OLD Z Gundam 1/144 Gundam Mk-II

Release 1985.4

Price ¥500

BANDAI BANDAI Japan product info

OLD 1/144 Gundam Mk-II - Box side view (1/3)

Box side view

Runners

The Zeta Gundam series introduces polycaps starting from the 1/144 scale.

Waterslide decals

Parts diagram

Manual

Straight build + wet decals

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Body without weapons

Comes with the basic weapons, minus the bazooka.

Limb articulation allows up to a 90-degree bend.

Shooting pose

Two-handed firing pose

Beam saber action

Together with the 1/144 RX-78 Gundam.

Together with the HGUC Gundam Mk-II released in 2002

Together with the HGUC Gundam Mk-II Revive version released in 2015

The evolution of the 1/144 Gundam Mk-II (1985 - 2002 - 2015)

In 1985, the 1/144 Gundam Mk-II was released as the very first kit in the Zeta Gundam model series. The Zeta Gundam line fully adopted the polycap joint system that had been gradually experimented with toward the end of the original Gundam era — and you can really feel the difference in hand compared to those older kits.

For starters, unlike the original Gundam 1/144s that were molded in a single color, this one comes with two separate runners in gray and blue, marking the beginning of actual color separation. Sure, by today's standards it's pretty lacking, but back then it must have looked noticeably more impressive than a plain single-color kit.

With polycaps in the mix, the joints move much more smoothly than before. And even though it's an older kit, the small size actually works in its favor — the joint strength holds up well and the whole thing feels solid. Articulation-wise, the limbs can bend about 90 degrees and the ankles move too, which is a huge step up from the original Gundam era. It's also worth noting that for a 1/144, pretty much every major joint moves except for the waist.

The overall proportions are also a bit softer than the original Gundam kits, giving the Mk-II that chunky yet well-balanced silhouette it's known for — and honestly, it still holds up pretty well even now. Weapons-wise, you get all the basic armaments minus the bazooka, and while it's a tight fit, you can actually get a two-handed rifle pose out of it.

All in all, this is one of those historically significant Gunpla kits that shows a clear and definite upgrade over the original Gundam era. The Mk-II has been one of the most beloved suits in the Gundam universe for decades, so if you're feeling nostalgic for the '80s, this is definitely one I'd recommend picking up at least once. :-)
[ Updated at 2017.2.18 ]

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.