HGUC 1/144 RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee [Destroy Mode]
Review Images by Gundam Guy
The RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 "Banshee" [Spoilers Beware] (aka Banshee) is a mobile suit that appears in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. It is the sister unit of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, built alongside the Unicorn under the Earth Federation's UC Project. The unit was originally piloted by Marida Cruz, but was later assigned to Riddhe Marcenas of the Earth Federation. (via Gundam Wiki)
After its completion alongside the Unicorn Gundam, the Banshee was stationed on Earth by the Augusta Research Lab and tested for atmospheric combat. Rather than that of a Unicorn, the Banshee's motif is that of a lion, illustrated with gold accents on the forehead, a golden collar to signify a lion's mane, and a much more elaborate horn/V-fin.
The Banshee's armor is all-black and its psychoframe emits a golden-orange glow when the NT-D is activated, giving it the nickname "psychoflame". Although the Banshee lacks the Unicorn's distinctive La+ System, its performance in atmospheric combat is vastly superior, pressumably because of the inclusion of additional thrusters and propellant storage, or a significan reconfiguring of the suit's operating system to account for Earth's gravity and the atmosphere's frictional resistance.
Combat improvements were made according to Unicorn Gundam's battle data, which had been relayed to the Augusta Research Lab. However, the two Gundams have no major operating differences. Aside from lacking the Unicorn's La+ operating system, the Banshee's raw performance is equal to that of the Unicorn. In other words, any modification to the Banshee (i.e. atmospheric combat performance) could also be applied to the Unicorn, making both suits equal in ability. (via Gundam Wiki)
Manual Cover & Sticker
Profile Images
Head
The horns are pretty fragile, and one must be careful when moving the head around. For those thinking to sharpen the horns will have some work ahead of them, as there is a total of nine horns.
Upper Torso
Armed Armor VN
A weapon featured only on the OVA version, The Armed Armor VN is a Psycoframe-embedded destructive vise-like weapon that utilized ultrasonic vibrations to effectively destroy mobile suits. It is treated with beam-resistant coating and can also be used as a shield or striking weapon when deactivated.
The High Grade iteration of the Armed Armor VN is not as functional as it might look in the image. The Armed Armor VN is actually just 2 pieces of claw parts that attach to both side of the left arm. And the claw does not open / close, is just a static part. And it can be detached, so that the arm becomes the normal Banshee's arm.
Armed Armor BS
A weapon featured only in the OVA version. A Psycoframe-embedded long-range beam smart gun, it is capable of extremely accurate firing, achieved by a special sensor unit transmitting data to the pilot via Psycommu system and using the pilot's reaction to synchronize the beam-directing "fins".Similiar to the Armed Armor VN, the Armed Armor BS are two pieces of plastic attach to each side of the arm.
Waist
Legs
The angle at which the knees can bend is quite limited. So extreme poses with the leg is probably not possible.
The backpack is the same in design as the original Unicorn Gundam Destroy Mode. One thing I did notice is how fragile the connector is( between the beam saber handle and the grey holster). I broke one simply when I was moving the head and the horns pushed back and broke it. So do becareful when you build yours.
When the Armed Armor VN & the Armed Armor BS are detached, the kit can be outfitted with the regular Unicorn Gundam armnaments with the Beam Magnum & Shield.
The kit comes with an extra cartridge of Beam Magnum ammo, which can be attached to the back waist skirt.
Four beam sabers are the standard number of beam sabers for the Unicorn Gundam. The kit comes with 4 beam saber hilts, but it does not come with the actual pink sabers. You need to use the one that comes with the HGUC 1/144 Banshee [Unicorn Mode].
Action Poses
Overall, the HGUC 1/144 RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee [Destroy Mode] is pretty awesome looking gunpla kit. The contrast between the dark blue and the orange psychoframe is a great color combination. Is not often that a HGUC kit looks as detailed as the Banshee. The amount of accessories is more than your usual HG gunpla kit, but the Armed Armor VN & BS left a lot to be desired, perhaps an MG iteration of the Banshee would fill this gap. And the exclusion of the pink beam saber parts baffles me. Articulation is pretty standard, but I did noticed that the angle with which the knee can bend is pretty limited. But I guess is not a deal breaker. All in all, the Banshee is a pretty detailed HGUC kit with an awesome color theme and look quite menacing standing on your desk.
Images & Comments by Gundam Guy, Info via Gundam Wiki
Aaargh, SPOLER TAGS NEEDED!!!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, had no idea it was not going to be Marida's unit forever, that makes me a little sad.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, shield and rifle equipments still look good on Banshee.
knee bending can be improved (a little) with some cutting just like the hguc unicorn
ReplyDelete