I finally got my hands on a zekrom model kit recently, and honestly, it's one of the most satisfying builds I've worked on in quite some time. If you're a Pokémon fan, specifically one who spent way too many hours playing Pokémon White back in the day, there's something incredibly nostalgic about holding a physical representation of the "Deep Black Pokémon." Zekrom has always had one of the most intimidating designs of any legendary, and seeing that translation from a 2D sprite or 3D game model into a tangible plastic kit is pretty cool.
Whether you're a seasoned "Plamo" enthusiast who usually builds high-end Gundams or someone who just wants a cool desk toy, these kits occupy a sweet spot. They aren't overly complicated, but they don't feel like cheap toys either. Let's break down what it's actually like to put one of these together and if it's worth your time and shelf space.
Why I Picked Up This Zekrom Model Kit
I'll be the first to admit that I have a bit of a "legendary dragon" bias. When Bandai released the Zekrom model kit as part of their Pokémon Model Kit Series (often called Pokepla), I was curious to see how they'd handle that massive turbine tail. Zekrom's design is all about power and electricity, and a lot of that visual weight is concentrated in its rear.
What's great about these kits is the accessibility. You don't need to be an expert modeler to enjoy them. Most of them are designed to be "snap-fit," meaning you don't need a single drop of glue. You just pop the pieces out of the plastic runners and click them together. It's a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon without getting frustrated by tiny screws or messy adhesives.
The Build Experience: Smooth and Simple
Opening the box of a zekrom model kit is a pretty standard experience if you've ever built a Bandai kit. You get a few runners of colored plastic—mostly black, obviously, but with some translucent blue pieces for the lightning effects or eyes depending on which version you get.
One thing I really appreciate about modern Pokepla kits is that the parts are often "touch-gate." This means you can technically just pop the pieces off the runner with your fingers. However, if you want it to look really clean, I'd still recommend using a pair of hobby nippers. It prevents those little white stress marks on the black plastic, which can be a bit of an eyesore on such a dark model.
Putting the body together is fairly straightforward. The torso is chunky and solid, and the legs are surprisingly sturdy. The highlight, for me, was definitely the tail. It's designed with these internal gears or interlocking parts that give it that iconic mechanical look. It feels like you're actually building a power generator, which fits Zekrom's lore perfectly.
That Massive Turbine Tail
Let's talk about the tail for a second because it's the most recognizable part of the zekrom model kit. In the games, Zekrom's tail glows blue when it's generating electricity, and Bandai did a decent job reflecting that. Depending on the specific edition you buy—some come as a standalone, others were part of "Select Series" sets—the tail might have a gimmick where it spins or opens up.
In the version I built, the tail has a nice weight to it. It actually acts as a bit of a tripod. Since Zekrom is quite top-heavy with those massive wings and the forward-leaning posture, the tail provides the necessary balance to keep it from tipping over every time someone walks past your shelf. It's a smart design choice that keeps the figure stable without needing a bulky clear plastic stand.
Dealing With the Stickers
If there's one thing that divided the community when it comes to these kits, it's the stickers. Because these are entry-level kits, Bandai uses stickers for some of the finer details rather than separate plastic parts for every single color.
On the zekrom model kit, the stickers are mostly for the eyes and maybe some of the glowing blue accents on the head or tail. My advice? Use a pair of tweezers. Trying to place a tiny eye sticker with your thumb is a recipe for disaster. If you're feeling brave, you can actually skip the stickers and use a Gundam Marker or some acrylic paint to fill in those details. It takes a bit more effort, but it makes the final product look way more premium.
Articulation and Poseability
Now, don't go into this expecting the articulation of a high-grade Gundam. This isn't an action figure with thirty points of movement. It's a model kit designed for display. That said, the zekrom model kit does have some decent movement.
The arms can swing, the head rotates slightly, and the wings can be adjusted to either look like he's in mid-flight or just standing there looking menacing. One of the cooler features in some versions of this kit is the linked movement. Sometimes, moving the head will cause the wings to flap or the tail to shift. It's a neat little "action feature" that reminds you these kits are meant to be fun and interactive, not just static statues.
How It Looks on the Shelf
Once it's finished, the zekrom model kit stands at a really nice height. It's usually around 4 to 5 inches tall, which makes it large enough to look imposing next to a Pikachu or Eevee kit, but small enough to fit on a crowded bookshelf.
The black plastic has a subtle sheen to it. It's not totally matte, but it's not super glossy either. It catches the light in a way that highlights the "armor" plating of Zekrom's skin. If you want to take it to the next level, I highly recommend a quick spray of matte topcoat. It kills that "plastic" look and makes it look like a high-end collectible.
Comparing Zekrom to Reshiram
If you're going to get the Zekrom kit, you're almost obligated to get the Reshiram one too. They look incredible as a pair. While the Reshiram kit is all about flowing curves and elegant plumes, the zekrom model kit is all about sharp angles and mechanical power. The contrast between the black and white plastic on a shelf is a classic look that any Gen 5 fan will appreciate.
Building them both really gives you an appreciation for the character design of that era. Zekrom feels like a powerhouse, and the kit reflects that "heavy" aesthetic perfectly.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, picking up a zekrom model kit is a no-brainer if you like Pokémon. It's an affordable hobby—usually costing significantly less than a pre-painted PVC statue—and you get the added satisfaction of having built it yourself.
It's not a difficult build by any means. If you've got a free hour and a decent podcast to listen to, you'll have a legendary dragon sitting on your desk before you know it. It's simple, it's fun, and it looks undeniably cool. Whether you leave it as-is or go the extra mile with some custom paint and panel lining, it's a great addition to any collection. Just watch out for those wings—they can be a bit pointy if you're not careful!