Kotobukiya's newest release is finally here, and this time, it's Zero. But this isn't just any Zero. This is the one that started it all! Today we will be going over Zero as he was depicted in both the original Mega Man X, as well as various flashbacks from across the series. Did Kotobukiya stick the landing? Find out after the break!
Review sample provided by BigBadToyStore. Go check 'em out!
I've been looking forward to seeing Zero's original design as a Kotobukiya kit since their Mega Man X line began. I've always really loved this design, and I'm happy to say that the wait was absolutely worth it. Since this is a design with a completely different design, Kotobukiya was able to go back to the drawing board to fix the most common issues with the previous Zero kits.
One of the biggest examples of this is that the inner workings of the feet have been completely redone and no longer have a change of falling apart. This is wonderful news, they feel more sturdy inside and out thanks to the overhauled connection system. The other big improvement is how the forehead gem attaches; instead of going in from the top of the white piece, it now goes in on the underside. It should also be noted that the white part of the helmet has been made easier to remove, so changing out gems is a simple process. Small changes like this really go a long way.
On top of being a much more sturdy kit, the likeness is spot-on. Kotobukiya brought my favorite Zero design to life, and succeeded with flying colors. One thing to note is his Z-Buster. Matching his art from the original Mega Man X, his Z-Buster is silver rather than white. This detail was changed in Maverick Hunter X, so I really didn't know what to expect when this kit was first being teased. Personally, I prefer the silver Z-Buster. There's just something about a mismatched Buster that makes it feel more powerful, the same with the Plasma arms for the Fourth Armor. But let's say that you prefer your Z-Buster to be white instead and you happen to own the First Armor kit, would that work? Well....
While the First Armor Buster technically fits, it's an extremely tight fit. I have no idea why Kotobukiya would decide to make the connector part inside a slightly different size, but it is what it is. It can work, but it may stress the plastic inside, so proceed with caution.
Since the First Armor Buster is too tight for Zero, that means the opposite is true: the Z-Buster falls right off of X's arm. With a bit of creativity in your posing or a bit of Blu Tack, you can make it work.
However, all of that doesn't mean that this Zero isn't compatible with parts from the previous Zero kits. Above, we can see that this kit is able to use the faces, hair, and Z-Saber from previous kits with absolutely no issue. But we can take this one step further...
If you've ever wanted to see Zero slowly upgrade the same way that X does, now's your chance. If you have the previous Zero kit, you can finally make your dreams a reality! It's pretty surreal to see this, but here we are. A little sense & skill can go a long way for your creativity.
This kit comes with a decent amount of accessories. This time, we get three faces: looking right with open mouth, looking left stern, and a front-facing sadistic grin. It also includes the usual assortment of hands: fists, relaxes, open, and gripping. There are also two head gems: normal and 'W'. Lastly, Zero's weaponry: the Z-Buster and the mythical...
Z-Pipe! They actually included the Z-Pipe. This was never really given a name since it was just a piece that Zero broke off in his fight against Sigma, but you know that Zero would call it the Z-Pipe if he could. The actual tease for this kit was just the Z-Pipe. That was such a great indication that we were in the right hands with Kotobukiya.
Between the 'W' gem, the grinning face, and the Z-Pipe, you can really make Zero look menacing. The face is compatible with other Zero kits, so if you want a more crazed Fake Zero, here is your chance. The 'W' gem is a bit hard to see in certain lights, but it's actually a lot easier to see in person compared to photographs. Though, it is unfortunately not compatible with other Zero kits.
And that covers Kotobukiya's Zero (1st Ver.). This is far and away the best Zero kit they have produced as far as build quality is concerned. The improvements to past Zero kits make this the best one yet, and I hope this new foot design is brought to all future kits.
There's only one thing to bring up about this kit...Doesn't the smiling face look like something you'd see in a Driver's License photo?
Be sure to pick up your Zero (1st. Ver.) and other Kotobukiya kits using our links so BigBadToyStore knows we sent ya! This year is also gonna have the long-awaited Iris and Sigma kits and who knows what else they've got cooking!
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