STANDart line, the Gouf Custom's monoeye is powered down, but where we had optional parts with the eye activated for the previous Zaku II figure we have to make do with just the powered down one here. The helmet armor does cover part of where the monoeye should have been but I still kind of miss the little red dot.

STANDart Gouf Custom next to its much slender whip-wielding MS-07B Gouf partner from STANDart vol. 14. Notice the difference in head size especially.

While I wouldn't rule out the existence of some B-Club or garage resin kit there are three different 1:220 Gouf Custom figures available. Besides the stoic STANDart machine we have a dynamically posed machine from the FW Ultimate Operation series with limited articulation in its torso and arms (available also in "Cold Distrcit" and "Desert" colours) as well as a fully articulated figure from Assault Kingdom volume 4.

The STANDart Gouf Custom is a bit of an acquired taste. While the attention to detail is excellent I think the figure misses the mark in terms of actual likeness.
   

Conclusion

STANDart volume two has some of the most detailed and spectacular figures of the series. In spite of their old age, the figures are currently available on the Japanese market rather cheaply. At the time of this review for example, Mandarake has all of them priced at around ¥1500-¥2000 (which incidentially is about half of what I had to pay for them around 2014-2015...). It seems that STANDart figures are currently in decent supply, but for how long who can tell.

Gundam STANDart volume 1

The Gundam STANDart collection first saw the light of day in November 2017, taking over the 1/220 figure slot from its predecessor FW Ultimate Operation. Also designed by FusionWorks, the series has a lot in common with the smaller Gundam Converge figures as far as basic articulation goes. Where the Ultimate Operation figures came in dynamic poses and featured articulated arms (typically with several joints), heads and waists, the STANDart figure articulation is normally limited to arms rotating at the shoulder and heads swiveling left to right.

This first generation of STANDart figures come in larger boxes with different compartments for the various parts, something that was later downsized into smaller size and with loose parts shoved into plastic bags similar to the Converge figures. As already stated these figures appeared in November 2007 and had a recommended individual price of ¥660.


001 : XXXG-00WG Wing Gundam Zero (EW)

An unusual choice for a series opener, the Endless Waltz Wing Gundam Zero was likely chosen for its flair and overindulgence with its posh angelic wings. You might have expected the Destiny or Strike Freedom to have been selected if you wanted to do something really eye-catching; there might have been a bit of SEED fatigue in 2007 I suppose.

As you can see the first generation STANDart figures also come with their own little profile cards, wrapped in plastic together with the classic blue chewing gum we've seen with Converge for several years now. Notice how this particular piece of gum has developed a nasty greenish colour by now...

The Wing Zero is a pretty striking design with its huge spread out wings and twin buster rifles. The wings and rifles are actually attached to a frame which pegs into the figure's back, and all of these pieces are pretty loose. Even the head and V-fin are very loose and easy to fall off as you touch them. I consider gluing the V-fin into the head to avoid losing it. Note also the two different hands; the left hand is a clenched fist while the right hand is open, these are the only two hands included.

Here the EW Wing Gundam Zero poses with the EW Wing Gundam development, which is a later STANDart figure from volume 17. While the latter figure is very back heavy and needs a little support not to fall backwards the Wing Gundam Zero can stand upright without any problems.

Overall the Wing Zero is a nicely detailed figure but I can't really say I am a big fan. I would have preferred a more static looking pose with the wings folded. That would have matched other STANDart figures better.


002 : MS-06J Zaku II (Ground Type)

Next up is a Zaku II, but not like you would have expected the standard MS-06F Zaku II or Char's MS-06S type (both of which would come much later). STANDart instead focuses on the Ground Type Zaku II and it comes with a large number of accessories.

The Zaku II comes with both an MMP Machine Gun and a Zaku Bazooka. The machine gun goes into the right hand (there isn't any optional empty hand) and the Bazooka can be fitted to the figure's back skirt. Optional parts are instead two different left shoulder shields and no less than four different heads.

This Zaku II figure looks reeeeaally spectacular. Just look at all the detail going on here. There is something odd about the proportions though, which makes it look less than a typical Zaku II would. It is nice to get two weapons but a pair of Leg Missile Pods and a Kracker grenade in the right hand would have been welcome extras here.

Wait a minute, what is going on here..? My Zaku II figure comes with another type of Shokugan candy than the Wing Zero did. I've seen these candies before in other older figure series too. My guess is there are either multiple production lots where the candy type was switched to the current era square blue chewing gums, or maybe they just used up the last of the old ones first.

Shoulder and head options for the Zaku II.

STANDart is one of very few figure series that offer powered down Zeon mobile suits, turning off their iconic red monoeyes. The Ground Type Zaku II makes this optional but later Zeon figures like the Gouf and the Dom come with only one head option where the eye is powered down which is a bit of an oddity and probably not that popular. Overall the head and shoulder options are neat but perhaps a bit unnecessary.

Here the Ground Type Zaku II poses with two later STANDart Zaku II offerings; the regular MS-06F Zaku II and the F-2 Type Zaku II from Stardust Memory in Neuen Bitter's custom colours. Notice the lesser detail and switched off monoeyes on the latter two.

Here is another interesting comparison; the Ground Type Zaku II from FW Ultimate Operation, also sculpted by FusionWorks. The UO version definitely looks more Zaku than the STANDart figure.

The Ground Type Zaku II is one of the most detailed STANDart figures and if you like the look of it, it is certainly worth to hunt down.


003 : RX-178 Gundam Mk-II (A.E.U.G.)

At the end of the set we find two variations of the same mobile suit. This would be a common theme through all the future STANDart sets, effectively introducing three mobile suit types per set rather than four.

The RX-178 Mk-II first comes in the white Gundam-esque colours of the Anti Earth Union Group. Just like the Zaku II we just looked at it has a rifle in its hand and a bazooka that clips to the back skirt. It also comes with a shield and back pack.

Pretty striking look of this thing, wouldn't you say? I think it looks phenomenal. There is so much detail here also on the back of the figure. And just like the other early figures the parts have become very loose over time, the shoulder armor and feet in particular like to drop off so I am again considering to super glue them to their places.

Here we can see the Mk-II as it looked in FW Ultimate Operation (far left), STANDart volume 1 (left), with a Hyper Bazooka from STANDart volume 13 (right) and as a fully articulated action figure in Assault Kingdom (far right). Notice how the painted details get fewer between the two STANDart figures.

This is one of the best looking 1/220 scale Mk-II:s for sure, although if you are looking for an action figure you will be pretty happy about the Assault Kingdom figure too (go for the first version from Assault Kingdom volume 2 rather than the re-release from volume 9). The dynamic pose from Ultimate Operation is not for everyone but I like that one a lot also.


004 :  RX-178 Gundam Mk-II (Titans) (Unit 03)

Finally we have the colour swapped Titans version of the Mk-II. Basically everything that was white is now a pale navy blue and we get some nice Titans unit markings on top. There is only one version of this figure, Unit 03, so no alternate versions for 01 or 02 exist. Wouldn't that have been a luxurious way to make this figure more interesting and forcing idiots like me to purchase two more? After all, two extra shoulder pieces and the stripping of number 03 from the right knee is all it would have taken.

As beautiful as this figure is, it cannot really compete with the white AEUG version. The Titans Mk-IIs often comes off as a bit drab and this one is no exception. It doesn't help that the beautiful white and black Hyper Bazooka comes in a single and unspectacular colour here.

Still a lot of nice detail work going on here though, this is the best looking 1/220 Titans Mk-II without any decent competition. Just look at these two failures below...

The blue colour that the Titans use is clearly up for discussion here; just look at these odd choices. First we have a veeeery blue Unit 03 from STANDart Volume 13, armed with a Hyper Bazooka (left), the STANDart 01 figure (center) and an almost blackish blue Assault Kingdom action figure which looks absolutely miserable (right). The Titans Mk-II did not get a figure in the Ultimate Operation series which is too bad as it probably would have looked great.

Unit 03 here is clearly the best representation of the Mk-II that the 1/220 scale has to offer. It cannot really compete with the A.E.U.G. version though.


001 (special) : XXXG-00WG Wing Gundam Zero (EW) (Clear Version)

Before we wrap up here we also need to look at one fifth figure. It is a transparent clear version of the Wing Gundam which exists as a standalone figure. I don't know the exact circumstances for its release but it appears to have been released as a special to accompany the FW Gundam Ultimate File photo book (which we have already discussed here) around March or April of 2008. Indeed reference to this book can also be seen written on the box front of the figure.

The all clear Wing Gundam Zero figure features no sculpt changes or additions. There was no collector card and chewing gum in my box. I can't say for sure if this was included with the figure or not, since I purchased a second hand copy. It was expensive too I might add, costing me ¥3500.

The transparent figure is a bit more yellowy in colour than how it appears in these pictures. The material is also a bit oily and semi-sticky to the touch, something which the regular STANDart figures do not suffer from.

I'm not a big fan of transparent figures and especially not when they are annoying to handle like the Wing Gundam Zero is. The parts on this one just don't want to stick together and they will fall apart at the slightest touch. I purchased this figure just to review it and now it will sit disassembled in its box again for a looong time.

Here we see the two Wing Zeros together, not too exciting to look at, is it, this transparent mess? Fortunately they never made another transparent figure in this series which is a small blessing.

In closing, STANDart volume 1 contains some of the finest and most detailed figures in this series and they are well worth to add to your 1/220 display. The figures still remain moderately easy to find in Japan, save for the Wing Zero which tends to be a bit pricier than the others.