Bandai Hobby Wing Gundam Zero Version EW 1/100 - Master Grade

Gundam has always been and will always be one of my favorite tv shows. I've been building these model kits for approximately 15 years. I've built every build except PG. I've had a few MG kits and they never cease to amaze me. As for the Wing Zero models, I've built the 144 HG, 100 HG, and pretty much every EW 144 HG and 100 HG. Somehow though, this one blew them all away. I don't know if it was a combination of the nostalgia or just the simplicity and beauty of this kit once it was completed.To get started, this kit actually came out slightly smaller than the 100 HG model (in the body and not the wings). However, that doesn't mean this kit is flawed for being smaller. The body poses every which way so much easier and looks much smoother when posed. The small detail and all of the small parts, that are normally just part of a big plastic leg panel, were just insane! Next, add in the wings. Parts of them are flexible giving him the angelic feels and look. The parts are hinged together to give him a super cool moving effect.I'm not going to lie, I always wanted one as a kid. However, in all honesty, I feel that I was able to fully appreciate this model kit being older and not rushing through the build. It was fun and tedious to get snapped in, but the satisfaction of finishing it was still all there when it was finished. Awesome kit. I'm tempted to buy another to do it again.

It's Wing Gundam Zero Custom from the movie Endless Waltz. That alone would probably be enough said for those who watched Gundam Wing and Endless Waltz. For those who are fans of the series and/or the movie, or simply just fans of how this model looks, I would say this kit is a must-have.Now to point out some things prospect consumers should be aware of and consider before making the purchase.1. Includes a free action baseThis kit is one of few kits that actually come with a base/stand for displaying purposes. As a result, a whole assortment of aerial poses is made possible without having to buy the base separately. Although, I would say that a base is more necessary than it is complimentary, since most of this Gundam's iconic poses involve it in the air somehow. Plus, just judging from appearance alone, the model would naturally be back heavy, so a base definitely is necessary just for it to be properly displayed. Otherwise, you would have very limited poses of the model standing upright by itself (and you more than likely would have to use the tips of the wings to help prop the model up).2. Feather attachments on the wings come off very easilyUnfortunately, the rubber feathers that attach on tiny ball joints at the outer edges of the wings are prone to falling off. It's pretty much guaranteed they'll come off as you adjust the wings for posing purposes, so best be careful when doing so. For others, this is a troublesome issue. However, personally, it's not too big of a deal since once you have the proper position done, the feathers stay in place. They really are prone to falling off only when you move the wings around. Otherwise, pretty stable. The perfect grade by comparison doesn't seem to suffer from such a problem since the feather tips are on a different point of attachment (swivel joints, if I recall correctly).3. The attachment between the wings and the Gundam's back also tends to be not very secureConsidering the the wings are like half the kit altogether and the attachment points consist of just three small slots with no screws, I'm not surprised. This problem, however, was easily fixed with a couple of drops of super glue (unless of course you plan on removing the backpack attachment that is attached to the wings for whatever reason)4. There is a problem when it comes to holding the Twin Buster Rifle (combined, not separately in each hand)You know, that memorable pose from Endless Waltz where this Gundam is blasting away at a bunker with its Twin Buster Rifle? Pretty tough to emulate that particular pose, since the rifle does not come with a peg that attaches to a slot on either hand. While the hands possess a trigger finger and thumb that can be posed independent to the rest of the hands, it's still a bit troublesome holding the Twin Buster Rifle securely in place. The rifle tends to point downward from its heavy weight. It's not impossible to get the pose right, it just takes some time. Keep in mind that the rear of the rifle has a notch that slightly attaches to the chest piece of the Gundam. So, when posing, pose it in such a way that the natural tendency for the rifle to tilt downward is compensated for by the chest piece edge that's jutting out (you can refer to the illustration on the side of the box to see exactly what I mean). Apart from that, the Gundam has no problem holding its beam sabers or the Buster Rifles separately. If you really want to fix this problem that this kit is notorious for, I suggest getting a very fine drill bit and boring a hole into each hand and at the handles of the rifle. Then, you can add a sturdy piece of thin wire (like a straightened paper clip) through the holes so that you have yourself a makeshift peg that is pretty discrete.So that covers what I feel are the things that consumers should be aware of before deciding on purchasing this product.Now onto what I actually like/dislike.Likes:1. DesignArguably one of the most iconic looking Gundams ever made. Especially with its angelic wings. There really hasn't been a Gundam quite like it. The wings make the kit stand out among all the rest. The white hands are a nice touch as well.2. ProportionsIn my opinion, I think Bandai did a good job in making this kit the right proportions. The legs and arms aren't too long or too short, nor are they too wide or too thin. They are sleek and slender, very much true to the anime. I actually prefer the proportion of this kit's legs over the perfect grades, since the calves on the Perfect Grade are a little to fat by comparison.3. BuildIt was definitely a pleasure to assemble this kit (except one part where you have to attach a tiny piece smaller in diameter than a pencil's eraser to the vulcan cannons. It just wouldn't hold into place, but once again, a problem easily fixed by glue). For the most part, everything snapped into place securely. Aside from the aforementioned small issue, I didn't have any other troubles putting any of its other parts together.Dislikes: Pretty much the issues I pointed out at the start of the review (loose feathers, unable to grip Twin Buster Rifle securely)Overall, this is my second master grade and fourth kit built in this year so far. I don't recommend this as a starting kit if you're new to building Gunpla, but you should definitely consider this once you've been exposed to constructing model kits.Nevertheless, I initially ordered this item primarily for nostalgic purposes. However, upon completing the build, I was pleasantly impressed by just how good it actually looks in person. Though not as tall as other Master Grades, it's still one of the most stylish Gundams out there. There are 4 wings over all (2 large upper wings, 2 smaller and more slender lower wings). Any trouble that arises from the wings of this Gundam is due to the upper, larger wings. While it is a bit troublesome and cumbersome, it really does bring out the angelic look of this Gundam. However, you can choose to leave off the two larger wings and instead just adjust the lower wings a bit so that it more closely resembles Wing Gundam. Seriously, it still looks pretty darn good with just the two "Secondary" wings. Plus, it's easier to play with/ pose around.Again, if you're a fan of Gundam Wing or just this Gundam model's design, by all means make it a part of your collection.

The media could not be loaded. This was a helluva upgrade from the RG model. My RG didn't last long parts got brittle quick and the stand was not made for a particular one. This one actually comes with its own stand that holds it pretty well.

There's nothing I dislike about the model! I do love how it stands out like an robotic angel from heaven! And, because it came with its own stand, I have the model placed on display on my desk in my room.

As soon as I got home on Friday, the kit was waiting on my doorstep. I opened it immediately, the kit was taken care off very well through shipping. No damages to product.This kit is easy and looks good out of the box after assembly. It’s a well designed kit, haven’t had any problems with any of the small parts, no glue was used so far. (“I do have to glue a peg back on too one of the face fin; Cut it off by accident, not paying attention.”) The rest of the kit works very well, the wings can be a little heavy but the body holds them up ok. The wings will come apart kinda easy, if dropped but are easy to reassemble.I would recommend panel lining and seem hiding to get that super awesome look as it is, on the box. Also I used the extra set of gray hands that came with it, the white hands are awesome but the thumbs were too loose on mine to get a good grip on the weapons. The grey hands hold up very well, personally I like the look of the grey ones with the white armor.Over all great kit, especially if your beginning to build Gunpla, looks great out of the box, any detail work done after will make it look great. The articulation of the limbs and wings Is awesome.Loved this build and can’t wait to get the detail work on it finished to achieve an excellent look. This kit has answered my curiosity about building Gundam models and it’s awesome. Already have my second one being delivered. Would recommend buying a tool kit to go with it if you don’t have one. It will be easier to assemble depending on skill level. I personally built this whole kit only using a razor blade and a pair of wire strippers. So really anything can be used to assemble, the parts are snap together, no glue needed initially.The Picts are all taken after the intial assembly, only decals used were the shiny green ones.This Matser Grade is a great kit overall, definitely recommend purchasing it.