HGGQ 1/144 Char's Zaku II (GQ) - Release Information and Official Images

byLevyMcGar -
HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ) model kit from Mobile Suit Gundam GquuuuuuX.

The legendary Gundam franchise continues its expansion with the exciting introduction of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. In this new and fascinating universe, the iconic MS-06S Char's Zaku II resurfaces with a spectacularly revamped design. The announcement of its release as a High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale model kit, under the designation HG 1/144 Char's Zaku II (GQ), has unleashed a wave of anticipation among Gunpla fans. This release is not just another model kit; it represents a masterful fusion of nostalgia for one of the saga's most emblematic mobile suits and the freshness of an emerging and promising narrative. The prestigious High Grade line serves as the perfect vehicle to present this innovative reinterpretation of Char's classic Zaku.

The legendary Gundam franchise continues its expansion with the exciting introduction of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. In this new and fascinating universe, the iconic MS-06S Char's Zaku II resurfaces with a spectacularly revamped design. The announcement of its release as a High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale model kit, under the designation HG 1/144 Char's Zaku II (GQ), has unleashed a wave of anticipation among Gunpla fans. This release is not just another model kit; it represents a masterful fusion of nostalgia for one of the saga's most emblematic mobile suits and the freshness of an emerging and promising narrative. The prestigious High Grade line serves as the perfect vehicle to present this innovative reinterpretation of Char's classic Zaku.

Char's Zaku (GQ) HG 1/144
HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ) model kit from Mobile Suit Gundam GquuuuuuX.

New Char's Zaku (GQ) 1/144 scale High Grade. Release December 2025. A key piece for Gunpla collectors.

Bandai's strategic decision to highlight Char Aznable's customized Zaku II in the initial waves of Gunpla releases for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is highly astute. Char's unmistakable red Zaku is not just a mobile suit; it's a true cultural symbol both in and out of Japan. By linking this emblematic design with a brand-new series, which unfolds in an intriguing "alternative version of the Universal Century scenario," Bandai builds a solid bridge between generations of fans, using the legendary reputation of the "Red Comet" to anchor and lend weight to the new GQuuuuuuX universe. This is, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated Gundam releases of 2025.

Product Information: Zaku Model Kit

  • Price: 2,420 JPY (tax included). Initially, the price of this Gundam model was listed as "To Be Determined (TBD)," but subsequent announcements finalized this figure, positioning it as an excellent value-for-money option.
  • Release Date: December 2025. Mark your calendars for this major Gunpla release.
  • Scale: 1/144.
  • Size: Approximately 12.15 cm (calculated from a standard height of 17.5 m for the Zaku II and the 1/144 scale).
  • Series: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
  • Line: High Grade Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
  • Product Type: Regular Sale.

The 2,420 JPY price for the HG Char's Zaku (GQ) positions it very competitively in the model kit market. It's interesting to note that the mass-produced HG 1/144 Zaku (GQ) has also been announced with an identical price, suggesting that the main differences (color scheme, commander's antenna) do not warrant a price variation on this occasion. In contrast, other kits in the GQuuuuuuX series with greater complexity or accessories, such as the HG 1/144 Rick Dom Gaia/Ortega (GQ ver.), have a higher price of 3,630 JPY.

Highlighted Kit Features

The HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ) is a reinterpretation that seeks a perfect balance between fidelity to the original design so beloved by fans and the innovations of the new series, along with technological advancements in Gunpla modeling.

This model kit has been "faithfully created to match its fresh and bold redesign" as it appears in Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. It captures "every detail of Char Aznable's custom commander-type Zaku," including its iconic crimson color scheme and the characteristic commander's antenna on its head, a hallmark of the Red Comet.

Bandai Spirits has endowed this kit with a "modern internal frame and updated articulation," promising a dynamic building experience and superior posing capability, worthy of the "GQ timeline." Contemporary HG kits often feature remarkable color separation in parts through molding, which facilitates assembly and enhances the final finish even without painting.

The release is presented as a celebration of the "rebirth of a classic with premium quality and nostalgic firepower." It is positioned as an essential piece for both followers of GQuuuuuuX and admirers of Char Aznable and collectors of Gundam model kits. Comments on other kits in the GQuuuuuuX line highlighting "high color and detail reproducibility in the parts" suggest a high standard of quality for the entire series, anticipating great Gunpla news.

Char's Zaku Kit Contents

The packaging of the HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ) will include everything needed to assemble this impressive model:

  • Parts to assemble the HG 1/144 Char's Zaku (GQ).
  • Included weaponry:
    • Zaku Machine Gun.
    • Heat Hawk.
    • Bazooka (presented as optional).
  • Standard components of an HG kit:
    • Multiple plastic part runners.
    • A detailed instruction manual (usually in Japanese and English).
    • A sticker sheet for additional details.

Prototype images were displayed during the 63rd Shizuoka Hobby Show, generating even more excitement. Bandai Spirits is anticipated to reveal additional images and more exhaustive details, possibly including photographs of the runners and manual, in June 2025. Modelers eagerly await information on interchangeable hand parts or effect parts that could enrich the posing and display possibilities of this Zaku model kit.

The Mobile Suit and its Pilot in the GQuuuuuuX Universe

Char's MS-06S Zaku II (GQuuuuuuX Version)

This Zaku II is the specific interpretation of Char Aznable's mobile suit within the narrative of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which unfolds in an "alternative version of the Universal Century scenario." The kit reflects the "fresh and bold redesign" conceived for this new continuity. Episode 2 of GQuuuuuuX features an alternative version of the One Year War where Char, piloting his Zaku II and later the Gundam, plays a decisive role in the Principality of Zeon's victory. The HG kit allows for "reliving the initial attack of the One Year War" when Char leads his squadron on Side 7. In addition to the unmistakable crimson color and commander's antenna, this Zaku incorporates the "GQ version-specific waist area," a detail that the most observant fans will appreciate.

Char Aznable: The Red Comet in the GQuuuuuuX Timeline

Although the name "Char Aznable" and the nickname "Red Comet" are used, this is a reinterpretation of the classic character adapted to this new Gundam continuity. Analysis of the early episodes of GQuuuuuuX indicates that while his personality reflects that of the original Char (charismatic, cunning, and an exceptional pilot), his actions and the outcome of the war are drastically different. The product description refers to his impact on the One Year War, such as the crucial attack on Side 7. The classic Char Aznable of the Universal Century is known for his complex story of revenge against the Zabi family and his legendary rivalry with Amuro Ray. It will be fascinating to discover how this "new" Red Comet evolves in the GQuuuuuuX universe.

Sources

× Enlarged Image
Tags

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

Contact Form