MS Ensemble EX-40 Dendrobium Gundam Review - Part 1

Finally, I managed to get this one reviewed. While I own my fair share of premium collectibles and a sizable MS Ensemble collection, this particular item represents the pinnacle of both. Throughout the several years that the MS Ensemble line has been running, Bandai has released many Premium Bandai exclusives, but Dendrobium has always stood out as the flagship release. Looking back, I have no regrets about picking one up when I did, as the aftermarket has proven just how elusive it has become, almost like finding a unicorn.

Overall, MS Ensemble Dendrobium fully justifies its premium price. It originally cost around three to four times more than the FW Gundam Converge version and essentially half the price of the HG Dendrobium. The level of playability is simply off the charts, with an impressive range of gimmicks that clearly justify its cost over Bandai's other Dendrobium releases. Despite being a candy toy, Ensemble Dendrobium is an incredibly robust product, featuring engineering level that rivals what you would typically expect from RG or even  MG Gunpla. It is easily one of the releases that elevated the MS Ensemble lineup from an already excellent series into arguably the pinnacle of Gundam candy toys. Even today, Bandai's newer candy toy lines have yet to surpass the value of MS Ensemble considering it has stuffs like Dendrobium.

If you're fortunate enough to find one in mint condition for under 25,000 yen, it's well worth considering, as prices have continued to climb over the years.

Given the amount of effort that I put into preparing this review, I've decided to split it into two parts. That way, each part can stay focused without becoming an overly long blog post.

 Naturally, MS Ensemble Dendrobium comes with its own GP03 Gundam Stamen; otherwise, it wouldn't feel like a complete release of this legendary Gundam mobile armor from Stardust Memory. The included GP03 is essentially the same figure as the regular release from MS Ensemble Vol. 22, complete with all of its accessories, including the Twin Bazooka. If I'm not mistaken, the GP03 bundled with Dendrobium also features exclusive markings to distinguish it from the standard release. It's a small detail, but a nice touch that adds a bit of exclusivity to the set.

 Dendrobium is truly a monster among the Mobile Armors of the early Universal Century. Traditionally, Mobile Armors were a specialty of the Zeon forces, who developed numerous experimental units piloted by unstable Newtypes. On paper, these machines were designed to function as one-man armies, but more often than not, they proved impractical or even backfired during actual combat.

The GP03 Dendrobium stands out as a rare exception. Rather than being a Zeon design, it is a Gundam-centered Mobile Armor developed by the Earth Federation Forces and remains one of the largest combat units they ever fielded. It consists of two modules: the GP03 Gundam "Stamen" and the massive "Dendrobium" weapons platform. Together, they form a true one-man army unit, combining overwhelming firepower, exceptional defensive capability, and remarkable mobility. Unlike Zeon's Mobile Armors, which often relied on Newtype pilots to reach their full potential, the Dendrobium was designed to maximize the combat effectiveness of an Oldtype pilot, reflecting the Federation's comparatively limited Newtype research.

Once you get to handle the MS Ensemble Dendrobium and compare it with Bandai's other Dendrobium releases, it's easy to understand why this set commands such a premium. It successfully miniaturizes many of the gimmicks found on the HG kit, while the Converge and SD versions aren't even close in terms of functionality. My favorite feature is the missile barrage gimmick, which allows the Ensemble Dendrobium to deploy all six missile pods simultaneously. In Stardust Memory series, these pods carried a variety of missiles for both offensive and defensive roles, giving the Dendrobium enough firepower to devastate an enemy fleet once it secured a favorable firing position.

Overall, MS Ensemble Dendrobium is truly a rare gem among Bandai's candy toy products. While the MS Ensemble lineup has its fair share of expensive Premium Bandai releases, Dendrobium is one of the few that genuinely delivers value beyond its price tag. Looking back, it's quite remarkable that Bandai originally sold it for an MSRP of just 13,000 yen, even though overseas collectors effectively had to pay closer to 20,000 yen after shipping and import costs.

If Bandai ever decides to reissue the MS Ensemble Dendrobium, I wouldn't be surprised if overseas collectors end up paying around 30,000 yen to get one. Given its size, engineering, and the continued demand for this release, such a price would be entirely believable in today's market.