HG

A-Z Gundam

Kit Review

Straight build + Seals

HG A-Z Gundam - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HG A-Z Gundam - Various angles (1/6) HG A-Z Gundam - Various angles (2/6) HG A-Z Gundam - Various angles (3/6) HG A-Z Gundam - Various angles (4/6) HG A-Z Gundam - Various angles (5/6) HG A-Z Gundam - Various angles (6/6)

Various angles

HG A-Z Gundam - Detail shots (1/4) HG A-Z Gundam - Detail shots (2/4) HG A-Z Gundam - Detail shots (3/4) HG A-Z Gundam - Detail shots (4/4)

Detail shots

HG A-Z Gundam - Weapons loadout

Weapons loadout

HG A-Z Gundam - You can combine the two Hyper Mega Launchers to form the Twin Hyper Mega Launcher.

You can combine the two Hyper Mega Launchers to form the Twin Hyper Mega Launcher.

HG A-Z Gundam - Attaching the Hyper Mega Launcher to the backpack lets you set up Prime Cannon Mode.

Attaching the Hyper Mega Launcher to the backpack lets you set up Prime Cannon Mode.

HG A-Z Gundam - The beam parts reused from the HGAW Gundam Double X can be plugged into the A-Z Beam Saber Shield.

The beam parts reused from the HGAW Gundam Double X can be plugged into the A-Z Beam Saber Shield.

HG A-Z Gundam - Transformation-exclusive parts

Transformation-exclusive parts

HG A-Z Gundam - Leftover parts

Leftover parts

HG A-Z Gundam - The articulation is identical to the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.].

The articulation is identical to the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.].

HG A-Z Gundam - Hyper Mega Launcher pose (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - Hyper Mega Launcher pose (2/2)

Hyper Mega Launcher pose

HG A-Z Gundam - Twin Hyper Mega Launcher pose (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - Twin Hyper Mega Launcher pose (2/2)

Twin Hyper Mega Launcher pose

HG A-Z Gundam - Beam saber pose (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - Beam saber pose (2/2)

Beam saber pose

HG A-Z Gundam - A-Z Beam Saber Shield pose (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - A-Z Beam Saber Shield pose (2/2)

A-Z Beam Saber Shield pose

HG A-Z Gundam - Prime Cannon Mode pose (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - Prime Cannon Mode pose (2/2)

Prime Cannon Mode pose

TRANSFORMATION

HG A-Z Gundam - Disassemble the main body as shown on the left, then reassemble it onto the transformation-exclusive parts as HG A-Z Gundam - Disassemble the main body as shown on the left, then reassemble it onto the transformation-exclusive parts as

Disassemble the main body as shown on the left, then reassemble it onto the transformation-exclusive parts as shown on the right.
The basic transformation process is pretty much the same as the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.].

HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider — the style has changed quite a bit from the original Z Gundam. (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider — the style has changed quite a bit from the original Z Gundam. (2/2)

Waverider
The style has changed quite a bit from the original Z Gundam.

HG A-Z Gundam - Underside

Underside

HG A-Z Gundam - Main body parts left over after transformation

Main body parts left over after transformation

HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider on a stand (1/5) HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider on a stand (2/5) HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider on a stand (3/5) HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider on a stand (4/5) HG A-Z Gundam - Waverider on a stand (5/5)

Waverider on a stand

HG A-Z Gundam - Together with the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.]. (1/2) HG A-Z Gundam - Together with the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.]. (2/2)

Together with the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.].

This kit is the HG A-Z Gundam that appeared in Episode 5 of Gundam Build Fighters: Battlogue. It was released as an Amazon exclusive in Japan and as a general retail release overseas — but since it hasn't been reprinted, it's essentially become a true "limited edition" kit.

It's based on the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.]released in 2017, with a large amount of newly sculpted parts added on top. For a limited release, it actually gets four brand-new runners, which gives it a look that's quite different from the original kit. That said, the basic frame and transformation system are carried over as-is, so the overall quality feel is pretty much on par with the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.]. Since that kit already had some fairly modern engineering behind it, you get great articulation, solid joint strength, and a stable transformation gimmick.

Looking at the design, the backpack has been completely redesigned compared to the Z Gundam, and the shoulders, forearms, head antenna, chest, skirt, and thigh armor have all been remodeled. Compared to the classic Z Gundam design, it definitely has more of a Build series vibe to it. The Waverider form has also changed dramatically from the original silhouette — it's been given a much sleeker, more refined look. All that new sculpting really does give it a fresh, distinctive visual identity.

For weapons, you get two Hyper Mega Launchers, an A-Z Beam Saber Shield, and a beam saber. The two Hyper Mega Launchers can be combined into a Twin Hyper Mega Launcher, and you can also mount them on the backpack to set up Prime Cannon Mode. There's also a beam part reused from the HGAW Gundam Double X, which is used to attach to the A-Z Beam Saber Shield. So not just the main body, but the weapons have been fully remodeled as well.

All in all, this is a really nice Build-style remodel of the HGUC Z Gundam [G.E.P.]. Both the looks and the build quality are excellent, so it's a shame it got buried as a limited release. With this much new sculpting poured into it, it would've been great if it had come out as a regular retail release so more people could get their hands on it easily. :-)

HG A-Z Gundam | 2018.1 | ¥2,500

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.