Gundam Pharact HG 1:144 Review: Is It Worth Building?

The Gundam Pharact made its debut in the popular anime series 'Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury', and it quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its sleek, aerodynamic design and its pilot, Elan Ceres. Bandai's High Grade (HG) 1:144 scale kit captures the mobile suit's distinctive look, but does it live up to the hype? In this review, we'll dive into the build experience, articulation, and overall quality to help you decide if the HG Pharact is worth adding to your collection.

As a reviewer who has built dozens of High Grade kits, I was particularly excited to see how Bandai handled the Pharact's unique features, including its antenna-like head crest and the large backpack binders. Let's break down everything you need to know before you hit that 'add to cart' button.

Build Experience: Snap-Fit Simplicity

The HG Pharact follows the standard High Grade formula: snap-fit assembly with no glue required, and polycaps for joints. The kit is molded in a light gray, with some dark gray and orange accents for the chest and cameras. The parts are well-organized on runners, and the instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, making this a great project for beginners and experienced builders alike.

One of the standout aspects of the build is the backpack binders, which are composed of multiple sections that can be posed independently. The assembly is straightforward, but the end result is surprisingly intricate. The entire build took me about two hours, which is typical for an HG kit. There are no major seam lines that need filling, and the color separation is excellent—no stickers are required for the main body, which is a big plus.

• No glue required; snap-fit assembly
• Excellent color separation with minimal stickers
• Backpack binders are multi-jointed for dynamic posing

Articulation and Posability

When it comes to articulation, the HG Pharact does not disappoint. The kit features a ball-jointed torso, double-jointed elbows and knees, and a wide range of motion in the shoulders and hips. The ankles are also well-designed, allowing for stable ground poses and dynamic aerial action poses. The backpack binders can be angled to mimic the Pharact's signature 'Permet Score' activation, adding to the display value.

However, the large binders can make the kit slightly back-heavy, so you might need to use the included action base (sold separately) for dynamic poses. The beam rifle and shield are easy to equip, and the hands can hold them securely. Overall, the posability is above average for an HG kit, and the Pharact can achieve a variety of striking poses straight out of the box.

• Double-jointed elbows and knees for deep bends
• Backpack binders are independently movable
• Action base recommended for flying poses

Design and Detail: A Sleek Machine

The Pharact's design is one of its strongest selling points. The HG kit faithfully reproduces the anime's proportions, with a slim waist, broad shoulders, and the distinctive 'mask' on the face. The orange camera parts are clear plastic, which gives a nice contrast against the gray armor. The kit also includes a beam rifle, a shield, and a pair of beam sabers, all of which can be stored on the body.

The shield is particularly cool—it can be mounted on the arm or the back, and it features a fold-out blade that can be used as a melee weapon. The level of detail is impressive for an HG, with panel lines that are sharp and ready for panel lining. If you enjoy adding decals, the kit comes with a small sticker sheet for the yellow accents, but you can also use water-slide decals for a more polished look.

• Faithful anime proportions with sharp panel lines
• Clear orange camera parts for a premium look
• Shield can be used as a melee weapon

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Priced at around $20-25, the HG Pharact offers great value for the quality and engineering. It's a step above older HG kits in terms of detail and articulation, and it's a must-have for fans of 'The Witch from Mercury'. If you're looking to expand your collection with a modern HG kit, the Pharact is a solid choice.

For those who enjoy collecting manga and other anime merchandise, Neko Alley Anime has a great selection of related items. For example, you might enjoy reading the manga adaptation of the series, such as 'Survival in Another World with My Mistress! VOL 3' or 'Attack On Titan VOL 15' to get your anime fix. But if you're strictly focused on gunpla, the Pharact is a fantastic addition to any shelf.

• Affordable price point for the quality
• Great for fans of The Witch from Mercury
• Pairs well with other HG kits from the same series

In conclusion, the HG 1:144 Gundam Pharact is a well-engineered kit that offers a satisfying build, excellent articulation, and a striking design. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting out, this kit is definitely worth adding to your collection. If you're ready to get your hands on it, check out the Gundam Aerial MGSD Model Kit for another fantastic build from the same universe, and don't forget to browse Neko Alley Anime for all your anime and manga needs!