Kit Review

Straight build + Panel lining + Seals

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Various angles

Detail shots

Outer armor removed

Internal frame

RG Gundam Epyon - Frame detail shots (1/4)

RG Gundam Epyon - Frame detail shots (2/4)

Frame detail shots

Comes with a beam sword and Epyon Shield + heat rod connected by a lead wire.

RG Gundam Epyon - The heat rod provided as a system insert in action. It's amazing even looking at it again — all those joint

The heat rod provided as a system insert in action.
It's amazing even looking at it again — all those joints molded as a single part.

When storing the beam sword in the side skirt, a locking pin holds it firmly in place so it won't fall out.

RG Gundam Epyon - There are 5 hands in total, including an open left hand — though I lost the open hand during the photo shoo

There are 5 hands in total, including an open left hand,
though I lost the open hand during the photo shoot.. T_T

RG Gundam Epyon - Cockpit hatch open. The opening is the narrowest I've ever seen — getting in and out doesn't look easy at a

Cockpit hatch open.
The opening is the narrowest I've ever seen — getting in and out doesn't look easy at all..

The front and rear panels of the shoulder armor can be opened upward.

Stand joint parts for MS mode and MA mode.

The MS mode stand joint part connects securely to the bottom of the backpack.

Excellent limb articulation

Shoulder forward/backward articulation

Waist articulation

There's also a joint that lets the wrist bend one more time.

The feet can rotate forward and backward, which really helps with getting a stable footing.

The wing's internal gimmick is a 3-stage linked mechanism that lets you open and close them all at once.

RG Gundam Epyon - Natural kneeling pose (1/3)

Natural kneeling pose

RG Gundam Epyon - Beam sword action (1/3)

Beam sword action

RG Gundam Epyon - Beam sword + heat rod action (1/3)

Beam sword + heat rod action

RG Gundam Epyon - Beam sword aerial action (1/3)

Beam sword aerial action

RG Gundam Epyon - Heat rod action. The heat rod can bend in all sorts of directions and holds its pose well. (1/4)

RG Gundam Epyon - Heat rod action. The heat rod can bend in all sorts of directions and holds its pose well. (2/4)

Heat rod action.
The heat rod can bend in all sorts of directions and holds its pose well.

TRANSFORMATION

First, detach both hands, then bend the arms as shown and spread the front and rear claws open.

Open the rear skirt to both sides, then lift the crotch armor to release the hip joint lock.

RG Gundam Epyon - Rotate the hip joints 180 degrees backward as shown, then raise the mouth and head antenna on the feet to f

Rotate the hip joints 180 degrees backward as shown, then raise the mouth and head antenna on the feet to form the dragon head.

Spread the wings out to the sides, then plug the stand joint part into where the hip joints were.

RG Gundam Epyon - Rotate the Epyon Shield's internal locking pin 180 degrees, attach it to the body like a tail, and the tran

Rotate the Epyon Shield's internal locking pin 180 degrees, attach it to the body like a tail, and the transformation is complete.

RG Gundam Epyon - Mobile Armor form. It holds its shape pretty solidly. (1/5)

RG Gundam Epyon - Mobile Armor form. It holds its shape pretty solidly. (2/5)

RG Gundam Epyon - Mobile Armor form. It holds its shape pretty solidly. (3/5)

Mobile Armor form.
It holds its shape pretty solidly.

RG Gundam Epyon - Mobile Armor form on a stand (1/4)

RG Gundam Epyon - Mobile Armor form on a stand (2/4)

Mobile Armor form on a stand

Together with the MG Gundam Epyon released in 2011.
The RG is more refined in terms of gimmicks.

RG Gundam Epyon - Together with the old 1/144 Gundam Epyon from 1995. With a 28-year gap between them, the difference is enor

Alongside the old 1/144 Gundam Epyon from 1995.
With a 28-year gap between them, the difference is massive even though they're both 1/144.

RG Gundam Epyon - Comparison shots with the three RG Wing Gundams. Epyon dominates in terms of sheer size. (1/3)

Comparison shots with the three RG Wing Gundams.
Epyon dominates in terms of sheer size.

RG Gundam Epyon - Straight build shots. (1/4)

RG Gundam Epyon - Straight build shots. (2/4)

Straight build

The 38th RG kit has arrived — Gundam Epyon from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. It's the first new RG in about a year, and Epyon has its own dedicated fanbase thanks to its unique design. It's also the first proper 1/144 scale model kit since the old 1/144 release back in 1995.

The overall construction follows the latest RG concept faithfully, and by ditching the one-piece injection frame, the joints are nice and solid. It's come out as a top-tier action model kit with excellent articulation, smooth movement, and great pose-holding ability. Posing is easy, poses hold well, and no parts fall off mid-session — so you can handle it stress-free. The smooth assembly feel and outstanding color separation make the building experience a real pleasure too.

The RG's signature one-piece injection (system insert) was applied to the Heat Rod, where 10 multi-jointed segments are impressively molded as a single part. It moves well and holds firmly, maintaining whatever angle you set it at. The beam sword, connected to the side skirts via a lead wire, also turned out nicely, and separate joint parts for MS and MA modes are included for display stand use — great functionality there. On top of that, the transformation lock into MA (Mobile Armor) mode is satisfying, and the MA-specific joint part allows for stable aerial display as well.

All in all, this is a clean, flawless kit — you could call it a near-perfect RG. Despite a relatively complex design, the joints and part connections are solid throughout, which is really impressive. Whether you're an existing Gundam Wing fan or just a Gunpla enthusiast who digs the style, this one's well worth recommending :-)

RG Gundam Epyon | 2023. 9 | ¥4,200

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.