OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon

The OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon, an outstanding mobile suit from the "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing" anime series, is an important element in the vast Gundam universe.

The Gundam Epyon makes its debut appearance in the middle of the series, piloted by the main protagonist, Heero Yuy. Its origins are buried in mystery, and it is frequently associated with the intriguing persona Treize Khushrenada. Later in the narrative, the Epyon is given to Zechs Merquise, another important character, signaling a big shift in the plot.

The arrival of the Epyon added a new layer of complexity to the series. Its allegiance is not bound to a certain side, illustrating the series' ambiguous lines between right and bad. The Epyon's distinctive design and commanding presence have made it an iconic member of the Gundam Wing series and the larger Gundam world.

Treize Khushrenada, when imprisoned by the Romefeller Foundation, built the Gundam Epyon based on information from the OZ-00MS Tallgeese and the other Gundams. Treize's doctrine is adhered to by the Epyon, which forgoes timid long-range weapons in favor of valiant close battle. But a pair of Vulcan cannons are attached to White Fang's skull when the suit becomes a part of him. Its primary armaments are a strong beam sword that draws power directly from the Epyon's generator and a segmented, whip-like heat rod that is mounted on a shield.

Treize also put a modified version of the Zero System, known as the Epyon System, in the cockpit, making this suit a formidable opponent. The Epyon's design is unique and imposing, with a primary color palette of red and black. It has a changing system that allows it to transform between a mobile suit and dragon-like mobile armor form. Its main weapons are a beam sword and a heat rod, which are extremely effective in close battle.

The Epyon System

In Epyon's cockpit, Treize had a modified version of the lethal ZERO System installed. The Epyon System functioned similarly to the ZERO System of the Wing Gundam Zero, but the pilot had to wear a special helmet while operating the system. It is unknown if there are any technological distinctions from the ZERO System. Zechs also utilized an altered version of this technique to command the Mobile Dolls of the White Fang.

ENDLESS WALTZ VERSION

Gundam Epyon EW is a redesign of Epyon by Hajime Katoki that is featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers and New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop. It is modeled after other EW versions of the first five Gundams. Later on, it receives a additional equipment known as "Sturm Und Drang," which it may employ for both offense and defense.

The History

Treize Khushrenada was placed under house arrest and stripped of his responsibilities as the Commander of OZ late in AC 195. Treize created a Gundam he named Epyon because he was fascinated by the Gundams and their pilots. Because of his strong sense of honor, Treize created a mobile suit specifically for "dueling" and only gave it short-range weapons. Treize was also able to install a modified Zero System in the Epyon's cockpit. Treize had hoped that someone would volunteer to pilot the suit—preferably Heero Yuy, a Gundam pilot. Treize gave Heero the Epyon Gundam as a result, when the latter went looking for him to kill him. But instead of killing Treize, Heero took the Epyon.

As soon as Heero got inside the mobile suit, Treize told him not to think of himself as a "winner" when operating it; instead, he should focus only on the act of fighting. Heero led the Epyon into combat when the Romefeller Foundation invaded the Sanc Kingdom. But Heero had not yet grasped the Zero System, and he nearly lost it, running from the fight. Zechs Merquise, Relena's brother, learned of the invasion and made his way to the XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero, but it was too late. Then, in the Wing Zero and Epyon, respectively, Zechs and Heero engaged in combat, fighting to a draw. Both fighters stopped, unable to use their Zero Systems to calculate a victory. After that, Heero took the Wing Zero and Zechs took the Epyon as they switched outfits.

Zechs soon joined the White Fang, a group that claimed to be responsible with defending the Colonies, and rose to the position of leader. Zechs returned to his birth name, Milliardo Peacecraft, and fought alongside the Epyon against the forces of the new Earth Sphere Unified Nation. Zechs flew Epyon against the Gundam Pilots in the war's final combat in December AC 195. In this combat, Zechs in Epyon faced Heero in the Wing Zero. The two fought on and around the massive space station Libra.

When they arrived at the last remaining portion of Libra, which was plunging toward Earth, the battle was at a dead end. Heero won handily when he took the fight inside Libra and the two battled until Epyon's left arm was cut. Zechs persuaded Heero to depart as Heero/Wing Zero was ready to use Epyon to destroy the reactor that powered that portion of the station, saving the Libra sector from destruction. It was assumed that Zechs and Epyon perished in the ensuing explosion.

KNOWN VARIANTS

Epyon Bai

Also known as "Nataku". Chang Wufei constructed and piloted a customized white Epyon in New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop. It also features new weapons such as the beam trident used by Gundam Shenlong, and an extra leg unit making it a triple-headed dragon unit when in MA mode.

Epyon Ares

In New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop, the Lanigreen Republic rebuilt the Epyon and attached twin beam weapons to the legs (head section in MA mode). These beam weapons are exclusively available in MA Mode and enhance the mode's combat capabilities.

Epyon Kaiser

The Epyon Kaiser is a mobile suit based on the OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon that appears in an edition of Model Graphix magazine. 

More of a gag than anything else, the Epyon Kaiser is based on the design of Exkaiser's second fighting form, Dragon Kaiser, and has the visage of Exkaiser from Brave Exkaiser (1990). For a good chuckle, Kunio Okawara designed the mecha for both Gundam Wing and Exkaiser. He then submitted this merged design to the Gundam WARS magazine.

GUNPLA ENTRIES

A popular mobile suit from the "Gundam Wing" series, Gundam Epyon has long been a favorite among fans of Gunpla (Gundam plastic models). Gundam Epyon has been released in a number of scales and iterations over time, demonstrating the advances in Gunpla design and technology.

1/144 OZ-13MS 1995's Gundam Epyon (1995)

In the Gunpla universe, this model was Gundam Epyon's first appearance. It was one of the first wave of Gunpla models from the "Gundam Wing" series, released in 1995. It was positively appreciated for accurately recreating the iconic mobile suit, even with its simpler design and less articulation than later incarnations.

HG 1/100 OZ-13MS Gundam Wing Gundam Epyon (1995)

This 1/100 High Grade version was released concurrently with the first 1/144 size model, and it included more detail and a larger scale. Fans who liked larger models favored it because of its larger size, which allowed for more detailed pieces and a commanding display presence.

1/144 OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon (Re-issue; 2000)

The first 1/144 scale model was reprinted in 2000. Fans now have an additional chance to own this vintage model thanks to this release. It did not have any notable design or articulation upgrades, but collectors and newbies to the hobby continued to find it appealing. The year 2000 release also came with a paintable figure of Zechs Merquise.

SD Gundam G Generation Model Series OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon (2000)

This Super Deformed (SD) model was introduced in 2000 as a part of the G Generation Model Series. The SD Epyon, with its oversized, adorable dimensions, was a distinctive interpretation of the mobile suit. Fans who like how Gundam models were portrayed in a chibi style were especially fond of it.

MG 1/100 OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon (EW Ver.) (2011)

The 2011 release of the Master Grade (MG) edition was a part of the "Endless Waltz" range. Significant advancements in detail, articulation, and design were present in this model. Collectors had to have it since it included decals and a color scheme that closely matched the mobile suit's appearance in the "Endless Waltz" OVA.

RG 1/144 OZ-13MS Gundam Epyon (2023)

When the Real Grade (RG) version was launched in 2023, Gunpla engineering had advanced significantly. It had more powerful color separation, intricate panel lines, and sophisticated articulation that mirrored the anime counterpart's complicated appearance. Setting a new benchmark for 1/144 scale models was the RG Epyon.

MG 1/100 Gundam Epyon [Sturm und Drang Equipment] (2023)

Premium Bandai announces the release of the Master Grade Gundam Epyon EW with its Sturm und Drang equipment that was featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers manga. 

The Sturm und Drang is an additional expansion equipment used by the Gundam Epyon after Zechs Merquise joins the White Fang. The smaller wing type devices equipped on its arms have similar technology to the Mercurius' Planet Defensors and can be used either on its forearms in defense mode, or attached to its beam sword in "Zweihandler Mode".

MG 1/100 Gundam Epyon (Cross Contrast Colors/Clear White) (2023)

The official Bandai TMALL has revealed a set of limited edition model kits exclusive to their flagship store. The Master Grade Gundam Epyon EW appears in a “CROSS CONTRAST COLOR” featured in clear white with gold highlights.

This exclusive MG Gundam Epyon EW comes with its original accessories and equipment which include its shield combined with articulated Heat Rod, and a Beam Sword that comes with its beam effect part molded in yellow. The kit is also completed with an exclusive decal, printed and designed specifically for this release.