Release Date: October 2025
RRP: $39.99
Blokees' Neon Genesis Evangelion range is among some of its most popular items, which is quite impressive for a company that has gathered so many licenses under its belt in a few short years. Their Action Edition model kit range has already covered all of the core Units from the Rebuild of Evangelion films, as well as some TV series editions and the pilots themselves over in their Fantastics Series line. Blokees Action Editon Evangelion Production Model 02 is a particularly interesting release as there are now two variations on the market - a standard version which is available worldwide, and an upgraded edition with revised joints and extra accessories that's currently only available in China.
No box pictures on the review this time around, as the more limited release of this version meant I needed to order the kit from AliExpress. Despite requesting and paying for otherwise) the seller shipped the model without the outer packaging. All of the contents were present however, so ultimately there was no harm done. It is however something to note if you plan on doing the same - if you do care about the box, perhaps look for a seller that only ships them that way. The box itself is fairly straightforward based on pictures though, featuring a nice big image of the completed model on the front and then additional ones showing off its poseability (and accessories) along the sides and back. Inside are 16 separate bags of parts containing numerous different coloured runners and other loose parts. The instructions booklet features detailed step-by-step images outlining the building process, and then finally the box also contains a collector card featuring a dynamic image of the completed model with foil lettering.
As previously mentioned this model kit is based on Unit 02 as it appears in the Rebuild of Evangelion films, or more specifically the second entry in the tetralogy (which in turn is its debut appearance). The key differences between the Rebuild and TV versions are its slimmer proportions, white forearms and waist section as well the curved horns on the forehead. While it is a shame that the Rebuild versions dominate any merchandise now, with Blokees having already produced a TV version Unit 01 (and with a TV Unit 00 on the way), there’s every chance they’ll eventually do a TV Unit 02 somewhere down the line. But for those who are perfectly fine with the Rebuild version, Blokees’ have delivered a model kit that’s an absolute dream to build. Technically no tools are required either, as Blokees’ pride themselves on delivering kits where the parts simply pop off the runners without leaving any nub marks. This is true for most of the pieces, but as some will leave some slight marks more experienced models might want to have their nippers/sandpaper on hand just for good practice. The kit also features a wide selection of pre-painted parts to cover all the detailing, with no stickers whatsoever. Whilst the instructions guide you to build the model with black elbow and wrist joints, as an added bonus on this enhanced edition more screen-accurate white ones have also been included as an alternative (although this isn’t mentioned in the instructions whatsoever). The finished build is a very impressive and screen-accurate rendition of Unit 02, standing at roughly 6.7 inches tall.
Additional features on the model include an opening hatch at the back in which an entry plug (two supplied) can be stored, as a well as including an umbilical cable that can be plugged directly into the back of the Unit. The cable has flexible wire running through it that allows it to be contorted/displayed as you choose, and together with the shiny silver finish of the plug part makes a nice addition to the model should you choose to display Unit 02 running on indefinite power.
The primary differences between each of the Eva Units is colouring and head sculpt, so it should be surprising to hear that Unit 02’s articulation is identical to the other kits Blokees have released in the line thus far. Altogether that includes;
- Ball jointed head, neck, torso, waist, shoulder pylons and foot covers
- Double hinge elbows and knees
- Swivel hinge shoulders, wrists, hips and ankles
- Thigh swivels
- Single hinge jaw and toe section
Saying that Unit 02 has a hinged jaw is perhaps being a little generous – while it does open, it’s not by very much nor does it expose any additional sculpting on the inside. Still, it’s a little more movement that you find on a lot of Unit 02 figures. Like the other Blokees Units it isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty damn good for its size and price point. The main point of contention are the shoulder pylons, which do need to be positioned carefully so not to block off the shoulder movement. A little more butterfly movement in the shoulders or a bicep swivel might have helped with this, but the kit isn’t at a great loss without them either. The torso and waist joints are great for getting that hunched look just right, and the bend offered by the double joints in the elbows and knees (as well as some fantastic ankle tilt movement) are more than enough for plenty of dynamic posing opportunities. Being a model kit it is perhaps a little less sturdy than a completed figure (with the legs most likely to pop off if overstretched), but if anything ever comes off it can be plugged straight back on.
Unit 02's core accessories (as in the ones that also came with original release) include eight swappable hands, Pallet Rifle, two Prog Knives, two swappable shoulder pylons with Prog Knives deployed and the Thunder Spear. The hand selection is identical the one offered with all the other Units, featuring a selection of open/posed hands as well as gripping hands for both the knives and guns (however only a right trigger finger hand is included - paired with a wider grip open hand). The hands are also made from a softer, more rubbery plastic which allows for easier insertion/removal from both the wrist joints and weapons. The Pallet Rifle is also identical to the one included with the other Units, but the rest are unique to Unit 02 (Unit 01 also includes a Prog Knife, however it has a different design). The Prog Knives are small but nicely detailed, and pair nicely with the alternate shoulder pylons. That said swapping the pylons is a bit nerve-wracking as they're held on by ball joints on thin arms, so the slightest bit of pressure in the wrong place could cause them to easily snap. However of the weapons the Thunder Spear is definitely the highlight here, featuring moving parts that allows the blade to fold back over the top (which in turn slides forward to cover it). The variety of colours also make for a much more interesting build than the standard Pallet Rifle. Even without the added extras from this upgraded edition, it's a solid selection of accessories that gives you all the basics for an Eva Unit as well as plenty of Unit 02-specific choices.
As with the other Evangelion Units the set also includes a customisable display base which can be showcased in two different ways. The first configuration is a simple grey base with a clear plastic articulated display arm, which is perfect for additional support in more dynamic posing and/or midair posing. Alternatively extra parts have also been included to transform the base into the Unit’s launch platform, complete with additional baseplate and back pylons. The other end of the umbilical cable can also be plugged into the articulated stand port, creating a direct link between the figure and base for extra screen accuracy. Two unpainted white damaged buildings (again, identical to the ones included with the other Units) have also been included, and can be plugged onto the base in either configuration.
In addition to the aforementioned white arm joints, the upgraded edition of Unit 02 also throws in some bonus accessories based on one of its most moments from the Rebuild films. Making its debut, Unit 02 flies down from the sky with the assistance of "Aerial Recon S-Type Equipment", battling the Seventh Angel whilst wielding the "Evangelion Custom Super-Electromagnetic Crossbow". All of these parts are included with the upgraded edition, the S-Type equipment being comprised of two hefty jetpack pieces that replace the shoulder pylons as well as new aerodynamic fin pieces for the forearms. Swapping the forearm pieces is straightforward enough, but the jetpack pieces highlight how these models aren't really designed to have the shoulder pylons switched in and out frequently. Removing the standard and Prog Knife versions is a lot more straightforward as the pieces are relatively thin, but the shape of the jetpacks makes them much harder to grip in a way that doesn't apply pressure to the joint. Despite being able to swap the other pylons out multiple times with no issue, the first time I tried to remove the jetpacks one of the ball joints immediately snapped off the arm. It would have been much better if Blokees either built the joint into the pylons themselves rather than the torso, or alternatively included a replacement torso piece just in case any breakage should happen. It's a real shame as the flight pack feels like a quintessential part of Rebuild Unit 02, and the pieces themselves look great - with a more intricate build process than you might expect. Once they're attached to the model they're great, but if you plan taking them off again be sure to do so with extreme caution. The crossbow is also a great addition to Unit 02's already impressive arsenal, and a must-have when displaying Unit 02 with the flight parts.
The standard version of Blokees Action Edition Evangelion Production Model 02 was already a great kit, but the extras included in the upgraded edition definitely make it feel like a far more "complete" release. The ease of building these kits make them a fantastic entry point for beginners, as well as some of the best Neon Genesis Evangelion figures you can get right now if you're on a budget. However the fragility of those shoulder pylon joints do bring this particular release down a notch, since easy parts-swapping is much more of a requirement here. Again it's not so bad with the standard and Prog Knife shoulders, but the joints themselves could have definitely been revised and/or strengthened to ensure getting the jetpacks on and off was much less risky. Just be sure that if you're picking this up to ensure you're getting this version and not the standard edition - pay close attention to the name on the listing, the box design and the price.
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