Series: 1/100
Title: XXXG-01D2 Gundam Deathscythe Hell Custom
Release Date: 06/2000
Suggested Price: ¥ 2000
No. of Parts: 103 + polycaps + foil stickers
Plastic colors: midnight blue, navy blue, gray, white, red, clear green, yellow
Gimmicks: “Active Cloak” wings, movable shoulder spikes (2), movable knee spikes (2), beam scythe, 1/20 Duo Maxwell figure

Introduction

Contributor: G-Slayer
Date: January 4, 2006

I like all the Gundams from Endless Waltz. But the Deathscythe Hell, with its devilish wings and huge beam scythe, has really caught my attention. When I first saw the 1/100 Gundam Nataku in the model kit commercials, my first thought was “There’s gotta be a Deathscythe kit of the same quality.” So the first chance I got, I searched through one game shop after another (even during winter, in the snow!) until I found it. I feel like I should point out that this is the “American” version of the original kit, so I thought to myself that it would leave much to be desired. Hopefully, that’s not the case-or is it?

Head

The head is standard fare, fairly detailed in comparison with the cartoon and lineart. The V-Fin stays firmly on the head and has 2 tiny tips on the back of the points that need sanding. Stickers are included for the eyes and front head camera. Only the vulcan guns need painting.

Torso

I’ll mention the wings in this section. The upper body is very well detailed. The chest holds up pretty well and swivels at the waist. Molded to the inner frame of the chest are pegs that don’t come together (had to use glue). The chest vents should be painted for accuracy. The chest also has a small two-piece compartment with a polycap to attach the Active Cloak.

The Cloak (an 18-piece construction) folds around the Gundam with the two red spines concealed in each wing to show tiny tabs that come together. The Cloak opens and holds up well without making the whole kit back-heavy-but in the process makes the kit top-heavy. The left wing is a little too loose. The Cloak, which has a peg to attach to the back, can come off (along with all those spikes) for that old Deathscythe look. The abdomen is standard, with skirt armor you can move at the front and sides.

Arms

Another basic feature, the movement of the arms is very limited because of the Cloak. At each shoulder, there is a spike that is raised to open and close the wings (This also hinders movement). The movement of the elbows is about 135 degrees. Two more spikes are mounted on each forearm. The hands are pretty loose and make it hard for the model to hold its weapon.

Legs

Pretty standard to a tee. The knees can bend at about 90 degrees (without the Cloak). Speaking of which, there are two spikes on each kneecap that move slightly. The small spaces around the spikes should be painted for accuracy. The feet, having only a ball joint to attach the legs, are not so sturdy but still hold up well.

Weapons and Accessories

The beam scythe, the Deathscythe’s namesake weapon, has nice detail and the large beam blade can be removed to display an inactive beam scythe. The 1/20 figure of pilot Duo Maxwell comes in tan-colored plastic and has Duo’s braid of hair as a separate piece, which is a pain to attach and weighs the figure down.

Conclusion

Despite having to tie up a few “loose ends,” this kit makes a nice addition to any Gundam collection and is a decent kit for any Deathscythe fan. Just having it makes me want to buy other Gundams from the Endless Waltz 1/100 line. And it’s truly fearsome- it actually scared my mom!

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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