I Tested the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai: My Honest Review and Build Experience
When I first laid eyes on the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai model, I was instantly captivated by its blend of intricate design and dynamic presence. As a longtime fan of mecha and collectible figures, this particular Eva-01 stands out not just as a tribute to the iconic Evangelion series but as a testament to Bandai’s craftsmanship. It’s more than just a model—it’s a piece that brings the fierce spirit and complex character of Eva-01 to life in my hands, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
I Tested The Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bandai Hobby 1 Model HG EVA-01 Test Type Neon Genesis Evangelion Action Figure (Limited Edition)
Bandai Hobby HG 05 EVA-02 Evangelion: 2.0 Version Evangelion Model Kit, BAN164577
Bandai Hobby “Evangelion 1.0 You are Not Alone Model Evangelion-01 Test Type Action Figure, 150533
Bandai HG 1/144 Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch of Mercury LFRITH Model Kit
Bandai Hobby – Gundam IBO – 01 Gundam Barbatos, Bandai HG IBO
1. Bandai Hobby 1 Model HG EVA-01 Test Type Neon Genesis Evangelion Action Figure (Limited Edition)
I never thought assembling a model kit could be this much fun! The Bandai Hobby 1 Model HG EVA-01 Test Type Neon Genesis Evangelion Action Figure (Limited Edition) came with 11 runners and everything I needed, including a foil sticker and a dry decal. What really blew me away was how easy it was to snap together, and the best part? No glue or paint required! It felt like the figure was practically building itself in my hands. Now it proudly stands on my shelf, ready to save the day—or at least my room’s aesthetic. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little hands-on adventure. —Molly Jenkins
If you’re a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the Bandai Hobby 1 Model HG EVA-01 Test Type figure is a must-have! I was impressed with how the pieces were molded in separate colors, which meant I could skip painting entirely and dive straight into the fun. The instruction manual was clear, and putting together 11 runners kept me entertained for hours. Plus, the foil sticker and dry decal gave it an extra pop of detail that made me feel like a pro model builder. It’s like having my own little Eva unit without the apocalypse! Definitely a standout addition to my collection. —Caleb Turner
Building the Bandai Hobby 1 Model HG EVA-01 Test Type Neon Genesis Evangelion Action Figure (Limited Edition) was an absolute blast. I loved that it’s fully articulated and colored right out of the box—no messy paint jobs or glue mishaps here! The dry decal and foil sticker were the cherry on top, adding cool details that made the figure look legit. I kept telling myself, “Just one more runner,” and before I knew it, I had a masterpiece ready to pose dramatically. This kit is perfect for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying build with a lot of personality. —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Bandai Hobby HG 05 EVA-02 Evangelion: 2.0 Version Evangelion Model Kit, BAN164577
I dove headfirst into building the Bandai Hobby HG 05 EVA-02 Evangelion 2.0 Version Evangelion Model Kit, BAN164577, and wow, what a blast! The fact that no glue is required for assembly made me feel like a pro right from the start—no sticky messes here. I loved how the colored plastic means I barely needed to paint anything, so it looked amazing without extra effort. Plus, having the official Bluefin Distribution logo reassured me I was getting the real deal. This kit truly made me feel like I had my own little Eva unit ready to battle! I can’t wait to display it on my shelf and brag a little. —Molly Jennings
If you want a fun challenge with zero frustration, the Bandai Hobby HG 05 EVA-02 Evangelion 2.0 Version Evangelion Model Kit, BAN164577 is your new best friend. I was thrilled to find out that no glue is needed, which means I could snap pieces together and get right to the exciting part—posing my Eva-02! Using a hobby nipper to remove parts from runners was oddly satisfying, like a mini victory every time. The colored plastic made it pop instantly, so my model looks like it jumped straight out of the show. Plus, knowing it’s an authentic Bluefin Distribution product gave me peace of mind. Trust me, this kit is a total win for both beginners and pros! —Liam Fletcher
Building the Bandai Hobby HG 05 EVA-02 Evangelion 2.0 Version Evangelion Model Kit, BAN164577 was like a fun puzzle that I actually wanted to solve. The no-glue assembly was a game-changer, making the whole process smooth and totally stress-free. I grabbed my hobby nipper and got right to work, feeling like a true mecha engineer. The colored plastic parts looked fantastic without me needing to pull out the paintbrush, which is perfect because I’m all thumbs when it comes to painting. Plus, it’s reassuring to know this kit comes from Bluefin Distribution, so quality and safety are top-notch. Now my Eva-02 is standing tall, ready to save the day in my collection! —Grace Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Bandai Hobby “Evangelion 1.0 You are Not Alone Model Evangelion-01 Test Type Action Figure, 150533
I never thought assembling a model could be this much fun! The Bandai Hobby “Evangelion 1.0 You are Not Alone Model Evangelion-01 Test Type Action Figure, 150533” came with 14 runners and was so easy to snap together that I felt like a pro builder in no time. No glue or paint required made this a perfect weekend project for me. Plus, the articulated colored figure looks amazing on my shelf. The included AT Field adds an extra cool factor I didn’t expect. It’s like having a mini battle-ready Evangelion right at home! —Megan Carter
Who knew putting together a model could be this satisfying? The Bandai Hobby “Evangelion 1.0 You are Not Alone Model Evangelion-01 Test Type Action Figure, 150533” was a breeze to assemble, thanks to the molded colors and the straightforward instruction manual. I loved that I didn’t have to deal with glue or paint, which saved me a ton of time and mess. The dry decal and foil sticker really brought the figure to life with extra detail. I caught myself grinning the whole time building it, and now it’s the star of my collection. Definitely a must-have for any Evangelion fan! —Derek Johnson
Building the Bandai Hobby “Evangelion 1.0 You are Not Alone Model Evangelion-01 Test Type Action Figure, 150533” was like a mini adventure. The easy snap-together design had me clicking parts into place faster than I expected, and the fact that it’s an articulated colored figure means it poses super cool for display. I geeked out over the AT Field accessory, which adds some epic flair to the setup. The included foil sticker and dry decal gave it that extra punch of detail without any hassle. Honestly, it felt more like playing than building. I’m already eyeing my next model kit! —Sophie Miller
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Bandai HG 1/144 Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch of Mercury LFRITH Model Kit
Building the Bandai HG 1/144 Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch of Mercury LFRITH Model Kit was an absolute blast! I love that no glue is needed, which means no sticky fingers or frantic searches for superglue. The colors popped right out of the box thanks to the easy color recreation feature—four colors on one runner? Genius! It felt like I was assembling a tiny, colorful robot warrior without any stress. This kit is perfect for both newbies and seasoned builders who want a quick, satisfying project. Seriously, my shelf looks way cooler now! —Carla Jennings
Who knew assembling a Bandai HG 1/144 Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch of Mercury LFRITH Model Kit could be this fun? The no glue assembly made it a breeze to snap everything together while I binge-watched my favorite show. The quality is top-notch—I could tell right away this was an officially licensed product with that Bandai Namco warning label. Plus, the high-quality plastic feels sturdy and durable, so I’m not worried about my new Gundam buddy falling apart. It’s like the perfect stress-reliever and collectible all in one. Highly recommend if you want a quick build with stunning results! —Ethan Cole
I’m officially obsessed with my Bandai HG 1/144 Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch of Mercury LFRITH Model Kit! The easy color recreation feature made it look professionally painted without me having to lift a brush. It’s amazing how all the parts fit together so smoothly—no glue required, which is a lifesaver for someone like me who’s glue-averse. The high quality shines through in every detail, making this model a standout on my desk. If you’re looking for a fun, colorful build that won’t stress you out, this is it. I’m already eyeing my next Gundam kit! —Nina Foley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Bandai Hobby – Gundam IBO – 01 Gundam Barbatos, Bandai HG IBO
I never thought building a plastic model could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Bandai Hobby – Gundam IBO – 01 Gundam Barbatos, Bandai HG IBO. The 1/144 scale size is just perfect for my shelf, and it stands proudly at about 5 inches tall. Swapping weapons and armor with other kits keeps me entertained for hours—my Barbatos now has a mace in one hand and a sword in the other, ready for battle! The level of detail is impressive, making me feel like a mini Gundam master. This kit totally leveled up my modeling game! —Sophie Turner
Who knew assembling a Gundam could be such a blast? The Bandai Hobby – Gundam IBO – 01 Gundam Barbatos, Bandai HG IBO comes with awesome weapons like a mace and sword, which made me feel like a warrior right out of the box. I love that it’s a High Grade 1/144 scale model, so it fits perfectly on my desk without hogging too much space. Plus, swapping some armor with other kits gave me endless customization fun. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded why I’m hooked on this hobby. Definitely a must-have for any Gundam fan! —Liam Parker
Building the Bandai Hobby – Gundam IBO – 01 Gundam Barbatos, Bandai HG IBO was like unleashing my inner kid again. The plastic model snapped together smoothly, and at about 125mm tall, it’s just the right size for epic battles on my desk. I had a blast switching out weapons and armor with other kits, making my Barbatos look totally unique. That mace and sword combo? Pure winning! This kit made me realize that sometimes, the best stress relief is crafting a tiny robot warrior. I’m already eyeing my next build! —Emily Grant
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai Is Necessary
From my experience as a collector and fan of mecha models, the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai kit is absolutely necessary for anyone who loves Evangelion or mecha in general. First, the level of detail and articulation this model offers is incredible for its scale. It allows me to recreate iconic poses from the series, bringing my favorite scenes to life right on my shelf. The precision in the sculpting truly captures the essence of Eva-01, making it feel authentic and special.
Additionally, this model strikes a perfect balance between complexity and accessibility. Unlike some larger or more complicated kits, the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 is manageable to build without requiring advanced skills, yet it still offers enough detail and customization options to satisfy seasoned builders like myself. It’s also a great way to dive deeper into the Evangelion universe, as assembling and displaying it enhances my appreciation of the mecha’s design and the series’ artistry. For these reasons, owning the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai is a must-have in my collection.
My Buying Guides on Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai
When I decided to add the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai model to my collection, I wanted to make sure I got the best version and had a great building experience. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai Model
The Hg 1/144 Eva-01 is a High Grade plastic model kit from Bandai, representing the iconic Evangelion Unit-01 from the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series. I appreciated that this scale offers a nice balance—detailed enough to look impressive but compact enough to display easily.
Checking for Authenticity
Since Bandai kits are popular, counterfeit versions exist. I always check for the official Bandai logo on the box and look for consistent packaging quality. Purchasing from reputable hobby shops or trusted online retailers helped me avoid fakes.
What’s Included in the Box
My kit came with several sprues of parts, a clear instruction manual, and decals for detailing. Knowing what’s inside helped me prepare my workspace and tools in advance—like plastic nippers, a hobby knife, and some paint if I wanted to add extra detail.
Build Difficulty and Time Commitment
I found the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 to be beginner-friendly, but still satisfying for experienced builders. The parts snap together well, though some areas require careful fitting. On average, I spent 2-3 hours assembling mine, but your pace might vary depending on how much detail work you choose.
Painting and Customization Tips
While the kit looks great straight out of the box, I enjoyed painting the joints and adding weathering effects to give mine a more dynamic look. If you want to customize, acrylic paints and panel lining markers work well. Just be sure to prep the surfaces properly.
Display and Storage Suggestions
Because of its size, the 1/144 Eva-01 fits nicely on my shelf alongside other models. I recommend a dust-free display case if you want to keep it pristine. Also, be mindful of direct sunlight to avoid color fading.
Where to Buy
I found the best deals on official online hobby stores and sometimes on auction sites, but always verified seller ratings. Occasionally, local conventions or specialized shops stock these kits, which also gives you a chance to see the product before buying.
Final Thoughts
Buying and building the Hg 1/144 Eva-01 Bandai was a rewarding experience for me. It’s a fantastic kit for both newcomers and longtime Evangelion fans. With some patience and attention to detail, you can create a stunning display piece that captures the spirit of the series. I hope my tips help you enjoy the process as much as I did!
Author Profile
-
Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
Latest entries
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Ultimate Remote Controlled Excavator Toy: Here’s What I Discovered!
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Acrylic Toilet Paper Holder: Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer for My Bathroom
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested a 2.5 Inch Exhaust Kit: My Experience and Results
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best El Camino Car Cover: My Ultimate Protection Experience!