Bandai Reveals First Look at Zeta Gundam’s New Transforming Gabthley Premium Figure
Bandai is officially bringing another of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam’s powerful transforming Mobile Suits to its popular ROBOT SPIRITS action figure line.
The new “ROBOT SPIRITS
Originally airing in 1985, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam continued the Universal Century story with a darker conflict between the oppressive Titans organization and the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG), introducing a new generation of Gundams and transforming Mobile Suits.
The RX-110 Gabthley was developed as an experimental Mobile Suit for the Titans using design concepts created by Paptimus Scirocco, incorporating an advanced movable frame that allowed it to transform between Mobile Suit and Mobile Armor configurations.
Piloted by Jerid Messa and Mouar Pharaoh during the Gryps Conflict, the Gabthley became one of the Titans’ formidable opponents, combining powerful beam weaponry with impressive mobility and close-range combat capabilities.
Its humanoid Mobile Suit configuration was equipped with a long Fedayeen Rifle, shoulder-mounted Mega Particle Cannons, and Beam Sabers, allowing it to engage enemies at multiple ranges.
The Gabthley could also transform into a high-speed Mobile Armor, rearranging its frame into a more compact configuration while retaining its ability to attack opponents using its weapons and powerful mechanical claws.
Despite its combat performance, the Mobile Suit’s complicated internal structure and high manufacturing costs prevented it from entering mass production, leaving only a small number of prototypes completed.
For its new ROBOT SPIRITS interpretation, Bandai has recreated the Gabthley’s curved armor, long limbs, and angular head using proportions inspired by the original anime designs.
The prototype also captures the Mobile Suit’s striking orange and brown coloring, with the large shoulder armor and claw-like lower legs helping recreate the mechanical design originally developed by Kazumi Fujita.
The figure is being developed with the ability to transform into its Mobile Armor configuration, allowing collectors to recreate the Gabthley’s alternate combat form alongside its humanoid appearance.
Accessories are set to include the Fedayeen Rifle and Beam Sabers, while the shoulder-mounted Mega Particle Cannons will be able to be repositioned to recreate different combat poses.
Bandai has already explored transforming Mobile Suits from Zeta Gundam through the ROBOT SPIRITS ver. A.N.I.M.E. line, including its previously released Asshimar action figure, which could switch between Mobile Suit, Mobile Armor, and takeoff configurations.
The manufacturer has also announced an upcoming ROBOT SPIRITS version of the Z Gundam itself, bringing protagonist Kamille Bidan’s transforming Mobile Suit into the same anime-inspired figure range.
The “ROBOT SPIRITS
Although early reports have suggested a May 2027 release priced at ¥14,300 (approximately $89 USD / £68 GBP), Bandai has yet to officially confirm the figure’s final price, release date, pre-order schedule, or international availability through retailers such as Premium Bandai US.
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