Sometimes, in gupla world, simple is better. We have seen design such as the granddaddy RX-78-2, Zaku or Gundam Mk-II, which is basically 'simple' compared to more recent, flamboyant mobile suits like Unicorn or Strike Freedom. Nevertheless, these simple designs become people's favorite because they are symbols of the series, and in term of gunpla, usually they offer something more. When Bandai announced Leo to HG line in 2018, people were filled with joy and excitement. Not only because it's one of the most memorable mobile suits in Gundam Wing series, but because it took more than 20 years until it was released as a HG gunpla. This, with its solid build and inexpensive price have prompted HG Leo to be a very successful release of that year. Anyway, Bandai recently has tendency to release an iconic, ordinary kit before releasing another (better) variant of it as a p-bandai. As for Leo, one of its p-bandai variants is Leo Space Type. Therefore, when Bandai announced Leo as retail release, I decided to wait for a while. I was right.
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| Leo Space Type with all accessories it brought |
Leo Space Type is basically a recolored Leo. Instead of green, we get a purple Leo, with a backpack and propellant tank, and sooo many extra accessories! In addition with 2 beam sabers, a shield and a 105mm rifle of retail release, this kit comes with a long beam rifle, a short beam rifle, a colony beam rifle (adjustable into long and short type) and a mega beam cannon. Furthermore, there are option parts for the shoulder and backpart if we want to switch between ordinary Leo and Space Type Leo. This p-bandai kit costs around 1500 yen, which means, compared to the retail release, you just have to pay for 500 yen more to get all stuff. If only it comes with a dober gun, this kit will be perfect.
With long beam rifle and colony (long) beam rifle
Dual hand actions: with colony long beam rifle/short beam rifle (left) and colony short beam rifle/beam saber (right)
With mega beam cannon and 105mm rifle
Despite of its simple joints design, the articulation of this kit, as the original Leo, is really good and solid, making it so easy for posing. The weak joints of this kit are found around the ankles, which is very prone to fall easily when you try to pose the kit. It also only has 2 standard, multi-purpose hands, for holding the guns and beam sabers. No marking stickers, only foil for the head/face, therefore I gave some paints and custom decals to add more details. The shield could be handled by hands (which are pretty weak). It could also be attached on the shoulder as normal Leo, but the large propellant tank restricts the movement, so I suggest to use normal Leo if you want to use it that way.
The verdict. Leo Space Type is an upgrade of the ordinary Leo which is, despite its simple design, offers many great things: articulation and durability, extra options parts with very reasonable price. This kit IMHO, is one of the best p-bandai kits of 2018. If you have chance to buy it, I really recommend this kit over the retail released Leo, especially if you are a fan of Gundam Wing series.
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OZ-06MS Leo (Space Type)
Pros:
- Simple, yet very durable design, with great articulation
- Tons of accessories and extra parts
- Inexpensive as a p-bandai
Cons:
- Weak ankles and hands
- No markings, foils only
- No dober gun (It goes to Leo Flight Type)
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