"MG Zeta Gundam Ver.Ka" Review: MG "Zeta Gundam Ver.Ka" - What Makes It So Great? A Thorough Comparison with "Ver.2.0"

This time, I'll thoroughly compare the "MG 1/100 Zeta Gundam Ver.Ka" with the older "MG 1/100 Zeta Gundam Ver.2.0" released in 2005. Since the proportions have been significantly altered and differences were observed in the included parts and transformation difficulty, we'll explain those points in detail.

Is "Ver.Ka" closer to the TV anime design?

The MG 1/100 Zeta Gundam Ver.Ka is the third MG series release of the Zeta Gundam. The first MG was released in 1996 during the early days of the MG series, followed by the "Ver.2.0" in 2005. After a span of 18 years, this "Ver.Ka" was released in 2023.

An interesting point about this release is that while the product name is "Ver.Ka", it's recreated in a style incorporating designs from the TV anime series Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. As mentioned in the "Interview with Hajime Katoki" featured in the assembly manual, the concept behind the "Ver.Ka" label is not to create a series with a Katoki flavor, but rather to set themes for each item and take on new challenges.

The design for this release draws inspiration from the early concept art of the TV anime series, notably featuring a return to the original design around the chest armor. I'd like to compare that aspect in detail with the "Ver.2.0" below.

"Ver.Ka" features metallic extra finish processing applied throughout the unit!

Actually, the chest design is the point that changed the most in this work.

During the broadcast of the TV anime series "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam", animators and others were exploring ways to make the "Zeta" look even cooler. They began to think, "Wouldn't it be better to make the chest slope a little less steeply?" This led to the establishment of the stylish "Zeta" image we see today. This work marks a return to the roots, recreating the TV anime design in 3D. The most significant feature of the "Ver.Ka" is its faithful reproduction of this chest shape and the overall sturdy body proportions.

We've compared the shapes and such up to this point, but as expected of the latest "Ver.Ka" version, it completely outshines "Ver.2.0" in every aspect: ease of assembly, range of motion, stability when standing, and weapon-holding capability. However, there's a significant difference in the number of accessories included. I believe this is the biggest deciding factor when choosing between "Ver.2.0" and "Ver.Ka", so let me explain it thoroughly!

"Ver.Ka" includes "interchangeable hand parts", while "Ver.2.0" includes the "Hyper Mega Launcher" and "Catapult-type stand".

To put it simply, the biggest selling point of the "Ver.2.0" is that it comes with more accessories than the "Ver.Ka".

Compare Wave Rider forms! How difficult is the transformation?

Based on our comparisons so far, we can say that the Zeta Gundam main unit goes to the "Ver.Ka" version, while the "Ver.2.0" version wins in terms of the number of accessories.

Next, let's compare the Wave Rider mode. While some parts like the rifle need to be swapped out, the key feature is that both versions achieve full transformation.

If you're buying now, I recommend the "Ver.Ka"!

How did you find it?

Let me briefly summarize the features of both versions.

"Ver.2.0"
・Comes with a wide range of accessories like the "Hyper Mega Launcher" and "Catapult-type Display"

"Ver.Ka"
・Reproduces the TV anime series design ・Improved color separation and detail ・Easier transformation into "Wave Rider" mode

Overall, while "Ver.2.0" has more accessories, "Ver.Ka" leaves a stronger impression with its numerous strengths.

Particularly for "Ver.Ka", the metallic silver parts visible through the head, torso, shoulders, waist, and legs look stunning, and the color separation on the rifle and verniers is excellent. Furthermore, issues that were weaknesses in "Ver.2.0"—poor stability and weak weapon-holding capability—have been resolved, making posing incredibly stress-free.

I believe Zeta fans will be satisfied with the quality nine times out of ten, so I highly recommend "Ver.Ka"!

Check out other people's reviews

It's a confusing kit, as it's a Ver.Ka but aims to recreate the TV version.

[Design]
While it's a Ver.Ka, it has a confusing design, aiming to faithfully recreate the TV anime version rather than the Katoki version.
If it's meant to be a faithful reproduction of the TV anime version, I think the Waverider form design is terrible. (There are many gaps under the fuselage, and it looks like it would burn up if it re-entered the atmosphere.)
The MS form recreates the massive body shape of the TV anime version, but the finer details have been added, giving it a disjointed impression.

[Crafted]
I think the detailing is excellent. I think it's amazing that with this number of parts, a fully transforming Z Gundam can be completed with almost perfect color separation.

[Reproducibility]
As stated in the design section.

[Durability]
I think it's durable among all the Z Gundams released to date, but it requires a lot of care when transforming, and I'm a bit scared it might break.

[Ease of assembly]
As you'd expect from a fairly recent MG model, this kit is very easy to assemble.

[Overall review]
It's pretty terrible that it doesn't include the "Hyper Mega Launcher," which was included with the older MG Z Gundam Ver. 2.0 kit and even the HG Z Gundam, and I think it's a step backwards. The fact that it's not even sold separately on Premium Bandai is proof that Bandai has no respect for the original and Z fans.
Perhaps because of this, it's received mixed reviews from fans, and despite being the latest MG kit, and Ver. Ka in particular, I often see it being sold at second-hand shops for 20-30% off the list price.

I'm not happy that it's more expensive than Ver.2.0

[Design]
I've never seen the Z Gundam anime, but I have built the Ver. 2.0, and it's one of my favorites.
However, this Ver. Ka has short arms and looks a bit clumsy. This is likely the result of prioritizing the transformation mechanism.

[Crafted]
It can transform into Waverider form, making it an intricately crafted and rewarding build.
Silver parts are used in various places to add accents, and I also appreciate that the yellow parts are all separate parts.

[Reproducibility]
I haven't seen the anime, so I don't know.

[Durability]
It's a bit unstable when in Waverider (WR) form.

[Ease of assembly]
There are many small parts, so assembly requires patience. I also found it quite difficult to transform into WR.

[Overall review]
This model does not include the Hyper Mega Launcher and catapult stand that were included with the Ver. 2.0. The high price is a drawback. Well, that's understandable, considering the Ver. 2.0 is 19 years old.

A quality product that shows Bandai's attention to detail

I haven't seen the Z Gundam anime, and this is my first impression of assembling a Z Gundam Gundam model.

[Design]
The overall impression is angular and sharp.
It has a cool, robotic feel.

[Crafted]
The color coding of the parts is perfect, and the kit looks great even without assembly.
Silver-plated parts are used as accents in various places.
The yellow areas on the body are all color-coded parts, not stickers or partial paint.

[Reproducibility]
I haven't seen the anime, so I can't rate it.

[Durability]
I haven't transformed it, so I can't rate it.

[Ease of assembly]
Since it transforms, it has a lot of parts and a somewhat complex structure, making it a little more difficult to assemble than other Gundam models.

[Overall review]
As expected of the high price, there are a lot of parts, and it took a long time to build, but it was worth it because I enjoyed it for a long time.
The attached photo shows only the shading done with Gundam markers; no water transfer decals were applied.