Prof. Layton here! Today we will review SD Sinanju, the latest kit finished by Erlangshen.
Sinanju is the Mobile Suit used by Full Frontal, a character that resembles Char Aznable in the anime, Gundam Unicorn. As with most MS piloted by Char, this MS is primarily red-colored. As in accordance to the design of other MS used by the Neo Zeon organization, this kit also have elaborate lining on the chest, sleeves and shield.
Over-all Look
If you ask me, the design of this MS is even more awesome than Sazabi or Nightingale. It seems very agile, yet still retain the characteristic of the MS used by the Red Comet.
This SD version is also very proportionate, so you hardly need to adjust anything in my opinion.
Painting
Painting is a nightmare in this kit. First of all, Erlangshen likes to use Flat or Matte top coat. But Flat/Matte doesn’t go well with metal color paint as it will make it flat. So Erlangshen have to finish everything first, even decal it, before he can apply the gold paint. Even so, I still see some imperfection here and there, but considering how small the area you need to paint, I would say it’s understandable. Alternatively, you can utilize the sticker that came with kit.
Besides the gold part, there are some area where you to need to apply red and black, and large area where you need to apply gray as well.
Without paint, I would say the kit doesn’t even look presentable.
Articulations
In case you miss it, this kit was released before SD WIng Ver. Ka. As such, it still does not have elbow joint. Y_Y
In general, the articulation for the kit is not that great, the booster cylinders are hardly movable. The wing nozzle is also not as flexible as you want it to be. The head movement is also restricted by the side “collar”.
Gimmicks
The instruction also includes how this kit can be separated into 2 Mobile Armor. Something you did not see in the anime. If you ask me, the Mobile Armor looked horrendous. I do not see why anyone would prefer such shapes. I expect better from Bandai’s designer.
Another gimmick that is more awesome is the fact that the mono-eye can move left and right. Something that is very rare in SD kit.
Weapons & Accessories
Bandai provided the weapons that were used in the OVA, which is not a lot, but the proportion of the weapons in comparison with the actual MS, is pretty good.
The instruction also mention 2 ways of how to merge the axe and the rifle mode: lance mode and rifle mode. Both are pretty good, especially the lance mood. Too bad it makes it too heavy to be held properly by the kit.
Bandai also supplied a clear red stand for the kit.
Summary
Over-all, fans of the anime would not be disappointed with the design of this kit, but they might find the painting needed to be a bit daunting. There some positive and not so positive gimmick with this kit and if you don’t expect to pose this kit like crazy, I would certainly recommend it.
