HG 1/144 Leo-R

This is the P-Bandai exclusive High Grade 1/144 Leo-R. :) This mobile suits comes to us from the “New Mobile Report Gundam Wing Dual Story: G-Unit” manga, and is piloted by Kratz Silvy. A custom machine designed exclusively for Kratz of the Stardust Knights. It features a feminine form that doesn't fit the pilot. The arms and legs have been replaced with those of the Aries, and other modifications have been made to emphasize mobility. Weapons include a beam duel lancer, active jammer reed, shoulder shields, and a super charged beam cannon.

You really don’t see a lot of mobile suits designed to look feminine in any way, aside from the Nobel Gundam, so I found this to be a rather unique kit in terms of design. Being that this kit is a retool of the Leo, the build is very easy and requires almost no panel lining or paint whatsoever. In fact, once the kit is complete, you’re going to have almost an entire plastic runner of unused Leo pieces (which I guess is handy if you’re doing a custom project). The articulation in the arms and legs is pretty good thanks to those elbow and knee joints from the Leo, but similar to the Leo, there isn’t a lot of articulation in the head. It does move side to side a bit, though, and the hair can also be moved up or down.

While this kit is definitely really good looking, it definitely has its share of issues. First, the articulation in the feet is very limited because of the pieces on each side of the angles. Next, the thrusters on the back obstructing what side to side articulation the head has because of the hair. This isn’t too big of a deal, though, as you can simply adjust the hair piece and it’s fine. My last issue is the stickers. Most of this kit is very well color separated, but the dark blue on the lower halves of the arms is done with very tricky to apply stickers. You can avoid those with paint, however.

All in all, this is definitely a really nice looking kit. I love the design and color scheme, and the metallic gold parts go really nicely with this kit. I would really only recommend investing in the kit if you’re able to score it for the P-Bandai price, as I don’t feel it’s quite worth what people on eBay are charging for it. Still, if you’re a fan of the Leo and its many variations, this kit will definitely be an excellent addition to your collection. 🙂