What is a HCM Progressive Model?
Back in the 80’s Bandai put out the “High Complete Model” line of mecha merchandise. These was ahead of its time, featuring partially assembled toys that successfully bridged the gap between fun and detail for a variety of mecha series. This line eventually died out, but has now been resurrected as the HCM Progressive line, a Gundam only series of 1/200 scale toys.

What do you get in the box?
A HCM Pro comes in a nice window box, displaying the toy, with CG artwork on the front and the toy in action on the back. The basic figure is pre-assembled and self-contained, although models with extravagant backpacks require assembly. The toy comes with a selection of spare hands, additional weapons and spare parts. These are mounted on a number of plastic sprues, and require to be cut from them and assembled to complete the part. The exact number of weapons and spare hands tends to vary with the mecha in question, but with the exception of oddball MS like the Acguy or Guntank, you should expect two spare hands and at least two weapons.

What do they look and feel like?
The most immediate thing toy collectors will notice is probably the materials used to make these toys; the more conventional range of Gundam action figures tends towards rubbery ABS plastic. The plastic used for a HCM Pro is hard, and molded to the correct colours, there aren’t many paint applications, bar the odd bit of detailing. This gives them a fairly distinctive appearance, they look like competently completed model kits, and are visually quite appealing. A slight downside is that marks can be found on the figure, from where the part of was cut from the mold, and its very easy to make a mistake when cutting weapons from the sprue. However, this is usually simple to clean up.

Is this a toy or a model?
A bit of both. HCMPs make for good display pieces, but they are fun to fiddle with. I would however keep them away from any child under the age of eight, given the small parts and need for assembly.

How posable are they?
An overriding trend in the toy market is towards posability; the HCM Pro line is no different. Every major joint is accounted for, comparing favourably to Bandai’s much larger Master Grade series of model kits. Of particular note are the ankles and shoulders, which are multi-jointed, rather than simple peg and ball-joint affairs. Many have hidden articulation at the waist. What makes them stand out is that, as fair as I am aware, most of them have the balance to stand on one leg. Some of them, such as the Gundam Mrk 2, can even do a high kick.

What are the accessories?
As mentioned above, the accessories and weapons come on pre-painted plastic sprues. Weapons, especially Beam Sabres, tend to come with hands molded to the handles, rather than a single “gun hand” for all weapons. Large, clunky, weapons like bazookas have pivoting handles to assist posing. A big plus is that small and fiddly bits like a Gundam’s V fin are made of rubber and you get a spare. Flight capable MS, and special edition versions get display stands, which are either subjective to the MS (water for an Acguy) or adjustable to simulate different situations (the Gundam Mrk 2 Boxset).

Are there any transformable MS in the line?
Yes, a growing number as Bandai has been focussing on the old classic Zeta Gundam series. It does not appear at this time that the quality of the line drops due to the engineering challenges involved, although acceptable compromises are made. The Asshimar, for example, requires that the hands be removed to transform, and lacks waist articulation, but otherwise is excellent.

Where can I get one?
Basically anywhere that sells Gundam models. In the UK, that usually means Gundam Mad, but for the complete collection, try Hobby Link Japan

Typical price?
The price in the UK varies between £12 and £20, not including postage.