HGBF

Lightning Gundam

Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers

HGBF Lightning Gundam - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HGBF Lightning Gundam (1/6) HGBF Lightning Gundam (2/6) HGBF Lightning Gundam (3/6) HGBF Lightning Gundam (4/6) HGBF Lightning Gundam (5/6) HGBF Lightning Gundam (6/6)

HGBF Lightning Gundam - Detail shots (1/4) HGBF Lightning Gundam - Detail shots (2/4) HGBF Lightning Gundam - Detail shots (3/4) HGBF Lightning Gundam - Detail shots (4/4)

Detail shots

HGBF Lightning Gundam - The beam rifle can be combined from 4 parts.

The beam rifle can be combined from 4 parts.

HGBF Lightning Gundam - You can also use the shield as a bipod (stand).

You can also use the shield as a bipod (stand).

HGBF Lightning Gundam - The articulation folds up nice and smooth.

The articulation folds up nice and smooth.

HGBF Lightning Gundam - Two-handed beam rifle firing pose (1/3) HGBF Lightning Gundam - Two-handed beam rifle firing pose (2/3) HGBF Lightning Gundam - Two-handed beam rifle firing pose (3/3)

Two-handed beam rifle firing pose

HGBF Lightning Gundam - With the long barrel swapped in and the shield used as a bipod. (1/2) HGBF Lightning Gundam - With the long barrel swapped in and the shield used as a bipod. (2/2)

With the long barrel swapped in and the shield used as a bipod.

HGBF Lightning Gundam - Long barrel beam rifle firing pose. The joint strength is solid enough to hold this kind of pose just HGBF Lightning Gundam - Long barrel beam rifle firing pose. The joint strength is solid enough to hold this kind of pose just HGBF Lightning Gundam - Long barrel beam rifle firing pose. The joint strength is solid enough to hold this kind of pose just

Long barrel beam rifle firing pose.
The joint strength is solid enough to hold this kind of pose just fine.

HGBF Lightning Gundam - Beam saber action (1/2) HGBF Lightning Gundam - Beam saber action (2/2)

Beam saber action

HGBF Lightning Gundam - The Lightning Gundam, carrying on the lineage of the Re-GZ.

The Lightning Gundam, carrying on the lineage of the Re-GZ.

HGBF Lightning Gundam - Together with the recently released Build Burning Gundam / Powered GM Cardigan. Like the Re-GZ, it's s

Together with the recently released Build Burning Gundam / Powered GM Cardigan.
Like the Re-GZ, it's set to be a bit larger than other units.

The 20th kit in the Build Fighters HG series — which has been going strong longer than you might expect — is the Lightning Gundam. At first glance it looks like a transformable unit in the Zeta lineage, but it's actually more of an MSV-style take on the Re-GZ. Instead of transforming into a Waverider, it carries on the tradition of combining with a separate flight system (sold separately).

True to the Build Fighters lineup's approach of reimagining existing Gunpla as MSV designs, the refined Zeta-lineage design looks pretty darn cool. MSV-style designs really just need to look good, and on that front — setting aside any questions of lineage or backstory — this one has a genuinely impressive proportion all on its own.

As you'd expect from a modern HG kit, the overall balance of articulation and joint strength is great, and the color separation is well done too, so it's a fun straight build right out of the box. The beam rifle can be assembled from 4 parts, so you can use it not just as a standard beam rifle but also as a long-barreled version with the extended barrel attached. The simple-looking shield can also be used as a bipod, propped under the beam rifle like a stand.

Overall, it's a solid kit with a refined design and clean build quality — and it has that familiar Gunpla feel that won't put off older fans either. It's an easy recommendation for all Gunpla fans looking for a fun, casual build. :-)

HGBF Lightning Gundam | 2014.11 | ¥1,600

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.