MSZ-006A1/C1[Bst] Z Plus [RED]

I usually start with a story about my connection with the toy I’m reviewing but Gundam and I don’t really have any connection aside with a slight early 90’s obsession where I would buy the kits, build them only to be stored and forgotten forever. Gundam designs, at least for me have been mostly forgettable. Sure there are great designs, but there are so many that I just don’t have the brain power to really get interested in the HUGE assortment of variations. I’ve always been an RX-78 guy if anything. Well thanks to our friends over at HLJ.com in Japan, they’ve made it possible for me to show you guys a wonderful release from the gigantic world of Gundam. Stay tuned for the video at the end of the review! My first impression right off the bat was WOW. This box is huge. 17″x7.25″x11.25″!

The back shows off all the modes of this Gundam.

Opening the box is another jaw dropper. Not only are the pieces laid out on a tray, but there are 3 thick layers of plastic trays FULL of pieces. There is no wasted space. All the parts are efficiently arranged. Look at the depth of parts!

Here is the first layer where the main figure so patiently awaits to be released.

Second Layer is full of all the extra pieces necessary for alternate modes.

…and third layer. The tray stand pieces are numerous enough to warrant their own full tray!

Once the figure is pulled out, a few accessories are needed to complete the basic figure. It has a nice solid hefty feel. Not what I call heavy but the tactile feel makes you aware that you are holding something special. There are 2 variants to this robot mode. While using the shield and gun, it is called Zplus A1. While using the huge cannon and add on cylinders, he is called Zplus C1.

Here is a good shot of the side. Peep the sharp tampo graphics. A sign of Hajime Katoki’s doing.

Here is the view of the back. The figure has a very subtle two tone red design that contrasts very well with the white.

MY EYES!!

Actually he does have eyes. The head design just has a long and low brow.

Here he is in Zplus A1 mode. His gun neatly hooks up to his back.

Here is the full view of the gun.

After a very familiar transformation (think Valkyrieish) and attaching his landing gear, he is now in his Zplus A1 Wave Rider mode. Here he is without the gun attachment so you can see the top of the Wave Rider.

Here is the Zplus A1 Wave Rider with the gun attached.

Yes, I did mention attaching landing gear. It is an unfortunate fact of the transformation. You’ll be happy to know that the landing gear is made out of good ol’ diecast. I thought they were plastic at first and they looked very thin and fragile until I dropped them on a table and they made the all too familiar sound of metal. Nice.

Not so nice is that they don’t hold up this mode very well if at all due to the rear being heavy. It actually requires the use of a very out-of-place looking plastic block to support the rear. You will notice this piece right behind the main gear.

You have the option of using the fancy stand if you choose to display it without the landing gear.

Next mode I want to show you guys is the Zplus C1 Wave Rider. This mode requires adding and swapping parts to complete. You’ll notice the ridiculously long cannon that let’s enemies know that this Gundam is not messing around.

The cannon is so long that it creates a believable 3D effect when focusing on the tip.

This mode requires the use of ski type attachments. Pull of a few panels and pop them on. And yes, of course these are diecast too. Downside is that they don’t hold the weight well at all. This mode also requires the plastic block along with a spacer.

This mode can also be displayed on the stand if you choose not to attach the skis.

The next mode is absolutely awesome. I usually don’t dig real complicated robots because they are usually fiddly but the execution of this set is simply great. There is lots of parts swapping to get into this mode but it’s fun and the end result is breathtaking in person. This mode requires the use of the stand since he has no feet. They’ve been replaced by boosters. Besides those long testicular tanks extend past the “feet”.

Please say hello to the Zplus C1[Bst]

The C1[Bst] mode is great, but it’s not the last of the modes. I’m going to finish off with the Zplus C1[Bst] Wave Rider. The end result is, you guessed it, stunning. It’s almost a foot and a half. It’s basically the entire box of parts slapped on to make a fighter that’s armed to the teeth and then some.

The charm of this set cannot be completely conveyed through just my words and pictures alone. Now please keep in mind, I do not own a whole lot of GFF stuff, but I do own a lot of Bandai stuff and the difference in execution between this and other releases lets me know Bandai paid lots of attention to this set. Aside from that, this thing is huge. This is the only real common robot I can compare it to for size is my trusty GX-45, but even then the perspective downplays the size.

What I love is the detailing- Tampo markings, molded detail…

There are subtle instances of blue lenses here and there that give the figure some depth in detail.

It’s fun to photograph random areas of the set.

Did I mention the tampo markings are great?

Let me show some love for the little guy behind the scenes. The stand. The stand comes as standard flat type stand but with some clever piece swaps it takes on many forms to hold whatever mode you choose to display this set in. The use of white with a thin modern font, give the stand a very classy look. Very nice indeed.

Any Valkyrie wanna come out and play?

Oh, did I just go there? Oh yes I did! BWAHAHA! Come on, you know you were wondering too. As you can see, I had a lot of fun with this set and I am only a casual Gundam fan. I’ll instantly recognize anything in the Gundam family, but I never get the urge to buy anything in the Gundam family save for some RX-78(2)s and a couple of other GFF releases, but with each piece I come across, I am slowly realizing I am missing out on some good stuff! It’s got a small Chogokin label on the box but don’t expect to touch much metal with your fingers. Most of it is on the inside and on joints. Enough to make it feel hefty. Some is exposed and painted, namely on the arms and feet. If you are familiar with Gundam stuff then you will not be surprised that a lot of the figure uses ball joints and polycaps. So obviously I like it. Is it perfect? No. Mine suffered from slight floppiness in Wave Rider modes although very slight. While I applaud the use of metal, the landing gear and skis needed help to stand. Aside from that I have no complaints. On a continuing positive note Bandai uses paint made out of outer space paint only found in the far reaches of the universe around the corner from where God lives. I scuffed and grinded pieces together while transforming, I even accidentally scraped a hobby knife across it and still the paint refuses to scratch. Mostly it is because it is applied to plastic and not metal but its still a solid paint application. It sports a real nice matte finish.

If you get the chance, check one out if your buddy owns one, or better yet grab your own set at a 50% off original price from our sponsor HLJ.com before they run out!

Don’t like red? Check out the review by VF5SS of the Limited Blue Version

But first check out the video!