MG GP02A "Physalis"

So this is one of my older kits. It's the RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis," which is a mouthful to be sure. While this suit was basically the villain of the mini-series 0083: Stardust Memory, it was truly the star of the show. It is, to be sure, one of my favorite gundam designs of all time.

This mobile suit was stolen from the Federation by Anavel "The Nightmare of Solomon" Gato. He targeted this particular suit because it was armed with a nuclear warhead, fired via a giant bazooka (because of course it is). It also includes a giant shield.

This kit definitely shows its age. It has definite faults and lacks posability, in part because of its bulkiness. The rocket binders quickly begin to sag under their own weight if you try to display it in flight mode. It cannot actually hold its shield, but rather needs to just lean the shield up against it.

As far as positives go, it looks absolutely awesome. The head is unique and well executed. The bazooka is large and impressive compared to many other suits bazookas, yet folds neatly away in two parts, one stored within the shield. The shoulder binders have a great system to keep all of the thrusters aligned.

I know its not one of the most popular suits, but I really hope that someday we'll get a re-design of this model.