Kit Review

Straight build

MS Mode straight build

Waverider straight build

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

SD Z Gundam - MS Mode after applying seals (1/4)

SD Z Gundam - MS Mode after applying seals (2/4)

MS Mode after applying seals

All the weapons you'd expect are here.

The weapons have a few hollow areas, but hey, that's forgivable! ^^;

Rifle shooting pose

Beam saber pod

Hyper Mega Launcher pose

Transformation

First, remove the head, raise the chest, and detach the front skirt parts.

Fold the arms inward 90 degrees..

Fold the stabilizers and feet backward.

Rotate the wings 180 degrees, spread them out to the sides, then open the wing surfaces.

Plug the shield into the underside and the Waverider transformation is done!

In the end, the head and front skirt parts from MS Mode are left over.

Attach the Hyper Mega Launcher underneath and it can serve as a display stand.

SD Z Gundam - Fully armed Waverider mode. Chubby as it is, it looks pretty convincing, right? (1/4)

SD Z Gundam - Fully armed Waverider mode. Chubby as it is, it looks pretty convincing, right? (2/4)

Fully armed Waverider mode.
Chubby as it is, it looks pretty convincing, right?

Underside view

Together with the MG / HGUC Zeta Gundam.

Together with the SD Hyaku-Shiki from the old G Generation series.

Z Gundam has finally made it into the SD lineup. It never even appeared in the old G Generation series — probably because of all the headaches around the transformation gimmick, I'd guess. Anyway, it's come out as a proper Z Gundam with a working Waverider transformation.

Overall, the parts layout, size, and quality are all nice, as you'd expect from a modern BB Senshi kit. The color separation is well done and there's barely any hollow areas either. The transformation gimmick is solid too — just remove the head and front skirt parts and it transforms into a perfect Waverider without any parts-swapping. The transformed Waverider is delightfully chubby in true SD fashion, which makes it super cute. ^^

Weapons-wise, you get a beam rifle and beam sabers along with the Hyper Mega Launcher, which can also double as a display stand for the Waverider. Despite the stubby proportions and straightforward build, this SD kit delivers everything it should — it's a model example of what an SD kit can be. If you're a Zeta fan, this is a must-build. :-)

SD Z Gundam | 1999.8 | ¥500

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.