The 13-year gap clearly shows the extent of Bandai's progress.
Even looking back in 2025 at the Ka version Sazabi from 12 years ago,
it's still considered one of the top three essential MG masterpieces (personal opinion, just for reference).
This work is presented with minor modifications and metallic painting.
There are two versions of the MG Sazabi:
The initial 2000 release and the 2013 Ver. Ka edition.
I. Part-by-Part Analysis
This section will share details through comparisons with the straight build, modification records, and post-painting close-ups.
【Head & Chest】
1. Replaced with metal power pipes
2. Custom-made parts from plastic sheets
【Arms】
1. Replaced with metal thrusters
2. Added salvaged parts inside the shoulders
3. Plastic sheet detailing (dark gray areas)
4. Installed custom-made parts on the shoulder armor
【Waist】
1. Custom-made parts
2. Replaced with metal thrusters
【Legs】
1. Replaced with metal thrusters
2. Layered plastic sheets (dark gray areas)
【Funnel Pods & Fuel Tanks】
1. Replaced with metal thrusters
2. Salvaged parts
【Weapons】
1. Beam effect parts repainted, in order: fluorescent green -> clear green -> clear yellow
II. Static Display
【Normal Mode】
Robust physique, very substantial feel
Three shades of metallic red separation
III. Armor Expansion Mode
The armor expansion echoes the Nu Gundam Ver. Ka's design,
but unlike the Nu Gundam, it doesn't reveal a psycho-frame inner structure.
After armor expansion, a total of 36 thrusters are exposed, truly a high-mobility mode.
The internal frame is painted in bright silver.
The shoulder armor expansion stacks like waves, concealing three sets of thrusters.
Small thrusters are hidden in the elbows – do they increase punching speed?
Each part features an armor expansion mechanism design.
The rear skirt armor conceals 4 thrusters, demonstrating high-mobility output.
The large and small thrusters within the legs are quite impressive.
IV. Dynamic Poses
While the Sazabi Ver. Ka's appearance is perfect, its articulation is severely lacking.
Besides being too heavy to support with a stand, the leg's range of motion is also extremely limited.
This time, two #1 display stands were needed to successfully support the Sazabi Ver. Ka.
An extremely, extremely, extremely forced SEED-style shooting pose.
The Beam Tomahawk, when at high output, takes on a saber-like form.
Actually, the wrist can barely support it; the saber is simply too heavy.
Reverse grip dual-wielding beam axes.
An incredibly forced pose for a spinning slash.
Six-Strike Rotation Dance
Referencing the Sinanju, the beam saber is mounted on the shield, creating a sword-and-shield configuration.
This was not an original design feature.
Finally, concluding with a famous scene from the novel.
