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"HG Gyan Strom" Review: How is "SEED FREEDOM's Gyan" different from the first generation? In-depth review of HG Gyan Strom!

Mar. 19, 2025

In this article, I will review the "HG 1/144 Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom)", comparing it with "First-Generation Gyan"!

Contents
  1. "While it carries the essence of "First-Generation Gyan", it is actually the successor to GOUF Ignited!"
  2. Although the level of detail has increased compared to "First-Generation Gyan", its original essence remains.
  3. "Gyan Strom" has a lot of weapons!
  4. The New Elements of "Gyan Strom"!? The "Falx G7 Beam Axe" and "Slayer Whip" Are On Fire!
  5. A Gunpla that retains the essence of "First-Generation Gyan" while incorporating successor elements from the "GOUF Ignited".
HG gyan Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit

"While it carries the essence of "First-Generation Gyan", it is actually the successor to GOUF Ignited!"

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HG "First-Generation Gyan" has been released in two versions, old and new. This time, we will be comparing the newer "REVIVE version Gyan", which was released in 2016.

First, let's start with a brief explanation of "Gyan Strom" mobile suit. "Gyan Strom" is the successor to "GOUF Ignited," which appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, and it makes its debut in the movie Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM. This unit is operated by "Compass," the faction to which Kira and his allies belong. It is specifically designed as the personal mobile suit of Agnes Giebenrath, a ZAFT pilot from the same generation as Shinn and known as the "Valkyrie of Moonlight." Notable features of the suit include its ruby pink accents around the eyes and shield.

Although the level of detail has increased compared to "First-Generation Gyan", its original essence remains.

Now, let's take a closer look at the features of "Gyan Strom", comparing it to retro "First-Generation Gyan".

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Comparing the full body: While both models are about the same height, their molded colors are different. As expected of a modern kit, "Gyan Strom" consists of more parts and is intricately detailed compared to "First-Generation Gyan".
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"Gyan Strom" is equipped with "B.O.L.E.L.O S", a backpack designed for space use. This backpack is compatible with HG's standardized "Wizard System", meaning it can be swapped without modification with other backpacks, such as "B.O.L.E.L.O A" included with the HG 1/144 Gelgoog Menace (Lunamaria Hawke Custom).

The color scheme of "Gyan Strom" differs from that of "First-Generation Gyan", but some of you may feel it looks somewhat familiar. According to Mitsuo Fukuda, the director of the Gundam SEED series, the Agnes Custom was originally Yzak 's unit. This is why its molded color closely resembles that of "GOUF Ignited (Yzak Jule Custom)".

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Comparing the head: While the pointed top and the area around the mono-eye retain some resemblance, the design has changed significantly.
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Comparing the torso: Although some traces of the original remain, "Gyan Strom" is characterized by intricate details.
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In the case of the "Gyan Strom," the chest hatch can be opened, and "beam cannon parts" can be attached on both sides to recreate the deployed state of "Tridenti 3-barrel rotary beam machine gun".
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Comparing the legs: Compared to other parts, the design is more consciously inspired by the "First-Generation Gyan."
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"First-Generation Gyan" has a simple backpack, whereas "Gyan Strom" is equipped with the space-use "B.O.L.E.L.O S". According to the in-series setting, the "B.O.L.E.L.O S" contains an "internal space-use propellant tank" and an "enhanced cooling system."
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The left and right wings are movable and can be spread out or adjusted in angle.
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Weakness of this kit: The color separation is not well-executed. Stickers are heavily used for the blue lines and red sections.

"Gyan Strom" has a lot of weapons!

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The upper part of the "B.O.L.E.L.O S" is equipped with the "Peregrinus 6-Barrel Close-Range Guided Missile Launcher". Stickers are used for the red sections and the blue lines on the wings. This part is the same as the one used in the previously released "HG 1/144 Gelgoog Menace (Lunamaria Hawke Custom)".
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On the right side of the waist, a "Beam Rifle", while on the left side, a "Ferosecare Beam Saber" can be mounted.
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A pose holding the "Beam Rifle". The model is compatible with 3mm-axis stands, such as an Action Base, allowing it to be displayed in mid-air.
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Comparison between "Beam Saber" of "First-Generation Gyan" and “Ferro Secare Beam Saber" of "Gyan Strom". The design is recreated with a similar rapier-like appearance.
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Two Gyans attacking with their sabers!
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The beam blade parts have different colors.
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Comparison between "Missile Shield" of "First-Generation Gyan" and "Self-Propelled Shield" of "Gyan Strom". Both have a similar circular design, but while the "Missile Shield" houses "Needle Missiles" and "Hide Bombs (mines)", the "Self-Propelled Shield" can deploy a beam cutter-type beam saber.
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The "Missile Shield" of "First-Generation Gyan" can be brought forward even when mounted on the forearm.
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"Self-Propelled Shield" can be equipped with beam cutter effect parts.
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Two models thrusting their shields forward!

I couldn't help but imagine that "Gyan Strom" might have changed its shield function to a beam cutter to avoid fan criticism…

The New Elements of "Gyan Strom"!? The "Falx G7 Beam Axe" and "Slayer Whip" Are On Fire!

Now, let's take a closer look at the distinctive weapons of "Gyan Strom"!

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Here is the "Falx G7 Beam Axe". It can be mounted on the waist in its stored state.
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By swapping parts, you can recreate its deployed state. A dedicated beam blade part is also included.
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"Gyan Strom" wielding "Falx G7 Beam Axe" high!
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Next, let's compare the "Slayer Whip" with the one from "HG 1/144 GOUF Ignited (Mass Production Type)". Since "Gyan Strom" is a successor to "GOUF Ignited," it features a heat-rod-like weapon similar to GOUF's, something "First-Generation Gyan" didn't have.
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"Slayer Whip" from "GOUF Ignited" was in clear red, but this time, it is reproduced with simple gray parts.
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The large number of included weapons, along with the axe, shield, and chest weapon deployment gimmicks, make this kit absolutely thrilling!

A Gunpla that retains the essence of "First-Generation Gyan" while incorporating successor elements from the "GOUF Ignited".

With features such as the deployment of the "Beam Axe", the recreation of the shield's beam cutter, and the ability to open the chest hatch to reveal the "Tridenti 3-barrel rotary beam machine gun", as well as the inclusion of the "Slayer Whip," this Gunpla delivers an exceptionally high level of satisfaction. The design, articulation, and variety of weapons are all highly commendable.

On the other hand, its main drawback is the poor color separation around the "B.O.L.E.L.O S" backpack. Since stickers need to be applied to angular surfaces, painting these areas would significantly enhance the overall quality.

This Gunpla successfully preserves the essence of "First-Generation Gyan" while incorporating the successor-like elements of the "GOUF Ignited", particularly in its weaponry. Purchasing it alongside "First-Generation Gyan" and comparing the old and new versions could be a fun way to enjoy it!

HG gyan Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit

Check out other people's reviews

Boys like this kind of thing, don't they?

It comes with a Zaku beam axe as one of its main weapons. There is a beam gatling that unfolds and appears on the chest. It also comes with the SEED mobile mechanism that is characteristic of this series, allowing for very flexible posing, and because it it looks great. It can also be replaced with the Zaku's Wizard System or the Gelgoog's backpack, so it is easy to change out your original weapons.

review-rating
HG gyan Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit

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