BANDAI NAMCO EntertainmentLuka's Strike E + IWSP "Gundam SEED Astray", Bandai Hobby MG 1/100 Model Kit

The build process was simple, yet fun. I like the design of the head and face. The thigh armor has a great looking splitting gimmick. There are screws in the shoulders so you will need a screwdriver for that. The articulation is limited especially around the hips with ball joints so ground action poses will not be satisfactory. This is the Strike E + IWSP however, so you’ll probably be posing it in the air. Speaking of which, it does come with an action base - which I didn’t know. It’s the same base that comes with the Strike Rouge + Ootori. For that kit it attaches into the bottom of the pack and the Gundam attaches on the front. for this kit, the stand attaches into the back skirt. I glued my kit’s back skirt armor to be safe. For this type of action base, I recommend adding weight onto the bottom. My simple solution is sticking coins like nickels and quarters to the bottom with poster tack.The Gundam itself is solid with a good build and great aesthetic. What puts this over the top is the other stuff you get in the box. Like I mentioned, you do get an action base. You also of course get the IWSP pack. Then beyond that, you get two pistols to attach to the side of the skirting, two Dual-style beam rifles, one Strike-style beam rifle, the Combined Shield which has a Gatling gun and beam boomerang (with effect), the Grand Slam sword two smaller swords to attach into the IWSP. And some wires for shooting out of the hands. Speaking of hands, there’s also a plethora of hands to use with the accessories beyond the basic old “grippy” hands which are also included. All the hands work great and all of the accessories are awesome, especially how the kit looks loaded up with them. What’s also great is you can borrow some of the leftover guns or stored weapons from this kit to use with your other MGs if you want.All in all it’s a great kit. The inner frame is retro, but the outer armor looks great. The included accessories and IWSP are awesome. The stand is a great inclusion and you will have extra stuff to give your other MGs. The included sticker decals and rub-on decals are much appreciated for that premium look.