Kit Review

Straight build

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Detail shots (1/4)

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Detail shots (2/4)

Detail shots

Just like the Vulture, an unsplit face part for painting (right) is also included.

Leftover parts.

Articulation is the same as the original Vulture.

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Action poses with the new Beryl Machete weapon (1/3)

Action poses with the new Beryl Machete weapon

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Cross attack~ (1/3)

Cross attack~

Stomping pose using the heel blade

Three-section staff action poses

The transformation process is the same as the original Vulture.

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Transformed into bird-type cruise mode. (1/4)

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Transformed into bird-type cruise mode. (2/4)

Transformed into bird-type cruise mode.

Wings spread out on the stand

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - In addition to the blue clear parts, fully transparent clear parts are also included — the idea b

In addition to the blue clear parts, fully transparent clear parts are also included —
The idea is that you paint them with clear paints to your liking.

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Swapped out with the fully transparent clear parts. Without any paint, they just end up looking e

Swapped out with the fully transparent clear parts.
Without any paint, they just end up looking even more plain.. ^^;

Frame Arms Vulture Custom - Together with the original Vulture. The configuration adds Extend Boosters on the shoulders and a

Together with the original Vulture.
The configuration adds Extend Boosters on the shoulders and a bladed weapon called the Beryl Machete.

The Vulture Custom has been released as a variation of the transforming Frame Arms kit, the Vulture, which came out in 2015. The molded color has been changed from the original's pink-heavy scheme to a monochrome tone of black, white, and earthy brown, with Extend Boosters added to the shoulders. On top of that, two new blade weapons called the Beryl Machete have been added, bumping the price up ¥400 from ¥3,800 to ¥4,200.

The base body itself is 100% identical to the original, so the articulation, joint strength, and bird-type cruise mode transformation gimmick are all exactly the same as the original Vulture. That said, the added weapons do give the overall kit a slightly more upgraded feel. In particular, when transformed into bird mode, the lower body looks beefier and gives off a stronger vibe.

That said, the upgrade feels a bit underwhelming compared to expectations. Since this is a purely original mecha series anyway, it would've been nice to see a more bold and over-the-top weapon upgrade. As a bonus, fully transparent clear parts are included that weren't in the original Vulture — but they don't really seem all that useful, so they feel more like an afterthought.

Anyway, you'll still need to apply a good amount of glue for durability, but overall it's a solid-quality Frame Arms kit, and if you like the look of it, it's a uniquely fun transforming kit that anyone can enjoy. :-)

Frame Arms Vulture Custom | 2016.5 | ¥4,200

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.