SD BB Senshi

Lightning Gundam

Kit Review

Straight build

SD Lightning Gundam - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

SD Lightning Gundam (1/4) SD Lightning Gundam (2/4) SD Lightning Gundam (3/4) SD Lightning Gundam (4/4)

SD Lightning Gundam - Rear view with the BWS removed

Rear view with the BWS removed

SD Lightning Gundam - You can remove the head helmet just like before.

You can remove the head helmet just like before.

SD Lightning Gundam - Only the forearms articulate; everything else moves at the standard BB Senshi level.

Only the forearms articulate; everything else moves at the standard BB Senshi level.

SD Lightning Gundam - Slot the shield into the underside of the BWS to complete the flight configuration.

Slot the shield into the underside of the BWS to complete the flight configuration.

SD Lightning Gundam - The peg on top of the BWS fits into the sole of the foot for a secure lock.

The peg on top of the BWS fits into the sole of the foot for a secure lock.

SD Lightning Gundam - Lightning Gundam mounted on top of the BWS (1/2) SD Lightning Gundam - Lightning Gundam mounted on top of the BWS (2/2)

Lightning Gundam mounted on top of the BWS

SD Lightning Gundam - Beam Rifle Firing Pose (1/3) SD Lightning Gundam - Beam Rifle Firing Pose (2/3) SD Lightning Gundam - Beam Rifle Firing Pose (3/3)

Beam rifle firing pose

SD Lightning Gundam - You can also slot the rifle under the BWS.

You can also slot the rifle under the BWS.

SD Lightning Gundam - Can also be used like the HG Lightning Gundam's weapons. (1/3) SD Lightning Gundam - Can also be used like the HG Lightning Gundam's weapons. (2/3) SD Lightning Gundam - Can also be used like the HG Lightning Gundam's weapons. (3/3)

Can also be used like the HG Lightning Gundam's weapons.

SD Lightning Gundam - Fold the arms and slot the beam rifle under the BWS wings — ready to combine! (1/2) SD Lightning Gundam - Fold the arms and slot the beam rifle under the BWS wings — ready to combine! (2/2)

Fold the arms and slot the beam rifle under the BWS wings — ready to combine!

SD Lightning Gundam - Flight mode combined with the BWS. Way too chubby.. ^^;; (1/5) SD Lightning Gundam - Flight mode combined with the BWS. Way too chubby.. ^^;; (2/5) SD Lightning Gundam - Flight mode combined with the BWS. Way too chubby.. ^^;; (3/5) SD Lightning Gundam - Flight mode combined with the BWS. Way too chubby.. ^^;; (4/5) SD Lightning Gundam - Flight mode combined with the BWS. Way too chubby.. ^^;; (5/5)

Flight mode combined with the BWS.
Way too chubby.. ^^;;

SD Lightning Gundam - Together with the HG Lightning Gundam.

Together with the HG Lightning Gundam.

The Lightning Gundam from Build Fighters has joined the SD BB Senshi lineup. Build Fighters actually has its own SD line called SDBF, so it's a bit unclear why some kits come out under SDBF while others just get a regular SD release. Either way, the Lightning Gundam got an official BB Senshi number and came out as part of the proper SD series.

The basic setup is the same as other BB Senshi kits, and in keeping with the recent trend, it includes the head helmet removal feature. The color separation is decent enough that a straight build with a few stickers gives you a solid-looking result, but the BWS side has some hollow areas and comes out in a single color, so it looks a bit plain.

The BWS can be combined with the shield for standalone display, or attached to the main body to form a flight vehicle. Honestly, it's so chubby for a "flight vehicle" that it ends up looking kind of cute ^^; And there's a peg on top of the BWS so you can mount the Lightning Gundam on it — it locks firmly into the sole of the foot, which is a nice touch.

All in all, it's a kit that stays true to what SD is all about, and with a style that suits Lagan's latest upgraded form, it's a solid, easy-to-recommend SD kit for just about anyone :-)

SD Lightning Gundam | 2015.4 | ¥600

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.