Gundam Converge EX 30 : RX-104FF Penelope

The Earth Federation Space Force is either the most inept organization in the history of mankind, or just the worst to conduct and pass security audits. It is possibly both. How much money did they spend on the development of the Penelope, only for the contractor Anaheim Electronics to secretly upgrade it into an improved variant (the RX-105) and sell it to a bunch of terrorists? It is amazing that the AE facilities haven't yet been seized, the headquarters nuked off of the face of the moon and the entire board of directors spaced.

The Penelope hails from Hathaway's Flash, a three part novel series from 1989-1990 which takes place in an alternate timeline following Char's Counterattack. It features Bright Noa's snotty brat Hathaway at the epicenter so I can't imagine I would appreciate reading it, Char's Counterattack was torture enough. I don't think it has escaped the attention of any reader here that Sunrise is also planning a retelling of the story on the silver screen, the first of a trio of movies being scheduled for July this year.

So, riding on this hype train is Bandai's and FusionWorks' Converge Penelope figure, released this April with a recommended price tag of a hefty ¥3600. I had to pay ¥4000 for mine so it seems to be doing quite well for itself in the market already. So far we haven't had any further announcements regarding Hathaway's Flash but I would be very surprised if the RX-105 Xi Gundam hasn't got a finished prototype and a release plan already. There are two more interesting mobile suit designs from this storyline that I would love to see in Converge form; the Gustav Karl and the Messer. All of these were released in Bandai's Gashapon Warrior Senshi Forte line already so it isn't completely unlikely that Converge collectors could get blessed as well.

As you can see from the parts shot most of the figure has thankfully already been built. However it does have a couple of tricks up its sleeve as we shall see below.
   

RX-104FF Penelope

The Penelope is actually an evolution of a machine known as the RX-104 Odysseus. By tacking on a set of external armor plating and gear known as the Fixed Flight Armor Unit it becomes a crazy powerful air superiority machine supposedly.

It is not easy to design and construct a small figure of something so extravagant and complex as the Penelope. The FW designers have done a really good job here but personally I am not really sold on the outcome (or the original design for that matter). The machine looks very busy already in its full size mode and when you go down the deformed appearance route it is easy for smaller components to dominate the aesthetic. While I think they have avoided this for the most part everything still looks cramped and unwieldy. The articulation is pretty much useless here as well. Then there's the whole failed concept of a dragon headed armor suite - space chicken is what comes to mind when I look at this thing...

If you don't like the large action base FusionWorks has also included a pair of standing feet so that you can let the figure stand upright on the ground. The legs on my figure aren't as straight as I would have hoped; an issue we see in modern Converge from time to time.

Here the Converge Penelope poses with its smaller brother from Gashapon Senshi Forte. I particularly like the two translucent beam saber effect parts on the smaller figure. Why we couldn't get these on the Converge figure I do not know, and it feels like a lost opportunity.

Remember how I said the earlier parts shot was a bit simplified. Well, once we begin the transformation into the RX-104 Odysseus form it becomes apparent just how many pieces you have to peel off from the figure itself. The two mini-sprues contain seals that you plug into otherwise gaping holes in the figure's legs and chest area.

   

RX-104 Odysseus

The Odysseus is a much more traditional looking machine. Once the armor comes off we have a pretty standard looking design remarkable perhaps mostly for its dual shields and large backskirt.

The Converge Odysseus figure has something Neo Zeonic over it, especially when you view it from behind. It also has very white legs, using a third set of feet, the illustration over at the Gundam Wiki has a more pronounced colour scheme with blues and reds going but I guess there might be more concept artwork floating about and I would assume that the designers focused on getting the Penelope right primarily. This is a bit disappointing for me personally because the Odysseus is the saving grace for me as far as this figure is concerned.

   
Conclusion

Overall I guess the Penelope figure is competent enough but it leaves me personally rather disappointed. It is not uncommon that I purchase multiple copies of a figure that features different modes but I would have to find a really decently priced second copy to even consider it. I have chucked all the Fixed Flight components back into the box and I am left with a pretty anemic Odysseus Gundam for my collection. I did give it the Penelope's feet to spice up the appearance a little. I'd say give this figure a pass unless you are a huge fan of the design.

Mobile Suit Ensemble Part 12

The Mobile Suit Ensemble 12 set was released in January this year and have been sitting on my todo list for a while now. While I did pick up two full sets earlier in March I was also hoping to secure a third Zaku for a proper Black Tri-Stars line-up, it seems that is going to take quite some time so here we go.

All the figures reviewed in this set are of the boxed version seen here. There is also the Gashapon machine edition which comes with a colourful booklet, one of which I would like to pick up eventually as well for the sake of completion.
   

073 : YG-111 G-Self

The Gundam selected to front part 12 is the G-Self from Reconguista in G, a series that has slowly been fading into obscurity. Mobile suits from this series are hopelessly few in figure form although you can pick up more of them as model kits. The Ensemble series itself currently only supports this Gundam and some of its equipment packs.

The Ensemble representation of the G-Self is a beautiful figure making use of both yellow and blue translucent components to spice things up. The golden cross on the shield is duly noted and appreciated. I have added some extra colour on the legs especially to boost it some more.

The G-Self figure comes armed with one of its two different beam rifles (I am not sure which) and a shield. Its Core Fighter and Space Pack are released separately in another box in this set as we shall see.

There are a couple of G-Self figures out there, here the Ensemble figure poses next to versions from SD Gashapon Warrior NEXT and Gundam Converge.
   

074 : FA-78-3 Full Armor 7th Gundam

The next figure is also a Gundam and a very unique and interesting choice. The FA7 hails from designer Kunio Okawara's M-MSV concept designs first seen in a Bandai publication from 1990. It was also featured in a PlayStation game from 2009. I am really curious how this mobile suit ended up in Ensemble, especially when you consider the more well known Gundams units G04 and G05, both of which would make excellent figure choices.

Gundam Unit 7 looks quite a bit like the RX-78-2, its main feature being the ability to dress up in a Full Armor block system much like the Full Armor Alex. It also features a shoulder mounted Beam Cannon and a large tail assembly with fuel tanks and extra stabilizers.

The FA Gundam 7 does not come with any hand held gear choices although a couple are included in the option parts set at the end of this set. The figure also returns in its HFA-78-3 Heavy Full Armor configuration as an EX figure which we will review separately.
   

075 : MS-06R-1A Zaku II High Mobility Type (Black Tri-Stars Custom)

The third and last mobile suit in this set is another Mobile Suit Variation, and a real classic at that. The Black Tri-Stars Custom type High Mobility Type Zaku II is a really common figure that has been released in countless sizes and scales.

The Black Tri-Stars livery works wonders on the Zaku II. The combination of black, white and purple is so much more effective than a single colour scheme which is often used for other custom machines.

The Zaku comes armed with a 360mm Giant Bazooka similar to the one included with the MS-09 Dom figure. There are also a couple of extra weapons in the option parts pack.

There are now a grand total of six different Zaku II types or variations in the Mobile Suit Ensemble line-up. Together with the Acguy, Gouf, Dom and the Kämpfer they make a solid base for a Principality of Zeon collection.
   

076 : Core Fighter + BPAM-02 Space Pack

The support fighter slot is given to the G-Self's Core Fighter and one of its optional backpacks, the Space Pack. This is a booster pack for added mobility in space, kind of filling a similar purpose as the Aile Striker Pack used by the Strike Gundam.

I haven't yet managed to take on actually watching Reconguista in G so I don't know if the Core Fighter is supposed to be able to carry the Space Pack in the fashion above but it works well as a companion figure for the G-Self.

The Core Fighter actually uses the same type of Ensemble components that sit in the torso of all mobile suit figures. The wings and boosters are attached in the same fashion as you would attach arms and legs to a mobile suit.

With the Space Pack attached to the mobile suit instead of the Core Fighter the suit really shines. While the backpack makes is really back-heavy I was able to keep it upright by extending the beam rifle arm to the front.

The Core Fighter can also display as a figure all by itself although it is perhaps not the most interesting thing to look at.

Purchasing two sets of the G-Self and the Space Pack set lets you display all the combinations and makes good use of all the components as well.
   

077 : Equipment Set for Wave 12

The equipment set for this wave is perhaps a bit underwhelming. It contains some weapon options only and most of them have been seen before.

We have two unique accessories for the Full Armor Gundam, the very generic and uninspiring beam saber and three seen-before weapon choices for the High Mobility Type Zaku II. There are no extras specifically intended for the G-Self in this package.

The main reason for picking up this box is the beam rifle and shield for the Full Armor Gundam. They really complete the look of the figure and make it even more attractive.

If you are only interested in the Black Tri-Stars figure in this wave you don't really need to pick up this pack. Chances are you have several 280mm Bazookas, Zaku Machine Guns and Heat Hawks lying around since before. I think this set could have benefitted from an optional helmet top component for this figure, without the hole for the commander antenna. And if Bandai really would have wanted to go bananas and spoil us they should have included either stickers or two optional shoulder shields with the numbers 02, 03 and 06 on them.
   

Conclusion

Ensemble Part 12 is comprised of three very beautiful if perhaps lesser known mobile suits and as such might not be to everyone's taste. From a figure perspective the set does what it sets out to do although I think they skimped out a bit on the High Mobility Type Zaku II as far as accessories go. The fact that two of the figures in this wave also appear as pricey EX figures means you may want to limit your purchasing to those figure that really interest you as well.

Gundam Converge #18

Converge volume 18 finally arrived ay my door after being held up in the international postal quagmire for an additional month. With Japan currently severing all postal ties wit the rest of the world the package was returned to the sender in the end (Mandarake, who else?) who promptly dispatched it by DHL at no additional cost, they are absolute legends. This set was officially released on March 9th and it took me a couple of weeks to secure a set by the end of the month paying the typical ¥500 per figure.

I noticed immediately that the packaging method for volume 18 has changed if only ever so slightly. The plastic bag material seems thinner and not so greasy, and most of the figures actually came with components spread up into two individual bags, something usually reserved for the busiest designs until now. I have detected similar changes in some other contemporary Bandai products so they change may well be across the board.
   

224 : LM314V21 Victory 2 Gundam

Exciting plastic bag discussions aside, the first actual figure in this set is one of only two returning faces this time around, the Victory 2 from the anime with the similar name. if you wonder what happened to the base Victory Gundam you can look forward to it appearing in volume nineteen together with the V-Dash Gundam, a set which should be out any day now in Japan.

My, my, what an attractive figure. The Victory 2 has just enough colour apps going to give it that sleek and fashionable look. And to top it off you have that marvellous translucent beam shield, which actually attaches to the tip of the elbow rather than the side of the arm as is traditional on most mobile suits.

I don't really understand the big deal about using two plastic bags to keep such a modest amount of components but I guess it was practical from a manufacturing point of view more than anything else. The pieces do not seem to be better protected from bending for instance.

The Converge line has only just dipped the toes into the Victory Gundam mobile suit line-up and I hope the coming three machines in Converge #19 will not be all she wrote this time around. The Victory and Victory 2 in the comparison photos above are figures 23 and 24; both from the now vintage Converge vol. 4 set released in September 2011. While the original Victory 2 figure was great the updated figure is simply put bigger, better and badder in all aspects.

  

225 : LM111E03 Gunblaster

I am especially glad that we get a mass-production type suit from Victory as well, in the rarely seen Gunblaster which is basically a LM111E02 Gun-EZ adapted for space. The Gun-EZ itself was recently seen in Bandai's 1:220 Universal Unit Shokugan line and I would really appreciate it if it could be added to the Converge line-up as well.

Both the Gun-EZ and Gunblaster have attractive pale green colour schemes with the Gunblaster adding some typical Gundam coloration on its chest area. The figure looks really neat from behind as well, with its metallic backside contrasting well against the thruster binder set.

Just like the Crossbone Vanguard machines the Gunblaster figure doesn't include a deployed translucent beam shield. I'd definitely spend money on an upgrade if they were to sell beam shields as part of a P-Bandai option parts kit.

We haven't seen the Gunblaster since it appeared in the 1:300 Strategy of Gundam line, armed with a beam bazooka. Universal Unit came very close to replicating the S.O.G. Victory Gundam quartet and now Converge stands as three as well; will they manage to complete the four? Probably not is my guess, but I would be very surprised if there is not going to be a pricey Assault Buster EX figure released instead.

  

226 : MS-18E Kämpfer

The second main theme in Converge 18 is a deep look into the 0080 War in the Pocket mini-series. The Alex and the Zaku II Kai have already been released as part of wave 17 and in wave 19 we will see the GM Sniper II. I have heard rumours that the Mass Production Guncannon might also make it into wave 20. This is a healthy amount of new mobile suits including this upgraded version of the Kämpfer.

I think every collector has a bit of a soft spot when it comes to the Kämpfer. We tend to see it in most figure series right up there with the most common Gundams themselves. Converge #18 goes all in and gives us a really decked out figure which also manages to carry every last bit of accessory somewhere on its body. I would have liked for all the various thrusters on the body to be painted yellow but I cannot really fault FusionWorks here.

The Kämpfer comes with two bazookas and one shotgun, all of which can be hand held, as well as two Sturmfaust one-shot missiles that attach to the legs. The bazookas can be attached to the backpack when not in use. As with many Zeon figures, consider gluing the commander antenna to the head before it goes missing.

The Kämpfer also has the traditional moving Zeon monoeye but with the tiny visor area you won't have much use for it. Still, it is a nice touch.

The original Converge Kämpfer figure was really well put together to begin with, but the updated figure is even more distinct. The main difference between them is that the old figure was released in an A and a B configuration and here you simply get everything in one box which is very convenient.

  

227 : RGM-79G GM Command

The last three figures in this set are all new faces in Converge. First up we have the GM Command which is one of those unlucky blink-and-you-miss-it victims of the Kämpfer. It is an upgraded version of the Cold District Type GM which makes an appearance in the same show (it has not been scheduled to deploy in Converge as far as I know).

As a mass production type suit the GM has a less extravagant design and comes in a toned down beige and brown livery. The figure has enough detail to make it interesting but I do take issue with the unpainted E.F.S.F. logo on the shield. I thought Converge was well beyond that point by now.

The GM Command comes armed with a bullpup machine gun and shield. The figure's right hand is sadly molded directly on to the gun. Bandai does this from time to time with the new figures and it is a bit disappointing. The GM is definitely taking the hit for the rest of the team here.

   

228 : RGM-79GS GM Command Space Type

The Space Type GM Command is what the Gunblaster is to the Gun-Ez; a space-adaption of the GM Command. The differences are less apparent here, mainly restricted to the thruster set-up which allows for better movement in a space environment.

The Space Type GM has a more Gundam-esque appearance with a high-visibility red and white livery easily identifying it as a target for the Gelgoog Jaeger. Man, I really want a figure of the Jaeger; its short scene in War in the Pocket is the highlight of the entire series for me. They really nailed it pairing its aggressive stance with that spine-tingling rifle sound. :)

The Converge Space Type GM features an experimental Beam Gun type of weapon which is an upgrade from the traditional Beam Spray Gun used by the RGM-79 GM.

Notice the different thruster set-up on the backpacks for the ground and space type GM Commands. The nozzles are pointing downwards on the GM Command since it is intended for use in gravity but as we all know most mobile suit designs feature this very traditional setup.

   

229 : OZX-GU01A Gundam Geminass 01

The Geminass is the odd one out in this set and is an obscure machine from the extended Wing Gundam After Colony era. It is featured in the cryptically named manga series New Mobile Report Gundam Wing Dual Story: G-Unit.

The Geminass is a real hodge-podge of a design. According to the lore it is supposed to be based on the Tallgeese but it looks more like a bastardization of the Wing Gundam. Together with unit 02, which is painted blue, their names are derived from the Zodiac word for twins, and the white and blue pair just screams Gundam Mk-II, Sisquiede and Blue Destiny all over again. The shield is very distinct looking though and probably my favourite part of this figure.

The Geminass features your standard beam rifle and shield equipment choices. The mobile suit itself however features a number of G-Unit equipment packs similar to the idea behind the various G-Self flight packs. Don't expect to see those in Converge form any time soon...

   
Conclusion

I guess I can just copy/paste this part of the review from all the recent Converge reviews in the backlog. FusionWorks continues to deliver in Spades and this set is a very fine entry into the series. I am really looking forward to collect all the War in the Pocket machines into a line-up shot and the same goes for Victory too. Bandai still has to announce volume 20 on the Shokugan blog and beyond that we don't know much about the rest of the year's releases. The fact that Converge is again about to reach the fateful number #20 does concern me a little because this is where they scrapped the initial figure line after a very successful run. I do hope Converge will continue to prosper well beyond that number but with the shifting tides in the global economy, a certain pandemic disaster and so on who knows if Bandai are going to slow things down a little over the coming time period.