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Superior Defender Gundam
Zapper Zaku

Review by Douglass Kern
10.6.2003

ASM Quick Facts
Click to see Gallery	Manufacturer: Bandai (www.bandai.com) Series: Superior Defender Gundam MSRP: $9.99 Price Class: Deluxe Availability: General release to all toy stores

The Zapper Zaku is one of the first Superior Defender (SD) Gundam action figures to be released. It's fitting that this toy was available in the first wave, as Zapper Zaku was the first of the Dark Axis Generals to appear in the show.

Zapper Zaku, like many of the SD characters, is based on a previous design, as a reference to a past production. In this case, Zapper Zaku is based on the Mega Commander Bloody Zaku, from the SD Gundam G-Arms animated movie and Game Boy Game. He is a close match to the original design, save for only a few small differences, mostly in ornaments and slight color changes. He was designed by Kunio Okawara, renowned for his numerous designs in various Gundam series, most notably the designs in the original Mobile Suit Gundam, the Zeta Gundam, the Crossbone Vanguard MS's from F-91, the majority of the Mobile Fighters from G-Gundam, and mostly recently, the Mobile Suits from Gundam SEED.

The toy itself is a wonderful figure. You wouldn't expect an SD figure to be fully articulated, but Zapper Zaku boasts over 20 points of articulation. The only major areas to lack joints are both knees, but since SD designs don't have knees in the first place, this loss of movement is acceptable. However, the Zapper Zaku even compensates for this, as his leg armor can pivot to help pose the figure in different positions.

Zapper Zaku is predominately a rich crimson red with gray as a secondary color, rounded out by yellow for his assorted spikes and missiles and black highlights. The color combination is extremely pleasing to the eye and makes Zapper Zaku look almost regal. In addition to the colors, the toy is very detailed. Zapper Zaku even has a flip up missile casing on his right shoulder pad.

Fans of the show will be pleased to know that Zapper Zaku comes with all his standard equipment: two machine guns and his swiveling Gatling Gun. On top of that he has two Heat Hawks, one molded with the headblade extended. Zapper Zaku can easily and securely hold the four weapons in his hands. The Heat Hawks can also be stored in his left shoulder pad armor when not in use.

The Gatling Gun deserves special mention. Unlike the other weapons, this is actually attached to Zapper Zaku via a set of joints on as special swiveling waist. The Gatling Gun can be swung out so Zapper Zaku can hold it in his two hands, or it can be positioned so it is hanging above his shoulder. This swiveling joint is the one small flaw of the figure, since it is very hard to position the gun for Zapper Zaku to hold. Also, it is connected in place by an open ball joint, so it can come apart if you are not careful. If this does happen to you, don't worry; it can be easily popped back into place. On the bright side, Zapper Zaku usually has the Gatling Gun in shoulder position on the show, and the accessory is perfectly stable in this position. If that position doesn't appeal to you, feel free to fold it up on his back to the side.

Lastly, because the figure is a deluxe, Zapper Zaku has an electronic gimmick. Press the button on the back of his head, and his mono-eye lights up! It's a great little gimmick that doesn.t interfere with the toy in any way.

The Zapper Zaku is a great action for the price, and it is definitely worth your money as a worthy addition to any Gundam collection.

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