MSZ-006 Gundam Zeta Ver 2.0 GUNPLA MG Master Grade 1/100

Alright first and foremost if you have never built a master grade gundam model kit do not start with this one. It is a very complicated build. There are two primary problems with this kit. One is that it is not extremely sturdy, due to its ability to transform its frame moves and shifts alot. Second is that it is very back heavy and is extremely difficult to get it to stand on its own. However these facts don't turn this kit into a wash. The model itself is huge for a master grade and comes with a lot of cool weapons the least of witch is the hyper mega lanucher, a weapon that is actually bigger than the gundam itself. The model does display very well in an areial pose. Made possible by the display stand the comes with the kit. Once finished the kit looks very good when floating in air holding the extremely cool weapons. If you are a seasoned veteran of the master grade line than go ahead and take on the challange of this legendary mobile suit. Otherwise get your feet wet with some other models first before you tackle this beast.

If you're just looking for a quick judgement here it is: If you liked the Zeta Gundam series, buy this kit immediately. If you never watched it but like Gundam in general... still buy this kit. You won't be disappointed.

This 2.0 version of the Master Grade Zeta Gundam is a much-needed update of the original... which was a floppy mess of a kit. This one has a much better transformation, and unlike many lesser transformable suits no parts at all need to be swapped.

This build is far more intricate than even the standard Master Grade, and Zeta will probably take you a good day of straight construction to complete. The construction manual is clear throughout, though I did mess up on a foot joint I sealed in backwards and had to pry apart, so watch out for the small details.

The suit mode is simply fantastic. The plastic colors are spot on, giving you that classic design straight out of the 80s, and the kit only requires a small scattering of stickers to be completely anime-accurate. All the major joints are articulated; though the waist doesn't move much, that's excusable for reasons coming up in a moment. The hands are the standard MG fare, with a small tab to hold Zeta's impressive arsenal. While I was initially disappointed at the lack of an articulated kneecap (a standard MG feature for several years now, the legs are complex enough in other ways that it's not a particularly glaring omission.

The Zeta is most famous for its Transformers-like ability to convert into a futuristic ship, and this MG release seeks to deliver on this point. Does it succeed? I have to say yes, but with caveats. The transformation is truly a glorious process, with some incredible plastic engineering bringing to life a sequence that often seemed to defy physics in the show. Everything - and I do mean every thing - moves, compressing or sliding or flipping around in a complex dance from one mode to the other. The legs are particularly great, with engineering that smoothly morphs the very complex legs into place. The caveats? It will take several minutes to transform each time, there are a few small parts, particularly around the hips, that may worry you about breaking if you twist something the wrong way, and while each end of the transformation is crisp and secure, in between can be floppy and a little difficult to handle. It really is a necessity of the material, but just be careful during those middle steps.

After that endeavor, you get the Waverider mode. As is the suit, the Waverider is perfectly accurate to the show, and everything snaps together for a very secure fit. Shake tests produce no sound here, folks. The cockpit also opens, showing off a tiny Kamille Bidan at the helm. While the ship doesn't move much, it's very "wooshable" and looks great on the base.

Oh yes, the base. The Zeta 2.0 comes with a custom base that recreates the launch tube seen so often during the anime. It includes the launchpad, which you can pretty easily get the Zeta's feet onto for sliding down the track as it takes off into space. The base can also flip out a very secure rod for aerial poses, which can accommodate either mode with ease.

Finally, the weapons. Zeta was overkill central and the includes armaments do not disappoint. The beam rifle is a neat recreation full of moving parts, with a telescoping barrel, flip-up scope, movable grip, and a flip-out mount for Waverider mode. Since that's clearly not enough, you also get the positively massive Hyper Mega Launcher, which is taller than the Zeta itself, and indeed most Gundams period. To round it all out, there are two beam sabers kept in the Zeta's side skirts, and two grenade packs that can be attached to the forearms to pop out grenades for launching.

All in all, this is a great MG kit of a great suit, and you're getting a lot of plastic for your money here. I highly recommend it.

This is much better than the original Master Grade Zeta Gundam in terms of joints holding up and posability. However, I do have the Hi-Nu Gundam MG and it feels like that model has even stronger joints. One of the arms seemed to sag when I attached the beam rifle to it.

The transformation is still complicated... I found it best to seperate the upper torso from the legs and do the transformations of each individually. But since it's a PITA and there's a chance the joints will get weaker over time, I will probably limit the times I transform it.