Bandai Hobby RX-0 Unicorn Gundam OVA Version 1/100-Master Grade white

GUNDAM!!! 10/10 super fun build. Unicorn is best Gundam, dont let anyone tell you different.

The Beast of PossibilityThe RX-0 Unicorn Gundam was actually a pretty fun build despite the many negative reviews talking about falling parts and, or course, the dreadful transformation process. To my surprise transforming was not at all an issue. Does it take some time? Yes. Do you need to be careful not to snap some parts? Yes. Is the instruction manual your friend and you should follow it when doing so? Yes.This kit is one of those that you need to pay close attention when building or else you might end up with loose parts and others that did not connect very well.For me the hardest part was opening up the chest panels as I felt that I was going to snap it at any moment. TAKE, YOUR, TIME. I can't stress this more enough.As expected there isn't much room for pose-ability which is compensated by the Destroy Mode transformation in my opinion. It also makes the kit much bigger than regular MG kits. (8 - 9 inches VS 6 - 7 on normal master grades).Decals are OK. Nothing too crazy nor to little, I believe is on point.Would definitely recommend this kit if you're already into building. As a first kit? Maybe not...And one more thing, this isn't a $10 - $20 Transformers action kit which can pull off a transformation in a few seconds so if this is what is expected from the kit maybe this is not for you.As mentioned before take your time and follow the instructions and you should be fine. One thing that I did and it helped was when I finished a section of the body I would play around and make sure it was working properly and how to transform it as well.Round upPros:Not too expensive for its sizeThe transformationBoth Unicorn and Destroy modes are beautiful in its own wayHolds its swords very wellApparently a good improvement over the old ver Ka (based on reviews that I read as I did not build the old one)Cons:The transformation. For me it was not, but I know it might be for someSome parts do tend to fall off, but nothing too crazy I guessI thought the peg that holds the shield was a bit too flimsyMagazines from the Hyper Bazooka and Beam Magnum might fall off occasionally.I might have forgotten a few things, but I hope this review and pictures helps you when choosing about this kit.

I am anticipating the life-sized Gundam Unicorn (replacing RX-78) coming to Gundam Front Tokyo in Japan this year (2017) so I made the decision that my 4th Gundam Master Grade kit is going to be this. I went for the OVA version because I have been told that it has slightly improved leg articulation, more durable waist peg, and detailing compared to the Ver Ka (Version Katoki).This unpainted build (see photo; Unicorn mode) involves only a top coat and panel shading. The kit came with markings in the form of dry rub decals and clear stickers but prefer not to use them (except for the RX-0 and Anaheim Electronics logos on the shoulder armors).As far as I can see and show you in this photo, this kit doesn't have a lot of panel lines -- I define panel lines when you know two or more panels actually meet at a "line" and it is simulated by a recess (or groove) where you either darken it with black paint or a Gundam marker. As far as my understanding of the Gundam Unicorn's design, you are met with corners, creases, folds, and angles (I'll shorten that to CCFA). At this point, I knew what I really want to do here is panel shading because it is by "shading" that will help the CCFA appear more. I can't "panel line" if there are no grooves for the Gundam marker (or paint) to mark on... at least, for me that is!To all the Amazon reviewers who said this Gunpla should be avoided, with complaints regarding parts that keep falling apart, worse... breaking, or very lose and "cannot be posed"... I think these people still have a long way to learn building Gundam kits. This is a plastic scale model kit so excessive force (and impatience) whether you're building the kit and transforming the finished kit between Unicorn and Destroy modes are two thing that go together wrongfully and is absolutely unnecessary. The Gundam Unicorn, or should I say, the entire Gunpla line-up are pieces of art and should be treated that way.

The build itself was very fun. I wasn't expecting to be able to transform it from Unicorn to Destroy, so I was happily surprised by that. The detail, as usual with MGs, is great. I love the ankle joints and the head, specifically. Personally, I think Unicorn mode looks better overall, as opposed to Destroy. This is for two reasons. One, because Destroy mode's V-fin practically needs to be painted to look good. Without painting it (or settling for it looking different from the OVA), the "gold" comes from a sticker. Two, getting the transformable parts to their proper settings is hard, as you need to take the arms and legs off to properly transform it. Not only that, but the chest in particular likes to close back up for some reason.Finally, my major gripe with this kit is that the joints don't use those PC rubbery parts, they use regular plastic. This makes the kit feel weird when you move it. Specifically, the hips on mine are VERY loose and don't hold their pose very easily. Other joints feel too tight. I'm sure if you're talented you'll be able to fix it, but I'm not quite there yet.Overall, it's a great looking kit. I especially like the beam magnum's removable magazine. Highly recommended, despite goofy joints.