The release of a figure of Messala, a character from the anime "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam," as part of Bandai Spirits' "ROBOT Spirits" series, as "ROBOT Spirits <SIDE MS> PMX-000 Messala ver. ANIME" has been generating a lot of buzz. It's a three-dimensional representation of the Messala, a high-thrust variable mobile armor (MA) developed by Paptimus Scirocco, a genius who returned from Jupiter. But what exactly is a Messala?
◇Scirocco: "Fall, dragonfly."
The Jupitris, a resource mining ship that travels between the Jupiter sphere and Earth, was designed and developed by Scirocco. It was built to adapt to the gravity environment of the Jupiter sphere and is equipped with high-power thrusters. While its MS (Mobile Suit) form is massive, standing at approximately 30 meters tall, it boasts agile maneuverability and is equipped with a large mega particle cannon with firepower on par with that of a battleship.
Scirocco's Messala first appeared in episode 10 of "Z Gundam," "Reunion." It toyed with Kamille Bidan's Gundam Mk-II and Quattro Bajeena's Hyaku Shiki, leaving a strong impression with the latter being overwhelmed by the strange pressure. Combined with Scirocco's exceptional piloting skills, the Messala was more than just a weapon, imbuing fear into the minds of its enemies.
In episode 11, "Atmospheric Entry," it was deployed to thwart AEUG's attempt to land on Earth, battling the Gundam Mk-II and the Hyaku Shiki. The scene where it transformed into its mobile suit emphasized its enormous size and left a vivid impact. In the same episode, Scirocco's famous line, "Fall, dragonfly," is known.
It was later passed down to female pilots such as Sarah Zabiarov and Reccoa Londo, causing trouble for the AEUG.
The Messala's model number is "PMX-000," and it is the origin of the "PMX" series created by Scirocco. Developed based on a unique design philosophy, the "PMX" series continues with the Pallas Athene (PMX-001), Borynok Saman (PMX-002), and The O (PMX-003).
◇The first ever realistic three-dimensional object
The figure "ROBOT Spirits <SIDE MS> PMX-000 Messala ver. ANIME" aims to be the "definitive Messala." At approximately 23cm tall, it's a massive figure that can feel "pressing." The Gundam Mk-II from the "ROBOT Spirits" series is approximately 13cm tall, so when placed next to it, its size really stands out.
The proportions are different in the design drawings and in the movie, and the chest extension gimmick allows it to have either proportion. Another major feature is that it has a "complete transformation" mechanism without the need for parts replacement. This is said to be the first time in history that a three-dimensional object with realistic head proportions can transform without parts replacement.
It is packed with details that will wow fans, including parts that can recreate the distinctive wrist gripping the beam saber seen in the battle scene in episode 28 of "Z Gundam," "Infiltration of Jupiter."
18,700 yen. Pre-orders are being accepted on Bandai Namco Group's shopping site, Premium Bandai. Shipment is scheduled for August. (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
