The release date of Ultra-Act Gaia V2 was October 22, 2011. About three years later, Bandai brought out this Ultra-Act Gaia V1. In fact, the V1 is not the official name but gave by Ultraman fans, just making it convenient to tell from Gaia Version 2. And even the release date of this Gaia V1 was three years later than V2, there is no significant differences between them.
Perhaps afraid that the popularity of this figure would be low, Bandai combined the XIG Fighter with this Gaia V1 and also made it a Tamashii Exclusive product. Because Tamashii Exclusive product will never be reproduced, almost every Tamashii Exclusive Ultra-Act’s price is keeping rising, this Gaia V1 is no exception. So if you are a collector or want to own XIG Fighters, I advise you to buy it as soon as possible.
(1) Outer box and Instruction Page
All Tamashii Exclusive Ultra-Act have their own brown shipping boxes. And the outer box is still different from normal box. There is no front window so you cannot see the figure if you do not open it. The box is also thick.
(2) Inner Box
Two levels of inner box. The first level holds the figure Ultraman Gaia V1 and small accessories like hands and XIG Fighters. The second level still contains big effect parts.
(3) All items
Gaia V1 has a clear plastic paper inserted between chest and waist to prevent the wear of the painting on the waist. To remove it, first pulling the chest out and then removing this paper. Unfortunately even under this protection, many Gaia V1 waist paintings are still scratched like mine. The most important reason is the character of silver paint it used.
Contains: Ultraman Gaia V1 Figure, two additional sets of interchangeable hand parts, Red Timer, plastic stand attachment, alternate folded armor, Photon Edge, Quantum Stream beam, XIG Fighter EX, XIG Fighter SS, XIG Fighter SG * 2 and Agul Blade.
(4) Four views of the figure
Unlike the Ultra-Act Gaia V2, the silver paint of Gaia V1 is bright and thick. When you touch the silver painting, it feels a little bit soft. That is why many Gaia V1 waist paintings are scratched even with protection. Not only wrist, but also other silver paintings could be easily scratched. So please be careful when you enjoy this figure.
Except for the rub problem, the whole figure is really great.
(5) Head Articulation
Inheriting from the Ultra-Act Gaia V2, there is a big problem with heading up. But other directions are good.
(6) Waist Articulation
(7) Body Articulation
Body articulation is same as Ultra-Act Gaia V2.
(8) Accessory One – Red Timer
The color of Blue Timer is so dark that it seems like a bit opaque. Changing Timer is easy and there is no need to pick the armor off.
(9) Accessory Two – Folded Armor
A folded armor is provided. With it, the range of arms articulation is highly improved.
(10) Accessory Three – Agul Blade
In fact, Gaia V1 do not have this ability. This Agul Blade is owned by Gaia V2. Why the accessory of Gaia V2 did not come with Ultra-Act Gaia V2 but appeared in the Gaia V1 box? This is the old trick of Bandai to promote sales. If you already have Ultra-Act Gaia V2 and want this accessory, you should also buy this Gaia V1.
(11) Accessory Four – Photon Edge
We know that Ultra-Act Gaia V2 also has this “Photon Edge” effect part. But their shapes are different (the third picture below is Ultra-Act Gaia V2). Moreover, the Photon Edge effect of Gaia V2 is modeled with an alternative head, but Gaia V1’s effect is independent.
The fourth picture below is Ultra-Act Gaia V2 with “Photon Edge” effect. You can make a comparison between it and Gaia V1.
(12) Accessory Five – Quantum Stream Beam
The Quantum Stream beam is molded in PVC and with some flavescent highlights. In order to use it, a particular hand is provided. This key-shape hand can plug into the modeled slot in the Quantum Stream beam.
(13) Accessory Six – XIG Fighters
Very delicate Fighters! You can click the picture to see details! I think it’s one of the important reasons that collectors buy Gaia V1. Four Fighters are included: XIG Fighter EX, XIG Fighter SS, XIG Fighter SG * 2. Here is a brief introduction quote from Ultraman Wiki:
XIG Fighter EX
It is Gamu’s personal fighter jet which he created during his recruitment into XIG. While designing the jet, he borrowed some of PAL’s design to fit into it. Gamu usually use the jet when collecting data. While transforming into Gaia, he will use PAL to replace him by auto-piloting the jet in order to keep his identity as an Ultraman a secret. Destroyed by Zogu in episode 50.
XIG Fighter SS
It is the leading XIG Fighter piloted by the leader of the team. This new concept of fighter jet is mounted with gravity defying repulsorlift system which the same one used to keep the Aerial Base on top of the sky and a hyper jet engine, giving it a high mobility and making it faster. While in combat the jet is armed with HEAT missile under the cockpit, super heat ray beam gun and cannon. Destroyed when Aerial Base rammed with Mokian.
XIG Fighter SG
It is the supporting jet piloted by supporting members of the team. This unit is deformed into a flight form from the container form part models, including the cockpit is rotated 180 degrees in the formula down splash. While in combat this jet armed with HEAT missiles on each wings, snipers and laser beams. Destroyed when Aerial Base rammed with Mokian.
(14) Poses
Summary:
If you are a collector or you want to own these XIG Fighters, I would strongly recommend this figure to you especially it is Tamashii Exclusive which will never be reproduced. This figure has a great shaped body with strong muscles. Head carving is also delicate. If you want to buy a figure to play, I do not recommend it. Because the silver painting can be easily scratched.
If you have questions about this figure or ideas want to share, feel free to leave reply below.
Hope you enjoy this review!
Tokusatsu Box 