Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - Detail shots (1/4)

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - Detail shots (2/4)

Detail shots

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - The slash hammer mounted on the side skirts also doubles as storage for the Gamma Nanolaminate S

The slash hammer mounted on the side skirts also doubles as storage for the Gamma Nanolaminate Sword and shotgun.

One dedicated hand part is included for holding the shotgun.

The tip of the sword connects to the arm on the forearm.

The wings on the shoulders can be deployed horizontally like this.

The complex design means articulation takes a bit of a hit comparatively.

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - Unsheathing pose combined with slash hammer action. The slash hammer is so large it has to be hel

Unsheathing pose combined with slash hammer action.
The slash hammer is so large it has to be held with both hands.

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - Gamma Nanolaminate Sword action (1/3)

Gamma Nanolaminate Sword action

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - Flight mode with wings spread (1/3)

Flight mode with wings spread

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin - Shotgun action (1/3)

Shotgun action

Together with the HG Gundam Astaroth.
Similar names, but completely different designs.

Following the Gundam Astaroth from the official Iron-Blooded Orphans side story "Gekko," the Astaroth Origin has now been released as an HG kit as well. The name is similar, but the design is completely different from the original Astaroth — it's a deep red mobile suit, almost like the color scheme of that certain someone who moves three times faster. The overall style offers a visual that sets it apart from other Gundams in quite a few ways.

For starters, it's got large wing units on either side of the shoulders that can be deployed into a flight configuration, which is a pretty unique touch. The massive hammer-like weapon called the slash hammer can be mounted on the side skirts, and there's even storage above and below it for the Gamma Nanolaminate Sword and shotgun as well.

Probably due to the somewhat complex design, the articulation feels a step behind other recent kits. Joint strength is decent enough that posing isn't a problem, but getting natural-looking angles out of it isn't the easiest thing. With so many moving parts and a somewhat tricky balance, even just getting it to stand in a basic neutral pose takes a fair bit of fiddling.

That said, it's a kit that really stands out with its unique design and color scheme, and aside from posing being a little finicky, the overall quality is satisfying. If you enjoyed the Iron-Blooded Orphans Gekko arc or just love the look of this kit, it's definitely worth recommending without hesitation. :-)

HG Gundam Astaroth Origin | 2016.8 | ¥1,400

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.