RX-0 Gundam 02 Unicorn Banshee Norn RG 1/144 #27

The Black Lion of the Unicorn programme gets one of the most impressive transformation gimmicks ever squeezed into a 1/144 Gunpla.

The RG #27 RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn brings Riddhe Marcenas’ formidable black-and-gold Unicorn Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn to the Real Grade range.

Released in February 2018, Bandai Spirits engineered this kit with a full Unicorn Mode to Destroy Mode transformation at 1/144 scale, newly designed Armed Armor XC and DE equipment, multiple shades of dark navy armour and the Banshee’s striking golden Psycho-Frame.

RX-0[N] Banshee Norn – The Black Lion

The Banshee is the second RX-0-series machine and the dark counterpart to Banagher Links’ Unicorn Gundam.

Where the Unicorn is predominantly white with its distinctive single horn, the Banshee takes a considerably more sinister approach.

Dark navy armour.

Golden antenna.

Glowing gold Psycho-Frame.

And a head design deliberately intended to evoke the silhouette of a lion.

The lion motif isn’t accidental. Series author Harutoshi Fukui suggested the imagery as a counterpart to the Unicorn, drawing inspiration from the famous The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries referenced throughout Gundam Unicorn.

The Banshee Norn

The Norn represents the upgraded configuration piloted by Riddhe Marcenas.

Rather than the Armed Armor BS and VN associated with the earlier anime version of the Banshee, Riddhe’s Norn is equipped with the Armed Armor XC and Armed Armor DE.

These additions dramatically alter the silhouette of the machine.

The XC adds considerable bulk and complexity around the backpack, while the enormous DE turns the shield into something much more substantial.

Put everything together and the Banshee Norn looks considerably more aggressive than a straightforward black recolour of the Unicorn.

Full 1/144 Transformation

This is the big one.

The RG Banshee Norn can transform between Unicorn Mode and Destroy Mode without replacing the entire body.

Armour sections throughout the:

Head.

Chest.

Shoulders.

Arms.

Waist.

Legs.

And backpack.

shift to expose the Psycho-Frame underneath.

For a model standing at roughly 1/144 scale, it’s an extraordinary amount of mechanical engineering.

Unicorn Mode

In Unicorn Mode, the Banshee Norn has a much tighter and more restrained silhouette.

The Psycho-Frame is largely hidden.

Armour sections remain closed.

The head carries its distinctive closed antenna.

And the machine appears noticeably more compact.

This configuration really highlights the different shades of dark navy used across the armour.

Bandai uses three separate dark navy moulded colours to give the exterior greater depth instead of simply producing the entire machine in one flat black-blue colour.

Destroy Mode

Activate NT-D and everything changes.

Armour panels separate across the entire Mobile Suit, exposing the brilliant golden Psycho-Frame underneath.

The legs extend.

The chest opens.

The shoulders expand.

The head transforms.

The Armed Armor XC deploys.

And the overall proportions become considerably taller and more aggressive.

It’s one of those transformations where putting the two configurations side-by-side makes it difficult to believe they’re actually the same model.

Three Antenna Options

Bandai provides three different antenna options.

You get one movable transforming antenna plus two fixed antennas, allowing you to prioritise either the transformation gimmick or the cleaner appearance of a dedicated Unicorn/Destroy Mode head configuration.

That’s particularly useful because the Banshee’s enormous gold antenna is one of the defining features of the entire design.

Want the gimmick?

Use the movable version.

Want the cleanest display?

Use the appropriate fixed version.

Armed Armor XC

The distinctive Armed Armor XC mounted around the backpack was newly moulded specifically for the Banshee Norn.

During transformation it expands alongside the rest of the Mobile Suit, revealing additional Psycho-Frame areas.

Bandai uses clear components within sections exposed in Destroy Mode, adding further depth to the transformation.

The XC also dramatically increases the visual mass around the upper body.

From behind, this definitely isn’t just a Unicorn Gundam painted dark blue.

Armed Armor DE

Then there’s the enormous Armed Armor DE.

Based around the Unicorn’s shield, the DE adds substantial additional equipment that makes the whole assembly considerably larger and more aggressive.

The RG recreates the Armed Armor DE using additional newly designed parts, and it transforms alongside the Mobile Suit.

Mounted on the arm, it gives the Banshee a huge defensive silhouette.

Mounted behind the machine, it makes the backpack look even more ridiculous.

In a good way.

Beam Magnum

Naturally, the Beam Magnum is included.

One of the signature weapons of the RX-0 series, the Beam Magnum provides the Banshee Norn with serious ranged firepower.

The RG version also features removable ammunition magazines.

Spare magazine equipment can be mounted onto the rear waist armour, adding another nice piece of functional military detailing to the model.

Revolving Launcher

Attached beneath the Beam Magnum is the distinctive Revolving Launcher.

This transforms the already substantial Beam Magnum into an even more elaborate weapon system and helps distinguish Riddhe’s Banshee Norn from the standard Unicorn’s loadout.

It’s one of those weapons that looks complicated enough in the anime.

At 1/144 scale, it’s even more impressive.

Beam Jutte

The Beam Magnum can also be equipped with a Beam Jutte through parts replacement.

That gives the ranged weapon an additional close-combat capability and provides another option when creating battle poses.

Because apparently the Beam Magnum wasn’t dangerous enough already.

Beam Sabers & Beam Tonfas

The Banshee Norn carries multiple Beam Saber handles across the body.

The forearm-mounted sabers can also be deployed forward in the familiar Beam Tonfa configuration, allowing you to recreate close-range combat poses without having to place conventional swords into the hands.

It’s one of the best-looking combat configurations of the Unicorn family.

Dark armour.

Golden Psycho-Frame.

Beam Tonfas deployed.

Job done.

Real Grade Mechanical Detail

The transformation might grab the headlines, but there’s a huge amount of surface detail here too.

The RG treatment adds panel lines, armour separation and mechanical detailing throughout the body.

Different shades of navy break up the large armour surfaces, while the gold and translucent Psycho-Frame provides a dramatic contrast underneath.

Then you’ve got the Realistic Decals.

Apply the full marking sheet and the relatively clean anime design becomes something much closer to a highly detailed piece of military hardware.

Advanced MS Joint Engineering

The RG Banshee Norn shares its fundamental engineering approach with the groundbreaking RG Unicorn Gundam.

The internal structure is designed to accommodate both articulation and transformation while keeping everything inside an extremely compact 1/144 body.

That’s impressive.

But it also means this isn’t a kit to attack like a basic HG.

Take your time.

Pay attention to the instructions.

Move the transformation joints carefully.

And don’t treat the tiny mechanical sections like you’re trying to open a particularly stubborn jar of pickles.

A Brilliant Display in Either Mode

One of the best things about the Banshee Norn is that neither configuration feels like the “wrong” way to display it.

Unicorn Mode looks sinister, compact and restrained.

Destroy Mode looks completely unhinged.

If you eventually end up owning two, displaying both configurations together makes a fantastic centrepiece.

And yes.

That’s how collecting Gunpla gets you.

Perfect Alongside the RG Unicorn Gundam

Naturally, the ideal companion is the RG RX-0 Unicorn Gundam.

White versus black.

Red Psycho-Frame versus gold.

Unicorn versus Lion.

Display the pair in Unicorn Mode for a restrained RX-0 development display, or transform both into Destroy Mode and suddenly you’ve got considerably more translucent plastic glowing from the shelf.

Add the Phenex and things become even more excessive.

Fantastic Detailing Potential

The Banshee Norn already looks impressive straight from the box, but there’s plenty of opportunity to take things further.

Try adding:

• Metallic gold details
• Gunmetal internal frame components
• Grey panel lining on the dark armour
• Metallic thrusters
• Detailed Beam Magnum ammunition
• Full Realistic Decal application
• Gloss treatment on the Psycho-Frame
• Matte finish on the exterior armour
• Subtle edge highlighting

The contrast between matte dark armour and glossy translucent Psycho-Frame can look particularly effective.

Product Features

• Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
• Grade: Real Grade (RG)
• RG Number: #27
• Scale: 1/144
• Mobile Suit: RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn
• Pilot: Riddhe Marcenas
• Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
• Release date: 17 February 2018
• Full Unicorn Mode to Destroy Mode transformation
• Three shades of dark navy armour
• Golden Psycho-Frame
• Newly moulded Armed Armor XC
• Newly moulded components for Armed Armor DE
• Transforming Armed Armor equipment
• One movable antenna option
• Two fixed antenna options
• Beam Tonfa configuration
• Removable Beam Magnum magazine
• Magazine storage on rear armour
• Realistic Decals
• 20 moulded runners
• Snap-fit assembly
• Painting optional

Weapons & Accessories

• Beam Magnum ×1
• Revolving Launcher ×1
• Armed Armor DE ×1
• Armed Armor XC ×1
• Beam Saber effect parts ×2
• Beam Jutte equipment
• Multiple hand options
• Antenna options
• 1/144 Riddhe Marcenas figure
• Action Base adapter
• Realistic Decal sheet ×1
• Instruction manual

Why Add RX-0 Gundam 02 Banshee Norn RG 1/144 #27 to Your Collection?

Because the Banshee Norn is exactly the kind of Mobile Suit the Real Grade format was made for.

At first glance you’ve got a fantastic dark navy Unicorn Gundam with an enormous gold antenna.

Then you start transforming it.

The armour opens.

The body extends.

The Psycho-Frame appears.

The head changes.

The Armed Armor XC deploys.

The Armed Armor DE transforms.

And suddenly the restrained black Mobile Suit you started with has become a glowing gold mechanical monster. Bandai managed to pack that transformation into 1/144 scale, while still retaining articulation, weapons and extensive surface detailing.

The Beam Magnum, Revolving Launcher, Beam Jutte, Armed Armor XC and enormous Armed Armor DE also give Riddhe’s Norn considerably more visual firepower than a straightforward Unicorn variation.

For Gundam Unicorn fans, Riddhe collectors or Real Grade builders who want a kit with serious mechanical engineering, RG #27 remains one of the standout members of the RX-0 family.

Unicorn Mode locked. NT-D activated. Golden Psycho-Frame exposed. The Black Lion has awakened — and RG #27 Banshee Norn looks absolutely magnificent doing it.