Ever since it was revealed, people have been polarized with Gundam EX from Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance. I admit it doesn’t look as ‘attractive’ as other Gundams and many are throwing shade at it just like how people did the same with the Turn-A Gundam. Personally, I am more tolerable of such design choices if it makes sense to the story they’re telling. And with Gundam EX taking more of an antagonistic role in Requiem for Vengeance, its unsettling look would make sense.
One of the complaints I’ve read is how the very busy design doesn’t fit the aesthetics of the One Year War. While true, let’s not forget that Requiem for Vengeance is using a different animation medium that’s meant to look more realistic than traditional animation. As such, the design would warrant more details if it existed in the real world. If you like inking panel lines, then you’ll have a field day with this kit. It also takes the “white devil” moniker to heart as most of the mobile suit are just in different shades of white with some red and gray to break the monotony.
Polarizing opinions aside, the solicitation does provide a better look at the kit and its features. For starters, the shoulder-mounted gatling guns use softer materials for the ammunition belt that attaches to the main drum at the back. It also sports a movable beam saber rack that can accommodate three beam saber handles, with each being able to pivot when drawn.
You’ll also notice a ton of red markings that the kit will be reproducing through marking stickers. I would prefer it if they sold a dedicated set of waterslide decals just like their HG Macross kits, but I’m not holding my breath on it.
The copious amounts of details don’t stop there as even the shield has the same copious amounts especially at the back. I’m not sure of the paint needed to match what we see here but at least the sculpted details are there. The same is true with the beam rifle which likely took inspiration from the one used by the RX-78-2. And like the original, it can be stored at the back when not in use.
One the subject of accessories, here’s everything that comes with the kit, including the ones mentioned above, a pair of beam saber effect parts, a weapon-holding right manipulator, and a display stand adapter.
While Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance has no official release date announced, the October release of this kit makes me believe that the 6-episode series would drop around the same time as well. As to whether the series would change opinions on the Gundam EX design, it is something we can only know by that time.
HG 1/144 Gundam EX (Requiem for Vengeance)
October 2024 / ¥1,900
Order via HobbyLink Japan
