Available From HobbyLink Japan
By Cacophanus from Mecha Damashii
As part of the new Metal Robot Damashii line, we now finally have the 00 Raiser from Gundam 00. It’s a very sleek design and one of my favorites in terms of the alternate timeline Gundam series. So the shift to this new Metal Robot Damashii line is quite interesting.
For those unaware, the 00 Gundam was the first Robot Damashii figure released back in 2008. The 0 Raiser was then sold separately a few months later. Naturally, the two could combine to for the 00 Raiser but the GN Sword III set wasn’t released until 2009.
What this toy does, then, is to include all of the above into one package and with a newly redesigned toy filled to the brim with diecast. Compared to the first Metal Robot Damashii release in the form of the Hi-Nu Gundam, this new 00 Raiser is a big step up. The articulation is closer to something like a mini Metal Build toy, but more of that in the review.
The 00 Raiser itself appears in the second season of Gundam 00 and is the upgraded form of the 00 Gundam combined with the 0 Raiser. This is because the twin drive system on the 00 Gundam needs regulating in order for its full potential to be realised. Naturally, its first appearance in the series is a memorable one (shown below) and the design is definitely a fan favorite.
…So much so that the 00 Raiser has appeared in numerous Super Robot Wars games over the years and like in its host anime, the mecha is a formidably powerful unit whenever it appears in the games.
This toy then has a lot to live up to but Bandai has done an excellent job here and fans of the 00 Raiser will be very happy indeed.
Keep an eye out for the review, as that will be up soon.