Gundam SEED Destiny’s Exclusive 2-in-1 MG Blaze Zaku Returns for Limited-Time US Re-Release
Image by Charlotte DavisA versatile Gundam SEED Destiny Master Grade Gunpla kit is getting another US re-release, with Bandai reopening pre-orders for an exclusive model that can be built as two different ZAFT Mobile Suits during a major promotional event.
The “MG 1/100 BLAZE ZAKU PHANTOM / BLAZE ZAKU WARRIOR” joins a large selection of exclusive Gunpla kits, figures, and other collectibles returning for Premium Bandai Week 2026, which also offers a temporary reduction to the usual free-shipping threshold.
Blaze Zaku Phantom and Blaze Zaku Warrior originate from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, the sequel to the original Gundam SEED anime that follows a renewed conflict between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT.
Both machines belong to ZAFT’s next-generation ZAKU series, which replaced the earlier GINN models and introduced the interchangeable Wizard System for adapting Mobile Suits to different combat roles.
The ZAKU Phantom is an upgraded variant generally assigned to commanders and experienced pilots, featuring two shoulder shields and a modified head, while the ZAKU Warrior serves as the standard mass-production model.
Bandai originally released the exclusive Master Grade kit in December 2020, recreating both configurations in their standard military green coloring with an extensive selection of weapons and equipment.
Based on the existing “MG 1/100 Gunner Zaku Warrior (Lunamaria Hawke Custom),” the model introduces newly molded components for the Blaze Wizard backpack alongside alternative parts for the Phantom and Warrior configurations.
Builders can choose between the ZAKU Phantom’s two shoulder shields and antenna-equipped head or the ZAKU Warrior’s simpler appearance with a single shield, with the necessary components included in the same kit.
The Mobile Suit’s green and dark green armor is reproduced using separately molded colors, retaining the detailed internal frame and articulation of Bandai’s Master Grade ZAKU design.
One of its biggest features is the newly developed Blaze Wizard backpack, which significantly increases the Mobile Suit’s mobility and firepower through a combination of large boosters and missile launchers.
The booster units feature opening thruster hatches that reveal mechanical details inside, with additional movable components allowing the equipment to be adjusted for different display configurations.
Each booster also carries an AGM138 Firebee guided missile pod, which uses an original Master Grade deployment mechanism to recreate the launchers opening into their firing positions.
The missile pods can extend and unfold, allowing builders to display the machine with its missiles ready to launch alongside the backpack’s expanded thruster sections.
The Blaze Wizard is also compatible with the ZAKU Warrior configuration, allowing either version of the Mobile Suit to be displayed with the additional equipment.
Thanks to the interchangeable Wizard System, the model can also use other compatible Master Grade Wizard backpacks sold separately, giving builders further customization options.
Its standard weapons include a Beam Assault Rifle, Beam Tomahawk, and hand grenades, alongside the shoulder-mounted shields used by the different configurations.
The Beam Assault Rifle can be folded into its storage position, while the Beam Tomahawk can be carried on the shield or displayed with a translucent beam effect.
A dedicated sheet of water-slide decals featuring ZAFT insignia and other military markings is also included, allowing collectors to add further detail to either version of the completed model.
Other Gundam SEED Destiny Master Grade kits have also returned to the US during Premium Bandai Week, including Yzak Joule’s exclusive “MG 1/100 Slash Zaku Phantom (YZAK JULE CUSTOM),” which replaces the Blaze Wizard with heavy Gatling Beam Cannons and an enormous Beam Axe.
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai has also recently released the “MG 1/100 Blaze Zaku Phantom (Heine Westenfluss Custom),” recreating the ace pilot’s orange Mobile Suit with the same Blaze Wizard equipment, specialized decals, and additional shoulder armor.
Premium Bandai Week 2026 runs from October 8 at 10:00 AM EDT until October 13 at 11:59 PM EDT, with registered Premium Bandai US members able to qualify for free shipping on eligible orders of $50 or more instead of the usual $100 minimum when using the no-signature-required shipping option.
Pre-orders for the “MG 1/100 BLAZE ZAKU PHANTOM / BLAZE ZAKU WARRIOR,” priced at $61, officially reopened through Premium Bandai US on October 8 and are scheduled to close on October 14 at 2:59 AM EDT, giving builders less than a week to secure the exclusive kit.
Shipping is currently scheduled for February 2027.
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