Unboxing & Review: The TTL Models Carina Zapata 002 (New) – Is It Worth the Hype?

If you are a fan of 1/6 scale resin garage kits, you have likely seen the name "Carina Zapata" floating around the community. The original sculpts by TTL Models gained a cult following for their cyberpunk aesthetic and intricate detailing.

Now, TTL Models has dropped the Carina Zapata 002 (New) version. But is it just a re-release, or does the "New" label actually mean improvements?

I got my hands on one of these kits. Here is everything you need to know before you buy.

1. Aggressive Zero-G Livery

The original 002 featured a matte black and desert tan scheme. The New version introduces a gloss carbon-fiber bonnet (hood) with iridescent orange racing stripes that shift color under LED light. The side panels now feature cyber-hieroglyphics and "Zapata" lettering in a neon-drip font.

Recommended Paint Scheme

The box art shows a dark, moody palette:

• Skin: Pale/cool tones (mix a little purple/blue into your flesh base).
• Outfit: Matte black and dark charcoal grey with neon blue or magenta accent lines (use fluorescent paints for a glow effect).
• Hair: Silver-white or deep burgundy.
• Base: Dark metallic with rust or oil washes.

What is TTL Models?

Before diving into the specifics of the 002 New, it is worth understanding the manufacturer. TTL Models operates in the competitive space between mass-market giants (like Hot Toys or Sideshow) and boutique resin kit makers. They are best known for their realistic masculine head sculpts and, more recently, their incredibly detailed Female Tactical Series.

The "Carina Zapata" line is their flagship female operator series. Unlike typical "anime-meets-military" figures, TTL aims for photorealistic, weathered, and functional gear. The first release (Carina Zapata 001) was lauded for its sculpt but criticized for its fragile body. The 002 New is the brand’s direct answer to those criticisms.

Final Verdict: Is the TTL Models Carina Zapata 002 New Worth It?

Rating: 9.2/10

Pros:

• Dramatically improved articulation over the original.
• Exhibition-level head sculpt paint job.
• Loadout is 100% modular and functional.
• Excellent value ($125 for a fully kitted seamless body figure is rare).

Cons:

• The rooted hair can frizz if handled excessively.
• The magnetic feet work best on the included base; on metal shelves, the figure slides slightly.
• No diorama environment included (just a base stand).

Poseability and Photography

For toy photographers, the TTL Models Carina Zapata 002 New is a dream. The reinforced skeleton allows for "crouched sniper" poses that would have broken the previous figure.

• Stability: The magnetic feet paired with a generic 1/6 scale metal grate base (included) means you can tilt the figure up to 45 degrees without falling.
• Hands: Comes with 8 interchangeable hands, including trigger-finger, grip, and relaxed sculpts. The pegs are slightly thicker than standard Hot Toys, so swapping is tight but secure.