Review: HG 1/144 - Gundam Destiny

Model Number: ZGMF-X42S
Pilot: Shinn Asuka
Series: Gundam Seed Destiny
Manufacturer and Operator: ZAFT
Armaments: Beam Rifle
                   Beam Cannon
                   Shield
                   Beam Shield
                   "Arondight" anti-ship sword
                   Beam Saber
                   Beam Boomerang
                   Wings of Light

The model comes with 3 pairs of hands

Arondight and Beam Cannon

The Arondight and Beam Cannon can be folded 

Beam Shield and Shield

Beam Saber, Beam Boomerang and Beam Rifle

Wings of Light

The kit comes with a display stand with an extra part

Review:
As expected, the Gundam Destiny turned out to be a great model. It has a lot of features and equipment included in the kit. Let's start with the 3 beam sabers. The short and normal size beam sabers are attached on the shoulders. While the long beam saber is folded and stored at the right side of the back of the Destiny. It's plain in color, so I added some black, red and gold markings. For defense, it has a regular shield and a beam shield. The regular shield can expand by adjusting it's lower part. While the beam shield is big and well detailed. The long range weapons are also divided into two: the beam cannon that is stored at the left side of the back of the Destiny and the regular beam rifle that can be attached at the back waist. The beam cannon can unfold and extend to the side of the destiny, and has a handle for secure holding. For the other details, the model itself did require only few panel lines. The stickers have actually covered most of the important details.

The model kit comes with 3 pairs of hands. 1st pair is an open palm, 2nd pair is a closed fist to hold the beam sabers, and the 3rd pair is a more closed fist to hold the beam rifle. I painted the open palm with a gold gundam marker for the palm beam cannon effects. The destiny has a decent articulation, especially on the shoulders. Aside from the main body parts, the thrusters at the legs and at the back are slightly movable. There's also the wings at the back that can adjust in various positions, including the attachment of the Wings of Light. Take note that the Destiny will have difficulty leaning forward because of weight issue from the Wings of Light. I had difficulty in moving the model for different poses because of it's wide variety of equipment. But with some imagination and perseverance, I was able to achieve my desired pose for the model. I had a lot of fun taking pictures of the model and I'm sure there are still a lot of poses this model could do.

A bonus item included in the kit is display stand with an extra part. This extra part is attached on the tip of the stand to allow more mobility for the model during flight mode. I'm not sure if I missed something but I noticed there's a pair of leftover stickers that were not used. I'm unable to determine where this stickers go nor does the manual indicate their purpose. I'll just hold to it until I find the answer. The only weight issue you will encounter with this model is when you attached the Wings of Light. Also because of that, the wings will become easily loose. But it still depends on how you handle the model.

Overall, the Gundam Destiny is one of the best HG I ever had in terms of feature and equipment. Beam sabers, beam shield and wings of light are well-detailed. This model kit will be loved by everyone, whether your a newbie or an expert gunpla builder. This concludes my review for the HG 1/144 - Gundam Destiny. Thanks for reading and I hope you found it useful. Look forward to my next gunpla review. Check out also my previous gunpla reviews.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5