[MG] Gundam Barbatos

MG Gundam Barbatos and Its Universe

The MG Gundam Barbatos is a centerpiece in Bandai’s Master Grade lineup, meticulously recreating the fierce and agile mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. Piloted by Mikazuki Augus, Barbatos is known for its skeletal aesthetic, raw combat style, and the symbolic brutality of its hammering melee weapons. The MG kit brings all of this to life with exceptional detail, engineering, and screen-accurate proportions that embody the unique design philosophy of the IBO universe.

This Master Grade release stands out with its full internal frame, piston mechanisms, and enhanced articulation that faithfully represent the “naked machine” look of Barbatos. Bandai’s implementation of realistic mechanical movement, layered armor separation, and accurate weaponry results in a kit that is both visually striking and structurally satisfying—an essential for both serious modelers and fans of the series.

Release Date and Price of the MG Gundam Barbatos

Released in December 2019, the MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos marked a major milestone as the first Iron-Blooded Orphans mobile suit to receive a full-featured Master Grade kit. At launch, it retailed for approximately ¥4,500 JPY (Japanese Yen), offering a comprehensive build experience that combined mechanical depth, realistic articulation, and stunning visual accuracy at a highly competitive price point.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

Outstanding Inner Frame and Engineering
The MG Barbatos features one of the most intricate internal frames ever designed in the MG line, incorporating working pistons in the arms and legs that move in sync with articulation. The inner skeletal structure gives the model both a dynamic range and a raw, mechanical presence.

Superb Proportions and Screen Accuracy
Every element—from the exposed armor joints to the weapon scale—closely matches the anime’s visual style. The slender build and open mechanical layout are perfectly preserved, making it one of the most faithful adaptations in MG history.

Excellent Weapon Design
The kit includes the iconic Mace, Smoothbore Gun, and interchangeable hand parts, allowing for a wide variety of combat-ready poses. The mace in particular is massive and well-balanced, adding impressive weight and visual drama to the kit.

Advanced Articulation
Thanks to its unique frame construction, the MG Barbatos allows for highly expressive poses. Whether kneeling, slashing, or taking flight, the mobile suit moves fluidly and holds its position reliably.

Cons

Some Loose Joints Over Time
While the initial joint tension is tight, repeated posing—especially in the ankles and shoulders—may lead to slight loosening, requiring future maintenance or tightening.

Delicate Pipe Sections
The mechanical tubing around the waist and back can be fragile during assembly. Builders need to be cautious to avoid stressing or bending these parts.

Panel Lining Required for Depth
Although color separation is excellent, the kit benefits greatly from additional panel lining to highlight its inner frame and mechanical details, which can be time-consuming for beginners.

Moderate Build Complexity
The advanced frame and detailed parts layout may pose a challenge for novice builders. The assembly requires patience and precision to fully appreciate the kit’s engineering.

Community Feedback

The MG Gundam Barbatos has been widely praised within the Gunpla community for its innovation, articulation, and uncompromising attention to detail. It’s often cited as one of the best representations of a non-UC mobile suit in MG format. While some builders note minor joint wear with heavy posing, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Fans and collectors alike celebrate it as a groundbreaking release that set a new standard for Master Grade kits.

Conclusion

The MG Barbatos delivers a bold, mechanical build experience with an extraordinary level of detail, articulation, and authenticity. It stands as a flagship example of how Bandai can push the limits of plastic model engineering while staying true to the spirit of the original mobile suit. For fans of Iron-Blooded Orphans or anyone seeking a visually and technically impressive MG kit, Barbatos is an essential addition to the collection.

Final rating for the MG Gundam Barbatos is 4.7/5.