January, 2022 | Vinyl Maddness

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Godzilla Island

14 Jan2022

Godzilla Island – 1995 saw a temporary end to the Godzilla series. During this time, Toho turned their attention to filming its Mothra Trilogy. Bandai produced toys of the kaiju featured in Mothra 96 and Mothra 97. There seemed little hope that Bandai would make Godzilla toys again untill late 1997 when a new television show featuring the King of the Monsters aired.

Godzilla Island aired on October 10, 1997 and had a one year run. There is little information stateside on what the show was actually about, except that it featured several customized Godzilla related Bandai figures filmed it a stop motion type manner with actors behind the scenes. Here’s a list of the toys featured in the show. slot

Heisei Godzilla, MechaGodzilla 74

DX Powerful Walk Godzilla, MechaGodzilla 93

SpaceGodzilla, Destroyah

Angilas, three sizes of Mothra Larva

Megalon, two sizes of Hedorah

King Seesar, Gigan

Jet Jaguar, Mothra Adult 92

Rodan, Baragon

Gorosaurus, Kamakiras premium303

Mothra Adult 96, Battra Adult

Godzilla Junior, G-Force Mogera

Mysterians Mougera, King Ghidorah 91

Mecha King Ghidorah, the Molten God from Yamato Takeru

And Marmits Glow Dogora

The show also featured various Mecha, such as Maser Tanks and Atragon.

It appears the show was popular enough for Bandai to once again produce Godzilla toys with an unexpected twist. The new toys would be six inches in size and they would be reissues of Bandai previous figures. Known as the “Godzilla Island” figures, Bandai released its first four figures in early 1998

Godzilla 94, Mothra Larva 92, King Ghidorah 91, & MechaGodzilla 93

Godzilla Island Godzilla and MechaGodzilla appear to be the same mold as their standard eight inch counterpart. Mothra Larva, while the mold appears the same when compared to the standard version, the feelers in front of the face and lower body are shorter and duller. King Ghidorah is a completely new sculpt.

The heads/necks have no articulation with the two side heads being the same mold with open mouths and the middle head being a different mold with its mouth closed. All four figures are done in soft vinyl which is the current process of all future vinyl toys.

The tags are folded and pictures the respected kaiju on the front with the “Godzilla Island” TV logo on the top right of the tag. There is no year type of the kaiju listed on the tag, which makes it difficult to determine which suit type is used for Godzilla. Since the tag pictures the 94′ version of Godzilla, this article will refer to the six inch Godzilla Island version as “Godzilla 94”.

Each respected tag is numbered in the front: Godzilla 94 G-01, Mothra Larva 92 G-02, King Ghidorah 91 G-03, and MechaGodzilla 93 G-04. The back of the tag pictures Godzilla and the actors featured on the “Godzilla Island” TV show. Inside of the tags have the usual information and a picture of the actor that appears to be a General on the Godzilla Island television show with a type of message from him in Japanese. The Toho license sticker for all four figures is silver with the Marvel comics Godzilla pictured.

The Godzilla Island figures proved to be real popular with collectors. With plenty of quantities available at very affordable prices, collectors were able to add vinyl figures that were becoming scarce and very expensive in the standard form, such as the Mothra Larva 92.

Bandai continued the Godzilla Island line in the following months with three more vinyl figures.

G-Force Mogera, Gigan, & Angilas

Godzilla Island G-Force Mogera and Angilas appear to be the same mold as the standard version except for Mogera’s drill nose and Angilas back spikes, which are not as sharp as the standard toy. Godzilla Island Gigan was the most anticipated toy. A brand new and more accurate sculpt when compared to its standard counterpart done in a greenish blue vinyl had the new Gigan in high demand.

The tags are the same mentioned above except the respected kaiju pictured and the following numbered: G-Force Mogera G-05, Gigan G-06, and Angilas G-07. The Toho license sticker is the same as above for all three figures.

Bandai continued the Godzilla Island line in the following months with three more vinyl figures.

SpaceGodzilla, King Seesar, & Fire Rodan

All three of Bandai latest Godzilla Island figures appear to be the same mold as their standard counterparts, except there is no articulation in SpaceGodzilla’s legs. While King Seesar almost mirrors the standard version, SpaceGodzilla and Fire Rodan ended up with undesirable paintjobs.

The tags are the same mentioned above except the respected kaiju pictured and the following numbered: SpaceGodzilla G-08, King Seesar G-09, and Fire Rodan G-10. The Toho license sticker is the same as above for all three figures.

With the anticipation of the upcoming Toho film “Mothra 3”, Bandai produced two more figures for the Godzilla Island series as well as toys of the kaiju featured in “Mothra 3”.

Mecha King Ghidorah & Destroyah

The most anticipated yet controversial of the new Godzilla Island toys. It is rumored that the schedule demand to have the new “Mothra 3” toys ready in time for release cause limited quantities made of Godzilla Island Destroyah and Mecha King Ghidrah. This resulted in American dealers raising the prices for the new toys as high as double of what was charged for the previous Godzilla Island figures. Despite the higher cost, this was Bandai best work yet and collectors were eager to add these toys to their collection.

Destroyah is a new and improved mold when compared to the standard version with its wings extended. Mecha King Ghidorah is also a new mold and fashioned after the Forever Series Mecha King Ghidorah with its accurate paint style. Mecha King Ghidorah’s two side heads are the same used for the Godzilla Island King Ghidorah 91.

The tags are the same mentioned above except the respected kaiju pictured and the following numbered: Mecha King Ghidorah G-11 and Destroyah G-12. The Toho license sticker is the same as above for both figures.

There is a six inch Lottery Crystal Clear Godzilla 94. Little is known about this figure except that it’s made of translucent clear vinyl and it’s very limited, anywhere from 10 to 20 pieces if not less. No tag appears to be with the toy.

There is a known bootleg of the six inch Godzilla 94. It’s made of translucent orange vinyl with red highlights and is fashioned after the Bandai Theater Exclusive Melting Godzilla. This bootleg is very hard to come by these days.

September 30, 1998 saw the end of the Godzilla Island television show. With the Godzilla Island figures proving to be a profitable line, Bandai had to make a decision on how to continue the line without using the “Godzilla Island” name, as well as promote the upcoming “Mothra 3” toys.

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The Memorial Box Part 1

14 Jan2022

The Memorial Box Part 1 – To celebrate Godzilla’s 50th Anniversary, Bandai released the highly anticipated Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box Set. Despite the new Box Set containing 20 figures, many of them being new sculpts of figures never before released by Bandai, the Memorial Box received heavy criticism for including undesirable reissues.

The box itself is 21 inches tall and just over 18 inches wide. The box is colored black with gold trim and lettering with Godzilla’s silhouette on the front of the box. The Memorial Box contains 28 cards featuring all of Godzilla’s movies except the American film. The Toho license sticker is the gold 50th Anniversary sticker with the year 2004 on the bottom and is found on the front of the box. No tags are included with the figures. slot88

When the Memorial Box was first released, I intended to do a review on each figure, but was unable to do so at the time. The following will be a review of my opinion of each figure from the Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box Set and what could’ve been done to make the Memorial Box Set even better.

Memorial Box Godzilla 54

If you’re going to have a 50th Anniversary Memorial Box Set, you have to have Godzilla 54 in it. Unfortunately, the Godzilla 54 figure is near identical to the Movie Monster Series Godzilla 54. Bandai failed to use any creativity to make the Godzilla 54 figure more related to the Memorial Box. It has been mentioned that the original Godzilla 54 suit was a brown color. Bandai could’ve made the 54 figure in brown vinyl. Unfortunately, it’s a missed opportunity by Bandai. https://www.premium303.pro/

Memorial Box Godzilla 55

One of the most surprising, yet controversial figure in the Box Set. No one believed Bandai would ever produce a Godzilla 55, especially one as accurate and detailed as this figure. Unfortunately, while the figure was being assembled for production, the spines were placed in the wrong direction placing the largest spine on the lower part of the body.

This angered many collectors despite the error not being that distracting from the look of the figure. Its possible one day Bandai will reissue Godzilla 55 with its spines in the correct position in the near future.

Memorial Box Godzilla 62

Considered the centerpiece of the Memorial Box figures, collectors for years demanded a newly sculpt Godzilla 62 figure and finally got their wish. Godzilla 62 is beautifully done with accurate color and detailed. It’s a shame this figure is out of scale with the Bandai King Kong.

Memorial Box Godzilla 64

Like Godzilla 62, Collectors desired a newly sculpt Godzilla 64 to take the place of the original standard Godzilla 64 figure that many collectors considers the worst Godzilla figure Bandai ever produced. Collectors lucky enough to see a prototype version of the Memorial Box Godzilla 64 at G-Fest XI were most impressed despite the figure being done in black vinyl and missing its spines. When released, Godzilla 64 is beautifully done in green vinyl and accurately detailed being much improved when compared to the first issue.

Memorial Box Godzilla 65

Another surprising figure, this time with no controversy, collectors also never thought Bandai would produce a Godzilla 65 figure. Not only accurately detailed, but fits in scale with the standard original King Ghidrah. Since the 66 Godzilla suit was constructed from the 65 suit, the Memorial Box Godzilla 65 figure can easily pass for a Godzilla 66 figure.

Memorial Box Godzilla 67

More shocking than surprising that Bandai would produce a Godzilla 67 figure. Many fans considered the 67 suit to be the ugliest Godzilla suit ever made, until Tristar’s Godzilla came along. Bandai did do a great job in accurately capturing Godzilla 67’s look; don’t know if that’s bad or good. Godzilla 67 does nicely fit in scale with the standard Kamakiras, but not with the standard Minya.

Memorial Box Angilas

While released for the fourth time, the Memorial Box Angilas sports a different color scheme. Fashioned after the HMV Godzilla 2005 and Angilas 2005, the Memorial Box version is done in gray vinyl and highlighted to feature a monochrome effect. It’s unknown what this variation represents. Some believe it’s to reflect the black and white Angilas 55 version, yet this figure represents the 68 version. Despite being a reissue, the Memorial Box Angilas is still an attractive figure.

Memorial Box Godzilla 68

Possibly the most demanded Godzilla figure ever. Every Godzilla fan has seen “Destroy All Monsters” and can quickly identify the look of Godzilla 68. The Memorial Box Godzilla 68 is beautifully done and is in scale with the original standard King Ghidrah. It’s unfortunate that Bandai didn’t produce other monsters from “Destroy All Monsters” other than Angilas in the six inch scale to accompany Godzilla 68.

Memorial Box Gigan

Also issued for the fourth time, the Memorial Box Gigan is fashion after the standard Gigan. Done in black vinyl, Gigan’s combination of black and gold colors comes off very attractively. This figure is a nice salute to the Standard version.

Memorial Box Fake Godzilla 74

When Bandai does get creative, they can produce amazing results. Using the Movie Monster Series Godzilla 74 mold, Bandai sculpted a new right arm revealing armor exposing MechaGodzilla74 as the Fake Godzilla. The armor portion features light blue highlights creating a great visual effect. The Memorial Box Fake Godzilla 74 is a welcome addition with a fraction of the cost for Bandai to produce.

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Titanosaurus

14 Jan2022

Titanosaurus – During Asian Fantasy Film Festival 2002, Bandai representative Yasumasa Kawauchi announced to guests during a panel discussion that there was a 50/50 chance that a six inch Titanosaurus would be included to the Movie Monster Series. Mr. Kawauchi also entertained a suggestion that the new Titanosaurus figure should be paired with a MechaGodzilla 75 figure. By the end of 2002, Bandai collectors finally got what they were wishing for years.

Movie Monster Series Titanosaurus & MechaGodzilla 75

Titanosaurus stands over seven inches, taller than MechaGodzilla 75, matching the two figures perfectly together. Both figures sport newly designed folded tags picturing the respected kaiju with a border that pictures an image of Godzilla 74. The back of the tag has the usual information, while the inside has a catalog picturing the entire Movie Monster Series including figures from GMK and GxMG. Both tags sport a silver Toho license sticker picturing the Marvel comics Godzilla with the year 2002. slot99

Bandai soon released a clear transparent MechaGodzilla 75 as a show exclusive. The tag is the same as the regular version and sports a white sticker with black trim and lettering announcing the toy as a show exclusive. The back of the tag has a new sticker with updated info and barcode placed over the old barcode. The Toho license sticker is the same as above. slot77

Movie Monster Series Clear MechaGodzilla 75

Along with Titanosaurus and MechaGodzilla 75, Bandai reissued Fire Rodan & G-Force Mogera to the Movie Monster Series. Fire Rodan has an improved paint job fashioned after the Forever Series Fire Rodan minus the veins on its wings. Mogera’s paint job is also improved with metallic colors. Here’s how the Movie Monster Series Fire Rodan and G-Force Mogera compare with their counterparts from the Toho Kaiju Series. hari88

Toho Kaiju Series & Movie Monster Series Fire Rodan

Toho Kaiju Series & Movie Monster Series G-Force Mogera

The tags for the Movie Monster Series Fire Rodan and G-Force Mogera are the same mentioned above except for the respected kaiju pictured and the border pictures an image of the Heisei Godzilla. Fire Rodan sports the extra white safety precaution tag, G-Force Mogera does not. The Toho license sticker is the same mentioned above.

2002 also saw Bandai rescale the standard Godzilla Junior to the Movie Monster Series. Godzilla Junior sports improved painted highlights. The tag is the same mentioned above, except pictures the respected kaiju. The Toho license sticker is also the same and Godzilla Junior has the extra white safety precaution tag.

Movie Monster Series Godzilla Junior

2003 saw Bandai produce one of its most anticipated vinyl figures ever for their Movie Monster Series, Godzilla 74. It had been rumored for years that Toho was never proud of the 70’s version of Godzilla and would never allow Bandai to produce any of the 70’s Godzilla’s. Not only did Bandai manage to release Godzilla 74, but made a very accurate and detailed vinyl figure. Bandai also re-released King Seesar for the third time from the previous Godzilla Island/Toho Kaiju line, but this time with an improved paint job with metallic highlights when compared to the Toho Kaiju Series King Seesar.

Movie Monster Series Godzilla 74 & King Seesar

Toho Kaiju Series & Movie Monster Series King Seesar

Movie Monster Series Godzilla 74 quickly sold out in Japan which made it difficult for some American dealers to obtain large quantities. It is also believed Movie Monster Series King Seesar was produced in lower quantities.

Tags for both new figures are the same format mentioned above, except that the respected kaiju is pictured and the image of Godzilla 74 is on the border of both tags. The Toho license sticker is the same as above, but sports the year 2003 on the bottom. No white safety precaution tags were included with these figures.

Possibly the most controversial six inch figures Bandai produced were its Glitter, Meltdown, and Melting Godzilla sold as exclusive figures by the Bandai Museum. Fashioned after the Forever Glitter and Meltdown Godzilla, as well as the Theater Exclusive Melting Godzilla, these figures pass more as Chinese knock offs than actual Bandai releases. The price for these figures was also much higher with American dealers asking higher than $100 for a set.

Bandai Museum Glitter Godzilla, Meltdown Godzilla, & Melting Godzilla

The tags for these figures are just as controversial. White cards are used with stickers placed on the front and the back. The front announces the toys as a Bandai Museum Exclusive, while the back has the usual information. The Toho license sticker is gold and pictures the Marvel comics Godzilla with the year 2003. At the moment, these are the only Bandai figures released as exclusives for the Bandai Museum.

Month: January 2022

Godzilla Island

The Memorial Box Part 1

Titanosaurus