More images of the just completed AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal. ^^
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Closeups on the details:
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As you can see (since Part 2 actually ^^), the kit is fixed in its standing pose and is meant for display only. While there's a ball-type joint for the neck, and the arms can be flipped to the front and back, I consider them more as special features to the kit rather than real articulation points.
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Even though articulation is just one or two points above zero, ^^; it's good that there are a few weapons included to give the kit different display forms. I think it's great that the default weapons of a shield and beam rifle are given so that you can realize the basic roll-out image of Gundam AGE-1 Normal. Compare that to First Grade 1/144 Gundam Exia's weapons and you might find "generous" to be a good word to describe this AG kit's armament list. ^^
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Equipped with one of the beam daggers.
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DODS Rifle can be mounted to the rear skirt armor after some work on the weapon shown in Part 3 and 4. ^^
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Equipped with two beam daggers.
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Equipped with DODS Rifle on the left hand and beam dagger on the opposite hand.
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No conflict between the rifle and the shield when the latter is mounted. ^^
Comparison with First Grade 1/144 Gundam Exia, another Gunpla designed with simplicity in part, assembly and low cost. ^^
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Between the two, I still like Gundam Exia more for its fierce look. However, between the kits shown above, AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal is way better in terms of color separation and its close resemblance to the actual Gundam design without any paint work (see Part 2 for that). To achieve that, all of the kit's articulation is sacrificed to give way to more runners of different colors to be included. The "Gage-ing" chip part would have to a factor to be considered as well, especially when the price must be kept low for this Gunpla series.
Is the trade-off between colors and articulation acceptable for Gunpla fans? Like I said in Part 1, the entire series is meant to introduce Gunpla-ing to the younger generation of fans - Japanese fans to be exact, so it's hard to really know if the strategy is working. ^^; Maybe the continuous release of AG kits all this while can be taken as a hint to that question? As compared to the really short-lived FG Gundam Double O series. ^^;
Size comparison with HG 1/144 Gafran:
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The enemy's grunt unit is clearly much larger and taller than the protagonist Gundam, which is why I really love this enemy MS. ^^
Since the design is an obvious homage to the original Gundam, here's a comparison with HGUC Gundam RX-78-2 (from Operation V Set). ^^
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Illuminated by Lightning Base Plate Type Green Ver. ^^
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The collection card can be used as a nice compliment to the kit's display. ^^
Personally, I really like this kit. ^^ It's extremely enjoyable to assemble - the most important point of attraction to me. The work to panel line and paint the various parts was not too difficult as well (as compared to FG 1/144 Gundam Exia). It really is quite refreshing among other regular series like MG, HG and BB Senshi. ^^
All reviews on AG 1/144 Gundam AGE-1 Normal:
Part 1: A Gunpla design with combo of many elements
Part 2: So few parts, so many colors
Part 3: Not so fast, Gundam Marker!
Part 4: Deception everywhere
Part 5: The power of fluorescent green
Part 6: Counterattack of decals and clear stickers
Part 7 [Final]: Just for display
View full gallery:
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1 comment:
Wow. You made this model kit looks more awesome than it suppose to be.
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