RX-78-02

While I don’t follow Gundam as a general rule, I do like a high-quality robot toy. The Metal Fix Figuration RX-78-02 from Gundam the ORIGIN is a great example of a modern diecast mecha toy done right.

Before we begin…

Gundam the ORIGIN is a manga retelling of the events from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. As it is a modern representation of the original tale told 30 years ago, some of the Gundam designs have been updated. To differentiate this from the classic RX-78-2 design, this version has been dubbed RX-78-02.

Gundam FIX Figuration is a line of stylized Gundam designs by Hajime Katoki. When the line added metal endoskeletons they branched off to a sub-line – GFF Metal Material. Thus, this is Gundam as seen through two lenses – once through the redesign of Gundam the Origin, and again through Katoki. Believe it or not, this is my first GFF Metal figure, so I will give you my opinions as someone coming into the line as a newbie.

The box is nice, but quite large. Knowing that a 1/100 scale Gundam comes in at about 7 inches, one has to assume that there are a lot of accessories. One side of the box has the actual photo of the toy in question; the other side has the visage of the RX-78-02 as it is depicted in the ORIGIN series.

A small Gundam the ORIGIN book is included with the first release

In taking the toy out of the tray my suspicions are confirmed – there are a lot of parts here. With parts come play value, however, which I am always excited about.

Before we get into the myriad accessories, let’s get into the core figure as it appears out of the box.

The RX-78-02 feels incredibly solid right away due to the diecast internal skeleton and feet. It’s surprising just how dense it feels in your hands. You can tell that the skeleton is substantial, and not just a thin framework for attaching parts.

The outer shell of the RX-78-02 is all a nice matte plastic with delicate tampo markings. QC is spotless, as each paint application is sharp and each piece molded to perfection.

All of the joints are fluid and tight. Each joint is a friction joint, so there is no clicking in the movement. Range of motion is astounding.

The neck has a dual joint that allows for the Gundam to look up, with the second joint actually being a part of the chest assembly.

The shoulders swing out and the elbows are double jointed. There are too many points of movement to list in the arms.

The RX-78-02 can pull off a great heroic stance, as well as more extreme poses.

The knees are double jointed and have a great mix of metal and plastic.

The back of each leg has an opening door with yet more jet nozzles.

The feet are metal, and rotate on multiple axes thanks to the fantastic joint work.

On the back of the figure you have a detachable pack featuring five moveable jet nozzles and storage for two beam sabers.

Like any good Gundam, there is a core fighter. In this case the core fighter is a microscopic ship that can transform into the core unit. The detail for a ship this size is amazing.

To get the Core Fighter into the Gundam, you have to spit the mobile suit in half at the waist, and pull down the tray. Once the fighter is inserted into the tray you push it back in and attach the halves. There were a few times when the two halves did not want to go together with the core fighter – you really have to get it in “just right”. Otherwise your Gundam will experience spontaneous separation.

Feel like looking at your Core Fighter while it’s installed? The front of the chest opens as an access hatch.

Another icon of the RX-78 is the gigantic red shield and it is represented in this set, albeit poorly. Keep in mind that this version of the Gundam has the shield upside-down on purpose.

Sure, it looks great, but it is a pain. The shield is actually made of several distinct pieces – the outer covering, the gray inner holder, two holders for weapons, and then the arm connection assembly. While the shield attaches to the arm well enough, none of the parts stay attached to the shield. Bump it the wrong way and the shield hits the floor and parts go everywhere.

The shield can also attach to the back for storage.

Of course, there is no shortage of weaponry included.

You’ve got the traditional beam rifle (as well as a more souped-up version):

Two large Bazookas which can be fired under arm or over the shoulders:

The Bazookas have removable ammo clips, and can be stored on the back when not in use (just like the Beam Rifle)

The beam saber hilts are removable and can be attached to the clear blades. I love how he can reach back and grab them easily.

One of the Beam Saber holders can be removed and replaced with an articulated shoulder cannon.

Three head crests are included. One is soft and flexible, one is hard and sharp, and the other is yellow. I’m not sure which is cannon, but the white is depicted on the photos of the toy while the yellow is depicted in the painted art.

The rest of the parts are to make subtle changes to the armor to reflect the appearance of the Gundam throughout the one year war. In the review so far, the figure depicts how it looked at the beginning of the war.

To replicate the look at the middle of the war, several armor parts need to be replaced. The figure now has two yellow covers on the chest, a modified blue plate, different shoulder tips, and different wrist armor.

The differences are subtle, but effective.

The next transformation involves swapping more parts to represent the look at the end of the war. In this mode the shoulder Vulcan cannons are replaced, the shoulder tips are different yet again, the arm, leg, and foot armor now have shiny silver rings at the ends of them, and the knees now have exposed boosters.

Finally, a stand is included, but it’s really more of a base plate. To get some real dynamic poses, you need to use something like a flight stand.

Overall I have been really impressed with this figure, but I could have done without all of the extra armor parts. Just give me one nice version, as it will only be displayed one way with the rest of the armor parts going back in the box. The engineering of the shield is also a bit weak with all the little connectors falling off, but you can just leave them off for a simpler look. These criticisms are minor compared to the overall feel of the toy, which hits all the right notes and sets the standard for high-end Gundam toys for years to come.