Arch Enemy RX-78-2 Gundam

Before the plug on Gundam got pulled in the US, Bandai whipped up a whole new series of toys called Arch Enemy. The gimmick: toys of famous rivals from different series. I think its creation came from the success of the 7.5-inch G-Gundam Toys (Deluxe MSIA) in America. Unfortunately, only five figures were ever officially released at mass retail. In retrospect, though a cool gesture, maybe it wasn’t a good idea to make it US-exclusive. Regardless, it’s not surprising that two of the toys hail from the original Mobile Suit Gundam, with one of them being the legendary RX-78-2 Gundam.

The box is impressive and very much appreciated. Nowadays, the term “masterpiece” is fairly common when describing toys, but back in 2004, it wasn’t at all, and this was about as close as America had gotten up to that point. The top screams “epic”, showing that famous image of the Gundam slicing a Zaku II in half. Between the window and the back, it’s clear just about all the weapons are included along with alternate hands. There’s even a nice, succinct bio which tells all you really need to know about the character. But what I wasn’t expecting (and was surprised by) is the inclusion of a functional Core Fighter. It’s basically a snapshot of what the Gundam is to a T.

The Core Fighter has to be assembled, but the process is simple and similar to the MG kits. However, the end result is sturdier. The fighter’s details are good, even with a couple of sloppy paint spots. With a figure like this, those are just the scars and wear and tear of war to me. Size wise, it’s way bigger than the MSIA, and about the same as an MG.

The Core Fighters transforms and docks perfectly, and is still visible if the cockpit is opened.

So at 7.5-inches (give or take some smaller unit of measurement), it’s barely taller than the metal FIX. It captures the likeness of the animation, but the paint is kind of dirty and looks like it just came out of a fire. Which makes it stand out from the other four I have.

The parts are that special mix of sturdy plastic, and rubber where appropriate. Articulation is nice for the size. It can’t out-pose the Robot Spirits, but it’s got what it takes.

If you get too wild, the ankle guards can pop off easily, but they pop back on just as well.

The hip skirts don’t move a lot, but they aren’t a hindrance.

The legs sort of extend at the hips, and the upper body extends just above the waist line.

The setup looks similar to other versions, but here, the shields actually clip on via bracket, instead of pegging into the arms. This makes it easier to have either arm armed and armored while still being perfectly poseable.

Overall, the toy has a simpler backpack design.

Do you remember when Doomsday kicked the crap out of Superman?

I do, and this reminds me of that.

Macho Madness is coming at you!!

Dig it!!

Head looks right, if dirty, and the Vulcan cannons are there as always.

The beam sabers look good, but they’re strangely difficult to plug in. It’s kind of annoying.

And these blades are a whole new kind of wacky rubber. They hold shape pretty well, but you can see what I mean.

Maybe the intent was to capture that animated look of 1979. Because certainly, they were never depicted as rigid blades. If so, that’s actually pretty cool.

Beam javelin is pretty nice, and a javelin actually should have a little give, so this feels right.

The toy has two shields with two different ways to connect.

Either one can clip onto the back with a peg, which otherwise swings out of the way.

Each can be mounted on an arm via bracket, hand grip optional.

And they can clip together in simple fashion. But there’s something new here.

A pretty snug holster for the beam rifle.

Standard beam rifle, with the moving sight and hand grip.

Kind of like the metal FIX, there’s a mechanism in the posterior that allows for transport of the hyper bazooka. But here, it’s a claw that folds out, rather the “tail bone” sliding apart.

In glossy grey, the hyper bazooka looks good. It has a pivoting trigger grip like the Metal FIX, but the piece at the end moves too. I’m not sure what that is though. Maybe a hand grip for the ammo clip?

And when it’s time to get brutal, like old-school medieval, there’s the Gundam hammer, complete with metal chain.

Which may be called for when this guy shows up. Not exactly Arch Enemies, but definitely a matter of new school vs. old school. These two toys epitomize the styles of Hajime Katoki and Kunio Okawara……

Gundam Fight all set…Ready…Go!

This toy retailed for $25 and can now be found for $50+. Compared to the rest of my Gundam figures, only the MSIA really beats it in price. It doesn’t come with the G-Fighter (MSIA, Metal FIX), and it doesn’t have a super napalm launcher or hyper hammer (RD), but those are the closest things to faults I can find. It’s a solid figure, very articulated, with a look just different enough to make it unique. It’s got all the signature weapons and even has a Core Fighter. All of that paired with the larger size that lets it hang with the big toys really wins me over. If you’re down with 7.5″ and up, I’d say this is the best RX-78-2 figure to be had. Honestly, for me, it’s the best period.