Kit Review

Straight build + Panel lining

The universal yardstick — size comparison with a cigarette pack.

HGUC Zeta Gundam - The legs bend to an insane degree for a transforming kit. Then again, given Zeta Gundam's transformation m

The legs bend to an insane degree for a transforming kit. Then again, given Zeta Gundam's transformation mechanics, maybe that kind of bend makes sense.

HGUC Zeta Gundam - On the flip side, the ankle and leg articulation is limited, so pulling off a wide variety of poses is tou

On the flip side, the ankle and leg articulation is limited, so pulling off a wide variety of poses is tough.

HGUC Zeta Gundam - Following the Maxter and Cold Districts GM, this kit includes a resin-style fixed beam saber hand. It's go

Following the Maxter and Cold Districts GM, this kit includes a resin-style fixed beam saber hand.
It's got the best detail of any we've seen so far. ^^ (painting required, of course)

Even without paint, let's have it grab that beam saber for a sec...

The Hyper Mega Launcher. It's seriously long — but hey, it stands there holding it just fine.

Trans~formation
(Transformation)

HGUC Zeta Gundam - The HGUC Zeta Gundam kit doesn't do full transformation — instead, it goes with a disassemble-and-reassemb

The HGUC Zeta Gundam kit doesn't do full transformation — instead, it goes with a disassemble-and-reassemble approach.
In return, you get a solid, clean transformation.

HGUC Zeta Gundam - Basically there are two separate core body sections — one for MS mode (left) and one for Waverider mode (

Basically there are two separate core body sections — one for MS mode (left) and one for Waverider mode (right) —
and you detach the legs, body armor, etc. and attach them to whichever core you need.

To transform, first you disassemble the MS...

then reshape each section to match the Waverider configuration and attach them to the Waverider body.

Ta-da~ Waverider complete!

HGUC Zeta Gundam - Once you've built the Waverider, the head, core body, and arms on the right are just left sitting there.

Once you've built the Waverider, the head, core body, and arms on the right are just left sitting there.
It might seem like a bizarre way to transform (?), but thanks to that, the Waverider comes out incredibly slim, solid, and well-proportioned.

Waverider equipped with the beam rifle and Mega Launcher

HGUC Zeta Gundam - The landing gear can only be attached via the Mega Launcher — there's none built into the Waverider itsel

The landing gear can only be attached via the Mega Launcher — there's none built into the Waverider itself.
Viewed from the side, you can really see how sleek and slim the Waverider body has been rendered.

Front view

Rear view. Yep, nice and slim~

Bottom view.

HGUC Zeta Gundam - A shot alongside the MG Zeta Gundam. Compared to the MG, which somehow looks slouchy and loose (^^;), you

A shot alongside the MG Zeta Gundam. Compared to the MG, which somehow looks slouchy and loose (^^;),
you can immediately tell the HGUC has a solid, sturdy build.

HGUC Zeta Gundam - Comparison with the MG Waverider. The MG is definitely bigger... Even with the HGUC's Mega Launcher exten

Comparison with the MG Waverider. The MG is definitely bigger...
Even with the HGUC's Mega Launcher extended to make it look longer, it's nowhere close. ^^;

HGUC Zeta Gundam - The three main protagonist Gundams... RX-78, Maxter, and Zeta. Their heights keep getting bigger in the lo

The three main protagonist Gundams... RX-78, Maxter, and Zeta. Their heights keep getting bigger in the lore.

Together with arch-rival Dio. That Dio's got some serious presence...

Together with the previously released HGUC Zeta Gundam series kits

Straight build photos before panel lining

At last, Zeta Gundam has arrived in HGUC form. The MG Zeta released way back had great detail and parts layout, but its joints were so loose it earned the nickname "Octopus Gundam." So a lot of people were hoping for a v1.5 like the RX-78 got, but instead we only got the Zeta Plus in a solid release. The HGUC Zeta seems like it was made to scratch that itch (?) — it's been released with seriously impressive quality.

First off, the proportions are more true to the original and feel much sturdier. It's got a solid, compact look. The joints have just the right amount of resistance, so poses hold well and transformation is easier. The limb articulation is also surprisingly good for a transforming kit, and that's all thanks to the bold approach taken with the transformation system.

Given Bandai's technology at the time, or even looking back at the HG 1/144 Zeta released over ten years prior, pulling off full transformation in the HGUC line wouldn't have been impossible. However, going full-transformation would inevitably have made the kit more complex, and there's no doubt that durability, rigidity, sharpness, and articulation would have taken a hit.

So instead, the HGUC Zeta boldly went with a disassemble-and-reassemble approach rather than full transformation — swapping between MS and Waverider modes by removing the parts that aren't needed for each form. There are separate core body sections for MS mode and Waverider mode, and you fully disassemble the legs, armor, wings, and everything else, then move them over to whichever core body you need. (See photos)

At first glance the transformation might feel disappointing (after all, there's something undeniably cool about a no-swap full transformation...) but once you actually try it, you immediately see the advantages. By completely removing the parts that aren't needed for each mode, the Waverider can be built incredibly solid and sli~m — it really looks like an actual aircraft. And since MS mode doesn't have to carry the burden of transformation in each section, it delivers a sturdier, better-articulated build. Either way, the end result is that this bold, slightly retro swap-style transformation system gives both the Waverider and MS mode proportions that are just to die for. T_Tb

That said, it's still a transforming kit, so articulation range is fairly limited compared to the proportions. And the Hyper Mega Launcher coming molded in plain blue is a bit of a letdown... though the shape itself is decent enough. Also, unlike the MG, seeing the HGUC Zeta stand there holding that massive, heavy Mega Launcher without any trouble is honestly kind of impressive. ^^

With proportions that win you over right away, a great Waverider look, a reasonable price of ¥1600, and a really nice molded color feel — the HGUC Zeta Gundam is another universally recommended masterpiece kit. ^^

HGUC Zeta Gundam | 2003.10 | ¥1,600

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.