Gunpla Spotlight: MG 1/100 Gundam Deathscythe EW (Roussette Unit) Gives Duo Maxwell’s Reaper Its Wings
Image by Charlotte DavisDuo Maxwell’s Gundam Deathscythe made its name striking from the shadows in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, but the Glory of the Losers manga gave the fearsome mobile suit an entirely new advantage, equipping the self-proclaimed God of Death with a pair of mechanical wings that allowed it to take the fight into the skies.
The “MG 1/100 GUNDAM DEATHSCYTHE EW (ROUSSETTE UNIT)” brings this heavily modified version of Duo’s Gundam to Bandai’s Master Grade Gunpla line, combining its signature Beam Scythe and stealth-focused design with an elaborate winged backpack capable of extending into a full flight configuration.
First introduced in the 1995 anime Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, the XXXG-01D Gundam Deathscythe was one of five advanced mobile suits sent to Earth as part of Operation Meteor, piloted by the energetic and often unpredictable Duo Maxwell against the military forces of OZ.
Developed by Professor G, Deathscythe specialized in stealth operations and close-range combat, using its powerful Hyper Jammer systems to interfere with enemy sensors before moving in to attack with its enormous Beam Scythe.
The machine also carried a Buster Shield equipped with opening claws and a beam blade, providing Duo with an additional weapon capable of being launched toward his enemies.
Deathscythe subsequently received a major redesign from mechanical designer Hajime Katoki for Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, with this updated appearance also incorporated into New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz – Glory of the Losers.
The manga retold the events of the original Gundam Wing anime while introducing additional scenes, character developments, and specialized mobile suit equipment that had not appeared in the television series.
Among these additions was the Roussette Unit, a pair of wing-like devices mounted on either side of Deathscythe’s backpack that gave the mobile suit atmospheric flight capabilities comparable to those of the Wing Gundam.
This dramatically expanded Deathscythe’s aerial mobility while retaining the close-combat weaponry and stealth systems that had made it such a dangerous opponent during Operation Meteor.
Bandai’s 1/100 scale Master Grade kit builds on the original MG Gundam Deathscythe EW released in 2010, retaining its existing body and weapons while introducing an entirely new backpack assembly based on the Roussette equipment.
The additional components form two large mechanical wings that extend outward from Deathscythe’s back, giving the finished model a far more imposing silhouette while retaining the familiar proportions and armor of Katoki’s original design.
Each wing incorporates sliding mechanisms and multiple articulated joints, allowing the equipment to be displayed in its standard position, folded into a compact storage configuration, or fully extended for flight.
The individual sections are molded in separate colors to capture the layered mechanical appearance of the Roussette Unit, while the movable connections provide plenty of flexibility when adjusting the wings for different display poses.
Beneath the additional equipment, the model retains the detailed internal frame and extensive articulation of the standard Master Grade Deathscythe EW, including extendable shoulder joints and movable wrists designed to accommodate its large melee weapons.
The signature Beam Scythe comes with a translucent green blade effect, allowing builders to recreate Deathscythe’s sweeping attacks, while the Buster Shield includes opening claws and a separate beam effect for displaying its offensive capabilities.
Interchangeable hand parts provide additional options for gripping the scythe and positioning the arms, while the opening cockpit hatch and detailed mechanical components offer further opportunities to explore the underlying Master Grade design.
Bandai also includes water-slide decals designed by Hajime Katoki, allowing builders to apply additional markings across Deathscythe’s armor and expanded flight equipment.
For builders interested in collecting different versions of Duo’s Gundam, the standard “MG 1/100 GUNDAM DEATHSCYTHE EW” offers the same underlying mobile suit without the Roussette equipment, making it a suitable alternative for those who prefer its original Endless Waltz styling.
The “MG 1/100 GUNDAM DEATHSCYTHE HELL EW” offers another option, this time based on Deathscythe’s upgraded form, complete with its large bat-like Active Cloak that can unfold into an imposing pair of wings or close around the mobile suit’s body.
Originally released in Japan in April 2020, the “MG 1/100 GUNDAM DEATHSCYTHE EW (ROUSSETTE UNIT)” is a Premium Bandai-exclusive Gunpla kit and is not part of the standard general retail lineup.
Although it is not currently in stock through Premium Bandai US, where it has typically been priced at around $55, it is worth checking back regularly for potential restocks.
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