There’s many different versions of the the Banshee from Gundam Unicorn – this post will help you decipher the differences and pick out the right kit for you.

Banshee Versions

There are 3 main versions of the Banshee that exist in Gundam media: the novel version, the normal OVA version, and the upgraded OVA Version – the Banshee Norn.

Novel Version

Gundam Unicorn was originally a light novel series with the first volume published in 2006, 4 years prior to the premier of the OVA in 2010. In the novel, the Banshee was only different from the Unicorn in two ways: 1) the color scheme and 2) the horn/v-fin. Everything else design-wise was the same as the Unicorn.

While the Unicorn featured a white and red color scheme, the Banshee adopted a black and yellow/gold color scheme to give it a darker, more menacing look.

For the horn/v-fin – instead of the Unicorn’s simple “unicorn horn” – the Banshee adopted a more complex, multi-pronged golden horn/fin.

OVA Version

For the OVA, a few changes were made to the Banshee to help make it more unique and help with it’s appearance in the animation. The first change was the color of the collar/upper chest of the suit was changed to help distinguish it more in space scenes – instead of the black collar of the novel version – the OVA version used a gold-colored collar. The color gold was chosen to help play into the motif of the lion and the unicorn as depicted in the famous French tapestry “The Lady and the Unicorn” that was featured in episode 1 of the OVA.

The second difference between the novel version and the OVA version is in the weapons the suit uses – while the novel Banshee used a beam magnum rifle and shield just like the Unicorn, the OVA version makes use of two new “armed armor” weapons. The first of these is the Armed Armor VN mounted on the left arm – which can function as a shield but turns into a vibrating claw in Destroy mode. The second new weapon is the Armed Armor BS mounted on the right arm – which functions as a beam smartgun that can alter the direction of the beam while firing.

This is the version of the Banshee that was featured in episodes 4-5 of the OVA and piloted by Marida Cruz.

Upgraded OVA Version – The Banshee Norn

For the last 2 episodes of the OVA, some additional changes were made to the Banshee’s visual appearance. While the core suit design is the same as the initial OVA appearance, the weapons and equipment of the unit were updated to give it a new look and a new designation – the RX-0[N] Banshee Norn.

For weapons, the Norn now makes use of the same beam magnum used by the Unicorn, only with a new revolving launcher attachment for additional firepower. Instead of the Armed Armor BS or VN, the Norn also features a new Armed Armor weapon system – the Armed Armor DE. The DE is the regular shield of the Unicorn modified with additional armor, thrusters, and a mega-cannon for added offensive capability. When mounted on the back of the Norn, the additional thrusters in the DE also grant the Norn increased speed and maneuverability while traveling.

Another new piece of equipment on the Norn is the Armed Armor XC – which improves generator output and adds additional psycho-frame material to the suit to improve it’s psycho-wave capabilities. When the Norn shifts to Destroy-mode, the XC folds out into more golden colored psycho-frame material behind the head and shoulders of the suit – further enforcing the lion motif of the Banshee.

This is the version of the Banshee that was featured in episodes 6-7 of the OVA and piloted by Riddhe Marcenas.

Other Distinctions

Unicorn-Mode Vs Destroy-Mode

As with any RX-0 Unicorn unit, the Banshee features two modes: it’s normal operating mode (Unicorn-mode) and and enhanced performance mode where the suit’s NT-D system has activated (Destroy-mode).

In Unicorn-Mode, the Banshee’s armor conceals the psycho-frame material that the inner frame of the suit is built out of, giving it a more simple appearance. The Banshee’s horn/v-fin also rejoins to a single piece and the face transforms to mask the traditional Gundam face of the suit.

In Destroy-Mode, the Banshee’s armor expands to reveal the psycho-frame material of the inner frame – and the psycho-frame begins to glow with energy. The Banshee’s horn/v-fin is split into a more traditional Gundam v-fin design, and the face transforms to reveal the suit’s traditional Gundam face.

Final Battle Versions

One other distinction for Banshee versions (and kit releases) is the color of the psycho-frame of the suit – either a yellow/golden color or a green color. The yellow/golden psycho-frame color represents the base or regular version of the Banshee that is seen when the suit first makes an appearance. The green psycho-frame color represents the version of the Banshee that appeared in the final battle when Riddhe had mastered the Banshee and was fighting in concert with Banagher – hence being called the “Final Battle Version”.

Gunpla Kit Releases

PG Kits

One thing to note when looking for Perfect Grade versions of the Banshee is that unlike the MG versions of the kit – the mainstream/widest availability PG design is actually the Banshee Norn – not the regular Banshee Ver OVA. It is possible to get parts to build a PG Banshee Ver OVA, but only through P-Bandai expansion sets. Both versions of the PG Norn share the same molds – the only difference is the color of the psycho-frame pieces.

Kit Name	Design Ver	Frame Color	Release Type	Notes
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn	Norn	Yellow	Retail	Requires separate LED kit for lighting
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn Final Battle Ver	Norn	Green	P-Bandai	Requires separate LED kit for lighting
Armed/Armor VN/BS Expansion Set	Ver OVA	Yellow	P-Bandai	Parts-only expansion to depict Ver OVA – requires regular PG Norn kit as well

MG Kits

For Master Grade kit releases, the regular/non-Norn designs are the most widely available. All MG kits – regardless of OVA, Ka, or Norn share the same molds – the only difference between kits are minor color differences and weapons/accessories. No version of the kit has superior articulation, etc – they’re all printed from the same molds.

Kit Name	Design Ver	Frame Color	Release Type	Notes
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee	Ver OVA	Yellow	Retail	Also sold/listed as Banshee Ver OVA While the promo pics for this kit show the horn/collar as having a metallic finish – the actual parts are just basic molded gold – so will lack a true metallic look
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Ver Ka	Ver Novel	Yellow	Retail	Includes spare gold collar piece from Ver OVA but none of the Ver OVA weapons One other distinction with this kit is that while the gold collar piece is not plated in the Ver OVA release – it is in fact plated in the Ver Ka release even though it’s spare parts
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn	Norn	Yellow	P-Bandai	N/A
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn Final Battle Ver	Norn	Green	P-Bandai	N/A
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Ver Ka Final Battle Ver	Ver Novel	Green	P-Bandai	Includes spare gold collar piece from Ver OVA but none of the Ver OVA weapons

RG Kits

Similar to PG Banshee, the most widely available RG versions of the Banshee are actually the Norn design. Again like with the PG, it is possible to recreate the Ver OVA design, but only through the use of P-Bandai expansion parts.

Kit Name	Design Ver	Frame Color	Release Type	Notes
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn	Norn	Yellow	Retail	N/A
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn Final Battle Ver	Norn	Green	P-Bandai	N/A
Armed Armor VN/BS Expansion Set	Ver OVA	Yellow	P-Bandai	Parts-only expansion to depict Ver OVA – requires regular RG Norn kit as well

HG Kits

Unlike every other grade (other than SD), High Grade Banshee kits are non-transforming, so kits are sold only in Unicorn-mode or Destroy-mode.

Kit Name	Design Ver	Frame Color	Release Type	Notes
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee (Unicorn Mode)	Ver OVA	N/A	Retail	N/A
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee (Destroy Mode)	Ver OVA	Yellow	Retail	N/A
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn (Unicorn Mode)	Norn	N/A	Retail	N/A
Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn (Destroy Mode)	Norn	Yellow	Retail	N/A

SD Kits

Like HG kits, Super Deformed Banshee kits are non-transforming.

Kit Name	Design Ver	Frame Color	Release Type	Notes
BB Senshi Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee (Destory Mode)	Ver OVA	Yellow	Retail	N/A
BB Senshi Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn (Destroy Mode)	Norn	Yellow	Retail	N/A
SD EX-Standard Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn (Destroy Mode)	Norn	Yellow	Retail	N/A
SD Cross Silhouette Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee (Destroy Mode) & Banshee Norn Parts Set	Both	Yellow	Retail	Includes parts to recreate either the OVA or Norn designs