1/144 Blaze Zaku Phantom (FG)

Some History

Hello everyone, and this is my 1st text-based review that I’ll be doing on numerous Gunpla kits. In this review, I will be discussing the 1/144 scale Blaze Zaku Phantom. According to Gundam Wikia, the ZGMF-10001/M Blaze Zaku Phantom is a Zaku Phantom with the “Blaze Wizard Pack” (the backpack which you’ll see below as an attachment). This “Blaze Wizard Pack” grants the Zaku Phantom an extra set of thrusters for an enhanced form of speed and maneuverability – – but! Unlike other high-mobility packs (Aile Striker, Force Silhouette, etc.), the “Blaze Wizard” lacks a true flight ability. Also, the “Blaze Wizard” comes with a large quantity of “AGM138 Firebee” missiles. These are guided missiles, which are stored within the “Wizard Packs” of the “Blaze Wizard”. The pilots of this mobile suit are: Rey Za Burrel, Heine Westenfluss, Dearka Elsman, and Riika Sheder.

Construction

The overall construction of this kit was very easy, hence it’s FG (first grade) classification. The parks were easily removed from the gates, although I did use a “Snipper” to remove them more carefully / cleanly. The pieces seemingly snapped together expectantly well, and were not too hard to remove the excess from. Definitely something worth obtaining for a starting Gunpla fan, from the SEED series.

Paint / Panel-Lining

Panel-lining on this kit was done via usage of a black Gundam Marker. I used an ultra fine tip to glide over where the panel-lines were, and soon scrub off any excess paint using a rubber eraser. This made the lines near perfect (in my opinion), and gave the kit an overall fresh and well-prepared look. Some of the lines were slightly difficult (e.g. the grooves around the foot areas of the legs), but all together not too time consuming. Being this was my 1st kit that I have done a fully focused job on panel-lining on, it took me roughly 2hrs. to do. This being from going over the lines in the first place, and then using the eraser as stated previously to rub-off the excess. While I didn’t exactly paint the mobile suit entirely, I did paint white upon the foot areas as appropriate to give it some appeal. As well as, painting red where the thrusters resided. I also applied a slight red outline upon the rearmost “fin” upon the “Blaze Wizard Pack”, to give it my own sense of appeal and customization.

Pictures

Final Rating of Kit (Overall): 7.0 / 10

There was too little articulation and customization in my opinion, for this kit to truly shine like it deserves. However! Being it is a FG classification kit, I think it did it met its expectations. Although basic by nature, it can truly be brought to life with some panel-lining, painting, and a bit of customization off your own.