Gunpla Spotlight: RG 1/144 Gundam Epyon Recreates Wing Zero’s Greatest Rival
Image by Charlotte Davis
Few mobile suits in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing were as intimidating as Gundam Epyon, a crimson machine built to overwhelm its opponents in brutal close-range combat.
The “RG 1/144 GUNDAM EPYON” brings this fearsome Gundam to Bandai’s detailed Real Grade Gunpla line, complete with its enormous Beam Sword, flexible Heat Rod, and transformation into a two-headed dragon-like Mobile Armor.
Introduced in the original Mobile Suit Gundam Wing anime, the OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon was developed by OZ leader Treize Khushrenada, who believed that battles should be settled through direct combat between opposing pilots.
Unlike most other Gundams, Epyon was deliberately built without conventional long-range weapons, relying instead on a powerful Beam Sword connected directly to its main generator and a segmented Heat Rod mounted on its shield.
The mobile suit also incorporated the Epyon System, an advanced combat-prediction interface derived from Wing Gundam Zero’s ZERO System, which could show its pilot possible battle outcomes at the risk of overwhelming their mind.
Heero Yuy initially piloted Epyon, but it eventually passed into the hands of Zechs Merquise, also known as Milliardo Peacecraft, who took it into battle during the final stages of the conflict between the Earth Sphere Unified Nation and White Fang.
This set the stage for one of Gundam Wing’s most memorable battles, as Zechs faced Heero and Wing Gundam Zero in a dramatic showdown toward the end of the series.
Bandai’s Real Grade kit retains Epyon’s imposing crimson armor while introducing more intricate mechanical detailing and an original, pterosaur-inspired interpretation of its Mobile Armor mode.
The transformation turns Epyon’s legs into two dragon-like heads, complete with opening mouths and movable horns.
Articulation in the lower legs and thighs also allows the transformed machine’s necks to bend and twist, making it possible to create dynamic flying poses with both heads facing different directions.
The large red wings feature multiple interconnected panels that spread as the main sections move, while adjustable mounting joints allow builders to change their position and height.
Bandai has also put plenty of thought into Epyon’s sword-fighting abilities, incorporating a multi-axis torso, movable shoulder armor, and rotating forearms that allow the Gundam to wield its oversized Beam Sword with both hands.
Extra wrist movement provides even more flexibility, while a locking mechanism in the hips helps keep the model stable during more ambitious poses and when switching between its two configurations.
The segmented Heat Rod is another highlight, using Bandai’s Advanced MS Joint technology to create a flexible weapon that can be twisted and curved into sweeping attack poses.
Meanwhile, the massive Beam Sword connects to the Gundam through a flexible lead wire, matching the cable that supplies the weapon with power in the anime.
The kit also includes the Epyon Shield, a Beam Sword holder, interchangeable hand parts, display connectors for both configurations, and a sheet of Realistic Decals for adding extra surface markings.
Fans looking to recreate the climactic battle between Heero and Zechs can pair Epyon with the “RG 1/144 WING GUNDAM ZERO,” putting two of Gundam Wing’s most powerful machines face to face.
Epyon’s design has also been revisited through the limited-edition “RG 1/144 GUNDAM EPYON -APEX LEGENDS Alter Ver.-“, which exchanges its original crimson armor for a blue, black, and pink color scheme inspired by Alter from the popular battle royale game.
Originally released in Japan on September 30, 2023, the “RG 1/144 GUNDAM EPYON” 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 $59.
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