GP01 Gundam Version 2.0 (Asian Release)

Synopsis: It feels odd to do a review on a 2^nd version figure before doing one on its predecessor however I imagine that most collectors priorities are to getting info on the latest figure or people who have been waiting for a better replacement. 

   The GP01 Is one of my favorite variants of Gundam maintaining certain lines of the original RX-78-2 while still passing off an upgraded look that never seems to look out of date.  When the first GP01 came out domestically I snatched it up immediately and was spared some of the notorious paint jobs the figure would later receive.  Reports of sloppy paint jobs in the face clamored in a few of the websites I once frequented.  Design flaws on the other hand, like flimsy plastic weapons and hands that could not hold them were universal problems.  While these flaws diminished the version 1s those figures signaled a trend in separate weapon clips and places to store them, a trend that has been followed by most MSiAs succeeding it.

   The GP01 Version 2.0 is a standing improvement to all the flaws its predecessor was plagued with and without further delay, the review.

The Figure:

   The Head is slightly larger, with a more detailed, and streamlined sculpt.  The paintjob is pretty good with 360 degree rotation and 30 degree vertical elevation. 

  The Arms sport articulation common to the version 2.0s with only one problem in that the ball joint the arm is on is placed deep enough to prevent the arms from spreading out as if to show wingspan.  The Version 1 had better motion from that standpoint that is if you went too high causing the arms to fall off.  Do not let that say less about the version 2, it excels in elbow and other ranges in shoulder movement that the 1^st version just couldn't do.  The arms have minor panel lining which is surprising for an Asian release however the 01 marking on the left shoulder is still present other yellow and gray detailing.  The figure comes with six hands that are interchangeable with the ball joints on the lower forearm.  These hands include two closed fists, two gun hands, and two sword hands. 

  The legs feature a ton of articulation on a number of accounts.  The Gundam's design had less skirt armor allowing for better movement for even the 1^st version and in the case of this figure; version 2.0 double joints.  The paint job is good with panel line detailing being most pronounced here.  Some armor around the ankle could only be the only hindrance to foot articulation but that armor serves two cosmetic functions: 1. Following the anime's design and 2. protecting the hidden machinery for the foot, okay that is cosmetic too. 

  The Torso has a lot more detailing in terms of sculpt work and painting when compared to the version 1.  The side hip armor is moveable though it does little to avoid the backpack hurting waist rotation.  The backpack has a decent paintjob and good sculpt work.  The backpack is hooked to a ball joint so do not expect the internal engine detail that is found on other version 2s.  The thruster nozzles do move as well as the saber hilt housings on the top of the backpack to assist in poses where the GP01 is going to pull out a saber.   

The Accessories:

  This GP01 sports more accessories then the version 1.  With a better weapons loadout, and the articulation to hold them this figure is ready to take on Gato and the rest of Zeon.

   Beam Rifle:  A superb improvement over the original, this rifle follows in the Version 2 footsteps of having a swiveling handle and also a swiveling sight.  The energy clip is interchangeable with 2 over clips that can be mounted on the shield for storage.

  90 mm Machinegun:  Same machinegun included with GM, GM Custom, GM CannonII, and Gundam GP01FB.

   Really Big Honking Gun:  Okay its not a technical name however I can't find a reference to a weapon type anywhere.  I do know that this weapon type accompanied the GP01 FIX Figuration figure a while back.  The detailing is good however the magazine falls off kind off easily.

  Beam Sabers:  4 hilts(2 on the backpack and 2 with saber blades)  These blades are typical and interchangeable with the other hilts (note: the hilts on the backpack can have trouble putting on the blade.)

  The Shield:  it can store the rifle's spare clips has a handle that can swivel and be held by the hand.  If held too long by a sword hand you can stretch out the hand  (the beam sword will still be able to be held).  The other mode of holding the saber is by placing the shield so that it connects in the back of the forearm.  Don't fret now.  The shield is connected to a small U connection that wraps around the forearm.  On the U are two ball joints where the shield can connect to orient the shield to the side of the forearm rather then holding it to the rear.  Some of the Maguanac figures mount shields in a similar fashion.

Play Value:  Better posability and weapons make this great for reenacting battles with GP02 or blowing away other Zeke Suits.  I do need to emphasize that this is not a figure for small children given the small parts on this figure.

Display Value:  With the Articulation, Great sculpt, and nice weapons this figure can stand out in your collection. 

Dollar Value:  $18(w shipping) on ebay is still close to purchasing it from Japan and having it sent here.  You have to want to want to complete a collection, be a fan of the MS, or catch it at a lower price to get it but don't get me wrong, it is a quality figure and I feel I got my Dollar Value out of the figure.

Conclusion:  Follows the version 2 line in quality and has addressed nearly every flaw the Version 1 ever had.  It certainly deserves a title of version 2.

NOTE:  I keep addressing this figure as a version 2, while it is true that this is an upgrade of the one released to us in the states a few years back, the Japanese have receive this figure as their first so in packaging it will not mentioned being a version 2 even when to us it is.

Score: 9.0 out 10 RGB-79 balls:  Some flaws prevent this great figure from perfection!