Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans is one of the most beloved Gundam installments of the 21st century. In fact, IBO became the first Gundam to win Animage Grand Prix since Gundam Seed Destiny back in 2005 and as well as the first to compete in the competition since Gundam 00 back in 2009. IBO is beloved by both old and new, IBO is often viewed by many, including myself, to be the true last AU Gundam installment that dealt with themes that make Gundam popular in the first place. With all respect to Mercury and GQuuuuuuX, but Iron Blooded Orphans truly felt like the last Gundam to deal with heavy political themes that involved war, suffering, and ideologies. I truly wish Sunrise and Bandai would return to those days. Anyway, back to the topic.

There’s no doubt that Barbatos is one of the coolest looking Gundam’s ever in franchise history. From slick melee attacks, to a nice slick design that makes it stand out as some slick edgy mobile suit, to some very cool looking weapons like the sword it has by its side. Not only that, but, this Gundam enjoys massive spotlight and always takes a pivotal role for important scenes in the anime. This high grade model version, released by Bandai a decade ago in 2015, has aged like fine wine. With a smooth and a fun easy process of building it, and good detail with nice coloring, it makes you wonder if this model kit is one of the greatest in Gunpla history? The truth is, yes it is, and you are probably thinking? What? Are you serious? How is this true? Well, let’s find out!

Firstly, when it comes to the design of The Barbatos, it is in my opinion, arguably, one of the greatest Gundam designs in history. Especially in terms of Gunpla. In fact, I’d argue that the model kit itself looks even nicer than the actual official design in the anime. The slick design with its awesome edges, futuristic look and nice color palette truly makes this Gundam a sexy one. What I love the most about Barbatos is how the design makes itself stand out as unique and different compared to previous mobile suits. Example, as much as I love other Gundam’s like Exia, and Freedom, whom I prefer more than barbatos, I can’t deny they stick to the traditional models of Gundam mobile suits dating back to the original RX-78 of 1979. Although this isn’t a bad thing, once in a while, it’s nice to see different approaches to a main pilot’s Gundam design. Iron Blooded Orphans did that very well. In fact, correct me if I’m wrong, but, Barbatos is the most brawl oriented Gundam since G Fighter back in 1994. Something you don’t often see, huh?

Despite this model being a high grade, I’m shocked to say that this model rivals other grade models that are higher in level like real grade, master grade, etc. Like, take a closer look at it. The detail put into this model kit is so amazing that when I put it next to my other model kits, the detail of Barbatos just stands out perfectly. Besting even some favorites of mine. Actually, the detail of the design is so nice, that it even rivals my real grade Quanta model that is supposedly made of higher detail. I’m not kidding you…

The color palettes look amazing. Traditional Gundam mobile suits who are piloted by the main character always have the traditional blue, yellow, red, and white with some unique added features. Barbatos continues the tradition, but interestingly, it’s done uniquely that replicates how Gundam 00 did it with their mobile suits as well. What I noticed about the design is how there is little color added to it. Mostly being dominated by white. The traditional blue, red, and yellow colors are notably small. Giving it a unique characteristic. The coloring detail is very well colored. Despite it being a high grade and matte, you can see a tiny bit of gloss in it if you shine the model. The coloring detail also stays faithful to the official design. Doing such an incredible job that honestly makes it look like as if the mobile suit from the anime was coming to life in real life.

The process of building Barbatos was one of the simplest and easiest ever. In fact, although I do have fun building model kits of many gunpla, I can’t deny the fact that sometimes it’s stressful as well. Especially when it’s low quality model kits or extremely complicated ones. Thankfully, Barbatos’s model kit for the high grade series was, arguably, the smoothest, and the quickest as well. Rarely did I get confused with the instructions at all. Albeit with a tiny bit of issues, but that didn’t stop it from being a fun model kit to build. It took me just 4 hours to finish it minus some interruptions.

Overall. The truth is, if you’re looking to start building a gunpla collection and unsure where to start, then look no further than this one. While the RX-78 is often regarded as the gunpla recommended by gunpla experts to start with, I’d argue that Barbatos high grade model is another excellent one to start with. The model kit’s easy beginner-friendly and lack of over-complicated pieces used to assembly will definitely leave one satisfied. Not only that, but, the model itself is very fun to build, and depending on the person’s speed, it will be finished in no time. Once finished building, the model kit will look SO nice, that it will bring you a great sense of smile when you stare at it at wherever you placed it. The better part is, once placed next to other model kits that you have, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. It stands out so nicely. No doubt, this model kit will probably become a collection favorite of yours. The amazing part is, it’s so cheap. It’s like a bang for your buck. The Barbatos high grade model kit, in my opinion, is one of the greatest Gundam model kits and also one of the greatest ever for the high grade models and mobile suits in history. In fact, I love it so much, that I may have to hold intense debates with myself to see if it’s my favorite of all time. (For now).

Overall: A-rank