HCM-Pro Zaku Warrior Mini Review

The HCM-Pro line was always a toyline that interested me. Small little figures of Gundam with surprising amount of hidden mechanical detail in them despite the 1/200 scale, I always wanted one. However they were just too expensive due to rarity, and more often than not, I was turned off by their prices. However, I went digging around and saw one for only $11.6, so you bet I picked it up and brought it home.

The figure itself is 1/200 scale, so it's quite small despite it's hefty retail price point. In terms of accessories, this figure has it's weapons molded on runners and pre-painted, but there are a few areas you'll have to cut out nubs in the paint. Articulation is overall good for the size despite it's simple engineering, the tubing on the legs even move so it doesn't get too far in the way of poseability. The figure itself feels a bit floppy though, could be due to how light it is though, still has the fact.

The main attraction to the HCM Pro line are the numerous areas where you can remove the armor or move it to reveal a lot of expertly painted mechanical detail. Those areas are the forehead, chest, outer thighs and under the leg. I tried to show them in this image, but this image does not do it justice. It's definitely something you'll have to have to appreciate. The monoeye can also be moved if you remove the scalp.

Verdict:

In think it's quite a nice figure for the size. Despite being the tiny size of 1/200 scale, it's quite articulate, comes with a decent amount of accessories, has a few gimmicks, details are painted extremely well, and overall it's a nice figure for it's size. Now the main turn off for this figure, and is one for the rest of the line as well, is the price. These figures are decently rare nowadays, and finding one at retail could prove a challenge. This guy retails for 1,500 yen alone, which is a little expensive for this guy, I could buy 2 of his HG counter parts at that price. Still, it's a nice figure with a lot of detail, so if you find one at a similar price to $12, i'd try it out.

Pros:

- Extreme amount of well painted details.
- Amazing mechanical detail under the armor. (!)

- Nice articulation and poseability for it's size.

Cons:

- Quite expensive considering what you're getting, retailing at 1,500 yen. (!)
- Feels a bit floppy, not the best feeling.
- Nubs on painted areas look horrible and stand out like sore thumbs.