The MGEX Unicorn and Banshee are among the most coveted kits in the Gunpla world, known for their intricate transformation and stunning LED integration. However, Bandai's official MGEX Banshee comes with a hefty price tag, making it inaccessible for many hobbyists. Enter Divine Beast, a third-party manufacturer that has released its own take on the MGEX Banshee with LED. This review dives deep into the Divine Beast MGEX Banshee, examining its build, lighting, and overall quality to help you decide if it's a worthy alternative.
Divine Beast has been making waves in the third-party scene, and their MGEX Banshee is one of their most ambitious projects yet. With a price point significantly lower than the Bandai original, it promises a similar experience without breaking the bank. But does it deliver? We've built and tested this kit extensively, and here's our honest assessment.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Divine Beast MGEX Banshee arrives in a sturdy, well-designed box that mimics the premium feel of the official release. Inside, you'll find multiple runners of colored plastic, a set of water slide decals, and a detailed instruction manual. The plastic quality is surprisingly good, with crisp details and minimal flash. The gold accents, typical of the Banshee, are molded in a shiny metallic plastic that looks great out of the box.
One of the first things you'll notice is the sheer number of parts. This is a complex kit, and the build will take several hours, even for experienced builders. The manual is clear, though some steps require careful attention due to the intricate transformation and LED wiring. If you've built an MGEX Unicorn before, you'll feel right at home.
- Sturdy box and well-organized runners.
- Metallic gold plastic parts look premium.
- Water slide decals included, not stickers.
- Complex build, expect 10-15 hours of work.
Build Quality and Materials
The overall build quality is impressive for a third-party kit. The plastic feels durable, and the fit is generally tight, though some joints may need a bit of sanding or adjustment. The transformation mechanism, which is a hallmark of the MGEX line, works surprisingly well, though it's not as smooth as the Bandai original. The frame is pre-assembled, which saves time, but you'll need to be careful when handling it to avoid stress marks.
One area where Divine Beast excels is in the details. The sculpt is sharp, and the panel lines are deep and clean, making it easy to panel line for a more realistic look. The LED units are pre-installed in the head, chest, and legs, and they're bright and vibrant. However, the wiring is delicate, and you'll need to route it carefully during assembly to avoid damage.
- Pre-assembled frame saves build time.
- Sharp sculpt with deep panel lines.
- LEDs are bright but wiring is delicate.
- Some joints may need minor adjustments.
LED Lighting Effects
The LED lighting is the star of the show in any MGEX kit, and Divine Beast's implementation is commendable. The head, chest, and leg LEDs all light up with a bright, even glow. The eyes and chest light up in the signature psycho-frame green, while the legs have a green and gold pattern that looks stunning in low light. The LEDs are powered by a single battery pack that fits neatly in the waist, and the on/off switch is easy to access.
Compared to the Bandai original, the LEDs are slightly less bright, but they're still very effective. The green color is accurate, and the lighting effects really bring the kit to life. One downside is that the LEDs are not adjustable, so you can't change the brightness or color. However, for the price, this is a minor compromise.
- Bright green LEDs in head, chest, and legs.
- Battery pack fits in waist, easy to access switch.
- Not as bright as Bandai's, but still impressive.
- No adjustable brightness or color options.
Articulation and Stability
The MGEX Banshee is known for its excellent articulation, and Divine Beast's version maintains that standard. The kit can achieve dynamic poses, and the joints hold their position well, even with the added weight of the backpack and weapons. The arms and legs have a wide range of motion, and the transformation between Unicorn and Destroy modes is smooth, though you'll need to be patient during the process.
One issue we encountered is that the ankle joints are a bit loose, which can make standing poses tricky without a base. The included action base helps, but it's not as robust as some third-party bases. If you plan to display this kit in a dynamic pose, we recommend using a sturdy action base like the Playman Studio Snake Bone Action Base Stand Black for PG 00 Raiser 1/60, which provides excellent support.
Playman Studio Snake Bone Action Base Stand Black for PG 00 Raiser 1/60
- Wide range of motion for dynamic poses.
- Ankle joints may be loose, use a base.
- Transformation is smooth but time-consuming.
- Included base is adequate but not premium.
Comparison to Bandai MGEX Banshee
The most obvious comparison is to Bandai's official MGEX Banshee, which retails for over $300. Divine Beast's version comes in at a fraction of that price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders. In terms of build quality, the Divine Beast kit is very close, but there are some differences. The plastic feels slightly less premium, and the fit is not as perfect, but these are minor issues that can be addressed with basic modeling skills.
The LED effects are comparable, though the Bandai version is brighter and offers more control. The articulation is nearly identical, and the transformation is just as satisfying. If you're a purist who demands the best, the Bandai original is still the way to go. But for most hobbyists, the Divine Beast MGEX Banshee offers incredible value for money.
- Price is significantly lower than Bandai's.
- Build quality is close but not identical.
- LEDs are slightly less bright and less customizable.
- Great value for budget-conscious builders.
Accessories and Extras
The kit comes with a decent set of accessories, including the Banshee's signature Armed Armor DE and Armed Armor VN. These are well-sculpted and attach securely. The kit also includes a small display base and a set of water slide decals. While the decals are nice, they're not as high-quality as Bandai's, and you might want to use aftermarket decals for a more professional finish.
If you're looking to enhance your Banshee further, consider adding the MG HWS Expansion Set for Hi Nu Gundam Ver. Ka 1/100 or the P-Bandai: MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Expansion Set to your collection. These expansion sets can add more play value and display options, though they're not directly compatible with the Banshee.
- Includes Armed Armor DE and VN.
- Water slide decals included, but aftermarket may be better.
- Display base is basic but functional.
- Consider expansion sets for more display options.
The Divine Beast MGEX Banshee with LED is a fantastic third-party alternative that delivers most of the experience of the Bandai original at a much lower price. While it has a few minor flaws, such as loose ankle joints and slightly less bright LEDs, the overall build quality, articulation, and lighting effects are impressive. If you're on a budget but want the MGEX Banshee experience, this kit is definitely worth considering. For those who want the absolute best, the Bandai original remains the gold standard, but for most hobbyists, the Divine Beast version is a smart choice.
