May 31, 2002 CURRENT RUMBLE undam mecha, in my opinion, have always been the best-looking of all robots. Based on appearances alone, they were always number one on my list. So, that would make Mobile Suits In Actions the perfect toys, right? Well, not quite because there is still something missing for me…But, what if you add a bit of die-cast metal into a Gundam toy? That, my dear readers, is a killer combination. I’ll buy one! Heck, I’ll even take two! Okay fine, what if the Gundam was almost completely die-cast? I’ll buy it, damn it! What if it’s yet another RX-78? Yes! Unpainted? Oh what the heck, sure. How about for ¥38000 plus shipping? Um…wait a minute. Let me think about this. So, here came the flood of questions: A die-cast Gundam (and yet another rendition of the RX-78!), unpainted for 38000 Japanese smackers? Since it is die-cast and unpainted, would that make it a glorified Nano Chogokin? Is it a toy or a model kit? Would I live to my next birthday if someone saw the credit card bill? As I wrestled with these unanswered questions during the weeks leading up to its release, I came to the realization that it really just was going to have to be a risk I would have to take if I really wanted it. In the end, my love for Gundam mecha, anything that is die-cast, and a website with a 360 degree pic of it (link provided by an evil TBDXer who shall remain nameless) to sway me into purchasing it… The receptionist at my building initially mistook the crate from Amenbo for the new server the company had just ordered. Adding to the weight and size of this cardboard monstrosity, which already included my newest prized die-cast acquisition, was the Grand Liner DX (A special thank-you to Amenbo for finding it for me!) and two reissued VF-1Ss. It was not a laughing matter when I had to actually haul this crate through the parking lot and into my car. Let’s not even talk about the look on the sweetheart’s face when I lugged in yet another “I-just-had-to-get-this-honey” box of toys into the house. After surviving the interrogation, I ripped open the parcel and ignored the other three sure-awesome toys and made for the dark blue box labeled as METAL GRADE RX-78 GUNDAM. Deep breath! The moment had arrived. A flip of the front flap revealed the aluminum metal case that held the ¥38000 robot. Nice box, by the way. On the front, in bold black, was yet another of reminder what was inside. I unlocked the two latches, flipped open the case, removed the sponge padding…and there he was. Okay, some vital stats: It is preassembled and, from my estimation, approximately 90% die-cast. The only noticeable places that are plastic are at the joints (i.e. elbows, knees, torso, and ankles), spare hands, and the antenna. Everywhere else is cold, hard, die-cast white metal. If you are a die-cast freak like me, Bandai’s newest Gundam product will put you in heavy-metal heaven. This baby is 18cm from head to toe and weighs a hefty 650g (according to the box). Yup, your beloved Metal Grade Gundam can become a bludgeon to fend off those bad people who would steal your precious ¥38000-plus-shipping acquisition! The trademark laser rifle and cross-ornamented shield are included and heavy with die-cast. The twin beam sabers are also standard. Yep, they too have die-cast. Modeling skills are not required since the standard pink blades are easily detached from sprues. Also included is a trigger hand for the rifle and a second set of hands for gripping the twin sabers or anything else you want this guy to grasp. Other accessories for Mr. RX-78 include an extension to add to his booster pack and an extra antenna in case you don’t like the PVC one currently on his head. And yes, both of these extras are solid metal. Ah, but the goodies don’t end there. Also included is a numbered dog tag that certifies and identifies this baby’s authenticity, decals and photo-etched metal stickers to make this already-detailed robot even more detailed, a manual, and a post-card photo of the Metal Grade RX-78 in all his badass glory. Now then, I’m sure you have questions. Question like: Is this item PLAYABLE? Is it a TOY?!? Is it worth the insane ¥38000?? Well, let’s see. What if I said that this baby has SOC-esque articulation? Sure, there are particular poses that he may have problems holding due to his weight, but, the shock-absorbing lower legs/ankles definitely help! I would imagine that balancing this toy (yes, TOY…I’ve called the Metal Grade Gundam a TOY for the first time in this Rumble) would be a heck of a lot tougher if they were not included. All the moveable limbs are very tight and clicky. Do I have any complaints? Yes, I do have one gripe: The finish on the metal surface is a bit dull and I do notice places where there are small scratches (I will look into the possibility of going over it with a fine metal polisher). But, aside from this, I really have developed a love for this toy. So, in my opinion, my answer would be: Yes, this toy was worth the price I paid. It is by far the best looking RX-78 Gundam that I’ve ever seen. This toy just oozes with coolness and detail and really holds his presence well despite being in a cabinet with my other more colorful robots. Certainly, this version does not have the gimmicks demonstrated in a constructed Perfect Grade kit. But remember, we are talking about a 90% die-cast toy, here. For what it can do in terms of articulation with its hefty body weight, I have to give my applause to Bandai. Of course, I would sure like it if were painted, but it’s really not a big deal (BUT, it would SEVERLY bother me IF Bandai goes and releases a painted version of this! Great, I probably just jinxed myself.). So, if you like Gundam mecha, die-cast toys, and have an extra ¥38000 lying around, then by all means, go for it!  RUMBLE INDEX  |  CURRENT RUMBLE