A presence that never stops capturing the hearts of ”Zoids” fans, the Lightning Saix Irvine Custom has descended once again. Moreover, this time it is a ”Recolor” version that more faithfully reproduces the impressive coloring from the anime broadcast back in 2000. That black body, which exudes an extraordinary presence, has been given a deep new color scheme, resulting in a finish that vividly evokes past memories. In particular, the painting on the shoulders and neck creates a strong sense of the show's atmosphere that previous models couldn't provide, giving you the real feeling that ”Irvine's Zoid” has returned.

What I particularly want to focus on in this specification is the reproduction of the ”Restraints” that became a hot topic in the series. These removable parts function as a gimmick that seems to set the stage for the moment combat is authorized, letting you feel the tension of the Zoid world just by looking at them. Soft material is used for the power pipes, adding a sense of mechanical density without compromising the freedom of movement. The greatness of this kit lies in how both functionality and expressiveness are packed in without any compromise whatsoever.

The sophisticated gimmicks unique to the HMM (Highend Master Model) series are still going strong. The head cockpit can open and close, adding the realism of being able to actually seat the Irvine figure inside. Furthermore, the ”Micro Missile Pod” on the upper torso, the ”Double-Barreled Shock Cannon” on the lower part, and even the ”Pulse Laser Rifle” on the back can be deployed without parts replacement. Among them, the Strike Laser Claw gimmick is excellent, balancing movable deployment with tip effects using interchangeable parts, contributing to the expression of both stillness and motion. By integrating these details, the display after completion goes beyond being just a model, creating an immersive feeling as if a ”story” is rising up right there.

The included clear parts for the cockpit come in clear green, orange, and even colorless, allowing for your own original arrangements depending on the paint job. The decals are also abundant, and by applying various emblems and caution marks, the reality as a military machine stands out even more. This aspect is packed with elements that stimulate the creator's creativity, showing that it's not just about finishing the assembly; the depth that makes you want to keep working on it is its charm.

In the Zoids series, the Lightning Saix was a presence symbolizing speed and sharpness. With an outlaw pilot like Irvine riding it, a one-of-a-kind personality known as the ”Black Lightning” was born. This kit, which maximizes that charm using current technology and modeling skill, is not just a simple recolor. It is an ”evolved Lightning Saix” that fuses respect for the past with modern expressiveness.