Series: Kahen Senshi
Title: MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam
Release Date: 11/2003
Suggested Price: ¥ 6500
No. of Parts: 20+
Plastic colors: red, blue, yellow, red, dirty white
Gimmicks: fully transformable in different modes, firm joints, locking tabs, great poseability

Introduction

Contributor: Winn Sevilla
Date: January 24, 2004

Universal Century 0088 - The Titans are finally defeated, but conflict is far from over as Neo Zeon's leader Haman Karn begins her move of conquest. The AEUG tries to fights back, but is outgunned by the Neo Zeon's new and powerful mobile suits. NewType pilot Judau Ashta finds this task hard in the already "outdated" MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, but finds new hope in the form of the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam.

Under the Zeta project, the "Double Zeta" features a different concept from its MSZ-006 brother. Composed of three independent components: Core Fighter, Core Top & Core Base that can merge into two forms: the "G-Fortress" for bombing and assault runs and MS mode. While the Zeta is a agile MS, the Double Zeta is absolute firepower in the form of a mobile suit - with a weapons arsenal of Double Beam Cannon, Missile Launchers, Mega Beam Sabers and a Mega Particle Cannon make it a very formidably powerful ally and a notoriously feared mobile suit.

When the Kahen-Senshi MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam came out, owners released anguish and disappointment all over it - a sign for me to stay away from it. When news of a Kahen-Senshi ZZ came out, I was expecting the same failure and wasn't really planning to get one. However, following a seller's comment "its got die-cast content on the right places", I brought one to find out for myself and in my opinion it's not a failure, its a redemption.

Box art- Same size of the Kahen Senshi Zeta Gundam box, the ZZ's got lots of pics showing its various features.

Colors- Following the colors from the MG, this one's got it perfect.

Head

There's a lot of disappointment of all parts - the head follows the original design and not the MG, there's VERY LIMITED articulation in all directions, while the head antennas are made of very flexible thin plastic unlike the MG design (the longer antennas can be moved for transformation). Overall, the head looks it was made cheap.

Torso

Follows the MG design and hides the Core Fighter well. However, this Kahen-Senshi has something the MG doesn't have - a waist! The upper portion of the crotch area that houses the "cradle" for the core fighter has sideways articulation that allows waist movement! Front & Side skirt plates are well articulated as well!

The backpack is connected through a U-bar just like the MG design concept - overall it feels very stable and stiff thanks to metal screws. Missile bays can be opened up to reveal them. The wing binders are movable verniers are not articulated which is disappointing. The mega beam sabers are stored on the backpack on their respective holders.

Arms

This is where it gets better. The shoulder armor is composed of die-cast metal and the joint can swivel forward & backwards. Construction of the lower arms is great too - follows the MG format! Overall, the design looks wider and massive. The hands come in 2 pairs: Closed fist, Open fist for the beam sabers & a right hand for the double beam rifle.

Legs

A lot of die-cast content in the right places, the legs feels very solid, stable and well articulated. Knee articulation is double jointed thanks to die-cast content. The only disappointment is I find is the foot design - they're somewhat too flat-footed and wide.

Weapons and Accessories

Double beam cannon- The barrels can be rotated and folded just like the MG and the handle can be folded down. Design and details-wise, I find the scale to be somewhat smaller yet I find it justified - because it can be posed under the arm as no ZZ kit has ever done before!

Mega beam sabers- Unlike the MG, they don't have any support tabs for a more secured grasp. The beam saber blades are made of clear pink plastic which are thick and connects to the hilts nicely.

ZZ Gundam components:

Core Fighter- The nose area has a sleeker design compared to other designs. The verniers are fairly detailed and wing binders (vertical & horizontal) when folded for MS mode act as locking tabs for a secure fit!

Core Top- Transformation is easy for the arms and since they're die-cast metal, you can be sure it wont sag. The torso however is fitted too secure when transforming so as a warning, you have to APPLY DOWNWARD PRESSURE on the collar while APPLYING UPWARD PRESSURE on the main chest plate in which I finally learned after a few grunts & scared thoughts. The double beam rifle when placed is well fitted thanks to two locking tabs.

Core Base- Transformation follows the MG schematics but with a surprise: the backpack has locking tabs that secures the legs to it! This brilliant design gives you a wobble-free Core Base! The Core Fighter is well secured thanks to the cradle.

G-Fortress- You simply have to convert the Core Fighter to folded mode, re-attach and connect all three together. A well crafted, wobble free G-Fortress! Truly a great form to play around with!

Conclusion

Following the gloom, anguish and disappointment fans felt upon acquisition of the Kahen Senshi Zeta, Bandai released a well-crafted chogokin that you will definitely not be disappointed about - its redemption! Aside from the distasteful design of the head and feet, everything else is sheer excellence. So to those who are afraid to test the waters, jump right in and enjoy!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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