Bandai Announces Re-Release for Gundam AOZ’s Exclusive Hi-Zack Gunpla Kit
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai is bringing back an exclusive Gunpla kit based on one of the more heavily modified versions of the Hi-Zack, giving builders another opportunity to pick up its specialized A.O.Z RE-BOOT High Grade adaptation.
The returning “HG 1/144 Hi-Zack Custom (A.O.Z RE-BOOT Ver.)” recreates the RMS-106CS Hi-Zack Custom as it appears in A.O.Z RE-BOOT: Gundam Inle – Black Rabbit Had a Dream, combining the familiar foundations of the mass-produced Mobile Suit with a considerably more specialized set of armor and equipment.
The Hi-Zack itself was developed as an early Federation Mobile Suit incorporating technology derived from both Earth Federation and Zeon designs, later becoming closely associated with the Titans during the events surrounding Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.
Its Custom variant pushes the machine toward a more specialized combat role, most noticeably through its large beam launcher and revised equipment, while A.O.Z RE-BOOT further updates the appearance with proportions and details consistent with the wider Advance of Z setting.
Bandai recreates those differences using additional molded parts across several of the most recognizable areas of the Mobile Suit, including the large right shoulder armor, spikes fitted to the left shoulder, and the substantially redesigned backpack.
Together, these changes give the Hi-Zack Custom a bulkier and more asymmetrical appearance than the standard machine, while retaining familiar features such as its exposed piping, mono-eye head, and heavily armored lower legs.
Its dedicated beam launcher provides the main focus of the included weapon loadout, with an adjustable side grip and movable sight allowing the oversized weapon to be positioned differently depending on the pose.
The launcher can also be folded along its barrel and mounted directly onto the backpack, giving builders the option of displaying the Hi-Zack Custom with its hands free while still carrying its signature weapon.
Articulation is built into the hips, torso, and other major joints, while an additional roll axis at the elbow allows the forearms to rotate independently and makes it easier to position both arms around the long beam launcher.
The mono-eye can also be repositioned after removing the necessary head parts, allowing its line of sight to be adjusted to match different standing or firing poses.
Bandai originally introduced this particular A.O.Z RE-BOOT version of the Hi-Zack Custom in late 2024, making its latest return another opportunity for builders who missed any earlier releases to add the variant to their collection.
Its latest return comes alongside another older Gunpla release, the MG 1/100 MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon in its MSV colors, as Bandai continues to bring previously released kits back into production during 2026.
Pre-orders for the “HG 1/144 Hi-Zack Custom (A.O.Z RE-BOOT Ver.),” priced at ¥3,080 (approximately $20 USD / £15 GBP), are now open through Premium Bandai Japan.
A corresponding Premium Bandai US re-release has not yet been announced, although Japanese Premium Bandai Gunpla reissues frequently receive separate US listings in the following days or weeks, so an opportunity for American builders may follow.
The Japanese re-release of the kit is scheduled to ship in January 2027, with any corresponding US re-release expected to ship 1-2 months after this.
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