Kit Review

Straight build

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Detail shots (1/4)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Detail shots (2/4)

Detail shots

Outer armor removed

Inner frame provided in pre-assembled form

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Frame detail shots. Only the color has been changed from the previous HiRM Gundam Astray Red Frame.

Frame detail shots.
Only the color has been changed from the previous HiRM Gundam Astray Red Frame.

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - The only thing that could really be called metal parts is still just that small section on the back

The only thing that could really be called metal parts is still just that small section on the back of the thighs...

The newly added Sword Pistol

The Sword Pistol can be securely mounted on the side skirts.

The Fragarach beam blade stored in the Noir Striker can have beam parts attached to it.

A total of 4 hand types are included.

A joint part for a stand is included, which attaches to the underside of the backpack.

Leftover parts

Articulation is identical to the previous Astray Red Frame.

Noir Striker articulation

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (1/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (2/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (3/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (4/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (5/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (6/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (7/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (8/11)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir - Action pose (9/11)

Action pose

Together with the HiRM Gundam Astray Red Frame.

Gundam Astray Noir has been released as the 4th kit in the High Resolution Model (HiRM) lineup. It's the Astray unit equipped with the Noir Striker, and the pre-assembled inner frame — a hallmark of the HiRM line — has been carried over directly from the previous Gundam Astray Red Frame with only a color change.

So the basic joint articulation characteristics are completely identical to the Red Frame, delivering top-tier articulation along with joint strength that feels a bit on the stiff side. Sure, stiff is better than loose, but the fact that it's stiffer than necessary and causes some discomfort is still there. That said, the fact that it holds any pose rock-solid is something you'd have to count as a plus.

The black armor surfaces feature gloss injection, giving them a shiny, premium look. The newly added Noir Striker turned out nearly identical in functionality to the MG Strike Noir Gundam, with only slight differences in proportions. The Fragarach beam blade stored in the Noir Striker comes with separate beam parts, and the Sword Pistol — which mounts securely to the side skirts — includes a silver-plated blade.

Just like its predecessor, this is clearly a high-quality kit with incredibly solid joint strength, flexible articulation, vibrant colors, and a satisfying heft to it. But the PG-level price tag of ¥16,000 despite having very little actual metal material is still a sticking point. Honestly, if it had come out around ¥8,000 it'd be quite easy to recommend — but coming in ¥3,000 more expensive than the HiRM Red Frame, which already felt pricey, does feel a bit much.

Anyway, it leaves something to be desired in terms of value for money, but the kit itself is genuinely good quality. :-)

HiRM Gundam Astray Noir | 2019. 6 | ¥16,000

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.