Today, I'm sharing a review of a Chinese model kit: the Apocalypse and its exclusive Phoenix Accessory Pack from WONDERFUL HOBBY UNIVERSE.
The entire kit features undergated parts, so a straight build results in a very high-quality finish with most of the gate marks hidden. The frame is a die-cast metal frame, giving the model a substantial, hefty feel. The joints of the metal frame are all very sturdy, so there are no issues with it leaning backward despite the large rail cannon backpack.
During the assembly process, I only used two tools: a pair of nippers and a hobby knife. After cutting the parts from the runners, I used the knife to shave off the undergated nubs before assembly. As for the build experience, I must say that some parts require Herculean finger strength. Besides needing a tight grip, some parts had tolerance issues that required modification. Aside from these two points, I personally have no other complaints. Regarding loose armor or parts falling off, besides the rear heels, the figure is quite smooth to handle and pose after assembly.
This Apocalypse kit has an additional Phoenix Accessory Pack. Assembling it feels quite repetitive, especially since you have to build the same rail backpack and eight funnels all over again, exactly the same way. Yes, I mean *exactly* the same way. XD
The overall color of the parts is quite good, and the color separation is handled for you where needed. The gold parts also have a decent finish, not that infamous "poop gold" color. I have to say, Chinese model kit companies have made significant progress in recent years with these sci-fi models, although you can still see the shadow of a certain Gunpla in the design XD. Below is a simple introduction and review for everyone to enjoy~
▼【WONDERFUL HOBBY UNIVERSE】Apocalypse + Phoenix Accessory Pack
▼I've seen people compare the size of this kit to the original Gundam and suggest it must be larger than 1/100 scale. I think it's more accurate to first consider the official design height of the mecha XD. If the Apocalypse's design height is different from the original Gundam's, then naturally their sizes will be very different when scaled down to 1/100.
▼The eyes use the included foil stickers. There are three color options to choose from: red, yellow, and green.
▼The waist is very robust and can crunch forward. As it leans forward, the chest and back armor move in conjunction with it.
▼The waist features multiple layers of stacked armor.
▼Leaning forward activates the linked movement of the outer armor on the chest and the back of the waist.
▼The inner frame utilizes a large number of metal joints.
▼The elbow is also a metal joint.
▼The Apocalypse comes with several different interchangeable hand parts.
▼The shoulder also features a multi-layered inner frame.
▼The two dramatic separating armor panels on the thigh clearly reveal the inner frame.
▼The leg thrusters feature a linked movement gimmick. The leg section has a ton of parts; the finished product you see in the picture is actually assembled from many small pieces.
▼After assembling the armor on the foot, I found the height difference was too great, so I just cut it off and left it exposed XD.
▼The rear heels on both legs fall off very, very, very easily. Be extra careful when handling it.
▼The rear skirt armor is ridiculously huge.
▼Lifting the rear skirt armor reveals a dedicated port underneath for a display stand.
▼There is a switch underneath the rear skirt armor.
▼Flipping the switch allows the left and right sides of the rear skirt armor to expand.
▼The beam saber hilts are stored on the sides of the arms.
▼By raising the shoulder armor, the arm can be lifted straight out to the side without any interference.
▼The front and side skirt armors can be extended to increase the range of motion for the legs.
▼The joints are incredibly sturdy; standing on one leg is no problem at all.
▼When the leg is bent, you can see many armor pieces moving in conjunction. Furthermore, each armor panel also has its own independent separation gimmick, revealing even more of the inner frame.
▼The sliding armor mechanism on the knee.
▼The armor separation on the calf.
▼The expansion and linked movement of the calf thrusters are less than ideal.
▼The solid metal joints allow you to pose and handle the model with more confidence.
▼Enter the funnel weaponry!
▼The green parts come in two types of material: one is a dark green clear part, and the other, as seen in the photo, is a fluorescent part that glows under blacklight or strong light. You can install whichever you prefer.
▼Funnels deployed.
▼The funnels themselves also have inner frame details.
▼Although there are only eight funnels on the backpack, the Apocalypse kit actually comes with a total of ten. In addition to the eight on the back, the other two can be attached to the rifle and spear. The image below shows a funnel transformed into a blade.
▼The green clear parts look very different under strong light. The image below shows parts that are exclusive to the Phoenix Accessory Pack.
▼Combined with parts from the Phoenix Accessory Pack, the original short sword can be transformed into a longer sword that looks much more powerful.
▼The handle is made of a heavy metal material. Funnels can be directly inserted into both ends to form a double-bladed spear.
▼The main body of the Phoenix from the accessory pack.
▼The head crest part has two interchangeable styles to choose from; I ultimately chose the one pictured below. The eye stickers also come in different colors. To match the Apocalypse, I chose red for the Phoenix's eyes as well.
▼The tail feathers have embedded wires for posing.
▼Each feather on the tail is an individual part.
▼Top-down view.
▼Two of the tail feathers can be transformed into two whip swords.
▼Using the bendable wire, the tail feather becomes a whip sword.
▼The main body of the Phoenix can also transform into a shield.
▼The structure of the underside in shield mode.
▼There are many leftover parts after assembly, including spares from both the Apocalypse and the Phoenix Accessory Pack.
The assembly isn't difficult; you can complete it just by following the steps in the manual. However, needing Herculean finger strength during the process is unavoidable. Additionally, if you plan to display the fully assembled Apocalypse with the Phoenix pack on a stand, be warned: it will be a total shelf space killer! XD
▼Finally, here are some simple studio shots to share.
