UNICORN 02 BANSHEE NORN 1/144 RG DE BANDAI : REVIEW GUNPLA

Posted by techartgeek.com on Apr 10, 2018

Appearing on stalls in February 2018 this model Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn "Real Grade" format 1/144 represents all the technical excellence of Bandai Gunpla. Indeed this mobile hyper technical suite has two "modes" of transformation that make it a mine of joints and "mechanical" parts.

Funny vision of the Unicorn!

Impressive Gundam the Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn appeared for the first time in the OVA Mobile Suite Gundam Unicorn released between 2010 and 2014. This model comes from the same series as the famous RX-0 Unicorn Gundam which proudly sits in full size on the forecourt of the "Gundam Base" shop (the ultimate dream of any Gunpla fan) in Tokyo.

Front view of full-size RX-0 Unicorn Gundam at Tokyo Base Shop, light grey finish.

We can see in this video the fight between the two mobile suits and their transformation, a happiness for the eyes!

The point gear: unpacking the "Unicorn"

The assembly The Gunpla Real Grade format are really nice to assemble but much more complex and long than High Grade, plan a good day to have a clean and correct result. One of the coolest aspects of this model is the "Inner Frame" Bandai offers. This is a kind of articulated skeleton on which the armor is placed, so on this model no "polycaps joints" and therefore easy assembly and excellent overall performance.

Full body photo of Unicorn 02 internal joint structure and endoskeleton.

The assembly of each piece requires a lot of attention because most are "mobile" to ensure the passage between the Unicorn mode and the Destroy mode. A montage so a little long for my taste but still a pleasure in the end when we see in the end the complexity of the structure of the model.

For once the only black point of this model remains (but it is recurrent if you follow my reviews) stickers. Indeed I am always disappointed with the effect, it is "add-on" and on this model I will spend very quickly decals. I really want Bandai on these models RG (the price justifies me in my opinion) goes to the decals which, although they take longer to implement, give a much better.

In the end what does it make?

The colors and the golden parts make super good on the Gundam, the passages of a mode to the other do not tire the joints or the parts. The pilot on the scale is very detailed, we will enjoy working through a complete diorama featuring the Gundam and his pilot. We can go with your eyes closed on this model!

Closeup view of blue and gold Unicorn 02 Gundam showing shield sticker placement. Closeup of Gundam Unicorn 02 blue Banshee leg and knee joint.

Closeup of front of Unicorn 02 Banshee, blue with gold trim, showing elbow joint. Blue Gundam Unicorn 02 Norn with raised purple energy sword in hand, shield on back.

Detail of Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn Gundam showing shield decal placement. Standing Unicorn 02 Banshee, blue finish, yellow trim, posed with rifle and shield.

plastic model Unicorn 02 Banshee side view Blue Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn Gundam holding rifle pointed overhead.

Foreshortened rear oblique view of blue Unicorn 02 Banshee Gundam. Closeup of left side of Unicorn 02 shoulder and face, blue and yellow.

Left oblique closeup of the front of blue Unicorn 02 Gundam with shield and rifle. Closeup of arm & weapon of Gundam Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn Mech.

Left front oblique closeup of blue Gundam Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn with yellow highlights. Rear oblique view of Unicorn 02 Banshee Norn leg joint, blue plastic.

Front oblique view of blue Unicorn 02 Banshee mech holding purple energy sword.

Original article is available at techartgeek.com and you can see more of his pictures.

Thank you Laurent for the wonderful work!

Author Bio

PJ-Chan is the pocket-sized powerhouse of Plaza Japan and the undisputed anime figure aficionado of the team, making sure every shelf is filled with heroes and villains alike. When she’s not immersed in the world of anime, PJ-Chan can often be found with a slice (or two) of delicious cake. She has been part of the Plaza Japan family since 2009 and at the tender age of 99, she assures us retirement is not in her vocabulary.