The end of an era. Thus ending my IBO gunpla series of review with the suit that founded Gjallarhorn. The suit where Agnika Kaieru's soul reside. The plot point of McGillis' entire season 2 arc: Gundam Bael
Ah Gundam Bael. Can't say I was happy how McGillis was reduced from excellent strategist to a short-sighted coup instigator. His plan revolved around obtaining Bael and basically all of Gjallarhorn would bow down to him. Rustal was right claiming how he was a fool trying to abolish the current regime using a law from 300 years ago when the current do not even follow their own rules. Anyway...
When Bael 1st popped up in kit form, I was underwhelmed on how it looked. With the aesthetic update on Barbatos and Gusion, was expecting something more interesting. But once we see it in action, my opinion changed. But...
The kit version has softer features over what was seen on the anime. All the sleek, sharp edges has been softened for child safety.
The colors are plain and simple. Without panel lining and stickers, it sure does look plain.
Speaking of colors, there are a few stickers on the kit. Mainly to break up the white with specks of gray. If you put in the effort to sand the edges and color in the details, I'm sure it'll look nice.
And panel line you should. Like all HG kits, it riddled with panel line opportunities.
The only one that I wish was color separated plastic are the rear calf armor. The wing joints are also suppose to be white. Also I was surprised that the blue part of the wings were just on one side.
Overall, Bael harkens back to the design from season 1, where you have 1 primary color with a few specks of contrasting color here and there and simpler aesthetics. Which makes sense since it was unmodified for 300 years up to the point of activation. The 1/100 Full Mechanics is definitely a lot sharper, but is still a decent representation of the suit.
It's the same gundam frame we've already seen, so articulation is exactly the same as the other Gundam frame suits. There are a few unique articulation points.
The wings can move all over the place. The white tips can only move up. The fins can also move, albeit limited in range.
The base can swivel around and the white pieces on top of the base arm of the wing can wiggle as it's on ball joints.
There are also some special joints on the shoulder armor. By default, the fins and the shoulder caps are flush inside the armor.
This part can pop out, as seen by the exposed yellow vents.
Once popped out, it can swing this part out to give it more range.
As mentioned, it's pretty much the same frame. So look at the pictures.
One thing I forgot to take a photo of is the top armor of the foot can be flipped up... for reasons I cannot comprehend as it doesn't really meaningful articulation.
Overall, excellent articulation overall. It's a bit back heavy but the wings can fold down to act as the 3rd leg.
Also as per design, the long shins and short thighs means kneeling is awkward. But Bael is king and doesn't kneel so there's that argument.
Agnika Kaieru only needs 2 swords as he moves in super human speed due to his 100% compatibility with the AV system. But in real life, you only get the 2 swords as the accessories. I don't even see any place where the guns are suppose to be on its wings. Also the swords could be a touch longer, or designed differently. It looks like a recycled valkyria sword from Grimgerde.
The swords slot into the articulated holder at pegged at the back of the skirt.
And that's it. I don't mind that but I wish they could have given us extra hands to emulate the signature pose when it rises up from it's cage and addressed it's existence to the world or a base. But given it's the same price as Kimaris Vidar, I was hoping for a bit more.
It's a season 1 suit essentially so size wise, it's smaller than the season 2 suits. Although my pics tend to show other wise.
With the Kimaris Vidar, contrasting the simple Bael over the overly designed Kimaris Vidar.
It's plain and simple with very little accessories. Compared to the Kimaris Vidar, it has less stuff going on for the price. But for some reason, posing this guy is super fun. The simple design means you can put it in more extreme poses without parts clashing with one another, or the arms drooping because of the gigantic weapon it holds. It's very fun to play with and pose, as shown in the amount of photos I took. For IBO collectors, it's a must for your collection. For thos who value aesthetics above poseability, the 1/100 is the way to go for this kit. At least you get alternate hands for the Bael and a stand.
Good:
- fun to play
- well balanced overall
- excellent articulation
Bad:
- no extra hands for posing
- sculpt is softer than the 1/100 or in the anime
 |
| Such a lame photo for that intro |
Ah Gundam Bael. Can't say I was happy how McGillis was reduced from excellent strategist to a short-sighted coup instigator. His plan revolved around obtaining Bael and basically all of Gjallarhorn would bow down to him. Rustal was right claiming how he was a fool trying to abolish the current regime using a law from 300 years ago when the current do not even follow their own rules. Anyway...
Aesthetics
 |
| cliff hangers on a review. Not really effective |
The colors are plain and simple. Without panel lining and stickers, it sure does look plain.
 |
| plain and plain. repetitive much |
Speaking of colors, there are a few stickers on the kit. Mainly to break up the white with specks of gray. If you put in the effort to sand the edges and color in the details, I'm sure it'll look nice.
And panel line you should. Like all HG kits, it riddled with panel line opportunities.
 |
| which could have been shown better if the brightness was lowered |
Overall, Bael harkens back to the design from season 1, where you have 1 primary color with a few specks of contrasting color here and there and simpler aesthetics. Which makes sense since it was unmodified for 300 years up to the point of activation. The 1/100 Full Mechanics is definitely a lot sharper, but is still a decent representation of the suit.
Articulation
It's the same gundam frame we've already seen, so articulation is exactly the same as the other Gundam frame suits. There are a few unique articulation points.
The wings can move all over the place. The white tips can only move up. The fins can also move, albeit limited in range.
The base can swivel around and the white pieces on top of the base arm of the wing can wiggle as it's on ball joints.
There are also some special joints on the shoulder armor. By default, the fins and the shoulder caps are flush inside the armor.
This part can pop out, as seen by the exposed yellow vents.
Once popped out, it can swing this part out to give it more range.
 |
| a video could have been so much easier |
One thing I forgot to take a photo of is the top armor of the foot can be flipped up... for reasons I cannot comprehend as it doesn't really meaningful articulation.
 |
| There's a lot of things he can't comprehend. Girls, his life etc |
Also as per design, the long shins and short thighs means kneeling is awkward. But Bael is king and doesn't kneel so there's that argument.
 |
| What argument are you talking about |
Weapons and Extras
Agnika Kaieru only needs 2 swords as he moves in super human speed due to his 100% compatibility with the AV system. But in real life, you only get the 2 swords as the accessories. I don't even see any place where the guns are suppose to be on its wings. Also the swords could be a touch longer, or designed differently. It looks like a recycled valkyria sword from Grimgerde.
The swords slot into the articulated holder at pegged at the back of the skirt.
And that's it. I don't mind that but I wish they could have given us extra hands to emulate the signature pose when it rises up from it's cage and addressed it's existence to the world or a base. But given it's the same price as Kimaris Vidar, I was hoping for a bit more.
 |
| What are you on man? Address it's existence to the world? delusions of a quiet dictator |
Size Comparison and Other Comparison
It's a season 1 suit essentially so size wise, it's smaller than the season 2 suits. Although my pics tend to show other wise.
 |
| he lies guys. he lies |
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| reunited and it feels so good. |
Summary
It's plain and simple with very little accessories. Compared to the Kimaris Vidar, it has less stuff going on for the price. But for some reason, posing this guy is super fun. The simple design means you can put it in more extreme poses without parts clashing with one another, or the arms drooping because of the gigantic weapon it holds. It's very fun to play with and pose, as shown in the amount of photos I took. For IBO collectors, it's a must for your collection. For thos who value aesthetics above poseability, the 1/100 is the way to go for this kit. At least you get alternate hands for the Bael and a stand.
Good:
- fun to play
- well balanced overall
- excellent articulation
Bad:
- no extra hands for posing
- sculpt is softer than the 1/100 or in the anime
thank you for your contribution.
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