METAL BUILD KÄMPFER MS-18E Review

The first METAL BUILD of a mobile suit from the One Year War!

Kämpfer, the “fighter,” is now available as the first finished toy product in history of approximately 180 mm. Almost all the armor parts are painted. The diecast incorporates multiple plates and is arranged over the entire body to portray the real thing with the texture and the weighty feel unique to metal. As soon as you open it up, you can take the overwhelming presence of Kämpfer in your hand. The color scheme and markings, designed under the supervision of Yutaka Izubuchi, the original mechanical designer, express a sense of color and texture possessing a realism that makes a clear departure from the conventional Metal Build figures. We have made full use of the latest techniques, so enjoy the Kämpfer we have created.

[Product Description]
・Main body
・Exchangeable hand left/right x 3 types
・Exchangeable antenna
・Shotgun x 2
・Chain mine rack
・Giant Bazooka x 2
・Sturm Faust x 2
・Beam Saber handle x 2
・Beam Saber blade x 2
・Heat Hawk (ON/OFF) x 2 each
・Chain mine
・Joint parts set
・Original display stand set

[Product Material]
・ABS, PVC, Diecast

This is a review of METAL BUILD KÄMPFER.

The whole body. It has the detailing you expect from MB, but there are no major changes, and the proportions and coloring are almost the same as in the anime.

The face. There are no modifications that change the silhouette, but there are many unique molds and markings that give it a precise appearance.

The mono-eye is painted metallic and has no clear cover. Even the mono-eye rail is molded in.

The mono-eye can be moved left and right by opening the head cover.

It also comes with a movable antenna that allows you to recreate the scene when it first appears.

Each part, etc. The details have been added to these areas as well, but the body shape and form are faithful to the image in the anime.

Around the waist. It’s a metal build so it’s mostly painted, but the blue used in multiple colors looks great and the texture is great too.

The arms and legs have a sturdy, powerful silhouette, just like in the anime. Like the other parts, the figure is packed with detail and has very few flat areas.

The shoulder armor is asymmetrical. It’s a bit disappointing that there are traces of paint on it that look like it was touched before it dried.

*I’ve added this as the item was covered by the warranty and the replacement item arrived safely on March 19th.

The beam sabers are stored in the thighs, and when the covers are opened,

When you pull down the lever on the back of your thigh, the handle pops out.

back.

The back, rear armor, and calf armor can be deployed, the vernier can be extended and retracted, and the base of the vernier can be moved up and down.

The neck is movable and the nape can also be moved, and the hips can swing widely. The shoulders can also be raised high, the elbows can bend 120 degrees, and the knees can bend about 110 degrees.

The hip joints are also retractable. The leg width to the side is moderate, but it can move forward a lot. The ground contact was also good.

The shoulders can be pulled out 50 to 60 forward. The shoulder armor can be opened wide.

The toes are also movable, and the details on the soles of the feet are also intricate.

option.

pedestal.

Fully equipped.

Shotgun.

It is pump action capable and the rear stock can be removed.

It is also possible to mount it on the waist by raising the pin on the side.

Giant Buzz. Normally equipped on both sides of the backpack using the bazooka arms.

The arm can be extended and retracted, and it can be held while connected. The grip is movable, and the rear magazine is removable.

Removed from the arm and held in place.

The Giant Buzz has two mounting holes, allowing you to choose from two different heights.

Heat Hawk. Here it is illuminated with the handle extended.

A non-illuminated storage state is also included. It can be mounted on the arm or leg using a special holder.

You can also mount two side by side using a weapon binder.

Sturm Faust.

This can be mounted in the same way as the Heat Hawk, and weapon binders can still be used.

Chain mine. The wires can be moved freely using lead wires.

Back side.

Chain mine rack. This is attached to the hole on the back.

The chain mine is not stored.

This can be opened and closed by unlocking the top and pulling out the hinge at the bottom.

It is possible to store a chain mine by attaching it to the internal pin. The chain mine needs to be bent at a fairly steep angle, so care must be taken to avoid damage.

Chain mine in storage.

The auxiliary legs can be deployed to allow for the suspension of a shotgun, heat hawk, Sturm Faust, etc.

The support for the base is shorter than usual this time, so it is possible to use it while standing on its own.

It also comes with a special support that allows you to recreate the posture when moving at high speed.

By using this, it is possible to exhibit something that recreates high-speed movement.

behind.

Side view. The main body is quite heavy, so it may be a little dangerous to display it like this for years.

For size comparison, I compared it with the Exia from the same MB and the Zaku from Metacon. The size was average, neither too big nor too small.

For comparison, here is the ROBOT Spirits ver. ANIME version. The proportions are almost the same, but the details have been greatly improved.

Just a few at a time.

sortie.

Thanks to the special supports, it is possible to display it floating at a low altitude, which would be impossible with regular supports.

The vernier sculpt is well painted and can be deployed to create an impressive buckshot effect.

This time, the normal support poles are too short, so it is not possible to display the statue high up as usual.

As mentioned before, the articulation is good, and the shoulders can be extended a lot, so holding the shotgun with both hands is no problem.

All of the joints are stiff, it’s heavy, and the ankles are large, so it was quite stable standing on its own.

The size of Giant Buzz is just as imagined in the movie.

“I’ll teach you how to fight.” I’m glad I was able to recreate the scene in the movie where the Chain Mine Rack is removed.

The chain mine is long enough.

The rack can also be installed in the open position.

The beam saber removal gimmick is also reproduced. The shotgun barrel can also be grabbed using the palm of the hand.

The beam sabers can also be held with both hands. The color of the beam blade is a stronger green than in the movie.

The neck and waist can also rotate freely, allowing for dramatic swings.

It also comes with a heat hawk that was not used in the movie.

This concludes the review of METAL BUILD KÄMPFER.

When it was suddenly announced that Metal Build would release a Kampfer, I was surprised at how unexpected it was, but the proportions were not changed and the details were greatly increased to match the scale, making for an ideal arrangement that brings out the appeal without compromising the image of the unit, and it turned out very cool. Although
my model had some rough spots, the paint was generally well done, and the blue color used in multiple colors was just as the Kampfer imaged, with a nice glossy texture, and the mobility was good, with many joints that allowed it to move better than it looked, and it was packed with weapons and gimmicks, so it was perfect in terms of play.
Metal Build’s image was centered on stylish MS such as 00 and SEED, but I learned that even these rugged and heavy Zeon-style MS can be made into top-class items with an appropriate arrangement, so I hope they will continue to release these kinds of unusual models from time to time in the future.