Synopsis: Among the first few MSiAs ever released in Asia this was also among the first I ever owned. The Guncannon while renounced by many does have some redeeming qualities. I have to be careful in my declaration of the figure since practically all the reviews I have read describe the U.S. Release that could be made of a different material. So let's see how this figure holds up.

The Figure: Given the date the original Mobile Suit Gundam was made, the designs involved are not going to have the detailing that newer units have unless the figure is a redesigned figure.

The head of this figure is well painted and the detailing is good for one of the first releases. Like nearly all of the first releases of the MSiA line the head is hooked up by peg connection so the only good articulation you will get rotation. The Head's range of motion is 360 degrees with minor interference to the torso cannons. The head's antennae are a little thin however they are sturdier Chars Zaku II's command antenna.

The arms are a very nice factor of this figure. The range of motion of these arms (especially at the shoulders) is up to par with nearly any MSiA made today with the exception of the version 2 figures. The shoulders have nearly total range of motion since there is no shoulder armor hindering the movement. The elbows can bend 90 degrees and has a little obstruction to prevent the unnatural bending that some people complain about at times. The hands included with this figure include 2 closed fists, 2 sword fists, and one right gunhand. One thing to note about the gun hand is that it can not hold the Beam rifle effectively. In fact, the sword hands are the best to wield the rifle even though it is still not too snug.

The legs have average articulation despite the bulky appearance of the overall figure. Upper leg movement is hampered by the bulky hip armor. Knee movement is 90 degrees while the ankle is joined by a ball joint providing nearly unrestricted movement.

The Torso is the bulkiest part of the figure. While the paintjob is extensive, the articulation is a bit suffers a little. The hip armor hinders the leg as mentioned before however this armor is movable. The movable hip armor slides down allowing for the torso to twist at the waist. This is a quality that may be shared by the U.S. Release however I am not sure. The back has a pretty vacant look consisting of 2 fixed thruster nozzles; otherwise this figure is not bad.

Beam Rifle: The rifle is a solid grey color with a yellow sight. The handle is pretty thick however the hands of the GunCannon can not wield the rifle as effectively as other MSiAs.

Torso cannon & Missile Pods: The torso mount can switch these weapons with no problem at all. I am fond of the normal cannons then the bulky missile pods.

Play Value: While not the star of Mobile suit Gundam this solid figure is articulate enough among the early MSiAs to be played with frequency however the lack of accessories can hamper this figure causing a lack of interest compared to newer figures.

Display Value: The figure can strike some nice dramatic poses however the chunky look of the figure can serve as an eyesore especially if your collection is largely composed of UC MSiAs.

Dollar Value: I picked up this figure 3 or 4 years ago at Babbages for $9.99. The price is a little steep for a figure with so little accessories however this was before the release of the U.S. UC MSiAs. I feel that $5.99 is around the max I would have paid had I known that UC figures would come to the U.S.

Conclusion: A solid but misunderstood figure. A great figure from its time but maybe a version 2 figure is in need now.

Above: Guncannon armed with the rocket pods on the torso