Javelin

The RGM-122 Javelin is a mobile suit from the 1993 anime Mobile Suit Victory Gundam, but more important to me is that it is from the wonderful toyline “MS in Pocket”.

As far as I can tell, MS in pocket was the first time Bandai attempted a line of smaller, poseable action figures for the Gundam line. Everything before that, aside from High Complete Models, were just that – models. The MSiP line brought a very toy-like aesthetic to the Gundam line.

Each toy is made out of hard, high quality plastic. The finish is glossy, with stickers for detail. All are in a common scale, each is numbered, and all have similar packaging.

The boxes are great. Early 90’s Bandai boxes are really great, with fantastic illustrations and product shots. Each one of the MSiP packages had a die-cut window so you could see the figure inside, resting in it’s Styrofoam tray. The clear window was not cellophane, but rather a solid piece of thicker clear plastic that rests against the tray. Various spots are cut out of the tray to accommodate accessories. Accessories are usually on a sprue, and need to be assembled.

MS in Pocket are very much toys, and are constructed like such. There are no dynamic poses here – the toy has a simple, neutral pose. There are enough joints though to make it fun to mess with. Some joints are tight, some are not. I’ve noticed that as MSiP get older, the ball joints get looser and looser.

Accessories and weapons are always simple peg connectors, always snug with amazingly precise tolerances. Weaponry is plentiful.

The teal blue Javelin is striking because of how much it doesn’t resemble a Gundam. That and the two large Javelin cannons on the back. That’s one of the more appealing aspects of Victory Gundam for me – the fact that many of the toys don’t look like Gundam at all.

The Javelin’s primary weapons are also the primary gimmick, the two shot lancers on either side of the backpack. Each connects to the backpack by ball joints, which unfortunately pop out easily. The lancers can swing under the arms and the tips can extend, making for a formidable looking weapon. Handles can also swing up, but I cannot see how they can attach to the hands without the backpack disengaging.

Other weapons include two rifles, a beam saber, and a translucent energy shield.

It’s a great looking toy.