Kotobukiya returns with another exclusive kit—this time, it's the long-awaited Black Zero. AWas it worth the wait? Stick with me after the break as we dive into everything you need to know about Black Zero.
L1, L1, L1, R2
Zero is back, and stronger than ever. Zero's black armor started as a cosmetic upgrade in Mega Man X4 before quickly becoming his ultimate form in Mega Man X5 and beyond. After 2020's curveball release of Zero Nightmare, this kit has been a long time coming, and as we can see from the images, Kotobukiya completely stuck the landing. I'm very excited to talk about what makes this kit so special, so let's get right into it.
"I'm not afraid to die... But I won't die alone..."
Just like the previous Zero kits, Black Zero features impressive articulation, making it easy to pull off just about any pose you can imagine. In the past, some builders mentioned issues with the feet not staying securely attached—but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. In fact, I found the opposite to be true: I actually had a tough time removing the foot when I needed to make an adjustment. This version feels noticeably sturdier than earlier Zero releases, with no concerns about parts falling off. Overall, I’m extremely happy with this kit, and I’m thrilled to see that even a recolor like this one shows Kotobukiya is still refining and improving their work.
"Stay back X, I'll take him on!"
Black Zero is a stunning kit that comes packed in an oversized box absolutely loaded with extras. In addition to Zero himself and his standard array of weapons, this release includes several new and upgraded parts. Most notably, Zero’s hair has been redesigned—now shorter and fuller—addressing the “hollow” look of the original sculpt. The new hair design is included in both the Black Zero color and the classic Zero color, giving you options. Prefer the original hair style? No worries—this kit also comes with the classic version in the Black Zero color scheme.
One of the biggest surprises is the massive Rakuhouha effect piece. Though it’s labeled as Rakuhouha from Mega Man X4, to me it looks a lot more like Messenkou—or C-Flasher—from Mega Man X5. Either way, it’s a striking addition that adds some serious visual flair to the display. Like the Mega Man X MAX Armor Triad Thunder Ver. that was recently released, Black Zero includes an alternate neck and abdomen part to more easily create a ground punching pose. This also includes an alternate abdomen part for normal Zero.
"Giga Attack!"
Looking at the above image, you may notice something a bit different about Zero. In fact, that's not Zero at all, it's Fake Zero from Mega Man X2! While it isn't an exact match to the original Fake Zero design with the silver accents, the fact that Fake Zero was acknowledged at all in an official way is completely mind-blowing to me. After the unreleased Fake Zero D-Arts prototype that was later reworked into their Black Zero, I thought we would never see him again. Sometimes, it's good to be wrong.
"Look who I found wandering around, X."
Among the vast array of accessories that this kit comes with, we get three faces for Zero: a neutral face, a subtle smiling face, and a brand new damaged face. While trying to find a source for this face, I happened upon this image and, yeah, seems to match pretty well (see below image). Do you think this is a hint towards something else from Mega Man X6 coming in the near-future? Or do you think it could just be the first reference Kotobukiya found for a damaged Zero face?
"...How persistent... ...you are..."
"There is only one Zero!"
Black Zero includes a purple Z-Saber with four different blades. These blades are compatible with normal Zero, so let that sense & skill come out and show off the power of the Tenkuuha!
All accessories from this release.
Black Zero is a wonderful kit and was worth the wait if you ask me. The huge amount of accessories alone make this kit one that has near-endless posing options, so get creative and go crazy. Now, with White Axl just around the corner, that really just leaves us with one Maverick Hunter missing their Ultimate Armor. Can we expect the reveal of X's Ultimate Armor in the near future? Which version would be the best one to go with? I suppose we will see when we see.
"You know me. Never say die."
To get Black Zero, pre-order the upcoming White Axl, or for any number of other Mega Man items including some of the older Kotobukiya kits, check out BigBadToyStore! Be sure to use our link so they know we sent ya!
It's a solid kit. Sounds like they actually did fix the feet... Even if the design is a little suspect.
ReplyDeleteKotobukiya really needs to sell add on kits. This model could use a Zero Buster from X2 in black. Refined hair for Nightmare Zero is needed too. A more sinister face would be nice. The kit is full and the box is huge, still feels incomplete.
I've always liked the original X4 Ultimate Armor. Either that or the Collection white and blue.
Add-on kits would be wonderful. Kotobukiya does that for other lines, don't they?
DeleteAs for Ultimate, personally, I'd prefer X6 and X4.
They do add-ons for there Frame Arms, Megumi Device, etc.
DeleteThat's what I thought. I gotta wonder if there is some kind of legal loophole they'd have to jump through with Capcom for something that simple. Seems like a no-brainer to bring them out, otherwise.
DeleteIt can't be a legal loophole... Capcom would license Rockman dish cleaner if someone asked.
DeleteI don’t think it’s a legal issue. Koto *has* the Rockman license for all intents and purposes, at least for 20XX, X, and BN. I think Koto just wouldn’t see the margins they’d like for licensed add-ons. Megami Device and Frame Arms are their own IP.
DeleteDone right, I bet you their margins would be just fine.
DeleteI agree, but I’m not the one who needs to be convinced. The fact is that they could, and for *some* reason, they aren’t. Koto isn’t just not making stuff to make people on a news blog sweat.
DeleteThinking on it more, I don’t think Rockman being a license is that much of a factor. Koto made Armored Core add-ons after all. I think it’s the nature of what Rockman add-ons would be. Frame Arms, Armored Core, even Bandai’s 30 Minute Missions - it’s all deeply rooted in customization and kit bashing. Because that’s a big part of real robot otaku culture. Conversely, I don’t think many people are customizing Rockman kits into their OCs. Even when garage kits come out from Wonder Fest or what have you, it’s mostly other established characters, which Koto would just make as a full kit.
True. The Rockman clan, though, is less about customization and more about collecting. And in this case, not so much kit bashing as in filling in what's missing. Some kit bashers are out there, for sure. I did a lot of that on the Mega Armor figures.
DeleteIf Koto wanted to do an accessory kit, here is what I would like to see (most of which you can 3D print now):
Zero weapon holding hand with no thumbs up, Nightmare Zero hair version 2, Black Zero Buster X2 version, Heart Tank, Sub Tank, Life Ups, some kind of mechaniloid mob, translucent buster gems for X (Second Armor, Fourth Armor, Fourth Rising Fire), perhaps a Zero silver neck collar, Zero's weapons and Axl's Double Bullets.
For Sigma, Velguarder is a no brainer.
A Ride Chaser would be nice, too.
Would be really cool if they did Neo Sigma at some point so I can display this next to him and recreate the scene from X5's intro or something.
ReplyDeleteLooks very good. Might get this one.
ReplyDeleteStupid question: this kit comes labeled as "exclusive". What does exclusive means in the Kotobukiya line?
ReplyDeleteIn Japan, exclusive kits are only carried by Kotobukiya stores, so online shops like HLJ will not get them.
DeleteEither that restriction doesn't apply to western shops, or the shops just order straight from Kotobukiya stores in bulk.
I hope that helps.
Another great kit review. This does look cool...
ReplyDelete