Overview

The Infinite Nova IN ERA+ THB-03M Thunderbolt Manta Ray Extreme Speed Dark is a 1/100 scale original mecha model kit from the UMD (Ultimate Minutia Design) series, and a recolored release of the Thunderbolt 2.0 Manta Ray platform. The original Manta Ray used a fluorescent pink and blue-green cyberpunk color scheme - this Extreme Speed Dark version replaces it with deep black armor panels, vivid orange accents, and gunmetal gray frame sections for a more aggressive, stealth-oriented appearance. The waterslide decals have also been upgraded from the original's standard color decals to metallic silver. IN ERA+ is the consumer label for the Infinite Dimension and SNAA collaboration - Infinite Dimension handles the industrial design work that originated in high-end GK resin kits, while SNAA provides the engineering and injection-mold manufacturing.

Key Features

• Extreme Speed Dark Colorway: Black armor with vivid orange accent panels, gunmetal gray inner frame sections, and white mechanical detail points, replacing the original Manta Ray's fluorescent pink and blue-green scheme.
• Upgraded Metallic Silver Decals: Waterslide decals upgraded from the original release's standard color decals to metallic silver, enhancing surface detail contrast against the dark armor.
• Manta Ray Backpack: Over 30 cm long flight unit with formula-racing-inspired central body, extending wing assemblies with hydraulic-style linkages, independently rotating propellers, front missile bays, vertically adjustable rear thrusters, and internal mechanical arms for weapon mounting.
• Cockpit and Pilot Figure: Self-contained cockpit module housed inside the backpack with a seated pilot figure, adding narrative display potential beyond the main mecha body.
• Reinforced Inner Frame: Refined and tightened frame mold addresses joint stability issues from the original Thunderbolt, with improved knee articulation and waist rotation joints for better posing under the weight of the backpack.
• Updated Main Body: Redesigned head sculpt with streamlined racing-helmet profile and full-face visor, asymmetrical dual-color shoulder armor, and hip joint locking mechanism for improved weight-bearing stability.
• Weapon Loadout: Assault rifle with internal structure and removable magazine, transformable rifle blade weapons, rocket anchor cable effect parts, and trident tail weapon.

Builder Context

This is an advanced-intermediate kit suited for builders with MG-level experience. The 32-runner part count and layered armor-over-frame construction produce a dense, time-intensive build. Snap-fit assembly with no cement required, though the tightened knee and waist joints may require extra force during assembly. Inner frame mechanical detailing has been compared by builders to Bandai's MG 2.0 line. Painting is not required for a complete appearance thanks to factory color separation and pre-painted metallic accents, and the upgraded metallic silver decals add detail contrast without additional aftermarket purchases. The dark color scheme particularly rewards panel lining to bring out surface detail.

Why Build This Kit

The IN ERA+ THB-03M Thunderbolt Manta Ray Extreme Speed Dark is the most part-dense kit in the Infinite Nova 1/100 lineup, with 32 runner plates producing both a fully articulated main body and a 30 cm+ manta ray flight backpack that functions as a second display piece on its own. The black-and-orange color scheme and upgraded metallic silver decals give this version a distinctly different shelf character from the original fluorescent release - builders who want the Manta Ray platform but prefer a more subdued, stealth-oriented aesthetic should choose this version over the original colorway. The combined display with the main body mounted on the backpack in flight configuration has visual presence comparable to a 1/60 scale kit, making it one of the highest shelf-impact options available under $80 in the third-party 1/100 category. At its price point, the Thunderbolt Manta Ray competes directly with premium MG Bandai kits but offers substantially more parts, a full inner frame with exposed mechanical detailing, and a cockpit-equipped flight unit that has no Bandai equivalent. Builders should note that balancing the combined form requires the included display stand - the backpack's weight makes unsupported standing poses impractical.

Box Contents

• Thunderbolt main body parts with updated head, shoulder armor, and inner frame components (Extreme Speed Dark colorway)
• Manta Ray backpack assembly (wings, cockpit module with pilot figure, propellers, missile bays, thrusters, rocket anchor cable parts)
• Assault rifle with removable magazine
• Rifle blade weapons with transformable handles
• Trident tail weapon
• 2x articulated display stands
• Metallic silver waterslide decal sheet
• Metallic foil sticker sheet
• Assembly instruction manual

Specifications