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I'll admit, I'm not the biggest expert on the Billbine from "Aura Battler Dunbine." My first real encounter with it was through the "Super Robot Wars" video game series, followed by its original ROBOT SPIRITS release. So when Bandai announced a new version for the high-end METAL ROBOT SPIRITS line, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Years later, this new release boasts significant technical upgrades, delivering a brilliant presentation that rivals even the mainstream Gundam series. However, there are still some disappointing aspects that need to be called out.
A Vibrant and Striking Color Scheme
The first thing you notice about this Billbine is how beautiful it is. The colors are fantastic. While some might find the gold accents a bit unusual, I think they work quite well. Thanks to its dazzling color palette, the entire figure has a sharp, energetic presence.
The translucent parts used for the wings are another major highlight. The intricate veining, the rich coloration, and the way they catch the light during photography make this figure truly unique and extraordinary.
High Articulation for Natural Posing
The head's articulation is average. It can turn side-to-side and look down just fine (a necessity for its transformation), but it has almost no upward range of motion.
However, the articulation in the rest of the body is outstanding. The arms, for example, have no trouble achieving a two-handed sword grip or bringing both hands together in front of the chest.
The waist joint also offers an incredible range of rotation. It's worth noting, though, that due to the design, once the cockpit "head" is moved away from the lower torso, the waist can twist dramatically from side to side but has very little up-and-down movement.
As for the legs, the lack of restrictive skirt armor gives them exceptional mobility. Wide stances and kneeling poses are effortless, and it can even pull off a single-leg stand without any issues.
The feet are designed like talons, with each toe—and even the tips of the talons—being individually articulated. They also feature internal extension joints for added posability.
Impressive Details and Fun Effect Parts
The Billbine features a detailed opening cockpit, something rarely seen even in the Gundam lineup. Not only does the hatch open, but the control yoke inside is also articulated, which is a fantastic touch.
Additionally, the four claws on each hand are beautifully sculpted. They can be swapped out with parts to recreate their wire-launcher firing effect, which looks great.
The included effect parts are excellent. The sword slash effect piece adds a huge sense of dynamism to any action pose. The Aura Sword Rifle can also be fitted with a beam effect part, and alternate hands allow it to be wielded as a sword.
Simple and Smooth Transformation
The transformation sequence to Wing Caliber mode isn't overly complex, though the instruction manual could be clearer. The alternate mode is very appealing, although the long legs result in a bottom-heavy appearance where the rear (the legs) looks larger than the front (the nose and main body).
The connection point for the display stand is well-placed. Bandai cleverly hid it in a spot most people wouldn't notice, and it holds the figure securely on the stand without risk of falling.
Of course, even the best figures have their flaws. And some of these issues can drag an otherwise excellent toy down.
Left Knee Fails to Reset After Transformation
The transformation involves moving several leg joints. Unfortunately, on my copy, a specific part of the left knee mechanism cannot be moved back into its proper position after transforming back to Aura Battler mode. This is a clear design or QC issue with no easy fix for the collector. This is a serious problem that you rarely see in a premium release and it absolutely needs to be addressed.
The Nerve-Wracking Wing Installation
I remember being a bit nervous attaching the wings on the original ROBOT SPIRITS Billbine. This new version, unfortunately, brings back that same anxiety, especially since the manual explicitly warns you to be careful not to break them. For a toy at this price point, a broken wing would essentially ruin the entire figure, which is a major source of worry for collectors. Can Bandai please stop using designs that shift the risk of breakage onto the customer? There's currently no "safe" method for installing parts like these. Thankfully, removing them is relatively easy.
This is becoming a trend, with recent releases like the METAL BUILD Gundam Dynames Repair III and the ROBOT SPIRITS Penelope having parts that, once inserted, are nearly impossible to remove. For collectors with limited display space who need to put figures back in their boxes, this is a huge problem.
A Somewhat Limp Arm
This might be a specific QC issue with my unit, but the right arm on my figure is very loose and falls off easily. It pops right off at the shoulder when trying to hold the sword. The arm connects to the torso with just a single ball joint that simply can't handle the weight.
The Back Cannons Are a Nuisance
While the back-mounted Aura Cannons don't hinder articulation, they are a hassle. Every time you adjust a pose and touch the backpack, the cannons get knocked out of alignment and need to be readjusted, which is inconvenient during handling.
Hand Talons Fall Off Easily
The claws on the hands can be swapped for wire parts to simulate their launched state. However, once you've removed them once, they tend to become loose and fall off frequently afterwards. This is frustrating since you often touch that area while posing.
Overall, the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS Billbine is still a very good figure. However, it highlights several issues Bandai needs to think about:
1. How can the risk of damage during accessory installation be reduced? For high-risk parts, replacement pieces should be provided.
2. Can the toy be fully disassembled to fit back into its original packaging after being displayed? The vast majority of older figures could do this.
3. Effect parts are the perfect finishing touch. Could they be included with other METAL ROBOT SPIRITS or even METAL BUILD releases?
4. The display stand design has been the same for a decade. It's generic and no longer meets the expectations of today's collectors.
Finally, here are some more photos:
Thanks for reading!
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