Gundam FIX Figuration

The Gundam FIX Figuration^[1] (aka G.F.F.) series of collectible figures was started based on the Gundam mechanical designs of Hajime Katoki and his 'Gundam FIX' illustration artbook and are released by Tamashii, a Bandai's characters based toys line. These figures share similar features as those found in the MSiA series, but are considerably more detailed and often include more accessories. Changeable parts and variant models are often utilized throughout the line, offering the collector a wide variety of display abilities. The collectible figures use PVC (with some ABS plastic) for construction materials, and a recently introduced expansion to the line use metal in the skeleton of the figure. Gundam FIX figures are designed to be true to Hajime Katoki's vision, and as such often adopt design elements and styling found throughout his artwork. The Fix series caters to Gundam fans who enjoy the scale, possibility and durability of the MSiA line, but seek the extensive details and variations that can often only be found in the Master Grade Gundam model-kits.

1 Reception
2 G.F.F.
3 G.F.F.N.
4 See also
5 Gundam FIX Figuration items
6 Zeonography items
7 Metal Composite items
8 References
9 External links

Reception

G.F.F.

The views of the G.F.F. line up is varied, with many complaints about the durability of these figures at the sake of the paint job and Katoki's infamous proportioning. While the toy line up sports the afore mentioned, many lack professional casting, where the toys are plagued by uneven seam lines, recessed/dents in the armor where the material shrunk during the cure process, as well as parts that don't fit right, and a gray-ish plastic that is used for joints but has a lower durability than the plastic from the Gundam Model line-up (HG, HGUG, MG, PG) which often breaks. Other imperfections include parts that are not centered after glueing, often the "V-Antennae" on the forehead of the Gundams' are most notable. Another complaint is that several of these toys have extremely poor articulation to the point where they're nearly a Fixed-Posed statuette, or some articulation is fragile, too tight or too loose and therefore falls off, which makes one question why they paid so much for a toy that can barely move. Some argue that the toys are meant to be displayed, and not played with, but that is an unrealistic perspective since most Gundam toys are meant to be played with, and when used to "toying" with these models and figures, one expects to do so with the G.F.F. toys; and to have a professional painted toy that isn't meant to be played, loses much intrigue after paying a hefty price tag. Which brings us to another issue, Price. The G.F.F. toys are known to have large price tags that often turn the eye away, and towards something more affordable, and casted better, and much more durable, like the HG, HGUC, MG, and PG line-up. Despite it's brilliance in concept design and paint job, when coupled with the problems of price, durability, quality of casting, and mobility, the G.F.F. line-up is severely flawed, leaving us to chance when it comes to buying a decent-looking G.F.F.. Later G.F.F. toys have been improved, including sharper-more precise part casting, improved articulation, and assembly. To say that these toys are "catering to fans who enjoy the scale, possibility and durability of the MSiA line" is far from fact when talking about the durability.

G.F.F.N.

The G.F.F.N. line up is a significantly better than the old G.F.F. series, though usually sporting a considerably higher price due to materials, production and shipping. The quality has Improved thanks to a new durable plastic that is distinctively reminiscent to the Gundam Model plastic (HG, HGUC, MG, PG) thus replacing the resin that shrank while curing. There is also little, or no casting lines, professionally casted heads, and considerably less of the brittle gray-ish plastic that plagued the G.F.F. series, Rubber is now being used sparsely, often to be used for the hands to allow ease of swapping weapons or spare hands without breaking or warping the joint socket. Aside from price, there are very few toys in the line-up, with some costing between $70–$150 or more (essentially the price of a PG [Perfect Grade], or large MG [Master Grade.])

Bandai also created similar toy lines:

G.F.F. Metal Composite - a spin-off of the G.F.F series utilizing injection-molded ABS plastic and die-cast metal.^[2]
Zeonography - a spin-off of the G.F.F series that showcases mobile suits from the Zeon forces.^[3]
Cosmic Region - high-quality line of mobile suits, similar to G.F.F., that appear in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.^[4]
00 (Double O) Region - high-quality line of mobile suits, similar to G.F.F., that appear in Mobile Suit Gundam 00.^[5]
G.F.F.N - Gundam Fix Figuration Next, '004X' Series utilizing metallic parts, slightly larger scale, better quality paint job and markings. The first figure is a re-release of the #0030 MSZ-008 Zeta II, released March 2009.^[6]
K.F.F (Keroro Fix Figuration) - a spinoff lines features characters in Sgt. Frog (which the series itself plays lots of parody towards Gundam series) with original mechas designed by Hajime Katoki. As being a parody, the boxart sticks as much what as the original G.F.F. is.