Gunpla - #4 - HGUC Jesta Review

If you ask me what was the best design for grunt units in Gundam history, then It should be Jesta. I was getting bored after building my latest HG Gundam kit, Unicorn. Then, I decided to switch my attention to another types of gunpla, that is the grunt units. Recently, I watched Unicorn Gundam OVA, and I really amazed with the design of mobile suits in the movie. The grunt units such as Jegan, Zaku or even GM looked so damn cool as they were different designs from the original series. It was the first time when I saw Jesta on episode 4 of the OVA. 

RGM-96X Jesta is high performance special operation mobile suit based on RGM-89 Jegan. Based on the story, Jesta was built mainly for one purpose : escort the Unicorn Gundam as the Destroy-Mode of RX-0 is time limited. Simply speaking, Jesta should handle the 'grunts' enemy units, while Unicorn deals with the 'boss', especially the newtype weapons. In the OVA, there were three Jesta units shown, and they were assigned to the Londo Bell elite mobile suit team, the Tri-Stars.

Back to the design, HGUC Jesta is an awesome model kit. The sturdy and menacing looks, combined with the special-ops dark color scheme are just to cool ! Compared to Jegan, Jesta has heftier body and armor. And Its main weapon, Beam Carbine, should be one of the coolest weapon in the Gundam history. You'll get seven sets of hands : 2 closed palms, 2 grasped palms, 2 opened palms, and 1 rifle palm. The model provide two beam sabers, but since the holder is the only one attached on Jesta's left arm, we could only use one beam saber. This kit also provides tons of decals, including number stickers in case you want to make a platoon of Jesta (if you have money, that is). LOL.

Overall, Jesta is definitely my fav grunt units, second only to Gundam. The design, color scheme and weapons are way way cooler than any other grunt units (in my opinion). And since Jesta Cannon, the assault-variant of Jesta has been already released, I couldn't wait to build and pair it with the original Jesta :-)

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RGM-96X Jesta

Pros :

• Hefty and sturdy builds. 
• Cool special-ops color scheme.
• Beam carbine and the shield are just awesome.

Cons :

• No beam rifle as depicted on movie.