
Kit review: HGCE 1/144 Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom)

A machine developed as a successor to the GOUF Ignited. The “S” and “A” versions of its “B.O.L.E.L.O.” backpack also use some standardised components and manufacturing processes. Though they both have forms that resemble wings, the “B.O.L.E.L.O. S” contains propellant tanks for use in space and has enhanced cooling systems. Beam sabres are installed in the newly designed shield so that it can also be used as a weapon, and it is armed with the distinctive Slayer Whip of the GOUF Ignited.
Agnes’s machine is coloured differently from the standard type, and its visor and shield are highlighted with ruby pink.
– Info:
HGCE 1/144 Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom)
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
Price: 3190 yen
Release date: Apr 27, 2024
HGCE 1/144 Gyan Strom (Agnes Giebenrath Custom)
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
Price: 3190 yen
Release date: Apr 27, 2024

– Design:
Like Gelgoog Menace, Gyan Strom is also designed based on a Mobile Suit from the original Gundam series 0079, Gyan. Its design is a close combat machine modelled after the shape of a gladiator with a beam sabre and large shield. Because this kit is the Agnes version, the colour tone differs from the original Gyan Strom, mainly white and light blue. Its backpack is “B.O.L.E.L.O.” The S version specialises in space (used by Agnes in the final battle in the SEED FREEDOM movie). It has a shape similar to GINN or CGUE’s backpack that appeared in the first Gundam SEED.
Like Gelgoog Menace, Gyan Strom is also designed based on a Mobile Suit from the original Gundam series 0079, Gyan. Its design is a close combat machine modelled after the shape of a gladiator with a beam sabre and large shield. Because this kit is the Agnes version, the colour tone differs from the original Gyan Strom, mainly white and light blue. Its backpack is “B.O.L.E.L.O.” The S version specialises in space (used by Agnes in the final battle in the SEED FREEDOM movie). It has a shape similar to GINN or CGUE’s backpack that appeared in the first Gundam SEED.


– Build quality:
The plastic quality of this kit is very good, so that nubs can be easily processed. The kit consists mainly of bright-coloured parts that help handle nubs better. Gyan Strom has very good part separation on the body, so the decal is mostly used on the backpack (the sample illustrated in this review only uses a mono-eye decal). Because the backpacks of Gyan Strom and Gelgoog Menace are the same type, they use the same part of runner A’ The gold parts used include the beam sabre and shield, which are made of metallic gold plastic. The beam effect parts are also made of flexible PS plastic similar to the beam sabres commonly found in Gundam models.
The plastic quality of this kit is very good, so that nubs can be easily processed. The kit consists mainly of bright-coloured parts that help handle nubs better. Gyan Strom has very good part separation on the body, so the decal is mostly used on the backpack (the sample illustrated in this review only uses a mono-eye decal). Because the backpacks of Gyan Strom and Gelgoog Menace are the same type, they use the same part of runner A’ The gold parts used include the beam sabre and shield, which are made of metallic gold plastic. The beam effect parts are also made of flexible PS plastic similar to the beam sabres commonly found in Gundam models.


– Articulation:
Gyan Strom also uses the “SEED Action System” joint system however it is a little different from previous kits in the SEED FREEDOM series. The head can move forward and back quite deeply due to the design; the head armour part does not rotate much. The mono-eye part also cannot move. Instead of using a double joint system like Gelgoog Menace, Gyan Strom uses an internal joint that can rotate. Although not much, it still supports the movement range of the arm. The shoulder armour has a latch that can be pushed to the sides to help keep the large shoulder armour from getting stuck. The waist uses a double joint to help it bend and move on both sides, which is very good. The hip joint has no support mechanism but can still move quite comfortably. The ankle joint can also move flexibly to help the machine stand better.
Gyan Strom also uses the “SEED Action System” joint system however it is a little different from previous kits in the SEED FREEDOM series. The head can move forward and back quite deeply due to the design; the head armour part does not rotate much. The mono-eye part also cannot move. Instead of using a double joint system like Gelgoog Menace, Gyan Strom uses an internal joint that can rotate. Although not much, it still supports the movement range of the arm. The shoulder armour has a latch that can be pushed to the sides to help keep the large shoulder armour from getting stuck. The waist uses a double joint to help it bend and move on both sides, which is very good. The hip joint has no support mechanism but can still move quite comfortably. The ankle joint can also move flexibly to help the machine stand better.




– Gimmicks and accessories: Gyan Strom’s types of equipment are mainly melee weapons similar to the original Gyan version in UC0079:
+ X1 Beam Rifle: A basic beam rifle commonly found in grunt suit models. When not in use, you can attach it to the right hip protector.
+ X1 Beam Rifle: A basic beam rifle commonly found in grunt suit models. When not in use, you can attach it to the right hip protector.


+ X1 Ferro Secare Beam Saber: A beam sabre similar to the one used by the original Gyan. There is a specialised hand to hold it in a forward-pointing pose. When not in use, it will be mounted on the left side of the armour.


+ X1 Falx G7 Beam Axe: A large beam axe similar to the Beam Tomahawk used by Yzak’s Slash Zaku Phantom in Gundam Seed Destiny. It has replaceable parts to convert into a shortened version and attach it to the rear side armour when not used.


+ X1 Self-Propelled Shield: A large round shield is mounted on the left hand, similar to the original Gyan’s Missile Shield. But instead of being equipped with missiles, this shield can attach a spinning effect part around it and use it as a melee weapon.


+ X1 Slayer Whip: A heat whip is attached to the wrist, similar to Gouf Ignited from Gundam Seed Destiny. When using, we will remove the core part from the wrist and use the part of the hand holding the extended whip. Although both wrists are equipped, this kit is only used on the right hand.


+ X2 “Tridenti” Triple-Barrel Rotary Beam Machine Gun: 2 small machine guns are mounted inside Gyan Strom’s chest armour. When used, it opens the chest and attaches two gun heads (quite similar to Shi-ve. A’s gimmick).


+ X2 “Peregrinus” 6-Tube Short Range Guided Missile Launcher: 2 missile tubes are attached to the back of the backpack, similar to the one on Gelgoog Menace. When in use, each wing of the pack can be pushed forward.


In particular, due to the shared backpack “B.O.L.E.L.O.” system, Gyan Strom and Gelgoog Menace can swap packs with each other. Then we will have the Gyan Strom version that Agnes pilots at the beginning of the movie and the Gelgoog version that Hilda pilots in the final battle.


–> Overall: HGCE Gyan Strom is a kit with a unique design inspired by UC0079’s Gyan. The strongest point of this kit is the number of interesting equipment and gimmicks. This will be a grunt suit kit worth experiencing if you like the kit models of the HGCE SEED FREEDOM series or are a fan of Agnes. If you like the colour version of Hilda with the “B.O.L.E.L.O.A” backpack, a P-bandai version is available for sale.


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