HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam: Clear Color Kit Review
Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of Gunpla? Today, we're taking a close look at the HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam Clear Color kit. This thing is seriously cool, and if you're a fan of the V2 Assault Buster Gundam or just love a good-looking model kit, you're in for a treat. This model kit offers a unique twist with its clear color scheme, making it a standout addition to any collection. Let's get started!
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Alright, guys, let's start with the basics. Unboxing the HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam Clear Color kit is always exciting. You know that feeling when you first crack open a new Gunpla box? The smell of fresh plastic, the promise of a cool build... it's the best! Inside, you'll find the usual suspects: a bunch of runners, the instruction manual, and maybe some stickers if you're lucky. The first thing you'll notice with this particular kit is the clear plastic. It's the whole reason this version is so special. Instead of the usual solid colors, all the armor parts are molded in clear plastic. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to see the inner workings of the model, which is pretty neat. The quality of the plastic is generally what you'd expect from a Bandai HG kit – solid, with good detail and minimal flash. The parts fit together well, and the articulation is pretty decent for a High Grade kit. The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, as always. Bandai knows their stuff when it comes to making these instructions user-friendly, even for those new to the hobby. The manual includes color guides to help identify each part. Overall, the initial impression is fantastic. The clear plastic really grabs your attention, and you can't help but get excited about the build process.
This specific kit has a ton of awesome features. The clear armor really makes it stand out, giving a look at the inner frame. The build itself is pretty standard for an HG kit, so it's a perfect project for both beginners and experienced modelers. You're going to have a blast building this. The level of detail on the parts is impressive, and the overall design stays true to the original V2 Assault Buster Gundam. The clear color scheme adds a modern twist. The kit's articulation is pretty good for an HG, letting you pose it in all sorts of dynamic ways. The kit includes all the weapons and accessories you'd expect, like the beam rifle, beam sabers, and of course, the Assault and Buster parts. These parts can be attached to the V2 Gundam for the Assault Buster mode, which is the main selling point of the model. You get a lot for your money, making it a great value in terms of the number of parts and the final look.
Building the HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty: the build itself. If you've built Gunpla before, you know the drill. This kit is a High Grade (HG), so the build is relatively straightforward and shouldn't take you too long. Plan for a few hours of fun. The instructions are very detailed, guiding you step by step. I always start by clipping the parts from the runners and cleaning them up. I recommend using a good pair of nippers and an X-Acto knife or hobby knife to clean up any nub marks. Proper preparation is essential for a clean finish. One thing that makes this build special is the clear plastic. You have the option to paint the inner frame to add to the look or leave it as it is. Either way, it's a great chance to experiment with different painting techniques. The clear armor parts allow you to see through the model. This means you can see the internal structure and any detailing you might have done. This adds a level of realism and interest that you don't always get with solid-color kits. Pay close attention to the small details, especially when assembling the weapons and accessories. These can really make the model pop!
Building the frame first is a good idea. The articulation in the HG kits is pretty impressive. You'll be surprised at the range of motion you can achieve. Once the frame is complete, it's time to add the armor. This is where the clear plastic really shines. As you attach the clear armor pieces, you'll start to see the final look of the model take shape. The clear armor gives the kit a sleek and modern look. The clear plastic makes it easy to see all the details. One of the coolest parts of the build is attaching the Assault and Buster parts. These parts add a lot of bulk and detail to the V2 Gundam. The Assault parts are mainly for close combat, while the Buster parts are for ranged attacks. Make sure you attach these pieces carefully. The final step is to apply any stickers or decals. These will enhance the overall look. Take your time with these! It's easy to mess them up. Overall, the building process is a joy. The kit is well-designed, easy to put together, and the clear parts make it unique and visually appealing. You'll definitely enjoy this model kit!
Detailing and Customization
Okay, so you've built your HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam Clear Color kit. Now comes the fun part: detailing and customization! This is where you can make the model truly your own. One of the great things about Gunpla is that there are endless ways to customize them. With the clear plastic on this kit, you have even more options. The most basic form of customization is panel lining. This involves using a fine-tipped marker or pen to trace the panel lines on the model. This adds depth and detail, making the kit look more realistic. Because the armor is clear, the panel lining will be even more visible, so make sure you use a color that complements the clear plastic. For this kit, I would recommend using a dark gray or black for the panel lining. Another way to enhance the look is to add some color. You could paint the inner frame. This will add some contrast and make the model stand out. You could paint parts of the armor to give them a different color, like the blue or yellow parts on the V2 Gundam. You could use metallic paints to give your model a more premium feel. You can also add decals, such as water slide decals. These are thin stickers that you apply to the model. They add extra detail and are great for adding markings and insignias. There are tons of custom decal sets available.
The possibilities are endless! You could add some weathering effects. This involves using paints and washes to give the model a worn and battle-damaged look. You could also add some modifications. This involves using tools and materials to alter the shape of the kit. This can be used to add extra detail or change the overall look. Remember, the clear plastic gives you a unique canvas to work with. You could paint the internal frame, add colored accents to the clear parts. Or, you could leave the clear parts untouched to show off the details.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Alright, folks, it's time for the final verdict. The HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam Clear Color kit is a fantastic Gunpla kit. It's a great addition to any Gunpla collection. It's especially good if you love the V2 Gundam or want a unique and cool-looking model. The clear color scheme really sets it apart from the rest. The build is straightforward and enjoyable. The detailing is amazing. The articulation is excellent. The kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers. If you're looking for a challenging build with a striking visual appearance, then this is the kit for you. The kit is affordable and accessible, and it will keep you busy for a few hours. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to get into the Gunpla hobby.
So, would I recommend this kit? Absolutely, yes! The HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam Clear Color is a great choice! The clear plastic, the detailing, and the overall quality make this a must-have for any Gunpla enthusiast. The build is enjoyable and the final model looks amazing. If you are looking to buy it, you can easily find it online, or at your local hobby store. So go on and start building!
