HCM-Pro Cherudim Gundam Part 1

Feeling green all the sudden
Like S.I.C. Vol. 54 Kamen Rider Ixa and Dark Kiva, review on the HCM-Pro series is making a comeback on this blog after Tieren, which was featured way back in late January this year. ^^

The first one to kick things off after all this while is Cherudim Gundam from "Gundam Double O" Season 2.


I don't have any special liking towards this Gundam actually. Between Cherudim Gundam and its predecessor Gundam Dynames, I like the latter more, even though clearly, it's the little brother who has more toys and special features. ^^

When the design was first unveiled, the hoof-like ankle joints immediately turned me off, and not surprisingly (for me), they still do today. ^^; They are probably the most unnatural-looking design that doesn't feel right for a humanoid mecha, from my perspective that is. Oddly enough, for such unconventional design to be introduced, there's no display of any special gimmick from them anyway. It's a strange design that is "just there". ^^;

However, I can see how Cherudim Gundam is meant to be the much improved upgrade for Gundam Dynames. Introduction of the smaller but smarter GN Shield Bits, dual mode beam rifle and dual mode beam pistol are unique to Cherudim Gundam. Even though the design bears so little reminiscence of its predecessor (only the color scheme is similar), its performance specs are definitely meant to be higher.

Tons of gimmicks means tons of fun, ^^ and the fun factor is a constant offer from the HCM-Pro series, as long as folks are willing to accept its puny 1/200 scale small size that is. ^^; All of Cherudim Gundam's gimmicks can be configured on this HCM-Pro version. The immediate result from that is tons of parts included that are very small in size - extra small I should add, given the figure's already very small overall size. ^^; Given the size consideration, it's not easy to ask fans to appreciate its ability to showcase all of the Gundam's gimmicks, especially when the price tag is 3,000 Yen (exclusive of tax), which is 200 Yen more than the larger Robot Damashii version.

To be absolutely honest here, if it wasn't for the special offer I got for this HCM-Pro figure (plus a few of his buddies) back in around November last year, my treasury would have never approved the full price of 3,000 Yen to be paid for him, especially when it's a Gundam that isn't exactly my favorite. ^^; I appreciate all the fine details and awesome gimmicks alright, but there's definitely a trade-off between quality and price.

Anyway, back to more "positive" introduction on this HCM-Pro figure. ^^;





Closer look at the content and illustrations in front of the box.




Design on the various sides of the box.





Introduction of the figure, its accessories and gimmicks on the back of the box.


Paper cutouts of Lockon Stratos on the flaps at the bottom of the box.





Content view on the front.





Apart from the usual instruction on how to configure the various components, the manual also includes an extensive introduction on the articulation design of this HCM-Pro figure.



Four extra mini runners ^^


Surprisingly enough, out of the four, the only runner that is not made of ABS hard plastic is the one carrying the wrist joints.
When normally ABS is used for joints and is optional for other components, this time it's the complete reverse it seems. ^^


Parts from the extra runner include option spread palms and their wrist joints, option V-Fin and yellow fins for the head that are made of ABS hard plastic, V-Fin with sniper scope opened and two types of supporting handle for the rifle.


As usual, the cutoff points of the hand units and yellow fins are treated using Gundam Markers to cover up the missing spots of color.


With the top cover of the tray removed.
A "container" on the top left of the tray can be used to store all the extra parts that are included.




Closer look at the distribution of parts on the tray.



Straight out of box HCM-Pro Cherudim Gundam.
Introduction of all the accessories in the next posting.