Not sure if tweaking it or leaving it alone was the right choice. Eh, it looks iffy.

Censorship has been the hot talk lately. In fact, the topic has been so big that it’s been stressing me out… I will talk about it soon as possible, but for now, I want to focus on another awesome topic for my fellow otakus. Shortly after building Char’s HGUC Zaku Commander, I’ve now finished building another gunpla, and that’s the GN-001REII Gundam Exia Repair II – RG – 1/144 from Bandai. If you remember my highlights on Instagram, you will remember seeing 5 new boxes of Gunpla that I bought on that day. This Exia Repair was one of them. Like the other four, this one was a random buy. One that was worth it. With its slick design, relatively easy build and less stacked pieces, I can safely say that the process of building it was smooth. The question is, is the reception good? Is it worth buying it? Was it worth the process? We are about to find out in this review.

Yeah… The photos didn’t look good this time. Darn it…

Released in 2009, the HG Exia Repair II from Gundam 00 is one of the many model kits from the AD era of 00 that are available to build. Interestingly, this gunpla is one of the many from the 2000s Gundam era that I own. In other words, this one is the second oldest that I own for my collection so far. Only the HGUC Guntank from the year 2000 is older. The Universal Century of Gundam is a beloved timeline for many fans, including myself. Unfortunately, for Gundam series set in a Different Universe, positive reception is much harder to achieve, as I have noticed a moderate amount of Gundam set in the AU get a good reception. Luckily, Gundam 00 is the one of the few to enjoy such reception. Finishing runners-up in Animage’s Anime Grand Prix award for two consecutive times between 2007-2008, losing twice to fellow sunrise anime compatriot Code Geass. To this day, Gundam 00 remains beloved, popular, and is still one of the most popular AU Gundam shows alongside Wing, Seed, and Iron Blooded Orphans. Unsure, though, if Mercury and GQUX will qualify. This model kit hasn’t really been mostly remembered, but still holds a niche fanbase regardless.

The design of Exia Repair II, like most mobile suits from Gundam 00, is well-designed. Still, I do have to admit that the design concept feels inferior, especially when compared to its predecessor, the original Exia from the first season of Gundam 00. It’s still good regardless. The design of the Exia Repair II feels a lot lighter in comparison to other model kits. One of the notable things about the Exia Repair II is how the blue, yellow and red colors are less contrasted and more matte. Compared to other model kits and the old Exia itself. The stickers make the Exia repair II stand out greatly. In fact, if the stickers are well-placed, then it will make the Exia Repair II look really nice. If placed properly, they won’t look like stickers and actual paint of the model kit. Sadly, like Char’s Zaku, this is when it gets more complicated.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the process of building the Exia Repair II was very smooth for me. Like most model kits, it took me hours finishing it. Well, basically, the whole day. Unlike some other model kits, attaching the pieces together was a piece of cake. I liked how most clicks worked, and how attaching them would keep them together stuck and solid. The probability of pieces falling off were dramatically low for me. Even if you aggressively move some body parts, it won’t fall off. I only had 1–2 parts that are vulnerable to falling off. For me, that’s a record low. The issue is, some parts of the model kit are VERY hard to build. Examples are the head, the sword, and the torso. A major issue I had with this model kit was how sometimes they had to be reworked on over and over again. Finally, the biggest problem was the stickers. While the process of the stickers weren’t too hard for me, for some body parts, it was an absolute nightmare. Prime examples were the head, and trying to put the stickers correctly. The process was so grueling for me that it took 30–45 minutes just to finish it. Also, this model kit has an issue with proper poses and stand. On the positive note, other stickers for the body parts were much easier for me. Actually, I’d argue the easiest so far. Another positive is, I did not need to use extra resources like blue sticky tape for this model kit. A massive win right there.

Another positive about this model kit for me was how there weren’t too many small pieces to work on. We all know when it comes to the works of small pieces, they are VERY time-consuming. Luckily, this Exia Repair II didn’t have too many as opposed to Char’s HGUC Zaku Commander. Hence, why the process was relatively smooth. This gunpla took me nine hours to finish. Still, keep in mind the reason it took nine hours was because some interruptions got in my way. If time was fully free, then I would have finished this model kit a lot earlier. I’s say 5–6 hours instead.

The satisfaction of building this model kit, as opposed to some, felt mild. I know, you’re probably thinking? Wait what? Are you serious? You gave it a positive reception, but yet, why so mild? Well, It’s because while I did enjoy building the model kit myself, and building all gunpla feels satisfying, I’m not really a huge fan of the Exia Repair II. Actually, I’d argue that Exia Repair II is one of the most forgettable mobile suits of Gundam 00. Don’t get me wrong, I love it a lot, but it’s not really one that would generate loud fanfare for me. While I do love it for its build, smooth process and good quality, it’s not really something I would regard as a number one favorite. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love it. I adore it, and I love starting it. I feel great satisfaction knowing I built this awesome gunpla. Still, in general, I’m not a huge fan of the Exia Repair II. This boils down more to the official mobile suit itself rather than the design. Nonetheless, I love it.

I can definitely say this model kit is one I would strongly recommend to anyone. If you are a fan of Gundam 00, its mobile suits, the Exia line, Setsuna F Seiei’s mobile suits, Gundam, and mecha anime in general, then look no further. This model kit will deliver. The GN-001REII Gundam Exia Repair II – RG – 1/144 (Bandai) is a model kit that excels very well when it comes to the process of building. From its smooth, easy paced building. Aided by pieces that are simple to attach, and stickers easy to use, you’ll have an easy time with this model kit. I would recommend this model kit to beginners as this model kit is a good one to start for building Gunpla. Its lovely design will leave it standing out and making your gunpla section look pretty. Its nice color contrasting of traditional Gundam colors and matte coloring will also leave one feeling satisfied with their build. Although some flaws of it are a little difficulty when it comes to some parts of the pieces. Stickers will also leave one feeling frustrated if not successful at placing them correctly. Regardless, the issue is minor, and I can bet you will enjoy to the max. I would definitely recommend this model kit to anyone.

Overall: A-rank