Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG GNT-001 Gundam Exia

Kit Details
Gundam: Gundam Exia
Code:  GN-001
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 00
Pilot: Setsuna F Seiei
Faction: Celestial Being
Weapons: GN Sword, GN Shield, GN Long Blade, GN Short Blade, GN Beam Sabers
Release: July 2009
Box: A2
Runner: 12
Parts: 309
Price: 3800 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: Original build, no reused parts.  Weapons are an awesome build.
Bad: The plastic translucent pipes are OK, nothing spectacular.  Decals cutout are not according to target surface.
Difficulty: Easy
Panel Line: Average.
Decals: A lot, and small ones too, stickers and dry transfers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +1)
Good: Looks good!  Why would Bandai release a PG if the Exia is not good looking?
Bad: Translucent pipes is not eye catching.



Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: GN sword, GN shield, GN long blade, GN short blade and GN beam sabers.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Well articulated kit.  But not a lot of bends compared to newer kits.
Bad: Loose parts.  Waist mounting for GN blade is loose.  Red foot is really loose making the kit having difficulty to stand up right.
Ugly: Arms can't be raised up, being held down by the translucent pipes connecting the shoulder armor and upper arms.  Thank goodness PG Exia fixed this.

Shelf presence
(Score: +1)
Good: Iconic Exia from 00.  The giant GN sword is very noticeable.
Bad: Not much gimmicks.  Decals doesn't bring out a complicated look and are quite neutral.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
Bonus 1: LED

Bonus 2: Exia Repair

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +5)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

Worth considering.  Looks good but have some bad flaws.  Expandable into the ignition mode.

Variants
Few variants of this kit that you can also consider.
1) Gundam Exia Ignition Mode (2009) - The broken Exia.
2) 00-Qan[T] (2010) - The trailblazer.
3) GN-X (2010) - The bad guy's suit with fake GN drive.
4) OO Raiser (2011) - The ultimate twin drive with the legendary Saji Crossroad.
5) OO Seven Swords (2011) - The OO with seven swords instead of the O Raiser.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 102

Up next: RG Z'Gok