MS Gundam Seed Destiny EF Collection 3: Meer Campbell

The False Songstress
The return of gashapon figurine review after HGIF Gundam Character 3 Vol. Gundam SEED Destiny in February this year. ^^

Released in 2005, it's technically a shokugan (candy toy), not gashapon. As the name implies, it's but one item from a series, but along with Lacus, I got it as a loose item from a local online forum member, so there's no box package nor candy. ^^ For a latter, I don't think I mind not having a candy that would be 7 years old by now. XD


Some more background information on MS Gundam Seed Destiny EF Collection 3 (機動戦士ガンダムSEED DESTINY EFコレクション3): There are all six figures in the series: Kira Yamato, Lacus Clyne, Athrun Zala, Shinn Asuka, Meer Campbell and T.M. Revolution Heine Westenfluss. The limelight seems to be on the two female characters (as if that's surprising ^^) as the theme of this shokugan series seems to be the team up of two MS pilots related to the female characters for the two major opposing factions as seen in the anime. That theme doesn't seem to be clear on the box art image, but it's quite obvious from what I assume to be the box side image since mine doesn't come with the box package. ^^;


Box art and box side image of this shokugan series.
Images are from Hobby Search.
Then again, you can always have your own interpretation on how to pair up the figurines based on your own liking. ^^ I see lovers-relationship in Kira & Lacus and Athrun & Meer, the real/fake Lacus(es) and rivalry in Kira & Shinn. Anyhow, Heine seems to be always the odd one out. ^^;

As with most other gashapon figurines in my collection, I got Meer for its really awesome craftsmanship and paint work. A 300-Yen (exclusive of tax) gashapon figurine of this quality which comes with its own display base and stand is a quite a bargain in my opinion. That cannot be any more truer with Lacus from this series, but one Lacus review at a time. XD

Still, I'm glad that the seller is willing to sell the figurines separately, because I don't want to have four male figurines of characters I could care less just to get the two girls. XD


A little bit of assembly required, as the figurine is being separated into a few parts.


An instruction sheet on how to attach the display stand and clip to the figurine is included.


The team-up mentioned earlier on is shown on the instruction sheet.
Shinn and Heine have shorter display bases to show them as Meer's protectors I suppose. ^^


Given the matchstick-like polygonal neck joint, the head will have zero articulation, ^^; unlike the MS Gundam Heroine series (MS Gundam Seed Destiny Heroines 7 for example) where a slight degree of movement is possible for the figurines' head.



Despite the seemingly top heaviness of the figurine, it can stand firmly on the base without the supporting stand. ^^


As a matter of fact, Meer can stand perfectly fine without the base. ^^




It's amazing how her little feet (on high heels some more ^^) are able to support the entire figurine so well. ^^


(Left) I prefer the safer way of displaying Meer - by using the stand and clip though. ^^
(Right) The clip will get in the way of Meer's hair unfortunately. ^^; The only way to get by this issue is to adjust the clip away from the hair so that it grabs on to Meer's waist from the side.


A very calm-looking Meer. ^^








More closeups on the figurine:

















One special feature of this figurine:


The long dress can be detached. ^^


All of Meer's details are taken care off very nicely it seems. ^o^



It's a very strange sight of Meer singing without her long dress on, even though a great deal of weight is lessened by that. ^^;


I really like this figurine. ^^ The overall design, especially the face sculpt is just incredible. ^^ Knowing its relatively low price (300 Yen exclusive of tax), I wasn't expecting much from it initially, but it's really impressive. ^^

This is actually the second gashapon figurine of Meer in my collection. The first one was from HGIF Gundam Character 3 Vol. Gundam SEED Destiny. However, that version of her in a unique lying position isn't the greatest to compare to this version I think, so Lacus from MS Gundam Seed Destiny Heroines 7 is standing in as the substitute. ^^ Besides their hairpins, the two are basically the same character to me anyway. XD




Besides the obvious size difference, the craftsmanship and paint work for EF Collection 3 Meer seems to be right on par with MS Gundam Seed Destiny Heroines Lacus, which is really awesome to see. ^^ Then again, for the difference of just 100 Yen more, MS Gundam Seed Destiny Heroines Lacus's size, option parts and some degree of neck articulation make her seem like a much more worthwhile purchase, even though I'm not sure if that's really a valid comparison argument. ^^;


Even though I have Lacus from this shokugan set as well, I don't have the entire set so this will be an independent review post for Meer featuring her own picture gallery much like Gundam Heroine History Special Relena Peacecraft. ^^ The review for Lacus won't be coming so soon. ^^;

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MS Gundam Seed Destiny EF Collection 3: Meer Campbell