The RX-178 Gundam MK-II is the second Mobile Suit in the lineage that started with the creation of the RX-78-2 Gundam during the One Year War and continued until UC 0088 with the introduction of the ORX-013 Gundam Mk-V. The RX-178 Gundam MK-II featured significant improvements to the previous design, streamlining the Mobile Suit for use within the Colonies. These improvements included a new “Movable Frame” concept, which increased maneuverability and power consumption. The MK-II also features less durable titanium alloy ceramic composite armor, further reducing the weight of the Mobile Suit. The Titans simplified the Gundam MK-II’s design in preparation for mass production, such as removing the onboard Vulcan Cannons. The Gundam MK-II proved valuable during its early deployment but quickly became outmatched by the advanced transformable Mobile Suits that characterized the Grypps War.
Included alongside the MG Gundam MK-II AEUG for accessories:
- Beam Rifle
- Hyper Bazooka
- Hyper Bazooka Ammo
- Shield
- Vulcan Pod
- Spare E-Pack x2
- Beam Saber x2
- Hangar Display Base
- 1/100 AEUG Pilot Figure
- 1/100 Flight Crew Figure x2
Articulation –
The MG Gundam MK-II AEUG is a vast improvement of the original Master Grade version released in 1998, featuring a complete inner frame loaded with surface detail! The MG Gundam MK-II AEUG features double-jointed limbs and swiveling thighs, providing a wide range of motion to create dynamic poses! The MG Gundam MK-II includes multiple moving pistons and other mechanical details that deliver an excellent sense of scale.
Weapons and Other Notable Attributes –
The Gundam MK-II includes a new variation of the traditional Gundam loadout of Beam Rifle, Hyper Bazooka, Shield, and Beam Sabers. The Beam Rifle and Hyper Bazooka feature removable cartridges for some awesome reloading action! The MG Gundam MK-II includes two E-packs inside the Shield and a spare bazooka cartridge that slots into the side skirt armor. You can attach all of the Gundam MK-II’s weapons to the Mobile Suit when not in use, including the Beam Rifle! The included Vulcan Pods slot right onto the head for some added firepower but may reduce the head’s range of motion.
This kit includes:
17 Runners total (A, B, C[x2], D, E, F, G, H, I, J1[x2], J2, K, L, SB1, PC130)
Total Piece Count – 309 with 15 Unused Parts
Foil + Marking Stickers and Dry Transfer Decals
Materials – PS, ABS, PE
Japanese Instructions
Additional Fun information
Pilot(s): Kamille Bidan, Emma Sheen, Char Aznable (aka Quattro Bajeena), Katz Kobayashi, Jerid Messa, Kacricon Cacooler, Franklin Bidan, Elle Vianno, Mondo Agake, Chara Soon, Beecha Oleg, Elpeo Ple, Jack Bayard
Unit Type: Prototype General-Purpose Mobile Suit
Model number: RX-178
Code name: Gundam MK-II
Overall Height: 18.5m(60.7ft)
Manufacturer: Earth Federation Forces/Titans
Scale: 1/100
Grade: Master Grade
Completed Model Height:
Original Release Date: Oct 2005
Gundam Series: Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
Mechanical Designer: Kunio Okawara, Mamoru Nagano, Kazumi Fujita
jmc (verified owner) –
When you talk about astronomical improvements that the 2.0 treatment of a Master Grade can bring, the Mk II “inner frame” has to rank among the highest. Comparing it to the original MG Mk II 1.0 release all the way back in 1998(!!!), it’s like night and day. It doesn’t get in the way of its own movement and most importantly from a design perspective it gives the appearance that it’s a layered and functional set of armor sitting atop the frame. There’s an added bulk to the chest that the original MK II was missing that ties the proportions together, though admittedly I did find the chunky feet of the 1.0 to be perhaps preferable and charming.
The MK II was never known as an “arsenal” style design and as such the weapons count isn’t going to blow any minds here. But what you would typically envision as the MK II’s gear is certainly present. Notably though, you obviously won’t be getting the G-Defenser with this kit. That would have been exceptional, but the consolation prize is a still rather nice display base. Considering the relatively low price of this kit it’s still really nice to see the base included. I’m not sure if, in Bandai’s rush to push everything possible into the hellscape of P-Bandai exclusives, they released a solo G-Defenser for this kit to utilize or if they expect you to own the older 1.0 + G-Defenser combo release from ages ago, but it would definitely be a nice option to see on this kit. All said and done though, the 2.0 Mk II stands on its own as a solid kit.