MG RX-78-2

Gundam Ver.Ka

Kit Review

Straight build + Panel lining + Decals

The RX-78 may be the top-tier main character unit, but it's been version-upped so many times that now it's even getting a full custom design release. The original RX-78 design by Kadoki Hajime — the genius behind the concept designs for most of the major MG/HGUC/PG Gunpla lineups — has now come out under the name Ver.Ka. Previously it was only handled by a tiny number of hardcore fans as a resin kit, but now it's been brought to the masses through the MG series.

First of all, it's fair to say the GM Kai played an important role in making this RX-78 Ver.Ka happen. The arm parts, shield parts, leg internal frame, and overall skeletal structure are all directly compatible with the GM Kai. So since a good number of runners could share the same molds as the GM Kai, that's what made it viable to release as a product.

Basically, this Ver.Ka First Gundam has a completely different style from the original First Gundam. There's not a single part that's the same — if anything, it has more in common with the GM Kai. The overall proportions and design are very clean, with that characteristic Kadoki line aesthetic coming through nicely. The articulation is exactly the same as the GM Kai, so both the arms and legs bend quite a lot, though the ankle range of motion is a bit limited, which makes pulling off action poses not quite as easy. On the plus side, the joints are neither too stiff nor too loose — just right — and that's something I really appreciate.

The weapons have the same lineup as the standard First Gundam, but the designs are much more refined. There are lots of small parts tucked into every corner, giving it a nice, intricate feel. The one downside is the bazooka barrel — it's supposed to be white per the official color scheme, but there's absolutely no color separation for it. It's not an easy area to hand-paint either, so that's a bit of a shame. The shield is 100% identical to the GM Kai's, so it doesn't feel particularly new.

One notable thing: the Core System has been improved yet again. The original RX-78's Core System was massively upgraded to PG-level quality in the MG Guncannon, and the Ver.Ka takes that Guncannon version up another notch. The Core Block is a very similar design, but the molding is far more refined and precise. The Core Fighter also looks the same at first glance, but look closely and a lot has changed. The wings are slightly larger, which shifts the proportions of the fuselage parts, and the part at the front of the cockpit is now split to better match the official colors. The folding vertical tail fin mechanism works the same way as the MG Guncannon. In short, you could call this the definitive version of the 1/100 Core System.

One of the defining features of the Ver.Ka is the sheer, almost painful amount of sticker and decal work involved. There are tons of tiny stickers to apply all over the place — easily three times the amount you'd find on a typical MG — so it takes quite a bit of time to get through. On top of that, many of the spots where stickers go are quite narrow, so you really need to trim around every single sticker before applying it. (For reference, all the Gunpla stickers in Dalong.net reviews are trimmed around the edges before application — it just looks so much cleaner that way.) Anyway, a lot of people complain about the excessive over-decaling, but once it's all on, it does look pretty sharp. :-)

Kadoki's designs are known for their sharp, well-defined lines, and this kit is no exception — there's something about the design and detail that feels more refined than other kits. From head to toe, the molded color and line work show that distinctly "Kadoki" angular quality, wrapped up in top-tier molding. The refined Core Block/Core Fighter in particular stands out as clearly a cut above other kits. Definitely worthy of the Kadoki Ver. name!

Kits based on units that didn't appear in the anime tend to be less popular (Sentinel aside~), but this Ver.Ka is a relatively popular item thanks to its refined style, the more premium box and manual, and Kadoki's name recognition. Quite a few people probably picked it up just because the box art looked so good. ^^; That said, unlike other MGs, there's no color inner cover inside the box.

If you're a fan of Kadoki Hajime, this is obviously a must-buy. But even if you're not, the clean quality, fine molding, and refined style make it easy to recommend to just about anyone. There's really nothing seriously wrong with it. The slightly awkward ¥3,200 price point is a bit of a head-scratcher though — if they'd just gone with ¥3,000 it probably would've sold even better. ^^

MG RX-78-2  Gundam Ver.Ka
CategoryRatingAnalysis
Seam Lines★★★★☆Not perfect, but it covers things reasonably well without looking too awkward.
Molding Color / Color Separation★★★★Elegant ivory color tone and color separation — but zero color separation on the bazooka.
Proportions★★★★★Good~
Articulation★★★★Above-average cleanliness.
Joint Strength★★★★★Neither too stiff nor too loose — just right.
Internal Frame★★★★Legs and backpack are great; arms are a bit bare.
Detail★★★★★It's a Kadoki version, so naturally~ great detail in every corner~
Weapons / Accessories★★★★★Solid fundamentals. Top-tier weapon detail. And yet another Core System upgrade.
Parts Count / Price★★★☆278 parts total. Parts per ¥1,000: 86.9. That awkward ¥3,200 price tag???
Uniqueness★★★★★Kadoki's original design goes mainstream!
Dalong's Point : 90 pts.

MG Gundam Ver.Ka | 2002. 12 | ¥3,600

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.