Facebook Toy Page: https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops
Gundam Barbatos
One of the main lines in the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS series—Iron-Blooded Orphans—finally brings us Gundam Barbatos Forms 1 through 4.
The first Barbatos in the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS line was the Lupus Rex, followed by the Lupus. When the Lupus Rex was released, it certainly sparked a lot of discussion. However, the joint tightness of the initial release was abysmal, leading to complaints that the entire figure felt limp as if it had been hit with a "Tendon-Softening Powder." Additionally, the constantly falling Tail Blade was a real annoyance. With the Lupus, the joint tightness was corrected, and it came with a plethora of armaments, showing a great deal of sincerity. It was quite good. As for the other IBO mobile suits in the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS line, most have been well-executed, which is why it can truly be called a "main line."
Now, for Barbatos itself, the ROBOT SPIRITS line already released its 4th Form several years ago. For a ROBOT SPIRITS release, the quality was already quite impressive. With the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS version, a leap in "quality" was to be expected, and it boasts many advantages over the Lupus and Lupus Rex. Most noticeably, this Barbatos feels more "sturdy" in hand, with a more solid build than the Lupus and Lupus Rex.
1. Well-Designed Playability Features
The mobile suit itself retains the classic Barbatos frame but with several adjustments, the biggest change being the waist joint. This time, it is incredibly tight, and even after extensive handling, it doesn't lose its tightness at all—a pleasant surprise.
Furthermore, since the mobile suit can change forms, there are many parts to be swapped out. This is why, when handling it, Barbatos feels slightly larger than the Lupus or Lupus Rex. The swappable parts are mainly the left and right shoulder armor, the left elbow, and the left bicep armor.
As for the shoulder armor, swapping is easy, so not much to say there. The left bicep armor requires a little force to push out, but it's manageable.
The left elbow is trickier to handle. Just looking at the instruction manual might leave you wondering, "Can you really just pull the arm out directly?" Yes, you can. Just pull it straight out. Pulling it out isn't difficult; the challenge lies in attaching the other left elbow piece. It requires some force to attach. However, inserting the left forearm also needs a bit of force, and with the "guards" on both sides, you need to be careful not to accidentally break these guards on the left elbow piece.
2. Secure Backpack Attachments
You can mount items on its back with peace of mind, as the connection is very secure and basically won't fall off.
3. Both Display Stand Adapters are Very Secure
Adapters can be attached at the crotch and the rear skirt, and the overall connection is extremely stable, with no risk of it falling off. Attaching it is secure, and removing it isn't difficult either. This is a commendable design feature!
4. The Face Sculpt is Sharper!
Previous Barbatos figures always felt like they had a small head, the eyes were hard to see, and the proportions felt a bit off. This time, the Barbatos's head feels slightly larger, and its "facial features" are sculpted bigger, making it more visually pleasing.
Next, I will explain each form:
Barbatos 1st Form.
The form it was in when it first emerged from underground, smashing enemies to bits with a single mace. Both shoulder armors are missing, and the asymmetrical armor gives it a very cobbled-together, salvaged look. It would be even better with some battle-damage paint application.
Next, Barbatos takes the left shoulder armor from an enemy mobile suit (green, unpainted) and equips it. This fighting style of scavenging and equipping parts mid-battle is very interesting.
Barbatos 2nd Form.
Later, after reaching space, there was an opportunity to adjust the mobile suit. Both shoulders are now equipped with enemy armor, which has also been repainted. At this point in the story, Barbatos acquires the Smoothbore Gun.
Barbatos 3rd Form.
As the plot progresses, Barbatos snatches a Wire Claw from an enemy mobile suit and equips it on its own arm. The color of that Wire Claw (purple) is distinctly different from the mobile suit's original colors, and this stark contrast perfectly highlights its cobbled-together nature.
Barbatos 4th Form.
Later, after allying with a major power, Barbatos gained more funding and stronger technical support, reaching a more complete state—the 4th Form. At this stage, the left elbow and both shoulder armors have been restored to their original Barbatos design. Following the plot, its weapons at this time include the "Mace," "Smoothbore Gun," and "Tachi (lacking a handguard)."
Next, there should be other forms, such as the one with "Reactive Armor" on the chest and thrusters on the skirt armor, as well as the "high-heel" feet designed for ground combat. The final battle form involved shedding upper body armor for speed, ultimately defeating the Season 1 boss with the Tachi in a battle-damaged state. Since this involves leg armor, I guess they will probably release it as a "new figure," right?
Handling Feel of Each Armament
Mace
Its most iconic weapon, and one that the later Lupus Rex continued to use as its main armament. Barbatos's slender frame, combined with its reckless speed, creates a devastating impact. Smashing enemies into pulp is an art form. The Mace comes with long and short handles. However, a minor flaw is that the long handle doesn't seem long enough; it still feels a bit short when posing.
Wielding it with one hand is a bit difficult, but a two-handed grip is very secure. It can be used with various poses to create a heavy impact effect!
The top of the Mace has a pile bunker. In the early part of the series, seeing it hold the mace with one hand and then destroy an enemy with the pile bunker was just too awesome!
Axe
This didn't become a standard weapon; it was picked up and used on the battlefield. The craftsmanship is good, and the grip feels solid.
Wire Claw
Another one of those wire-based accessories. I'm personally not a big fan of playing with these, but I took photos nonetheless.
Tachi
This release includes two Tachi, which is very generous! I feel the blade could be a tiny bit shorter. This is a somewhat disappointing weapon, not because of the weapon itself, but because of the hand part that holds it. The design of the hand part this time is a bit strange; it doesn't hold the sword very tightly, which causes some problems.
Smoothbore Gun
Some collectors have complained that it's unpainted. I, however, quite appreciate its design. The movable barrel, the adjustable handle, and its connection to the sub-arms on the backpack provide a truly superb handling experience.
Overall, the quality of this toy is excellent. It's a must-buy for fans of Iron-Blooded Orphans. If you're just looking for a fun figure to play with, it's also highly recommended. If the Lupus Rex and Lupus were to be redesigned with these proportions, the in-hand feel would likely be even better.