Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Detail shots (1/4)

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Detail shots (2/4)

Detail shots

The Rucksack backpack with weapons removed

The back with the backpack removed as well

A generous weapons loadout.

In addition to the existing Zaku Bazooka, a gray Zaku Bazooka II has been added.

You can mount the bazooka not just on the backpack, but on the rear skirt as well.

On the right side, there are 2 crackers..

On the left side you can mount the Heat Hawk,
but the fit is so loose it keeps falling off T_T

You can swap out the sole parts to switch to the extended claw configuration.

The lower section of the backpack can be swapped out for a sub-arm.

Only 4 leftover parts from runner reuse.

Articulation is, well, just about 90 degrees as expected.

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Combined action pose using the sub-arms as well (1/4)

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Combined action pose using the sub-arms as well (2/4)

Combined action pose using the sub-arms as well

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Zaku Machine Gun firing pose (1/3)

Zaku Machine Gun firing pose

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Heat hawk action (1/3)

Heat hawk action

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. - Pose with the foot claws extended (1/3)

Pose with the foot claws extended

Together with the HGUC Zaku I.

Together with the HG Zaku II Thunderbolt Ver.

The Zaku I from Gundam Thunderbolt — a highly distinctive, latest-generation MSV — has been released in HG. Just like its predecessors, this is a completely redesigned Zaku with no relation to the existing HGUC lineup, and as expected, it came out looking great with a generous weapons loadout, complex color separation, and plenty of sticker seals. ^^

First off, the unique assembly feel — quite different from the standard HGUC — makes the build genuinely fun. As you can see, even a straight build shows off a flashy and attractive look. So while articulation isn't particularly impressive, just like the previous entries, the impressive weapons and visuals are more than enough to pull off some great-looking scenes.

The weapons loadout is generous as well — a Zaku Bazooka II has been added that's similar to but slightly different from the existing Zaku Bazooka, and the sub-arm gimmick on the backpack along with the foot claw gimmick are both reproduced via part swapping. You can also store various weapons on both sides of the backpack, the rear, and both side skirts, so there's a lot of flexibility in how you load it up.

The one downside is the attachment security of the weapons mounted on the side skirts. The 2 crackers are a little iffy, but the Heat Hawk's fit is just plain bad and it falls off way too easily. -_- On the plus side, securing the machine gun or bazooka on both sides of the backpack is pretty solid, so thankfully nothing drops off during posing — which is a relief.

Anyway, just like its predecessors, this is a highly distinctive kit with a uniquely enjoyable build experience, and if you've had fun with other Thunderbolt series kits, this one will definitely satisfy. And beyond that, it seems like any Gunpla fan who loves MSV-style mobile suits will have a great time with this one. :-)

HGGT Zaku I Thunderbolt Ver. | 2014.6 | ¥1,800

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.