Gundam Metal Build Hi-v vs Barbatos: Which Figure to Pick
By Toy Dojo - ToyDojo | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Gundam Metal Build Hi-v Gundam and Barbatos 4th Form. Discover key differences in design, accessories, and build quality to choose the best metal build figure for your collection.
Quick answer
Choose the Metal Build Hi-v Gundam if you want a sleek, updated classic from the Universal Century, or the Metal Build Barbatos 4th Form if you prefer aggressive post-apocalyptic styling with a massive boomerang mace and cape.
Design lineage and visual impact
The Metal Build Hi-v Gundam is a redesigned take on Yutaka Izubuchi's original novel concept from 1988, updated for dramatic presence. Its refined proportions and fin funnel array give it a regal, sci-fi aesthetic that fits a classic UC collection.
In contrast, the Metal Build Barbatos 4th Form channels the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of Iron-Blooded Orphans. Director Tatsuyuki Nagai and mechanical designer Naohiro Washio contributed new equipment, including a striking crimson cape and a boomerang mace, amplifying its wild, combat-ready look.
Accessories and display options
Both figures come with extensive accessories, but they cater to different tastes. The Hi-v focuses on its iconic fin funnels and beam rifle, while the Barbatos includes a unique boomerang mace and a dramatic cape that changes its silhouette.
If you value screen-accurate weaponry and a more traditional Gundam silhouette, the Hi-v delivers. If you want a figure that looks like it just walked off a battlefield with over-the-top gear, the Barbatos is the pick.
Die-cast construction and articulation
Both are Metal Builds, meaning they feature die-cast components for weight and durability. The Hi-v's frame is built for stability while posing with its fin funnels. The Barbatos's frame emphasizes the Alaya-Vijnana System's structural details, with die-cast parts that highlight the mecha's internal mechanics.
Neither figure compromises on articulation, but the Barbatos's cape and mace may limit some dynamic poses compared to the Hi-v's more balanced loadout.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Aesthetic preference: The Hi-v offers a refined, classic UC look; the Barbatos delivers a rugged, post-apocalyptic style.
- Accessory uniqueness: Barbatos includes a boomerang mace and cape that dramatically change its profile; Hi-v focuses on fin funnels and beam rifle.
- Poseability with extras: Hi-v poses more easily with its balanced loadout; Barbatos's cape and mace may restrict some dynamic stances. Consider how you plan to display the figure when choosing.
Product facts
- Gundam Metal Build - RX-93-v2 Hi-v Gundam: As seen in the 1988 novelization 'Char's Counterattack: Beltorchika's Children,' the Hi-Nu Gundam as envisioned by Yutaka Izubuchi joins the METAL BUILD series, redesigned and updated for even more dramatic impact. This is not a simple reissue; it's a modern reinterpretation with enhanced proportions and detailing that stands out on any shelf.
Gundam Metal Build - RX-93-v2 Hi-v Gundam - Metal Build Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans - Gundam Barbatos & Boomerang Mace (4th Form): The long-awaited Metal Build Gundam Barbatos comes with new equipment designed by director Tatsuyuki Nagai and mechanical designer Naohiro Washio, featuring a Boomerang Mace and a striking crimson cape. The exclusive cape and mace make this version distinct from other Barbatos releases, offering a display option you can't get elsewhere.
Metal Build Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans - Gundam Barbatos & Boomerang Mace (4th Form)
Which figure fits your collection?
Best for
- Collectors who want a modern take on a classic Universal Century design with dramatic fin funnels
- Fans of Iron-Blooded Orphans who want an aggressive, accessory-packed figure with a unique cape
Not for
- Anyone seeking a strictly anime-accurate Hi-v without redesign elements
- Collectors who prefer a clean, unadorned mecha silhouette without capes or large maces
