Extended MSIA G-3 Gundam Part 1

First
After a month-long absence, Gundam is making a return to this blog with this action figure. ^^


This is Extended Mobile Suit in Action!! (Extended MSIA) G-3 Gundam. Came out together with Extended MSIA Herbert Von Kuspen's Customized Gelgoog in October 2008, it's actually the last release of the aforementioned sub-series of MSIA, and the overall MSIA line as well. Strictly speaking, both of them aren't completely new items: G-3 Gundam is a recolored version of RX-78-2 (obviously) which was released almost three years before it, with different sets of option parts. Herbert Von Kuspen's Customized Gelgoog on the other hand is a recolored mold of Char's Customized Gelgoog (released in April 2007) but added with the backpack of Johnny Ridden's Customized Gelgoog (released in July 2007).

It's also noteworthy that the Robot Damashii series's debut with [Side MS] 00 Gundam was in October 2008 as well. ^^ The's no doubt that the emergence of Robot Damashii is connected to the demise of MSIA, as both are Gundam action figure series from the same company. Robot Damashii branched out to feature other mecha series not too long after it was introduced. MSIA, or should I say just the "in Action!!" line had limited attempts in releasing figures other than Gundam in its Off Shoot sub-series. Still, mecha from the Gundam universe is the focus for the both of them. I actually wrote about the connection between Robot Damashii, Extended MSIA, as well as Bandai Hobby Division's HCM-Pro series back in Part 1 of HCM-Pro Gundam Exia's review.


In terms of the mecha, G-3 Gundam is my favorite variation based off of the first Gundam. It's supposedly a powered up version of Gundam RX-78-2 with a different color scheme. The color scheme is the main reason I like this mecha so much. ^^ The overall gray scheme is a lot more subtle and practical-looking than the original Gundam. Red, blue, white and yellow form the color scheme of a hero unit, which is why most protagonist Gundams follow that "traditional" scheme. ^^ The very simple gray scheme on G-3 Gundam gives it greater credibility as an actual robot meant for killing and destruction. XD On the other hand, since all of its weapons can be found on Gundam RX-78-2's list, it's just the color scheme that could trigger your interest for it, or not. ^^

Speaking of the color scheme, the tone of gray and blue on this Extended MSIA version is just alright to me. My all time favorite is the first Master Grade version which features a much darker tone, especially if you're building the kit straight out of box. ^^ The limited MG Ver. One Year War ranks second on my list, followed by this Extended MSIA figure. The Master Grade Ver. 2.0 released some four years back has an overly light color tone among all four, which is my least favorite merchandise incarnation of the Gundam. ^^; I have that kit too, but its color scheme is just part of the reason I got it in the first place. The other part is to experience the engineering brilliance of Master Grade Gundam RX-78-2's frame design. ^^ All in all, I have four G-3 Gundams in different merchandise format. This Extended MSIA action figure came out as the first of the four to be reviewed. ^^


Holographic effect for the product label.


(Left) A 2008 item it is. ^^
(Right) The label of the Extended MSIA series.


Hanger design on the top face of the box.


Right and left faces of the box.


A glimpse at Extended MSIA Mass Productive Type Gelgoog on the right face of the box. Gelgoog was released a month before G-3 Gundam.


The label of the original MSIA line is shown as well.


Bottom face of the box.


Introduction of the figure on the back of the box.





A really random mix-match of the last few MSIA and Extended MSIA figures in the combat scene. XD Besides Mass Productive Type Gelgoog, Herbert Von Kuspen's Customized Gelgoog and Zudah can be found in that picture.


Very much like the Sci-fi Revoltech series, the hard cover that allows the package to be opened like a book, which gives the box a higher collection value. ^^
It's very interesting that the latest Sci-fi Revoltech figure I received, Iron Man Mark V was designed without the hard cover now, but the feature is found on this old item. ^^




More images of the figure, introduction on some of its articulation points and the collection card can be seen behind the paper cover.


The figure itself and almost all its accessories can be seen clearly through the front window.











Closeups on the content details.


Box open.


A small Extended MSIA stamp that is meant to be cut out can be seen on one of the box ears.
I'm pretty sure it's useless now. ^^;


Top view of the box content.


Package content with the clear plastic cover taken off.








Closeups on the content details.


Rear view of the box content.




The collection card for G-3 Gundam that can be organized using a ring file.


(Left) This is the 114th release in the entire MSIA line it seems. ^^
(Right) A snapshot of Amuro from the last episode of the original Gundam series is the only new image on the card. The other images of the figure can be seen on the back of the box and behind the hard cover.



A straight out of box display of Extended MSIA G-3 Gundam.
First impression after removing it from the plastic tray: this is a really small figure. ^^

A look at all the accessories and option parts included for this figure next. ^^