HG 1/144 Unicorn Gundam [Unicorn Mode]

This is the High Grade 1/144 Unicorn Gundam (Unicorn Mode). I’ve been meaning to get this kit for a while now, because I honestly like the Unicorn Gundam’s Unicorn Mode just as much as it’s Destroy Mode. The Unicorn Mode just has a really nice look to it, and I like it’s symbolism in the anime.
Looking at this kit, you may or may not be wondering if it can transform at all. The answer is no. This kit cannot transform into Destroy Mode. This kit was specifically made to just be the Unicorn Mode. If you prefer the Destroy Mode though, Bandai does make a High Grade 1/144 kit of it that’s made to just be the Destroy Mode. The two kits each come with a different weapon. This kit, the Unicorn Mode kit, comes with the hyper bazooka, and the Destroy Mode kit comes with the beam rifle. So if you want to have all of the Unicorn Gundam’s weapons for one of your High Grade versions, you have to buy both kits separately. So to recap, this kit, the Unicorn Mode kit, DOES NOT include the beam rifle. Just wanted to emphasize that since some dealers online say that it does. It does not. If you want the beam rifle for it, you’ll have to buy the High Grade 1/144 Unicorn Gundam (Destroy Mode).
In terms of detail, I really like this kit. It has a lot of cleverly placed panel lines to help make it look like everything is closed up, and the space between certain pieces also help with this effect. So while this kit can’t actually transform, it still looks like it can while on display. One thing I will warn you guys about is that to make those details really stand out, you’ll need to panel line several parts of this kit. Also, while a lot of the panel lining can be done before you actually start building, some segments, like the torso and lower legs, will need to be assembled before you can really get to panel lining them. As I always say, you don’t have to panel line this kit if you don’t want to. I only recommend panel lining this kit is you want it looking more like it does in the anime.
The build is actually pretty easy, and besides the time consuming process of filling in the panel lines, this kit didn’t take very long for me to build. Most of the construction is pretty solid, but there are some pretty loose pieces on the backpack that I recommend gluing just to keep them from falling off. Other than those parts on the backpack, nothing else on this kit is loose enough that you’ll need to go in and use glue.
All in all, this is a really neat kit, and as a fan of the Gundam Unicorn series, I really like it. The articulation isn’t amazing, but its a High Grade kit, so that’s to be expected. Do I recommend this kit? Personally yes, because I like this one so much. If you’re a fan of Gundam Unicorn or the Unicorn Gundam, then I definitely recommend this kit. If what you’re looking for is more articulation and accessories, you may want to invest in the Real Grade 1/144 one instead.