RG GN-001 Gundam Exia [Trans Am Clear]
I'm weird when it comes to spoilers.
Because I'm into model kits and tend to see what's coming out before I've gotten into a show, I usually have a sense about the general plot or vibe. Watching Gundam Wing, for instance, I knew there would be some upgrades to some of the kits (but not all - throw that Wing Gundam in the garbage, here's an entirely new one). But, since I don't want to spoil every single plot point ahead of time, I usually know absolutely nothing context wise. Really head empty besides thinking 'aw damn cool robot'.
So, Trans-Am mode? All I knew about it before watching Gundam 00 was 'huh I guess the Exia turns red?' Had no idea the context or even why but it was super exciting when it finally popped off, mostly because I thought "oh shit I can built that RG now!"
I think the Exia might be my favorite design from all of Gundam 00 because it manages to be simple and cool while also having narrative significance both to the story and the pilot. Setsuna wants to be a Gundam because being a Gundam means something! Incredible stuff, make your characters want things and then tell me what they want and I'll root for them every time. It also has a gun that becomes a sword and we all know that fucking whips
The RG Exia itself though is... less than stellar. Some of the smallest parts I've ever had to deal with attaching to the most finicky connectors I've seen in, literally, years. There's a sheet of reflective plastic that just kinda lays on several flat parts that's then covered by another plastic bit that locks in on top and it feels bad every time. I definitely snipped one of the shoulders too closely and briefly considered trying to make it a Exia Repair before just gluing it together. The kit also suffers from early RG syndrome - trying to get some of the poses for these photos had the arms slowly droop down from the weight of its own existence.
The transforming sword is still a great gimmick, though. Love it to bits.
