Hyaku Shiki Complete Guide — The Golden Mobile Suit of Zeta Gundam, Fully Explained [Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam]

What Is the Hyaku Shiki — The “Golden Legend” of Zeta Gundam

Among all the mobile suits that appear in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, one silhouette is impossible to forget after a single glance. That suit is the Hyaku Shiki (MSN-00100), clad from head to toe in brilliant gold.

More than 40 years after its debut in the 1985 broadcast, the Hyaku Shiki continues to command passionate support from Gundam fans. It has no flashy transformation gimmick, nor does it boast overwhelming combat power. Yet the presence of the “golden mobile suit” — combined with the fact that its pilot is Quattro Bajeena, who is none other than Char Aznable — gives this machine a one-of-a-kind radiance.

The “100” in its model number MSN-00100 carries the meaning of “a completed form that has finally reached 100,” and the kanji character 百 (hyaku, meaning “hundred”) is proudly marked on both shoulders. Manufactured by Anaheim Electronics (AE), this unit was technically a “second-best option” born after the ambition for a transformable mobile suit was abandoned — and yet it fought through the entire Gryps Conflict as an indomitable legendary machine.

This article provides a complete breakdown of the Hyaku Shiki: its development history, full armament, the relationship between Quattro Bajeena and Char Aznable, iconic scenes throughout Zeta Gundam, variants up to the Delta Plus, design secrets involving Mamoru Nagano, and Gunpla kit information for every grade.

Basic Specifications — The True Capability of the Golden Machine

MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki — Basic Specification Table

Item	Details
Model Number	MSN-00100
Name	Hyaku Shiki
Head Height	19.2 m
Dry Weight	31.5 t
Full Weight	54.5 t
Generator Output	1,850 kW
Thruster Thrust	74,400 kg (4 main thrusters × 18,600 kg)
Maximum Acceleration	1.37 G
Sensor Range	11,300 m
Armor Material	Gundarium gamma alloy
Special Coating	Beam-resistant coating (the secret behind the gold color)
Developer	Anaheim Electronics
Affiliation	AEUG
Primary Pilot	Quattro Bajeena (Char Aznable)
Appearances	Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985), Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (1986)

Reading the Specifications

Looking at the numbers alone, the Hyaku Shiki is by no means the “strongest” unit of its era. Compared to the Zeta Gundam (maximum thrust exceeding 140,000 kg) or the Titans’ Gundam Mk-II, its output figures may seem a step behind.

However, the Hyaku Shiki’s true strength lies in its balance of weight and high maneuverability. By concentrating 74,400 kg of thrust into a lightweight body of 54.5 t full weight, the resulting maximum acceleration of 1.37 G reaches levels comparable to transformable mobile suits. Despite lacking a transformation mechanism like the Zeta Gundam, it was designed to deliver maneuverability on par with — or exceeding — transformable types.

The sensor range of 11,300 m is also noteworthy. It far exceeds the average of contemporary mobile suits, demonstrating that the Hyaku Shiki was designed as an all-rounder capable of both close-range melee combat and long-range precision sniping. This sensor performance is precisely what made ultra-long-range sniping with the Mega Bazooka Launcher possible.

The Secret of the Gold — Beam-Resistant Coating

The most striking feature of the Hyaku Shiki is undoubtedly its gold coloring covering the entire body. However, this is not merely decorative paint for aesthetics or intimidation. It is the expression of a cutting-edge technological function known as beam-resistant coating.

Applied to the surface of the Gundarium gamma alloy armor, this coating employs the principle of “sacrificial vaporization”: when struck by beam weaponry, the coating on the impacted area instantly vaporizes before the thermal energy can penetrate the armor, diffusing and neutralizing the heat. It is said to reduce beam damage by approximately 30%, providing a significant advantage in the “beam weapon era” of the Gryps Conflict.

However, this coating is a consumable — repeated hits require reapplication. Thinking that “the Hyaku Shiki looks especially brilliant on the battlefield because the golden coating is constantly being reapplied” makes you appreciate the hard work of the maintenance crew.

Development History — From the Delta Gundam to the Hyaku Shiki

The “Z Project” and Anaheim Electronics

In Universal Century 0087, the hard-line faction known as the Titans was consolidating power within the Earth Federation Forces. In response, the anti-Titans organization AEUG (Anti Earth Union Group) was formed, centered on former Zeon-aligned Spacenoids.

AEUG decided to work with Anaheim Electronics (AE) to develop next-generation mobile suits. This initiative became known as the “Z Project.” Its core objective was “the development of a variable mobile suit capable of transforming into a Waverider configuration.”

AE decided to adopt the movable frame technology from the Gundam Mk-II as the core technology for the new MS. The movable frame was a groundbreaking system that incorporated highly articulated joint mechanisms into the skeletal structure of the MS, enabling natural movement similar to the human body and high melee performance.

MSN-001 Delta Gundam — The Phantom Variable Prototype

The prototype for the Hyaku Shiki was the MSN-001 Delta Gundam.

The Delta Gundam was a prototype designed as a variable mobile suit. It was engineered to transform into a Waverider configuration like the Zeta Gundam, equipped with wing binders on the back to form the flight configuration. The AMBAC system (Autonomous Maneuverability By Attitude Control) was also designed to function in both variable and non-variable forms.

However, as development progressed, a critical problem emerged. During computer simulation, structural deficiencies were discovered: inadequate durability of the binders during transformation, stress on the drive components, and insufficient strength in the movable frame itself. Transforming under high-G conditions would cause distortion in the fuselage frame, with a worst-case risk of the unit breaking apart during transformation.

“Completion as a variable type is impossible” — AE, making this determination, decided to entirely abandon the Delta Gundam’s transformation mechanism.

“Redesign as a Non-Variable Type” and the Birth of the Hyaku Shiki

The abandonment of the transformation mechanism forced the design team into a major redesign. Rather than “discarding the failed design and starting over from scratch,” however, they continued development under a new concept: “an MS that extracts maximum maneuverability without a transformation mechanism.”

• Increased thrust in place of transformation: Four main thrusters and twelve verniers secured maneuverability comparable to variable types
• Thorough weight reduction: Eliminated the weight of the transformation mechanism; achieved lightweight yet robust armor with Gundarium gamma alloy
• Full adoption of beam-resistant coating: As an innovative defensive solution, the all-over gold coating was adopted
• Significant sensor upgrades: High-precision sensors capable of long-range sniping (effective range of 11,300 m) were installed

The result was the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki. The “100” in the model number is interpreted both as the design team’s declaration of “giving up on the challenge of a variable type and aiming for a perfect 100 as a non-variable type,” and as “a completed form that has finally reached 100.”

The Origin of the Name “Hyaku Shiki”

The unit name “Hyaku Shiki” and the kanji marking 百 on both shoulders are said to have been conceived by director Yoshiyuki Tomino himself. The idea that “writing the kanji for ‘hundred’ on a gold machine would make a strong impact” emerged during meetings with sponsors and was adopted as-is.

The strikingly individual design — a kanji character 百 emblazoned on a gold machine — embodies the spirit of Zeta Gundam as a series: “overturning established concepts.”

Armament — Dominating the Battlefield with Diverse Weapons

The Hyaku Shiki carries a diverse range of armaments covering everything from close range to ultra-long range. In particular, the Mega Bazooka Launcher served as a test weapon boasting one of the greatest destructive capabilities in the series, delivering memorable moments in battle.

Beam Rifle

The Hyaku Shiki’s standard ranged weapon. As a Zeta Gundam-era beam rifle, it boasts high output and accuracy. The weapon Quattro Bajeena used most frequently, it demonstrated its power across every phase of the Gryps Conflict.

A latch for mounting the beam rifle is equipped at the rear waist, allowing it to be stowed temporarily in situations requiring both hands (such as when using the Mega Bazooka Launcher).

Beam Sabers × 2

Standard equipment for close-range combat, stored in saber racks at the waist. Because the Hyaku Shiki boasts a high generator output of 1,850 kW, its beam saber blade is long and powerful.

Quattro Bajeena is not a pilot who specializes in close combat, but he always carries these to ensure the ability to respond when enemies close in.

Head Vulcan Cannons (60 mm × 2)

Fixed armament built into the head. With a caliber of 60 mm, these match the specifications of MS head vulcans (60 mm) on units like the Zeta Gundam. Used for suppressing fire at short range, intercepting missiles, and destroying sensors. As a weapon that requires no consumables and is always ready to fire, these serve as a “last resort.”

Clay Bazooka

A large-caliber solid-projectile bazooka. Used as primary firepower in situations where beam weapons are less effective (such as high Minovsky particle density environments). A variety of warhead types (fragmentation, cluster, etc.) can be selected, enabling flexible operation depending on the situation.

The Hyaku Shiki is designed with the philosophy of switching between the beam rifle and the Clay Bazooka as needed, maintaining combat effectiveness even in electromagnetic interference environments.

Mega Bazooka Launcher (Most Important Armament)

The large-scale test weapon that created the most memorable showpiece moments in the series — an absolute must when discussing the Hyaku Shiki. Its formal designation is the MSA-0011 Mega Bazooka Launcher (Test Type).

Specifications

Item	Details
Caliber	Ultra-large (details classified)
Total Length	A giant cannon rivaling the Hyaku Shiki’s own height (19.2 m)
Energy Supply	Supplied from a dedicated energy capacitor (CAP)
Operation	Stability secured by two MS pulling from behind
Feature	Among the greatest anti-ship destructive power of the Zeta Gundam era

Notes

The Mega Bazooka Launcher is an experimental ultra-large beam cannon with destructive power far exceeding a standard beam rifle. It accumulates a massive amount of energy — more than the Hyaku Shiki’s generator alone can supply — in a dedicated capacitor, delivering firepower capable of obliterating a space warship in a single shot.

During use, two MS must fix the cannon body with cables from behind to absorb the recoil. It is operated as a team tactic, with Quattro Bajeena as the sniper at the trigger and a support unit providing backup.

There is a famous joke that the Hyaku Shiki’s Mega Bazooka Launcher rarely hits its target. In the story, Quattro Bajeena uses this weapon multiple times, yet in crucial moments it frequently misses, leading fans to affectionately call it “Quattro’s cannon that never connects.” It ultimately achieved results in Episode 41 when it shot down multiple units of Axis’s Gaza-C squad in outer space — but immediately afterward, the cannon itself was destroyed by a funnel shot from Haman Karn’s Qubeley, after which it never appeared again.

Ballute System (Optional)

Special equipment used during atmospheric reentry. A balloon-type system mounted on the chest, both legs, and back; it protects the unit during atmospheric reentry by dispersing frictional heat. The Zeta Gundam trilogy of theatrical films depicts the Hyaku Shiki equipped with the Ballute System entering the atmosphere, and a “Hyaku Shiki + Ballute System” set has been commercialized as a Gunpla kit.

Pilot — Quattro Bajeena, aka Char Aznable

To speak of the Hyaku Shiki is to speak of its pilot, Quattro Bajeena. And Quattro Bajeena is a false identity — the name Char Aznable adopted after abandoning his past as the “Red Comet.”

Who Is Quattro Bajeena?

Char Aznable. The ace pilot of Zeon who earned the name “Red Comet” in Mobile Suit Gundam. He clashed fiercely with Amuro Ray of the RX-78-2 Gundam during the One Year War and was feared by the Federation Forces as their greatest threat.

After the One Year War, Char went underground as a Zeon remnant, harboring in his heart the dual goals of revenge against the Zabi family and the ideology of “humanity’s migration to space as Spacenoids.” Then, in the era of the Gryps Conflict, he began operating under the alias “Quattro Bajeena” as an AEUG lieutenant.

The name “Quattro” is Italian for “4.” Various theories exist — for instance, that “Char (シャア)” starts from the third character of the alphabet (C), so “the fourth letter = D, but he chose Quattro on a whim,” or that it is a pun on “Sha (四, meaning four in Japanese).” In any case, it is a bold naming choice typical of Char — seemingly hiding, yet transparent to those who know.

Quattro Bajeena — Profile

Item	Details
True Name	Casval Rem Deikun
Aliases	Char Aznable → Quattro Bajeena
Origin	Side 3, Space Colony
Father	Zeon Zum Deikun (leader of the Spacenoid independence movement)
Affiliation (Zeta Gundam era)	AEUG / Lieutenant
Mobile Suit (Zeta Gundam)	MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki
Mobile Suit (Char’s Counterattack)	MSN-04 Sazabi
Voice Actor	Shuichi Ikeda

“Why Is Char in AEUG?” — The Question Every New Viewer Asks

Why is Char, once a hero of Zeon who fought against the Earth Federation, now a member of the anti-Titans organization AEUG? This is an inevitable question for viewers just starting Zeta Gundam.

Char’s objective has always been consistent: the realization of Zeon Deikun’s ideals — that Spacenoids be liberated from the bonds of Earth and live as independent beings in space. The Titans are an Earth-supremacist organization that suppresses Spacenoids, and they are an enemy Char must defeat. AEUG was an organization he could use as a means to that end.

Furthermore, as the Titans rose to power, Char also heightened his vigilance toward Axis, led by Haman Karn — a remnant of the Zabi family. To Char, the Zabis were his family’s sworn enemies, and the force led by Haman appeared not as liberators of Spacenoids, but as a false organization aiming for “the restoration of the Zabi family.”

“Use AEUG to defeat the Titans, then check Axis afterward” — Char’s actions as Quattro Bajeena were always built upon this complex calculation.

The Relationship Between Quattro and the Hyaku Shiki

The Hyaku Shiki was not a “custom unit” prepared specifically for Quattro Bajeena; it was one of several prototype units deployed to AEUG. However, because Quattro piloted it throughout the entire series, and because it paired perfectly with the unit’s custom coating, the image of “Hyaku Shiki = Quattro” became firmly established.

The fact that the Hyaku Shiki’s color is “gold” rather than Char’s personal color “red” is also deeply suggestive. As if to embody Char’s resolve — fighting in the new role of Quattro Bajeena after abandoning his past — the machine shed its former “red” and donned “gold.”

The Relationship with Kamille

The Hyaku Shiki’s pilot, Quattro, and Zeta Gundam’s protagonist Kamille Bidan develop a relationship resembling that of master and student. Initially in the position of guiding Kamille as the Zeta Gundam’s pilot, as the story progresses Quattro comes to acknowledge Kamille’s overwhelming talent and gradually relies on him as a spiritual pillar.

The scenes where Quattro tells Kamille “don’t carry it alone” and “pilots fight as a team” suggest that the man called Char is trying to transform from a solitary hero into a commander who has comrades. Yet ultimately Char again chooses the path of the “solitary conqueror” — the tragedy that leads to Char’s Counterattack is seeded throughout the story of the Hyaku Shiki.

Battle Record — The Golden Machine That Fought Through the Entire Gryps Conflict

What Was the Gryps Conflict?

A three-way space war fought from Universal Century 0087 to 0088, involving AEUG, the Titans, and Axis — a war of rebellion against the corruption and authoritarianism of the Earth Federation. It serves as the main stage of Zeta Gundam’s grand narrative.

The Hyaku Shiki, as Quattro Bajeena’s unit, was active on every front from the opening of the Gryps Conflict through to the final battle.

Early Battles — As the Core of AEUG

In the first half of Zeta Gundam, Quattro Bajeena’s Hyaku Shiki frequently stood at the front lines as a primary force for AEUG.

Interception at Side 7 (around Episodes 1–5): AEUG launched a seizure operation targeting Side 7, where the Titans were developing the new mobile suit “Gundam Mk-II.” The Hyaku Shiki participated as one of the main units in this operation, joining the battle that became the catalyst for Kamille to awaken as the Zeta Gundam’s pilot.

Jaburo Drop Operation: For the atmospheric descent to Earth, the Hyaku Shiki was equipped with the Ballute System for reentry. Under Quattro’s command, it was active in ground-based combat as well.

The Dakar Speech — The Day Quattro Becomes Char (Episode 37)

One of the most pivotal episodes in Zeta Gundam is “The Day of Dakar” (Episode 37).

Universal Century 0087, November 16. AEUG and Karaba forces occupied the Earth Federation Parliament in Dakar, Africa. There, Quattro Bajeena took the podium of the parliament chamber, broadcast live on television worldwide, and made a shocking announcement.

“I am Char Aznable of Zeon.”

Tearing off the mask of “Quattro Bajeena” and revealing his true identity to the world as the former “Red Comet,” Char went on to denounce the Titans’ atrocities and the corruption of the Earth Federation government. He declared himself the son of Zeon Deikun and proclaimed that he was fighting for the freedom of Spacenoids. This speech became a turning point that greatly moved public opinion and spread distrust of the Titans even among ordinary citizens.

During this speech, the Hyaku Shiki was outside Dakar, engaging Titans mobile suits and buying time for Char to deliver his address. The machine, too, kept fighting to protect the pilot’s “moment of resolve.”

First Use and Action of the Mega Bazooka Launcher

From the midpoint of the Gryps Conflict onward, Quattro increasingly attempts long-range sniping with the Hyaku Shiki equipped with the Mega Bazooka Launcher.

This test weapon has overwhelming destructive power, but a comical pattern repeated itself every time it was used — it would “miss” — and fans came to affectionately know it as “Quattro’s cannon that never connects.” However, in Episode 41, it demonstrated its true destructive power by shooting down multiple units of Axis’s Gaza-C squad in outer space. The fact that the cannon itself was immediately destroyed by Qubeley’s funnels makes this scene even more memorable as a “final showpiece.”

Confrontation with Haman Karn

In the Gryps Conflict, the opponent with whom Quattro has the most complex personal history is Haman Karn (pilot of the Qubeley). Haman is an old acquaintance of Char’s, and the two once had a close relationship. However, in the era of Zeta Gundam, they stand on opposing sides — Haman as the representative of Axis, which seeks to restore the Zabi family.

The combat scenes between the Hyaku Shiki and the Qubeley are depicted not merely as clashes between mobile suits, but as scenes embodying the depth of Zeta Gundam, where the complex emotions and political conflicts of the two intersect. Haman’s high Newtype capability and the Qubeley’s all-range attacks (funnels) are the greatest threat to the Hyaku Shiki, and Quattro is consistently pushed to his limits.

The Final Battle — Fierce Fighting at Gryps 2 (Episodes 49–50)

In the final chapter of Zeta Gundam, the decisive battle over the colony laser “Gryps 2,” the Hyaku Shiki again sortied as Quattro’s machine. Amid the chaotic three-way battlefield of the Titans, Axis, and AEUG, Quattro continued to fight to the last in the Hyaku Shiki.

In the final episode, amid a melee where friend and foe are thoroughly intermingled, Kamille — piloting the Zeta Gundam while suffering a mental breakdown — achieves the miraculous feat of channeling the wills of fallen souls to destroy the Psyco Gundam Mk-II. Beside it, the Hyaku Shiki was also fighting with the last of its strength.

Quattro ultimately retreated from the battlefield, and his whereabouts temporarily became unknown — and the next time he appeared, his name was no longer “Quattro Bajeena.”

Appearance in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

In the sequel to Zeta Gundam, “Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ,” the Hyaku Shiki’s existence is confirmed continuing into that era. During the First Neo Zeon War that serves as ZZ’s setting, it was operated as an AEUG unit — though its primary pilot became Beecha Oleg rather than Quattro (Char).

In ZZ the Hyaku Shiki plays more of a supporting role, but the fact that this golden machine kept shining on the battlefield even after Quattro’s departure reaffirms the excellence of the unit itself.

Variants — The Hyaku Shiki Lineage

The Hyaku Shiki is not a self-contained machine. It has an “ancestor” in the Delta Gundam, and continues to a “future variable type” in the Delta Plus — it is part of a grand development lineage.

MSN-001 Delta Gundam — The Direct Ancestor of the Hyaku Shiki

The variable prototype from which the Hyaku Shiki’s design originated. Due to structural problems during transformation (insufficient frame strength and limits on binder durability), completion as a variable unit was abandoned, and its design philosophy was passed on to the Hyaku Shiki.

The Delta Gundam was never manufactured or deployed as a completed form, but its data was utilized in the development of the Zeta Gundam. The Hyaku Shiki is the crystallization of the Delta Gundam’s “abandoned dream” — a unit that compensated for its inability to transform with the finest non-transformable maneuverability.

MSN-00100 Kai Hyaku Shiki Kai — Enhanced Upgrade Proposal

A variant appearing in certain settings and materials. A derivative type that maintains the Hyaku Shiki’s basic design while upgrading various components. Its actual appearances in the work are limited, but it is known among fans as a unit that sparks imagination about “what if the Hyaku Shiki had been further enhanced.”

It is said to feature changes to the head shape, an upgraded generator output, updated sensors, and some variant settings even describe the development history leading to its rollout.

MSN-001A1 Delta Plus — The Unit That Realized the “Hyaku Shiki’s Dream” (Gundam UC)

The unit that realized the Delta Gundam’s “unreachable dream of transformation” using modern technology — that is the Delta Plus (MSN-001A1).

Appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, this unit is a redesigned, second attempt at the Delta Gundam’s variable MS plan — the design basis for the Hyaku Shiki — using the latest technology of Universal Century 0096.

It possesses a transformation mechanism for a Waverider configuration, demonstrating high maneuverability across a wide range of environments from within the atmosphere to outer space. While it does not have the gold beam-resistant coating, it is depicted as “the ultimate destination of the Delta Plan,” inheriting the legacy of the Hyaku Shiki and Delta Gundam.

Item	Details
Model Number	MSN-001A1
Appearances	Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010)
Feature	Realizes the Delta Gundam’s transformation mechanism with modern technology
Pilot	Roberto (AEUG officer), others
Variable Form	Waverider configuration

The existence of the Delta Plus makes possible the interpretation that “the Hyaku Shiki was not a substitute for a failure, but a machine that was born because it was needed.” Until the era when the Delta Gundam’s problems were solved and the Delta Plus was born, the Hyaku Shiki fought on the front lines without the ability to transform — something fated, almost.

Variant Summary Table

Model Number	Name	Features	Appearances
MSN-001	Delta Gundam	Variable prototype (incomplete)	Design documents
MSN-00100	Hyaku Shiki	Completed as non-variable type	Zeta Gundam, ZZ
MSN-00100 Kai	Hyaku Shiki Kai	Enhanced upgrade of Hyaku Shiki	Design documents / select media
MSN-001A1	Delta Plus	Delta Plan completed with modern technology	Gundam Unicorn

Design Secrets — Mamoru Nagano and the Birth of Gold

Director Tomino’s “Golden MS” Vision

While multiple designers handled the mechanical design for Zeta Gundam, the Hyaku Shiki’s design came about through a particularly interesting process.

The idea of the golden color and the naming with the kanji marking 百 are said to have been conceived by director Yoshiyuki Tomino during meetings with sponsors. The concept of a “golden mobile suit” itself existed in Tomino’s mind, and the work of translating this into a specific mobile suit design began from there.

Mamoru Nagano’s Rough and Kazumi Fujita’s Completion

The Hyaku Shiki’s design involved the brilliant designer Mamoru Nagano — who would later create Five Star Stories — providing rough sketches as conceptual design proposals for the new Gundam.

However, Nagano himself later stated: “The completed design of the Hyaku Shiki is 100% Fujita’s” — “Fujita” referring to mechanical designer Kazumi Fujita. Based on Nagano’s concepts, Fujita completed the design into a form that could actually be animated. That result is the Hyaku Shiki.

In other words, the Hyaku Shiki’s design came together through the collaboration of three parties: Director Tomino’s concept × Mamoru Nagano’s rough × Kazumi Fujita’s completion.

The Meaning Behind Choosing Gold

In robot anime, a “golden robot” was highly unusual as of 1985. The prevailing color palettes of the era were the “justice colors” of white, red, blue, and yellow as seen on the Gundam, or the military greens and grays of the Zaku. Choosing “gold” conveys the following messages:

• Symbol of “success” and “completion”: Pride in being the unit that reached a perfect score of “100”
• “Break with the past”: The resolve to shed Char’s red and don a new color as Quattro
• “Courage to stand out”: Even at the cost of battlefield visibility, asserting AEUG’s presence as a standard-bearer
• “Nobility and solitude”: Char’s identity as the son of Zeon Deikun — always a special existence

The “functional reason” of the beam-resistant coating was added after the fact, but the most honest answer to “why gold?” might simply be an intuitive conviction that “the machine Char should ride couldn’t possibly be any other color.”

The Unprecedented Design of “Kanji on the Shoulders”

The idea of placing the Japanese kanji character 百 as a large marking on both shoulders was unprecedented in robot anime of the time. The Gundam series had previously placed model numbers and affiliation marks on units, but a bold single kanji character as a design element was a first with the Hyaku Shiki.

This design influenced subsequent Gundam series, becoming the catalyst for a convention of placing kanji or unique lettering on mobile suit designs. The image of the single powerful character 百 emblazoned on the golden frame is, even more than 40 years later, one of the defining visual icons of the Gundam series.

Cultural Impact — What Char’s Golden Machine Left Behind

The Culture of “The Rival Character’s Personal Machine”

Char Aznable is the character who established the archetype of “the protagonist’s destined rival” throughout the Gundam series. And Char’s ride has always been depicted as “a distinctive unit with a personality different from the protagonist’s.”

The red Zaku II of the original Gundam, the Hyaku Shiki of Zeta Gundam, the Sazabi of Char’s Counterattack — all of these left a powerful impression as “Char’s machine.” In particular, the Hyaku Shiki functioned as a contrast: the “white Gundam piloted by the protagonist” vs. the “rival’s golden machine.” It had a major influence on the “rival unit color” of subsequent Gundam series.

The Influence of “Gold That Deflects Beams”

The setting of the Hyaku Shiki’s beam-resistant coating became a pioneer in spreading the concept of “beam defense through special coatings and armor” throughout the Gundam series. Giving a technical meaning to what was simply “cool-looking gold” embodies the “realism” of the Gundam series.

The Cultural Impact of the Dakar Speech

Char’s speech scene in Zeta Gundam Episode 37, “The Day of Dakar,” is handed down as one of the most famous scenes in Gundam series history. The line “I am Char Aznable of Zeon” combined with the scene of the Hyaku Shiki being maintained before the speech is evaluated as the episode that best expresses the depth of Zeta Gundam — where “the political adult’s way of fighting” and “mobile suit action on the battlefield” are unified.

The Meme of “The Cannon That Doesn’t Hit”

The joke that “the Hyaku Shiki’s Mega Bazooka Launcher rarely hits its target” is a stock punchline among Gundam fans. The comedic dimension of the protagonist’s rival missing with his most powerful weapon at crucial moments generates humor within the tension of Zeta Gundam.

This “bazooka that misses” can be interpreted not merely as a laugh line, but as embodying a core message of real robot anime: “no matter how high-performance a weapon is, its effectiveness changes with the pilot’s skill and the conditions of battle.”

The Hyaku Shiki and Its Relationship to Gundam-Type Personal Machines

In the Gundam series generally, the pattern of “the protagonist rides a Gundam, and the rival rides their own personal unit” is repeated. However, the Hyaku Shiki is an unusual existence even within that framework.

Ordinarily, having a “Gundam face” is considered a defining trait of Gundam-type MS, but the Hyaku Shiki does not have such a head shape. While Kamille’s Zeta Gundam wears the tricolor of white, red, and blue as the “legitimate successor to the Gundam,” Quattro’s Hyaku Shiki takes the polar-opposite approach of solid gold. As if to symbolize the unwritten rule of the Gundam series that “Char does not ride a Gundam” (later broken in Char’s Counterattack), the Hyaku Shiki was designed with an aesthetic thoroughly distinct from the Gundam. This contrast is one of the key elements that elevated Zeta Gundam from a mere sequel into a work of greater depth.

The Hyaku Shiki’s Popularity as Gunpla

Since its release, the Hyaku Shiki has consistently ranked among the top Gunpla in popularity polls. Due to the singularity of the gold paint finish, early Gunpla kits adopted a gold chrome-plating treatment — but this caused problems: “adhesive doesn’t bond to chrome surfaces” and “difficult to modify,” leading pro modelers to establish a style of stripping the chrome before building, assuming full repaint. Because of this, the Hyaku Shiki acquired a unique status as “the unit that intermediate to advanced Gunpla builders take on.”

Gunpla Guide — Complete Breakdown of Every Grade

The Hyaku Shiki has been released as Gunpla across multiple grades, with a lineup that can be enjoyed from beginners to advanced builders. One important note: the method of reproducing the gold color differs greatly between grades.

HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) 1/144

HGUC Hyaku Shiki REVIVE Version

Item	Details
Scale	1/144
Price	¥2,200 (tax included)
Release Date	August 11, 2016
Gold Reproduction Method	Molded color (gold-colored plastic)
Included Armament	Beam rifle, Clay Bazooka, beam sabers ×2, grip parts, etc.

The HGUC Hyaku Shiki REVIVE version completely renews the proportions and panel lines from the old kit — the ideal entry point for modern Hyaku Shiki Gunpla. The REVIVE version switched from chrome parts used in the old kit to gold-colored molded plastic, making adhesive use and modification far easier.

Proportions have been updated to a modern slimmer silhouette, allowing you to enjoy the Zeta Gundam-era Hyaku Shiki look at 1/144 scale with ease. For those building a Hyaku Shiki Gunpla for the first time, this kit strikes the best balance of price range and ease of assembly.

Recommended for: First-time Hyaku Shiki builders. Affordable, easy to assemble, no chrome-plating issues. Comes with both Clay Bazooka and beam rifle for high posing flexibility.

HGUC Hyaku Shiki + Mega Bazooka Launcher (Old Version Set)

Item	Details
Scale	1/144
Price	(Primarily found on the secondary market)
Feature	Set including the Mega Bazooka Launcher

An HG set that reproduces the Hyaku Shiki’s signature Mega Bazooka Launcher. The old-version kit uses chrome parts and requires care in handling, but it offers high reference and collectible value with the massive launcher parts included. Since the REVIVE version does not include the launcher, anyone who “absolutely wants to recreate the Mega Bazooka Launcher” will need either this set or the MG version.

MG (Master Grade) 1/100

MG Hyaku Shiki Ver. 2.0

Item	Details
Scale	1/100
Price	Around ¥5,500 (tax included)
Release Date	May 30, 2015
Gold Reproduction Method	Molded color (gold-colored plastic)
Included Armament	Beam rifle, beam sabers ×2, Clay Bazooka
Camera Eye	Switchable between normal, dual-eye, and scan line (via replacement parts)

Widely regarded as the definitive Hyaku Shiki Gunpla kit. It achieves both the density afforded by the 1/100 scale and a wide range of articulation, with a full-body internal frame from the MG Ver. 2.0 generation.

The camera eye replacement gimmick is especially noteworthy: three variants — normal twin-eye, scan-line display, and dual-eye — can be swapped using included parts. Being able to change the camera eye expression between “Quattro during his speech” and “Quattro in battle” is something only the MG can offer.

While the original MG (released 2001) used chrome parts, the Ver. 2.0 changed to gold molded color, making it well-suited for painting and modification after assembly.

Recommended for: The masterpiece of Hyaku Shiki Gunpla. Articulation, detail, and proportions are all at a high level. Challenging for beginners, but the satisfaction upon completion is top-tier.

MG Hyaku Shiki + Ballute System

Item	Details
Scale	1/100
Feature	Includes the Ballute System (atmospheric reentry equipment)
Recreation	Atmospheric reentry scene from the Zeta Gundam trilogy of theatrical films

An optional set that recreates the Hyaku Shiki’s atmospheric reentry scene as depicted in the Zeta Gundam theatrical films. Balloon-shaped heat shields mounted on the chest, legs, and back are included, allowing you to enjoy both the equipped and the detached state. A particularly valuable item for collectors and fans of the theatrical films.

Gunpla Selection Guide

Your Type	Recommended Kit
First Hyaku Shiki Gunpla attempt	HGUC Hyaku Shiki REVIVE version (easy to assemble, no chrome-plating issues)
Want to recreate the Mega Bazooka Launcher	HGUC Hyaku Shiki + Mega Bazooka Launcher old version set
Seeking the finest finish	MG Hyaku Shiki Ver. 2.0
Want to recreate theatrical film scenes	MG Hyaku Shiki + Ballute System
Love atmospheric reentry	MG Ballute System set
Intermediate–advanced Gunpla builder	MG Ver. 2.0 (full repaint to express true gold)

Notes on Reproducing the Gold Color

Throughout the history of Hyaku Shiki Gunpla, “how to reproduce the gold” has always been a challenge. Early old-version HG and MG kits used chrome-plated parts that were visually beautiful, but caused the following problems:

• Incompatibility with adhesive: Adhesive bonds poorly to chrome surfaces, making modification and repair difficult
• Pre-painting preparation: To paint over chrome, the chrome must be completely removed (using bleach solution, etc.)
• Part strength: Chrome plating can make the material more brittle

The current REVIVE version (HGUC) and Ver. 2.0 (MG) have improved this with gold molded color, resolving these issues. However, since “molded-color gold” lacks the glossiness of chrome, builders who care about the final appearance of the finished product generally prefer finishing with gold paint (such as Gaianotes Star Bright Gold or GSI Creos Mr. Color Gold) — a method that is the norm among advanced builders.

Related Articles

• Gelgoog — Complete Guide: The “strongest mass-production unit of the One Year War” that Char favored before Zeta Gundam
• Rick Dom — Complete Guide: Understanding the background of the Gryps Conflict era in which the Hyaku Shiki was active
• Gyan — Complete Guide: The pinnacle of Zeon MS design philosophy and the Zabi family’s weapons development history
• Psycho Gundam — Complete Guide: A contrast with the overwhelming destructive-weapon MS that appears in Zeta Gundam
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam — Series Complete Guide: A full breakdown of the Gryps Conflict in which the Hyaku Shiki was active
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack — Complete Guide: The story of Quattro Bajeena returning to being Char and switching to the Sazabi

Sources

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, TV series, Sunrise, 1985–1986
• Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, TV series, Sunrise, 1986–1987
• Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, OVA, Sunrise, 2010–2014
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation – Heir to the Stars, theatrical film, Sunrise, 2005
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation – Lovers, theatrical film, Sunrise, 2005
• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation – Love Is the Pulse of the Stars, theatrical film, Sunrise, 2006
• Bandai Spirits Hobby official site (bandai-hobby.net)
• GUNDAM.INFO (gundam.info)
• Gundam Wiki (gundam.wiki.cre.jp)
• Gundampedia (gundam.fandom.com)
• GundamNewsWire — MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki: The Golden Mobile Suit of Zeta Gundam Explained (gundamnewswire.com)
• Wikipedia — Hyaku Shiki (Gundam series) (ja.wikipedia.org)

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