OLD Z Gundam 1/144 Methuss

Release 1985.12

Price ¥700

BANDAI BANDAI Japan product info

Box side view

Runners

Parts diagram

Manual

Straight build + waterslide decals

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

The arm beam gun that stores into the forearm is nicely reproduced.

The arm and leg articulation is pretty decent considering the overall design.

Dual gun pose

Punch pose

OLD 1/144 Methuss - To transform into Mobile Armor mode, first remove the hands and position the arms at the angle shown abov

To transform into Mobile Armor mode, first remove the hands and position the arms at the angle shown above.

Pull both sides of the hip joints outward to spread the legs apart.

Fold the legs so they lock snugly into the back of the shoulders.

Transformed into Mobile Armor mode

Underside

Together with the 1/144 Zeta Gundam.

Together with the HGUC Methuss released in 2006.

Comparison with the HGUC Methuss in Mobile Armor mode

Together with the 1/144 Gaplant in Mobile Armor mode.

This is the old-release 1/144 Zeta Gundam series Methuss. It's a uniquely designed unit, and the transformation into Mobile Armor mode is well reproduced. That said, probably because of the transformation gimmick, the proportions in Mobile Suit mode feel a bit stiffer compared to other kits.

The Methuss's signature forearm beam guns are nicely done too — the fit is a little iffy, but they're fully poseable and work well. The transformation gimmick itself is similar to the HGUC version, and if you line up the arms and legs properly, the Mobile Armor proportions actually come together surprisingly cleanly. The transformation is better than expected overall, and as you can see in the comparison shots above, it holds up just as well as the HGUC in terms of a smooth finish. On top of that, the lock in transformed mode is pretty solid too.

The articulation in Mobile Suit mode isn't bad for a transforming kit either, and those unique beam guns do allow for some fun, distinctive poses. Joint strength is kept in check thanks to polycaps, but when it comes to the overall package — proportions, transformation, and articulation — the HGUC really does seem to have upgraded the Methuss across the board.

All in all, this is a kit that really shines with its impressive transformation, and the molded colors are decent enough that it's worth recommending to old-school fans as a solid vintage release. :-)
[ Updated at 2017.3.26 ]

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.