Note: This post was original published in July 2022, when I started - but didn't finish - this build. It then sat unfinished for almost two years before I finally completed it this week. I decided to move the post into the present so that all the posts related to this build would be grouped together.
Also, I updated some of the wording accordingly.
During a Target Run back in 2022, I discovered a then-new series of GFrame figures on the shelves. Unfortunately, the pickings were far from ideal. The Blitz Gundam was a nonstarter, since I’m not a fan of Gundam SEED. The GM Space Command is great, but I’d rather get that as a High Grade model kit than a GFrame (Note: I finally did it!).
There was also the Blue Destiny Unit 1, which looks cool, but also looks a bit too much like the Gundam Ground Type.
That left only one other option: the Efreet Custom. And after mulling it over, I realized this was the clear best choice:
About the Mobile Suit
Before we talk about the Efreet Custom, we need to talk first about the original Efreet that it is based on.
About the Efreet
Here is what the Gundam Wiki has to say about the MS-08TX Efreet:
A prototype ground mobile suit developed independently by Zeon's Earth Attack Forces. As shown by its model number, the Efreet is positioned between the MS-07 Gouf and MS-09 Dom. Like the Gouf, it specializes in close combat, but unlike the Gouf, which is more of a technical fighter, the Efreet is more of a power fighter, pushing its high thrust and high output to the forefront. Furthermore, while the Gouf emphasized fixed armament, the Efreet uses specially developed handheld weapons.
It possessed one of the highest close combat capabilities of any ground-based MS in Zeon, and its thrust surpassed even that of the MS-14 Gelgoog. However, its production was discontinued after eight units were completed as the Zeon military's upper echelons were prioritizing the development of space-use MS, and because of its poor operability and difficulties in production. Although the number of units produced was small, there was a large margin in design, and multiple variations existed.
Eventually, one of those eight Efreets was converted into the Efreet Custom.
About the Efreet Custom
Here is what the Gundam Wiki has to say about the Efreet Custom:
The Efreet Custom is a modified version of one of the eight MS-08TX Efreets that were manufactured, and is equipped with the EXAM System. The Efreet was chosen as the base unit because no other machines could withstand the EXAM System. Compared to the original Efreet, the Efreet Custom has a larger head unit without Vulcan guns, and this was to accommodate the first EXAM System and its associated cooling units. The mobile suit also has improved mobility due to a reduction in weight and more powerful thrusters, as well as higher offensive power, making it more powerful than the original Efreet. Additionally, its close combat capabilities surpassed that of the MS-07 Gouf.
When the EXAM System is activated, Efreet Custom's already high levels of performance and mobility are boosted even further, allowing it to match newer mobile suits. However, it quickly overheats when using this system and to overcome this issue, the mobile suit's cooling system are enhanced. Spare parts are also hard to procure for this mobile suit due to the low production number of the Efreets. Parts from the Gouf series, which has a close lineage, could be used, but they are still subjected to the severe wear and tear caused by the EXAM System. Despite having excellent performance, it was said that the Efreet Custom failed to meet the expectations of its developer, Chlust Moses, who then defected to the Earth Federation in order to develop a higher performance machine.
Weapons and Stuff
The original Efreet is listed as using a variety of weapons, but it’s frequently depicted as using either a shotgun or a special heat sword.
As for the Efreet Custom, it is usually depicted as using two heat swords, along with a couple of missile launchers and grenade launchers on its body for (limited) long range attacks. As far as I can tell it doesn’t typically use handheld guns or rifles.
My Thoughts
The story of the Efreet is similar to so many other Zeon mobile suits. It’s a fancy, powerful unit that surpasses its contemporaries, but ended up being too little too late, and/or too costly to build and maintain. In this case, it was basically a better Gouf, at a time when a better Gouf simply wasn’t needed.
As for the Efreet Custom, I wish I had more to say about it. It comes from the Blue Destiny video games, which I’ve heard a ton about, but have never experienced first hand. My only remark is that I find it interesting that the Efreet was chosen as the initial testbed for the EXAM system because it was the only Zeon mobile suit available that could handle it. That says a lot about just how performant the MS must be.
Regarding Zeon Model Numbers
According to my research, the original Efreet first showed up in a Super Famicom game from the mid-1990’s. That’s interesting considering its model number.
Think of it this way:
With the exception of the Efreet, all of these mobile suits showed up in the original Gundam show from 1979. That means there was nothing stopping them from numbering the Dom as MS-08 instead of 9. But they didn’t.
Why didn’t they? Was it a mistake? Was it intentional? And if it was intentional, why did they decide to skip a number?
My only guess is that they skipped it for the same reason that they skipped numbers 1-5: to make the setting seem bigger than what we see on screen, and to imply that there is more out there.
Or maybe it really was a mistake!
A Good GFrame
I said at the start that of all the GFrames available at the store, this was the clear best choice. There’s a reason why, and it has to do with availability. The other three options are all common High Grades that get reprinted frequently enough. I’ve seen every single one of them in stock multiple times over the years.
On the other hand, most High Grade models of the Efreet variants - including the Efreet Custom - are exclusive to Premium Bandai:
The only other option would be to buy the Reborn 100 version.
Compared to these options, buying the GFrame was clearly the cheaper and easier choice. And based on my previous experiences with GFrame figurines, I wagered that it would be good enough for my needs.
Now it’s time to find out if my bet paid off.