Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 Review Proportions, Articulation, And Color Accuracy
Introduction
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 model kit. This kit has been on my radar for a while, and I was super excited to finally get my hands on it. The Evangelion Unit 01 is an iconic mecha, and the Moderoid line has a reputation for delivering impressive proportions and detail. However, like any model kit, it has its strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons, focusing on the kit's overall design, range of motion, color separation, and a few significant flaws that might make or break your decision to purchase. So, let's get started and see what this kit has to offer!
First Impressions: Proportions and Design
Right off the bat, the proportions of the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 are stunning. The sleek, slender limbs and the imposing torso capture the essence of the Evangelion design perfectly. The head sculpt is particularly well-done, with sharp details that bring the Unit 01 to life. The overall aesthetic is incredibly faithful to the anime, making it a fantastic display piece for any Evangelion fan. The Moderoid series is known for its attention to detail, and this kit is no exception. The panel lines are crisp and well-defined, adding to the mechanical realism of the mecha. The different armor pieces fit together snugly, creating a solid and cohesive structure. The kit stands tall and proud, making it a centerpiece of any collection. However, while the proportions and design are major selling points, there are other aspects to consider. The visual appeal is undeniable, but how does it fare in terms of articulation and functionality? We'll delve into that next, exploring the kit's range of motion and how it affects the overall experience. But for now, let's appreciate the amazing job Moderoid has done in capturing the iconic look of Evangelion Unit 01. The sharp angles, the menacing stance, and the overall presence make it a must-have for fans of the series. So, if you're looking for a model kit that looks incredible on your shelf, this might just be the one for you.
Range of Motion: A Mixed Bag
Now, let's talk about the range of motion. While the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 looks fantastic, the articulation is a bit of a mixed bag. The joints are sturdy enough to hold poses, which is a plus, but the actual range of movement is somewhat limited. For example, the elbows and knees don't bend as far as you might expect, which can make achieving dynamic action poses a challenge. This is a bit disappointing, especially considering the Evangelion units are known for their agile and acrobatic movements in the anime. The shoulder articulation is also a bit restricted. While the arms can move forward and backward, the side-to-side movement is somewhat limited by the design of the shoulder armor. This can make it tricky to pose the Unit 01 with its signature weapons, such as the positron rifle or the progressive knife. The hip joints are similarly limited, which affects the kit's ability to strike dynamic poses. You can still achieve some cool stances, but the overall flexibility is not as high as some other model kits in this price range. However, it's not all bad news. The head has a decent range of motion, allowing you to tilt and turn it to create expressive poses. The ankles also have a good range of movement, which helps with stability and balance. But overall, the limited range of motion is a significant drawback for those who like to pose their model kits in action-packed scenes. It's a compromise between aesthetics and functionality, and while the kit looks great, it doesn't offer the same level of poseability as some other kits on the market. So, if articulation is a top priority for you, this is something to keep in mind.
Color Separation: Where the Kit Falls Short
One of the biggest downsides of the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 is its color separation, or rather, the lack thereof. Model kits with good color separation have parts molded in the correct colors, minimizing the need for painting. Unfortunately, this kit relies heavily on stickers to replicate the intricate color scheme of the Unit 01. This is a common issue with some model kits, but it's particularly noticeable here because of the complex color patterns on the Evangelion units. The stickers cover a significant portion of the model, including the green sections on the head and chest, as well as the purple armor. While the stickers do the job, they don't provide the same seamless look as molded-in color. Stickers can also be prone to peeling over time, and they don't have the same textured finish as the plastic parts. For those who are not experienced with applying stickers, it can be a frustrating process. Aligning them perfectly can be challenging, and any mistakes can be quite visible. This is a shame because the overall design of the kit is excellent, but the reliance on stickers detracts from the final result. If you're a seasoned model builder, you might consider painting the kit to achieve a more accurate and durable finish. However, this adds extra time and expense to the project. For beginners, the stickers might be the only option, but it's important to be aware of their limitations. In summary, the poor color separation is a significant flaw in the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 kit. It's something to consider if you're looking for a hassle-free build or a premium finish. But don't worry, we have other issues to discuss, so stay tuned!
The Biggest Flaw: No Open Jaw or Arm Decals
Now we come to what I consider the biggest flaw of the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01: the absence of an open jaw feature and arm decals. The Evangelion units are known for their ferocious appearance, and the open jaw is a key element of that. It adds a sense of aggression and menace to the design, capturing the Unit 01's berserk mode. The fact that this kit doesn't include an open jaw option is a major disappointment. It limits the posing possibilities and prevents you from fully capturing the iconic look of the Evangelion unit in combat. The closed jaw looks fine, but it lacks the same impact and intensity as the open jaw. It's a missed opportunity to add a dynamic and expressive element to the kit. Another significant omission is the lack of arm decals. The Evangelion units have distinctive markings on their arms, which are crucial to their identity. These markings are typically represented by decals in model kits, but the Moderoid kit doesn't include them. This means you'll have to either paint them yourself or source aftermarket decals, which adds extra cost and effort to the build. It's puzzling why Moderoid chose to leave out these essential details. They're relatively small, but they make a big difference in the overall appearance of the kit. Without them, the Unit 01 looks incomplete and less authentic. This omission is particularly frustrating because the Moderoid line is generally known for its attention to detail. Leaving out such iconic features feels like a significant oversight. In conclusion, the lack of an open jaw and arm decals is a major flaw in the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 kit. It detracts from the overall experience and prevents you from fully realizing the potential of this iconic mecha. These issues are important to consider if you're a hardcore Evangelion fan looking for the most accurate representation possible.
Final Thoughts: Is the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 Worth It?
So, after taking a close look at the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01, the big question is: is it worth buying? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the proportions and overall design are fantastic. The kit looks great on display, capturing the essence of the Evangelion Unit 01 perfectly. The sharp details and imposing stance make it a centerpiece of any collection. However, there are some significant drawbacks to consider. The range of motion is limited, which makes dynamic posing a challenge. The color separation is poor, relying heavily on stickers to replicate the intricate color scheme. And, most disappointingly, the kit lacks an open jaw feature and arm decals, which are crucial to the Evangelion Unit 01's iconic look. These flaws detract from the overall experience and prevent the kit from reaching its full potential. If you're a casual fan of Evangelion and prioritize aesthetics over articulation and accuracy, you might still enjoy this kit. It looks great on a shelf, and the build is relatively straightforward. However, if you're a hardcore Evangelion enthusiast or a seasoned model builder, you might find the flaws too significant to overlook. The lack of an open jaw and arm decals is particularly disappointing, and the poor color separation means you'll likely need to do some painting to achieve a truly accurate finish. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy the Moderoid Evangelion Unit 01 comes down to your priorities and expectations. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider whether the flaws are deal-breakers for you. There are other Evangelion model kits on the market, so it's worth exploring your options before making a decision. Thanks for reading, guys! I hope this review has been helpful. Until next time, happy building!
