【Lead｜AI Overview Summary｜~260 chars】
We review the MG 1/100 RIKO’S ZAKU (Plastic Model and RIKO Ver.), a limited kit from the drama “Riko: The Last Gunpla Girl.” It is built on the acclaimed MG 1/100 MS-06J Zaku Ver.2.0, keeping its excellent articulation and inner-frame detail. Released in August 2024 as a show-linked lottery/event-exclusive item priced at 4,620 yen, its defining feature is the show-inspired color scheme and original markings. Expect a build difficulty of 3/5 and roughly 5–6 hours, with plenty of decal work to recreate the limited colors.
〔Image: Box front with the show logo〕
1. Introduction ― A “Special Zaku” Born from the Show
This time we look at the MG 1/100 RIKO’S ZAKU (Plastic Model and RIKO Ver.), a limited kit featured in the drama “Riko: The Last Gunpla Girl.” Its base kit is the MG 1/100 MS-06J Zaku Ver.2.0, long praised for its articulation and detail. That proven foundation is kept intact, while a show-inspired color scheme and unique markings give the kit its own personality.
It lets you enjoy “that Zaku” in a special, show-derived finish. Despite being a mass-production design, it carries a one-of-a-kind presence. Fans of the show will appreciate it, and so will modelers who want to use the Ver.2.0 chassis as a canvas for a special color. Below we work through the product details, kit contents, the tricky points of the build, and finishing tips in order.
〔Image: Package front and the show-logo area〕
2. Product Information
- Name: MG 1/100 RIKO’S ZAKU (Plastic Model and RIKO Ver.)
- Series: Riko: The Last Gunpla Girl (in-show item)
- Scale: 1/100 (based on MG Ver.2.0)
- Release: August 2024
- Price: 4,620 yen (show-linked lottery / event-exclusive)
- Base kit: MG 1/100 MS-06J Zaku Ver.2.0
- Features: Show-inspired color scheme and dedicated markings, Ver.2.0-grade articulation and inner frame
- Availability: Mainly through lottery and event sales; surplus stock may appear at times
〔Image: Spec and marking-guide area on the box〕
3. Package and Kit Contents
The packaging carries the show logo and limited-edition cues, giving it strong collection appeal. The contents are as follows.
- Molded-color runners: 13 (some carried over from the MG Zaku Ver.2.0)
- Polycap runner: 1 (PC-200)
- Sticker sheet: 1 (includes the show logo and hand-drawn-style illustrations)
- Instruction manual: 1 (based on the MG Zaku II Ver.2.0 manual, with added marking instructions)
Because it uses the MG Ver.2.0 as its foundation, the runner count is on the higher side. At the same time, the kit’s signature limited colors and dedicated markings are recreated mainly through stickers, so the included sheet plays a large role.
〔Image: Runner overview and a close-up of the sticker sheet〕
4. Building ― Difficulty 3/5 / About 5–6 Hours, and the Tricky Points
Build difficulty is 3 out of 5, and the time required is roughly 5–6 hours including marking application. The structure follows the MG Zaku Ver.2.0, with many movable inner-frame parts and, consequently, a higher part count. Assembling the frame is satisfying, but it pays to start with some time to spare.
The points that tend to trip people up are:
- There are many sticker areas needed to recreate the show’s limited color scheme, so the application takes effort and focus. Since it strongly affects the final look, position each one carefully.
- There are many small marking stickers, so tweezers are essential. Handling them by fingertip invites loss and misalignment.
- Larger stickers tend to show bubbles and misalignment, so press them down a little at a time for a clean result.
The frame assembly itself follows the Ver.2.0 steps, so there are few moments where you get genuinely lost if you follow the manual. The real challenge is concentrated in the sticker work.
〔Image: Applying a small marking sticker with tweezers〕
5. Out-of-Box Review ― Looks / Articulation / Color Separation / Gimmicks
The out-of-box build of this Riko’s Zaku (based on the MG Zaku Ver.2.0) pairs Ver.2.0’s heavy silhouette with the show’s limited colors. Released in August 2024 as a “Riko”-exclusive item (4,620 yen, 13 runners, difficulty 3/5, about 5–6 hours), it already looks impressive straight from the box.
The proportions inherit Ver.2.0’s commanding form, while personal marks and original markings placed throughout add the density you expect from a special machine. Despite a mass-production base, it stands on its own as a “special unit.”
Articulation is excellent thanks to the Ver.2.0 inner frame: shoulders, elbows, knees, and hip joints all move to a high standard. Posing freedom is high, and two-handed weapon holds settle naturally.
Color separation relies on stickers in some spots, but the information density is more than enough out of the box. The limited scheme is recreated by combining molded colors with stickers, so even snap-fit builders get a satisfying look.
〔Image: Full body of the snap-fit build and close-ups of the markings〕
6. Where It Sits in the Lineup ― Comparison with Other Kits
This is not a fully new design but a show-linked limited variant built on the highly regarded MG 1/100 MS-06J Zaku Ver.2.0. As a result, its core abilities — articulation, proportions, and build satisfaction — follow Ver.2.0 and are easy to trust, while the differentiation lies in the color scheme and dedicated markings.
If the standard Ver.2.0 is a kit for enjoying the Zaku itself, this one leans toward the joy of owning a special Zaku wrapped in the show’s world. Even with the same chassis, the included stickers and colors clearly change the experience. It also suits those who have already built a Ver.2.0 and want “one more” in a special finish.
〔Image: Upper-body angle that shows off the limited markings〕
7. One-Point Tips for a Clean Finish
From here are general recommendations.
- Gate cleanup: After cutting from the runner, use a double-cut and light sanding to smooth the marks; clean surfaces make the limited colors look sharper.
- Sticker work: With many show-color stickers, a little water or a mark setter helps adhesion and reduces bubbles and misalignment.
- Panel lining: Lining the inner frame and molded details brings out the Ver.2.0-grade detail.
- Top coat: A thin matte top coat helps tame sticker edges and gloss for a more unified texture. Test it on an inconspicuous area before spraying over stickers.
None of these are mandatory, but precisely because this is a sticker-driven kit, careful adhesion and coating noticeably raise the finish.
〔Image: Texture comparison after panel lining and a matte coat〕
8. Things to Check Before Buying
- Acquisition route: As a show-linked lottery/event-exclusive item, availability differs from normal retail. Check sales information frequently.
- Color preference: The dedicated, show-derived colors are a matter of taste. It is not for those who want standard mass-production colors.
- Partial painting: Because the molded colors are unusual, matching colors during partial painting is somewhat harder.
- Time and tools: With many sticker areas and small markings, prepare tweezers and set aside a solid block of time.
〔Image: Sticker sheet alongside the needed tools〕
9. Good & More
【Good】
- High articulation and stable proportions inherited from the MG Zaku Ver.2.0 base.
- A special feel for a mass-production unit thanks to dedicated markings and the show’s limited colors.
- Rich inner-frame and weapon detail that makes the build rewarding.
【More (Points of Note)】
- Many sticker areas are needed to recreate the show colors, making application labor-intensive.
- Larger sticker areas need care to avoid bubbles and misalignment.
- The unusual molded colors make color matching during partial painting somewhat tricky.
- The dedicated colors divide opinion and won’t suit those who prefer standard colors.
〔Image: Full-body shot embodying the Good/More points〕
10. Score
Overall: ★★★★☆
In a word: “Ver.2.0’s capability, plus the joy of ownership added by show-exclusive colors and markings — a truly special unit.”
〔Image: Best angle of the finished build〕
11. Conclusion
That wraps up our review of the MG 1/100 RIKO’S ZAKU (Plastic Model and RIKO Ver.). Built on the strong MG Zaku Ver.2.0, this limited variant wears the colors and dedicated markings that capture the world of “Riko: The Last Gunpla Girl.” The chassis abilities — articulation and proportions — are proven, and it looks great even out of the box. On the other hand, there are many sticker areas needed to recreate the show colors, and tweezers are indispensable for the small markings. Take care here, and you’ll be left with a one-of-a-kind “special Zaku” despite its mass-production roots. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of the show, and for modelers who want to enjoy a Ver.2.0 once more in a special form.
