Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HG Dygenguar - Size comparison with the MG First. The scale is matched exactly to the head height of a 1/100 Gun

Size comparison with the MG First.
The scale is matched exactly to the head height of a 1/100 Gunpla.

Various angles

Detail shots

HG Dygenguar - Two versions of the Sanshiki Zankantou are included separately — deployed state and standard stat

Two versions of the Sanshiki Zankantou are included separately — deployed state and standard state.

A total of 6 hands are included.

Included stand

Leftover parts

Relatively excellent limb articulation

The shoulders move flexibly up, down, left, and right.

There's a gimmick where the hip joints rotate and drop downward.

You can open the cover on the back to expose the built-in thrusters.

HG Dygenguar - Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in deployed state (1/5)

HG Dygenguar - Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in deployed state (2/5)

HG Dygenguar - Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in deployed state (3/5)

Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in deployed state

HG Dygenguar - Pose holding the deployed Sanshiki Zankantou with both hands (1/3)

Pose holding the deployed Sanshiki Zankantou with both hands

HG Dygenguar - Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in standard state (1/5)

HG Dygenguar - Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in standard state (2/5)

HG Dygenguar - Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in standard state (3/5)

Action pose with the Sanshiki Zankantou in standard state

Dynamic Knuckle pose using the support stand

Together with the HG Huckebein Mk-II and Alteisen.
It's noticeably bigger than both.

It's even bigger than the HG Cybaster, which was already a fairly large kit.

HG Dygenguar - Together with the Kotobukiya non-scale Dygenguar released in 2007. The Koto version holds up fine

Together with the Kotobukiya non-scale Dygenguar released in 2007.
The Koto version holds up fine in terms of proportions and color separation, but the Bandai version absolutely blows it out of the water when it comes to joint durability.

This kit is the Dygenguar, released as the 5th entry in Bandai's Super Robot Wars HG series. Compared to the non-scale Dygenguarreleased by Kotobukiya back in 2007, there's a 16-year gap between them — and the difference really shows, especially in terms of durability rather than looks.

First off, the color separation and molded colors are visually excellent. The color combination is perfectly achieved through part separation alone, without a single seal, and thanks to Bandai's characteristically smooth material feel, the build goes together effortlessly. The sculpting and volume on each individual part are great too, making this a very satisfying kit to put together in every way. On top of that, it delivers top-tier joint strength alongside excellent articulation, giving it an all-rounder quality that's hard to fault in any area.

The joint strength in particular is extremely satisfying. The polycap-less joints move smoothly while locking firmly in place — they're just superb. Despite being noticeably larger than previous Super Robot Wars kits, the joint strength is so well-tuned that posing is virtually stress-free. It really feels like Bandai's mold craftsmen sat down and carefully dialed in every joint tolerance with precision.

The 2007 Kotobukiya Dygenguar was actually pretty decent in terms of color combination and proportions. The Bandai version is a bit larger, and the color separation on the torso and legs is more refined. But the biggest difference is durability — and that gap really comes through in how the kit feels in your hands. The Bandai version also comes with a dedicated stand and a support stand, so you can even recreate the Dynamic Knuckle scene.

For weapons, both a deployed and a standard version of the Sanshiki Zankantou are included separately. Since they're secured using dedicated hands, there's absolutely no issue with grip strength. Thanks to the solid weapon hold and top-tier joint strength, the kit stays stable in whatever pose you put it in.

So while it's not exactly overflowing with accessories and gimmicks, this kit delivers A++ baseline quality. It's one of the best action plastic model kits ever released by Bandai, across their entire lineup. Whether you're a Super Robot Wars fan or just a general Gunpla enthusiast, this is a must-recommend masterpiece of a kit. :-)

HG Dygenguar | 2023. 8 | ¥5,200

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.