I didn’t watch past episode 3, but does the main character die at the end of season 1? I only ask because the only registered pilot for the Kenbu Zan is its tiny Shisa-like AI, Gai. I mean, if that’s true, that’d be a neat twist. I always felt like the MC would die, anyway, since a lot of the imagery in the OP/ED (I don’t remember which, it’s been a while) showed the other characters without him.
This kit is essentially identical to the original Kenbu, but with almost all the armor redesigned. You could swap any part between them with no issue, except the ankles which are new. Their range is about the same, though differ slightly in where they reach. Also, the torso, waist, and head are the same with new red armor pieces and horns. It also comes with a second copy of the original Kenbu’s rifle and both of its mismatched shoulders.
The Details: I replicated everything I did on the original Kenbu; black panel lining, black fill, repainting the yellows gold. I did take a little liberty on the shoulders, doing them in just black rather than a separate stickered grey that only appears on that one piece.
As for the sword, I filled and lined it in black, painted the top of the hilt red to match the stickers, and painted the blade silver to match the production photos.
Overall, it is the Kenbu again, but has enough visual and constructive differences that I didn’t experience much mold fatigue when building it. I think I like it more aesthetically, with the more concentrated reds and large sword, but they also make a nice pair, and it’s cool seeing the two of them side-by-side. If they do a third iteration, I’ll probably pick it up, too.