MS-14B Johnny Ridden's High Mobility Gelgoog (Asian Release)

Synopsis:  This is probably the ME262 of the One Year War Zeon's best mobile suit that was "Too little too late."  The first time you see the Gelgoog was in the form of Char's YMS-14 Gelgoog and later the mass-produced Gelgoogs defending A Ba Quo. 

  The High Mobility Gelgoog like the Gelgoog Cannon never saw screen time in Mobile Suit Gundam however they found themselves in various manga.  When Johnny Ridden was sent to Kcyilia Zabi to defend A Ba Quo He used the High Mobility Gelgoog to fight the Earth Federal Forces and tried to clear a path for Kcyilia's Escape in her Zanzibar.

  The figure is an Asian release.  It first saw release with Zakrello in the Asian release (U.S. Release feature Gelgoog Cannon) and a standalone release that again was only released in parts of Asia.  While not really available in primary markets you can get this figure in the usual Secondary markets like Ebay.  

The Figure: I have 5 different Variants of the Gelgoog but this is my first gelgoog purchased that is an Asian Release.  Like most Asian Releases there is considerable panel lining however this figure also features the Zeon decal found on US releases. 

  The Head is identical to the one on Char's Gelgoog however the panel lining, Dark red and black color scheme make this figure look much better then the Salmon mobilesuit of the "Red" Comet.  This if you can get past the usual figure trait of having a smallish head.  The command Antenna is prone to warping and in fact this figure was purchased with a warped antenna.  The head turns with 360 degrees of rotation with not much ability to tilt up or down.

  The arms are standard Version 1 joints with decent moderate interference from the shoulder armor.  Elbow movement is unhindered and the forearm panel does not come off like Gelgoog Cannon or Mass-produced Gelgoog.  Hands connect via a peg.  Speaking of the forearm or elbow no unicorn is found except for what looks like a lion on the forearm.  I do not know if that was supposed to be correct.  Additional hands include 2 closed fists, 2 gun hands, and 2 "sword" hands.

  The Dom-like legs feature version 1 joints with movement limitations around the hip skirt armor due to the rigid plastic.  Ankle movement does not seem hindered despite the large armor.  Like the Dom these areas of skirt armor feature the 3 thrusters under each.  The panel lining and "010" decal bring out the legs better then most of my other Gelgoogs. 

  The Torso is nearly identical to past gelgoog releases except for the paint scheme and slight panel lining.  Waist rotation is 360 degrees with no problems.  Like all other gelgoogs this figure has slots for the shield peg, Beam hilt holder attachment and of course for the backpack.  Like the Gelgoog cannon only the slot on the rear waist is open for anything after the backpack is placed on.  The backpack features movable thrusters and features a nice paintjob and good detailing.

The Accessories:

Beam Rifle:  Like the Beam rifles found in all the other Gelgoog releases.  This Rifle looks like the one found in the series.  It has a little sniper feel to it as well as a retro feeling at the same time.

Beam Machinegun:  The Beam machinegun is adequate and resembles a mix between and assault rifle and a heavier machinegun.  The Bipod at the bottom of the barrel is not deployable.  I would love if they ever make the weapon the Gelgoogs used in 0083 Stardust Memories.

Double Beam Saber/ Beam Naginata:  The hilt can be mounted using either attachment to mount on the rear skirt armor or back.  The back pegs are occupied with the backpack when you want to mount the pack.  Beam blades including blue naginata blades and two straight blades.

Shield:  Typical Gelgoog shield.  Two attachments are present.  One serving as a handle and the other serves as the connecting point to the back (when the backpack is off).

Play Value:  Another Ace to combat Gundam.  With the Beam Rifles and Beam naginata I am sure this makes for a more dangerous foe to put up against Gundam. 

Display Value:  You have to love Johnny Ridden's Mobilesuits.  The red-black color scheme makes this figure standout especially standing next to Char's Gelgoog.  The color scheme makes the awkward design appear quite formidable.

Dollar Value:  The wallet took a hit at about $23 with shipping.  Pretty close as if shipping from Japan.  The only downside is that my figure was purchased loose and already had a warped antenna but aside from that it is a decent buy even a great buy considering the rarity of the figure.

Conclusion:  In essence it is a Repainted gelgoog with an additional accessory (the backpack) but it is a great Paint scheme.  It almost seems like a different figure.  I would love to see the gelgoog get the version 2 treatment.  Already the Dom Version 2 from what I see promises to be great so imagine what could be done for a version 2 Gelgoog!