Gunpla Spotlight: HG 1/144 Char’s Zaku (GQ) Reimagines the Red Comet’s Classic Mobile Suit
Image by James Richardson
Char Aznable’s legendary red Zaku underwent a dramatic redesign in Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, giving the Red Comet’s original mobile suit a heavier, more mechanical appearance while retaining its classic Zeon styling.
The “HG 1/144 CHAR’S ZAKU (GQ)” brings this alternate-history version of the MS-06S to Bandai’s popular High Grade Gunpla line, complete with its imposing armor, signature weaponry, and improved articulation.
First introduced in the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series, Char’s customized MS-06S Zaku II became one of the Principality of Zeon’s most feared mobile suits, with its exceptional pilot earning a reputation for operating at three times the speed of a standard Zaku.
Its red coloring and Char’s remarkable combat abilities helped establish his identity as the Red Comet, while his rivalry with Amuro Ray and the RX-78-2 Gundam became one of the defining conflicts of the original anime.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX revisited the original Universal Century timeline with a major twist, presenting an alternate version of the One Year War in which Char successfully captured the Earth Federation’s experimental White Gundam during the attack on the Side 7 space colony.
This victory dramatically changed the course of the conflict, ultimately leading to the Principality of Zeon’s triumph, while the captured Gundam was modified and repainted red to become Char’s new personal mobile suit.
Although his Zaku’s appearance in the story was relatively brief, it offered fans a glimpse of how the legendary Zeon machine had been reimagined for the alternate timeline before Char’s switch to the Gundam.
The updated design retained the Zaku’s signature mono-eye, commander’s antenna, spiked shoulder armor, and large shield, but introduced bulkier proportions and more elaborate mechanical detailing throughout its body.
Its enlarged leg armor, exposed piping, and prominent rear thrusters gave the MS-06S a more imposing silhouette, while the traditional red and pink color scheme maintained its connection to Char’s original machine.
Bandai captured these changes in the 1/144 scale kit through carefully shaped armor sections and color-molded components, allowing builders to assemble the anime’s revised design without needing to paint its main colors.
The model comes equipped with a newly sculpted Zaku Bazooka, alongside a Zaku Machine Gun and the iconic Heat Hawk axe, providing several options for displaying Char’s mobile suit in combat.
Independently movable shoulder blocks give the arms greater flexibility when handling its weapons, while the adjustable mono-eye lets builders change the direction of the Zaku’s gaze to suit different poses.
Interchangeable hand parts and marking stickers are also included, adding further customization options and helping capture the smaller details seen in GQuuuuuuX.
The kit also makes an interesting companion to the “HG 1/144 White Gundam,” which depicts the Earth Federation prototype before Char’s capture, and the “HG 1/144 Red Gundam,” representing the modified version he subsequently piloted.
Bandai also introduced an expansion set for the Red Gundam, adding extra weapons, bits, and effect parts inspired by its appearances later in the anime.
Originally released in Japan on December 6, 2025, the “HG 1/144 CHAR’S ZAKU(GQ)” is a general retail kit that should be available from most reputable Gunpla stockists, subject to availability.
It is also currently in stock through Premium Bandai US, priced at $26.
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