Earlier in 2020, Bandai Hobby started the G-Unit Re:Operation project which brought old designs from both the original Gundam Wing Dual Story: G-Unit manga, and its current continuation, Gundam Wing G-Unit Operation Galiarest. These side stories had many interesting designs, and one of the more awaited ones is finally getting the modern HGAC treatment.
The Gundam Aesculapius is the upgraded form of Gundam Geminass 01 and from what I loosely remember, is the main antagonist mobile suit of Gundam Geminass 02. Being an upgrade to Geminass 01, the original 1997 model kit was a recolor with additional parts. However, this version is more than a straight recolor.
I’ll get on the comparison with the original version in a bit, but you can see how this kit has a whole slew of details and angles. Parts are still shared between the Geminass mold and this one but there are definite changes, especially on the torso and the additional armor parts as seen in the comparison below.
The redesign is also courtesy of original G-Unit mechanical designer Junichi Akutsu and actually gives me the same vibes as the recent Gundam SEED Ver. RM kits. It’s still bulky as with the original design, but the additional mass appears a lot sleeker and angular.
Its transformation scheme to close combat mode is more or less the same, but again, the design was also updated. Most noticeable of these are the new chest vents that go over the entirety of the upper torso area. There’s also new knee armors that transform from the heel armors in its normal/high-mobility mode. Its signature huge claw-like manipulators still remain, just edgier and more intimidating.
While I didn’t get a kit of its original form, looking at these, especially at the comparison with the old kit, kind of makes want to get one. Especially with Premium Bandai now being offered officially in my neck of the woods as part of an online shopping platform. So let’s see. What I’ll definitely get are modern HGAC versions of Gundam L.O. Booster and Gundam Griepe.
HGAC 1/144 Gundam Aesculapius
April 2022 / ¥3,600
