This photo was SO good, that I didn’t even need to add filters or do edits at all. Wow…

Its been an AWFUL while since I last built a new Gunpla model. It was back in 2023 with the HGUC Guntank. Sadly, due to many issues with the economy in 2024, I couldn’t really get any new model kits. Yes, even the cheap ones… Now that’s out of the way, I can fully get back into buying more and building more Gunpla. If you remember my Instagram reel showing 5 new Gunpla boxes, then I’m sure you are familiar with this new Char Aznable’s MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type – HGUC – 1/144 from Bandai Spirits that I bought. This was a random buy, and according to many, I bought a model kit that’s considered a sensation.

Despite that, does it earn the highest rank of honor for me? Well, that’s find out in this review that I will be giving.

Released five years ago in 2020, this Char Aznable’z Zaku Commander Type from the HGUC series is one of the many that are available as high grade model kits from the Mobile Suit Gundam 1979 series. We all know that Char Aznable is arguably the most popular Gundam character ever, not only in franchise history, but also one of the most well known and iconic characters in anime history. He’s essentially the Darth Vader of Japan. So, obviously his model kit being released has been met with general hype and good reception. What does it offer that makes it good?

For starters, the design of this model kit is absolutely stunning. The beautiful painted crimson red makes it truly stand out as differently compared to other mobile suits. A mixture of dark red around its torso and light crimson red colors show from the rest of the body. Truly a mix of coloring and showcase of paint. Despite the fact that both models are High Grade, the red colors of Char’s Zaku gives it a nice colorful paint that brings life to it. Sadly, this is something the Guntank was lacking. Still, despite this, things get a little more complicating onward…

While the body of Char’s Zaku is well-designed, the process of building it was more complicated. While the pieces itself weren’t too complex when it came to building the pieces together, it suffered from inconsistent issues of being incapable to attach itself together. The The building of Chars Zaku is relatively smooth when compared to other high grade Gunpla models. Especially when compared to the RX-78 HGUC. Unfortunately, the pieces itself would sometimes not attach. Even if you pressed it very hard or removed many of the plastic scratches that got in the way of attaching the pieces, some of them still wouldn’t work. This issue became so problematic that I had to rely on blue sticky tape to attach the pieces together. Sadly, it ruined some quality, but, that’s how Gunpla works.

The process of building is a mix bag. While I did enjoy building Char’s Zaku, sometimes the experience was frustrating. Especially when it came to constantly relying on small pieces while working on the tiniest pieces for 30 minutes only to finish one part of the body. This Gunpla took me at least 10 hours to finish. Although, keep in mind, i still had to work on tweaking it until it was fully polished to the fullest.

Of course, not all is negative. At the end of the day, the process was smooth, comfy, and most importantly, fun. What I liked about building this model kit was the level of satisfaction I felt once I finished building it. The better part is, the realization of building such a beautiful model kit feels utterly great. Especially when realizing that it was me who built it. Of course, I do acknowledge that some mistakes were made while building this model kit. Nonetheless, this does not ruin the experience at all whatsoever. In fact, I enjoyed it a lot!

If you’re looking for a Gunpla model kit that is cheap, simple, friendly for beginners, but offers a challenging experience, then this one is your best bet. The Char Aznable’s MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type – HGUC – 1/144 from Bandai Spirits is a model kit that is strongly recommended for any fan of Gundam to buy and build. It offers a smooth, challenging experience that will leave one satisfied once they finish building. Although, keep in mind that this model kit does have some flaws that cause irritation, impatience, and prone to mistakes if not careful. Pieces are also flawed as well, but a little problem-solving, like I did, fix the issue. Finally, its beautiful design, fantastic color contrast, and slick features will leave one feeling really satisfied. Put them next to Gundam model kits, and you’ll see why.

Overall: B-rank