RX-178 Gundam Mk-II is the machine at the centre of Mobile Suit Z Gundam (1985, Universal Century 0087). The Titans built it as the direct successor to the RX-78 Gundam, and Kamille Bidan ends up flying one after taking it during a test.
What it does in the story
The takeover is what starts the war. The A.E.U.G. seized units 2 and 3 by exploiting an accident during a proficiency test at Green Noa 1, and the last machine went with Emma Sheen when she left the Titans, so all three prototypes ended up with the A.E.U.G. From there the Mk-II carried the faction's fighting, winning on the fronts it was committed to.
What makes it different
-
It is the RX-78's successor with the Core Block removed.
Bandai describes it as the direct-line successor developed seven years after the One Year War. It drops the Core Block System and introduces the Movable Frame and Vulcan Pod System, and it was drawn up around colony-suppression combat.
-
The Titans and A.E.U.G. versions are one machine in two schemes.
Bandai keeps two mecha profiles for the RX-178, and the difference between them is affiliation and paint. The Titans profile gives the colour scheme as dark blue; the A.E.U.G. machine is the white one.
-
The two official armament lists are not identical.
The Titans profile lists two beam sabers, beam rifle, shield and Vulcan Pod System. The A.E.U.G. profile adds a Hyper Bazooka and the Flying Armor, which is why the Flying Armor appears only as a white-version kit accessory.
-
All three prototypes changed hands in one sequence.
Two were taken in the Green Noa 1 test, the third went with Emma Sheen, and the captured pair was later dismantled for spares. The whole production run ends up accounted for.
Why buy from P-Rex Hobby
P-Rex Hobby is a Bandai Recommended Hobby Store with 20,000+ customers served and 1800+ five-star reviews. US orders ship duties prepaid with no import fees, and Route Package Protection is available at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the white Gundam Mk-II a different mobile suit from the dark blue one?
No. Both are the RX-178, built by the Titans and flown by the A.E.U.G. after the prototypes were taken. The Titans profile gives the colour as dark blue and the A.E.U.G. profile describes the white machine, but frame, armament and performance are one design.
2. What is included in the Gryphios War Set?
Three kits in one box: the Z Gundam, the Hyaku-Shiki and the Gundam Mk-II, all from the Gryps conflict. It is a three-machine set from 2006 rather than an expansion for the Mk-II, and Bandai does not state which colour the Mk-II inside is moulded in.
3. Why does the Mk-II not use a Core Block System?
Bandai's profile says the Core Block was dropped in the redesign, alongside the Movable Frame and Vulcan Pod System. Removing the combined cockpit-and-fighter block is what lets the frame carry the structure instead.
4. Which Mk-II release comes with the Flying Armor?
The High Grade Mk-II with Flying Armor, first released in 2005. It pairs the suit with the support craft, adds parts for the flight configuration, stows the shield on the Flying Armor and includes an adjustable stand.
5. Who has piloted the Gundam Mk-II?
Bandai's Titans profile lists Kamille Bidan, Emma Sheen, Kacricon Cacooler and Jerid Messa. Kamille takes a Mk-II during the Green Noa 1 test; Emma later leaves the Titans and brings the third unit with her.
Background sources: RX-178 Gundam Mk-II — Gundam Wiki · ガンダムMk-Ⅱ（日本語版 Wikipedia）
