Gundam GQuuuuuuX’s Rick Dom Gaia/Ortega Gets an HG Overhaul with High-Speed Form and Classic Color Tribute!
Bandai Spirits’ Hobby Division has announced a brand-new entry in its prolific HG 1/144 Gunpla series—the Rick Dom Gaia/Ortega (GQ Ver.) from the animated series Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX!
Slated for release in September 2025, this kit stands out with a completely reimagined design by mechanical designer Ikuto Yamashita, and includes a fully functional transformation gimmick featuring the mysterious third leg. A fitting tribute to the infamous Black Tri-Stars—now reborn as the “Black Duo”! 🛰️🔥
High-Speed Mobility, Zeonic Power ⚡
In the GQuuuuuuX universe, the MS-09 Rick Dom retains its heritage as a space-modified version of the ground-type Dom. However, this new take pushes the visual and functional envelope:
✔ Sleekened limbs for agile aesthetics
✔ Enlarged dual rear boosters and an all-new fold-out third leg—not just for standing, but for high-mobility hovering maneuvers
✔ Fully transformable into high-mobility form without swapping any parts
Yamashita’s rework offers a powerful homage to the original while launching it into next-gen mecha design. From my experience with transforming HG kits, this kind of built-in gimmick is where the real fun starts—it adds both poseability and storytelling dimension right out of the box.
Purple Justice for the Black Duo 🎖️
While standard Rick Doms in the series come in military green, this kit features the iconic purple color scheme used by the remaining duo of the Black Tri-Stars—Gaia and Ortega. The hues are a nostalgic throwback, with updated color separation to elevate them with a modern edge.
🎯 Key Highlights:
✔ Multi-color molded parts with minimal need for stickers
✔ Fully articulated joints, optimized for dynamic poses
✔ Built-in transformation to high-mobility mode using the hidden third leg
✔ Beautifully blocky and weighty silhouette without bulk restrictions
Armaments Worthy of Veteran Zeon Aces
This isn’t just a pretty purple powerhouse—it’s packing some serious heat!
✔ Heat Sabers ×2 – for close-quarters domination
✔ Giant Bazooka – perfect for high-damage space combat
✔ Electro-Whip effect part – using a yellow single-core wire to replicate the forearm-mounted electromagnetic weapon
These varied weapons encourage all kinds of aggressive posing and even recreate iconic attack combos. From the third leg deploy to a mid-air bazooka charge—it’s practically begging for a custom display base setup.
Product Details
Series: HG (High Grade) 1/144 – Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Model Kit: Rick Dom Gaia/Ortega GQ Ver.
Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits – Hobby Division
Scale: 1/144 Assembly Model Kit
Height: Varies upon assembly (~12.5–13 cm / Approximately 5 inches)
Features:
✅ New sculpt with redesigned proportions by Ikuto Yamashita
✅ Foldable third leg built into the backpack
✅ Unique high-mobility transformation without part swapping
✅ Multicolor parts for superior out-of-box finish
✅ Multiple iconic weapon accessories included
✅ Black Tri-Star (Duo) color theme from the anime
Price: 3,630 yen (Approximately $24 USD)
Release Date: September 2025
Conclusion
The HG 1/144 Rick Dom Gaia/Ortega (GQ Ver.) is more than a tribute—it’s a next-gen celebration of Zeon engineering. With its anime-accurate sculpt, transforming mechanics, and classic color return, this kit perfectly blends retro energy with modern Gunpla engineering.
Whether you’re a long-time Zeon loyalist or just a fan of transforming kits with attitude, this one is a must-add to your high-mobility arsenal. Don’t miss your chance to relive the might of the Black Two-Star in spectacular HG form! 💥🛰️
