Figure Build – HG IBO 1/144 Graze (Standard/Commander Type)

I don’t know if I’ve already mentioned this, but I have a soft spot for mook/grunt mobile suits like the Graze. Seeing it in action during its first episode appearance in MSG: Iron-Blooded Orphans immediately made me want to get a kit. One gimmick that stood out for me was the head armor mechanism that exposes the bright yellow sensor/camera. It made the MS seem all the more menacing.

Its a good thing most IBO kits aren’t too expensive and my preferred online store had this particular model on hand. I could’ve bought the NG 1/100 but that route would’ve exceeded last month’s GunPla spending limit. I’ll have to admit that I wasn’t as invested in the building process though, because my hands were already itching to start building the Full Armor Gundam.

Kit Details

Name: HG IBO 1/144 Graze (Standard/Commander Type)
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Released: 2015
Manufactured By: Bandai
Purchased From: Sam’s Model Kits
Price: PhP 600.00

Box art feat. Crank. Pretty okay guy IMO

Manual Side A

Manual Side B

Box contents

The box contents were what I would normally expect from a High Grade kit. The only notable sticker applications were for the head and torso. This was also one of the few builds where I didn’t forget to wash the runners before assembly.

Tools Used

• Side Cutters
• Precision Knife
• Scissors
• Sandpaper (1200 & 2000 Grit)

Build Documentation

Part 1

Head

Torso with Side Skirts

Waist

Backpack/Boosters

Weapons

I used the standard type head armor instead of the command type with the fin. This is in line with the intention to have the finished model represent a general use grunt MS. The neck joint uses a square connection from torso to head, so the notch maintains its position regardless of how the neck is swiveled. Torso movement is pretty satisfying with the mechanisms allowing standard swing, arch, crunch and side-to-side. The waist to torso connection can be a bit too loose at times though.

The backpack has two modes available. The first configuration puts the backpack in… well, the backpack position. I went with the second option where the attachments are closer to the legs. Thankfully, this choice didn’t mess up the overall balance of the Graze at all.

I wasn’t able to finish all the kit parts in one session because I ran out of time again. I did manage to finish the backpack and accessories before going to bed. Also, the new camera I’ve been using can take really nice shots but I still need to work on fine tuning the focus.

Part 2

Arms. Full elbow bend with the Left Arm

Legs. Full knee bend with the Right Leg

All parts complete and awaiting full assembly

I didn’t really have much to do during the second session since I only had to finish the arms and legs. Despite that, I ended up wasting too much time because I got too invested in watching Mobile Suite Gundam: The Origin. All the limbs had straightforward assembly procedures and part-to-part connections were satisfyingly firm. They only included the closed hand option, so single weapon wielding will look a bit weird.

Finished Product

Front

Left Side. My stupid ass forgot to raise the arm to show the body details.

Right Side with Axe

Rear

I encountered no real issues with this kit when I tried basic standing positions. Balancing is made easy because of the really good foot pivot and bend range. Forward and backward thigh movement was a bit limited during testing mostly because of how the front “skirts” were implemented in a fixed position.

inb4 not box art accurate

Size comparison with NG IBO 1/100 MS and SDEX Deathscythe Hell EW

Build Time – 5 Hours

This was one quick build. I opted to do the panel lining some other time because I wouldn’t be able to do a decent job while watching a show that I really like.

Pros and Cons

+Quick and simple assembly
+Great torso maneuverability
+Solid joints and connections
+Excellent foot range of motion
+Cheap
-No open hands
-Some people will not like the heels.

Would’ve been better if I had an HG Barbatos figure

I’ve seen a lot of people who aren’t beg fans of IBO mobile suits. If you’re part of that group, you might want to pass on this kit since it oozes IBO design philosophy. I would still recommend this kit to builders who want a kit that doesn’t need too much time to complete. The Graze tends to get overshadowed by other IBO MS, but this one would look great in a diorama.

– D