[RG] Justice Gundam

RG Justice Gundam and Its Universe

The RG Justice Gundam faithfully brings the sleek and powerful ZGMF‑X09A from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED into 1/144 scale. As the 9th entry in Bandai’s Real Grade lineup, this kit recreates Athrun Zala’s justice‑seeking mobile suit with stunning detail—complete with its vast booster pack (Fatum‑00) and signature beam boomerangs.

Bandai’s RG version captures all the distinctive elements: the removable Fatum‑00  backpack now redesigned as a lifter, articulated inner‑frame, and accurately molded beam weaponry. The kit strikes a careful balance between visual impact and mechanical sophistication, catering to both die‑hard collectors and Gunpla fans looking for a piece of Cosmic Era nostalgia.

Release Date and Price of the RG Justice Gundam

The RG 1/144 Justice Gundam was officially released on July 28, 2012, marking it as the ninth model in the Real Grade series. At launch, it retailed for ¥2,625 JPY (Japanese Jen), consistent across standard releases.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

Intricate Inner Frame & Stable Lifter
Equipped with the signature Advanced MS Joint 4 system and a redesigned Fatum‑00 lifter, the Justice poses solidly, even with the hefty backpack attached.

Wide Range of Accessories
Comes loaded: two beam boomerangs (detachable from shoulders), twin beam sabers (can combine), a beam rifle, shield, and an Athrun Zala figure—all enhancing posing options.

Color‑Accurate Molding
Beautiful multi-colored runners reduce painting needs, delivering anime-accurate visuals right off the sprues.

Cons

Heaviness and Posing Instability
Many builders note that the weight of the lifter/backpack makes unsupported posing precarious—Action Base support is almost mandatory.

Older RG Build Quality
As an early RG, some joints may feel floppy or loose (knee armor, wing tips). A few parts might require glue or reinforcement.

Sticker Reliance
Boasts many fine markings, but these are applied via stickers that may need careful precision or replacement with decals.

Challenging for Beginners
Features advanced inner frame mechanics and small parts—enthralling for seasoned builders, daunting for newcomers.

Community Feedback

The RG Justice remains divisive within the Gunpla community—admired for appearance, yet criticized for fragility:

“It’s a pretty okay early RG kit with some issues, but looks pretty good when you put some care into it.”
“The RG Justice is known to be a finicky kit… some parts do wanna fit together and I had to highly modify them.”

Many recommend reinforcing key joints or using glue to ensure a stable build. Despite quirks, it holds strong “display value”—especially when posed on its booster pack.

Conclusion

The RG Justice Gundam is a striking blend of style and mechanical complexity—an early RG classic that captures the essence of the Cosmic Era’s flagship suit. While its heft and older build system may challenge poses, with thoughtful assembly and reinforcement it becomes a centerpiece of any Gunpla collection.

Final rating for the RG Justice Gundam is 4.3/5.