Vinylmaddness - Part 5

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The Trendmasters Living Godzilla 98

The Trendmasters Living Godzilla 98 – Memorial weekend of 1998 was one of the most excited and anticipated moment in our hobby as Godzilla was to make its first appearence in an American made film. Secerecy surrounded the film as changes would be made to Godzilla and would not be revealed untill the release of the film. In an unprecedented move, Trendmasters could not release Godzilla toys based on the film until the films release.

As many know, despite the initial box office success, fans were not pleased with Tristars version of Godzilla. Everything that was wrong with the film is well documented, but the toys have been well overlooked. Trendmasters produced a high volume of toys based on the film releasing, not only several sizes of Godzilla, but military veicheles, action figures, variants of Godzilla’s new borns, battery operated figures, ect. This article will focus on Trendmasters Living Godzilla. poker idn

Trendmaster’s Living Godzilla was sold in a 14 inch window box, yet no clear platic was used, which allowed you to touch the toy. The figure is secured to the box with wire wrap. The back of the box points out all the features of the “Living Godzilla” and list other Godzilla items and assessories.

Once Removed from the box, the tail will need to be assembled. Living Godzilla is 11 inches tall and roughly 14 inches long. There’s eight points of articulation, yet it is a bit difficult to display the figure with its tail off the ground. When the figure’s tail rests on the ground, Godzilla is looking upwards giving the figure an unnatural look. While repositioning the legs helps a little, I perfered placing something under the tail to straighten the figure out to display. https://www.mrchensjackson.com/

What makes this figure so unique is the motorized function that, at a press of the button found on the chest, the figure will twist its body to the right and open its mouth and roar, then twist and open its mouth a second time, but no second roar. The roar is pretty faithful to Godzilla’s actual roar. While the mouth can open, it cannot be held open as the mouth springs shut. At times, the mechanics can bind, leaving the figure in mid twist and/or the mouth held open, yet the figure can be repositioned by hand. The figure is operated by two AA batteries and is made of hard plastic, with the spines and tail made of a type of PVC. The figure is also held together by metal screws found on various parts of the figure. premium303

As cool as the toy is, many dedicated fans cannot get past the overall redesign of the American Godzilla. As time went by, many felt Tristars version of Godzilla would just disappear, but continued to linger on with help of the popular animated feature “Godzilla, The Series” and actually returned to the big screen as “Zilla” to briefly battle the real Godzilla in the Toho film “Godzilla, Final Wars”. Toys of Tristar’s Godzilla were even made in Japan, yet only in Hyper/High Grade/and Super Deformed versions by Bandai Japan. Marmit did include the Tristar Godzilla in thier “Vinyl Paradise” series and Godzilla’s newborns for thier “Parababy” series. https://3.79.236.213/

Since Trendmasters Living Godzilla is so large, there’s only a couple of Godzilla 2005 figures that are inscale. One is the Bandai DX Godzilla 2005.

2008 marks the 10 year Anniversary of Tristar’s American Godzilla. Toho has approved and recognize the American Godzilla as part of its universe. Yet the majority of fans refuse to accept the Tristar monster as Godzilla in any way. Few collectors do appreciate the toys and even was hoping Bandai Japan would produce a “Zilla” figure for the “Final Wars” toy lineup. While we may never see Zilla as part of Bandai Japan’s Movie Monster Series, Trendmasters Living Godzilla 98′ is one of the best versions of this figure ever made.

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The Standard Bandai MechaGodzilla 74

The Standard Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 – Bandai introduced its first set of Godzilla vinyl figures during 1983/84. That first set will forever be known as the “Plastic Tagged Figures” as they are the only Godzilla figures ever given plastic type tags. This set would consists of vinyl figures of Godzilla 62, Godzilla 64, Godzilla 84, King Ghidrah, and MechaGodzilla 74. All, except Godzilla 84, have been reissued and while its easy to tell the differences between the original and the reissued versions of Godzilla 62, Godzilla 64, and King Ghidrah. MechaGodzilla 74 has proven to be more difficult to identify without comparing the original to the reissues.

There are also mysteries and myths about the Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 that not too many collectors are aware of. This article is a special look at trying to solve the mysteries of the Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 figures. For more information on the first five Bandai “Plastic Tagged Figures”, please refer to the “Complete Bandai Godzilla Figure List” under “Standards”. bandar ceme

The Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 stands 8.5 inches tall. The vinyl is grey with silver spray and black highlights. The sides of the head have red detail and the teeth and eyes are painted copper. The tag is very colorful and pictures the actual suit of Godzilla 64 on the front and the actual MechaGodzilla suit on the back. The Toho license sticker is silver and pictures a silhouette of Godzilla and says “Godzilla” in english on the bottom. While there’s no yen amount listed on the tag, the Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 figure most likely sold in Japan for under 1,000 yen, roughly under $10 American dollars. Toys with silver Toho license stickers are found priced under 1,000 yen, while gold stickered toys are priced over 1,000 yen. https://www.mrchensjackson.com/

Bandai has reissued MechaGodzilla 74 three times. The first time in 1989 and again in 1992. Bandai also included MechaGodzilla 74 as part of the Godzilla Memorial Box Set released in 1995. MechaGodzilla 74 has yet to be scaled down for the Movie Monster Series. https://www.mrchensjackson.com/

Bandai’s reissue of the MechaGodzilla 74 figures do have minor differences between each other. The 89′ version sports a darker silver due to deeper black highlights sprayed on the figure, while the 92′ version is a more lighter silver since the black highlights are not as heavily sprayed. The Memorial version features little to no black highlights. The vinyl on the 92′ and Memorial versions are softer when compared to the original and 89′ versions. www.mustangcontracting.com

Bandai chose to tag the reissued MechaGodzilla 74 with a card commonly known as the “Destroy All Monsters” tag picturing kaiju that appear in the Toho film “Destroy All Monsters” yet MechaGodzilla did not appear in this film. Both 89′ and 92′ figures are given the same “DAM” tag with the 92′ tag given updated information. Both tags are perforated. The Toho license sticker is gold and pictures a silhouette of Godzilla and says “Godzilla” in english on the bottom. Both 89′ and 92′ versions were sold in Japan for 1,200 yen, roughly under $12 American dollars. The Memorial MechaGodzilla 74 did not have a tag, but was given a card picturing the Theater Poster of “Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla 74”.

When trying to identify a Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 between the original and the reissues, the first thing to notice is the size difference. The reissues stand under eight inches tall. But dispite knowing the size difference, it’s still difficult to tell the difference in size without comparing. It should also be noted that the tag hole found on the original version is located on the right side of the figure on the lower back shoulder of the arm, while the tag hole of the 89′ and 92′ versions are found on the right side of the back of the head. The Memorial version has no tag hole.

A major difference is found on the paint used on the eyes of MechaGodzilla 74. While the original version has Copper painted eyes and teeth, the 89′ version has a light yellowish Gold for the teeth and eyes. All three reissues have the same gold paint for the eyes and teeth.

The most distinct difference found between the original and reissues of MechaGodzilla 74 is the end of the tails. The original sports a circle at the end of the tail, while the reissue, despite also having a circle, sports a stub inside the circle. All the reissues have this stub inside the circle at the end of the tails.

It has been wondered why the reissues sport this stub and have a size difference when compared to the original? There has been a myth that Bandai wanted to re-release MechaGodzilla in 1988, along with reissues of Godzilla 64 and King Ghidrah sporting what is known as “Alternate Tags” (see the “Standards” section for the Complete Bandai Godzilla list) It is believed that the original mold was missing or damaged and Bandai was not able to produce a mold in time to release a figure of MechaGodzilla in 1988, resulting in a new mold made to reissue MechaGodzilla in 1989. It was heavily rumored that a 88′ version of MechaGodzilla 74 with alternate tag does exsist, yet this collector has yet to ever see one.

The Bandai MechaGodzilla 74 made one more appearence during a Japanese television show called “Godzilla Island” in 1997 where the Standard Bandai toy was painted black and brought to life by a stop motion technique. 2007 saw the show released on DVD and Hyper Hobby made exclusives Bandai figures of Jet Jaguar and MechaGodzilla as they appeared on the show. Yet Bandai chose not to use the mold that appeared on the show and used the six inch version of MechaGodzilla 75 from the “Movie Monster Series” instead. It would be easier for Bandai to use the mold for the 75′ version of MechaGodzilla for the Hyper Hobby Exclusive, yet one would have to wonder if the mold for MechaGodzilla 74 still exsits? It’s safe to say “probably not”.

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The Godzilla Island Television Series

The Godzilla Island Television Series – Godzilla collectors of the new Millenium have become fond and favor of Bandai’s six inch Godzilla Movie Monster Series figures. Considered affordable with figures, that not only proven to be better representatives over the classic Standad Bandai series, but have produced monsters for the first time exclusively to the six inch line.

It’s been over 10 years since the six inch line was first introduced, but not as the “Movie Monster Series” but as the “Godzilla Island Series”. Many are aware toys are often produced to reflect characters appearing in a film. Bandai’s Godzilla Island Series was based on a television show. The show first aired October 10, 1997 and had a two season run. The show had a very small cast, but featured Godzilla and several Toho kaiju. The trick was Classic Bandai Godzilla figures were used to bring the monsters to life. Episodes were broken down to just over two minute segments and about 15 segments to complete the episode, sort of a mini-mini series. Some of the stories shown can be regarded as “Brilliant” to some being “Dumb and Silly”. ceme online

While fans are used to indepth articles, I have very little to no information on the “behind the scenes” of the Godzilla Island show. I don’t have any names of the actors and the show is in Japanese, which makes it hard to translate what is going on. The stories are easy to follow along, but as new characters are introduce, it becomes harder to get an idea what’s going on. So this is more of a fans review, if anyone can provide more information, please e-mail me at vinylmaddness@aol.com

Opening Title

The intro starts out with a long view of Godzilla Island as the title comes up along with Godzilla’s roar, then the theme song begins. The song is a fast paced pop song where “Godzilla” and other Toho kaiju are mentioned in the song. agen bola

Godzilla

A few shots of Godzilla are shown next at different angles. https://www.mustangcontracting.com/

The General

The General is in charge of Godzilla Island. He observes and provides the monsters on the island with whatever they need and has several “Mecha” variations at his disposal.

Zagres & Torema

Zagres and Torema are enemies, as Zagres attempts to conquer Godzilla Island and control the monsters, while Torema assist the General and helps Godzilla and the other monsters in their battle with Zagres and her monsters.

Lukas

The General is accompanied by Lukas, a levatating orb that provides warning and information when an emergency arises. Lukas also provides guidence to Torema during her conflicts with Zagres.

The credits close with shots of the other monsters, including Rodan, Mothra Larva, and King Ghidorah and ends with a shot of the Command Center the General resides.

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The Top 10 Godzilla Figures of 2012

The Top 10 Godzilla Figures of 2012 – If there was a toy manufacture that dominated production during 2012, that would be X-Plus with their superb line of model like vinyl kaiju figures. Bandai also hit it big with their MonstarArts Series of fully articulated and accurate representations of Godzilla and his kaiju foes. Bandai Creation also introduced their highly sought after Fusion Series.

Very little to nothing was seen from M1, Marmit, and Pilot Ace, yet GigaBrain produced one of the most highly demand and popular figures ever. This list is based on popularity of the figure released, the availability/price of the figure, and how well the figure is represented as the final product, as well as my hands on look at the toy itself. Lets take a look at the toys of 2012… idn play

Honorable Mention: Bandai MonsterArts Series King Ghidorah 91′

One of the highly anticipated figures of 2012 was King Ghidorah 91′ from the Bandai MonsterArts Series. Dead on accuracy, detailed, and fully articulated. This figure is the most accurate representation of King Ghidorah 91′ ever manufactured. Unfortunately, what kept this figure out of the top 10 list is its poor quality and defects in the wings along with the high price tag. But if handled with care… this is still the best representation of King Ghidorah 91′ out there today. taruhan bola

10: X-Plus Manda 63′

One of the surprises from X-Plus is Manda 63′. Very few and inferior representations of Manda exist, but X-Plus hits this one out of the park with their very detailed and ferocious life like appearence of Manda right down to the scales, hair, and whiskers. joker123 My only complaint is the posture and lack of articulation of Manda, which makes this figure somewhat hard to display, but still an excellent representation of Manda 63′

9: X-Plus Biollante

Several toy manufactures like Bandai and Marmit has produced representations of Biollante, but X-Plus released a monster of a figure that overshadows them all. Very detailed with articulation in the mouth and tendrils. americandreamdrivein.com

Easily the best and greatest version of Biollante ever. Unfortunately, big things comes with high prices and the lack of availability made it difficult for collectors to add this magnificent item to their collection.

8. X-Plus Rodan 64

Another surprise by X-Plus is the release of Rodan 64′. This large sized representation of Rodan is incredible. The detail is amazing with the spikes on the body to the expression of the face itself.

Unfortunately, due to the figure being top heavy, there is a risk of the figure falling over forward and sustaining rubs and scraps on the beak and face. Another handle with care issue, but still an amazing figure.

7. X-Plus Gorosaurus

While the X-Plus 30cm Gorosaurus is a true masterpiece, the recently released 25cm version of Gorosaurus is very well done with many collectors feeling the smaller version is a better repesentation of the popular dino kaiju.

Beautifully sculpt, leaning forward with tail raised, and highlighted on the front of the body gives the X-Plus Gorosaurus a great look. Unfortunately, this figure has no articulation, but still a magnificent version of Gorosaurus.

6. X-Plus Gigan

Another fine repesentation of Gigan for the X-Plus 25cm Series. This figure looks so dead on accurate that it appears right off the movie screen. Another great example of how the 25cm version beats out it’s bigger 30cm version of Gigan. The variant version of Gigan with the light up visor is a really cool feature.

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The Complete Mothra Trilogy Bandai vinyl list

The Complete Mothra Trilogy Bandai vinyl list – 1995 saw Toho put a temporay end to the Godzilla series by killing off Godzilla during the film “Godzilla vs. Destroyah”. As a result, Toho decided to put the focus on Mothra by producing a trilogy of films. Mothra would be reinvented with new alternate storylines, new looks, and new kaiju to battle. Toho launched a huge media campaign to promote “Mothra 96” with the new Bandai toys not far behind.

Mothra Adult 96

Mothra Adult 96 is a near exact reproduction of the Mothra Adult 92. This time, the body is made of vinyl and not fuzzy like the 92′ version. The legs need to be assemble in the same manner as the 92′ version, but this time, no stand is included and naturally, no Cosmos card. Intersting, the Toho license sticker pictures the Marvel Comics Godzilla and is gold. The sticker is found on the front of the box. idnplay

Mothra Larva 96

The Complete Mothra Trilogy Bandai vinyl list 1

The new Mothra Larva 96 is a new mold and accurately repesents the kaiju featured in the film. The tag pictures the actual prop and is a single card with the usual information found on the back. The Toho license sticker is the same as above, but in silver. judi bola

There appears to be a Lottery Exclusive Mothra Larva 96 done in clear vinyl with brown highlights. The figure was a lottery item from a childrens magazine which had to be won. I have no information what the figure was limited to. https://americandreamdrivein.com/

New Mothra Adult 96

The Complete Mothra Trilogy Bandai vinyl list 2

The new Mothra Adult 96 is a creative new design with new colors, a smaller size, and a new inventive twist. The wings have a mechanism when you press the backside, the wings will flap. The legs need to be assembled to the body. No stand is included. The figure comes in a window box and the Toho license sticker pictures the Marvel Comics Godzilla and is gold.

Death Ghidorah

The Complete Mothra Trilogy Bandai vinyl list 3

Mothra’s newest foe, a reinvented version of King Ghidorah named Death Ghidorah, was very impressive in the film giving both Mothra Adult and Larva all they can handle. Bandai also made an impressive vinyl representaion of the kaiju. Sold in a box with the wings and tail needing to be assembled. The Toho license sticker is the same as above. The Death Ghidorah figure is possibly the highest valued Bandai figure made for the Mothra Trilogy.

DX Mothra Larva 96

The Complete Mothra Trilogy Bandai vinyl list 4

Bandai also produced a DX-Battery Operated Mothra Larva 96. When turned on, a wheel on the underside of the figure moves the toy forward and the head lifts up and down as well. Sold in a box and the Toho license sticker is the same as above. There is a known Bootleg of the DX Mothra Larva 96 that functions the same, but the figure is colored green.

Bandai did not produce a Theater Exclusive figure for Mothra 96 despite releasing the Theater Exclusive Plasma Gamera for Gamera 2, Advent of Legion earlier in 1996.

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The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list, The Guardian of the Universe – Bandai continued its successful run of kaiju vinyl toys by introducing Gamera vinyl figures in 1990. At the time, “Gamera vs. Gyaos” was regarded as the most popular of the Gamera series, which prompt Bandai to produce the Gamera 67 and his most famous foe Gyaos 67.

Gamera 67 & Gyaos 67

The Bandai Gamera 67 stands just under 6 and a half inches, while Gyaos 67 stands just over 7 inches. The tags are single cards and both have the same picture of Gamera battling Gyaos. The Daiei license sticker for both tags is the studio’s logo and is colored in orange. poker 99

Gamera and Gyaos proved to be best sellers for Bandai to continue the line in 1991 with the release of Gamera’s first opponent and his last during the original series. www.americannamedaycalendar.com

Barugon & Zigra

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe 1

Bandai choose to make Zigra with fins instead of feet which results in Zigra tipping forward and dulling the pointy front of its head. Both tags are the single cards and picturing the respected kaiju battling Gamera. Bandai must have felt necessary to have Gamera pictured on the tag to help customers be familiar with the monsters Gamera has fought. The Daiei license sticker is the same but in a lighter orange. sbobet365

Bandai only released one of Gamera’s opponents in 1992

Guiron

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe 2

The Bandai Gurion has been regarded as the most popular of the Gamera toys and for a time, was the most expensive when the figure became out of circulation. The tag is a single card and pictures Gurion battling Gamera. The Daiei license sticker is the same as above.

1993 saw Bandai round out the rest of Gamera’s famous foes.

Jiger & Viras

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe 3

Bandai continued to improve with accuracy and detail, as well as making the toys compatible with its first and only standard original series Gamera. Viras and Jiger are excellent representation on how they appeared in their films. Both of the tags are single cards, but while Viras is pictured battling Gamera, Jiger is pictured alone. The Daiei license sticker is the same, yet Viras is colored blue and Jiger is colored red.

To celebrate Gamera’s 30th Anniversary, Daiei studios returned Gamera to the big screen in 1994 with the film “Gamera, The Guardian of the Universe”. With a new origin, Gamera returns to once again battle his most famous foe, Gyaos. Bandai made vinyl representation of each main kaiju featured in the film.

Gamera 95 & Super Gyaos

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe 4

Bandai went all out producing detailed and accurate looking vinyl figures of the new Gamera and Gyaos. Gamera 95 and Super Gyaos stands 7 inches, yet Super Gyaos has posable wings that can go up to 10 inches with a 11 and a half inch wingspan. The tags are folded and picture the respect kaiju on the front with artwork in the inside with information. The back pictures artwork of the film. Both tags sport the 30th anniversary logo and the Daiei license stickers is still the same with red color for both.

Bandai introduced its first DX Gamera figure in 1995.

DX PlasmaWalk Gamera 95

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe 5

Released in a box picturing the actural toy, The DX PlasmaWalk Gamera 95 can walk forward when turned on and roar with its mouth opening. There is also a red light inside the mouth that is visable when the mouth opens. The DX PlasmaWalk Gamera 95 made a brief appearance during Animal Planets “It Came from Japan” documentary.

Bandai also produced a motorized Gamera figure for the “Real Action Series”. The Real Action Gamera 95 requires a great degree of assembly and has never been a popular series. The Gamera 95 figure is the only Gamera related figure to be included to the Real Action Series.

1995 saw Bandai release their first Large Scale Gamera figure.

Large Scale Gamera 95

The Complete Gamera Bandai vinyl list The Guardian of the Universe 6

The Bandai Large Scale Gamera 95 stands just over 10 inches and comes in an artwork box. The figure also has a large size tag with a rubber band that can fit around the neck. There is a known bootleg of the Large Scale Gamera 95 colored in a lighter green, but not difficult to tell the difference between the original and the bootleg without comparing.

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Newest Toys Pictures 11/22/09

Newest Toys Pictures 11/22/09

Marmit Battra (gold horn version)

Marmit Battra (front)

Bandai Battra & Marmit Battra (comparision). poker99

Newest Toys Pictures 11/7/09

American Greetings Godzilla Ornament sbotop

American Greetings Godzilla Ornament(side) https://www.americannamedaycalendar.com/

American Greetings Godzilla Ornament w/ previous ornament

Bandapresto Super Deforemed Godzilla Cloth

Bandapresto Super Deformed Godzilla Cloth (second)

M1 Lucky Bag unpainted Godzilla 74 & Titanosaurus

Bullmark Blue Varan

Bullmark Blue Varan(side)

Bullmark Blue Varan (back)

Bullmark Silver and Blue Varan (comparision)

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Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series – It was announced in 2002 that Bandai Creation was going to produce Godzilla toys to be retailed in the United States. Godzilla fans were excited and speculated if the figures would be already produced vinyl figures from Bandai Japan or brand new sculpts? News had surfaced that the Bandai Creation figures would be in the six inch and High Grade scale, but they would be new molds consisting of four six-inch sized figures and two playsets.

Slated to be realesed in 2003, One online store was able to obtain the Bandai U.S.A. Godzilla figures and playsets before the new year, making them available before Christmas. While many collectors jumped at the opportunity, others prefered the pleasure of walking into a retail store and buying them off the shelves. So many decided to wait, and wait….and wait. pokerasia

In an unexpected surprise, the major retail chains, for unknown reasons, elected not to pick up the Bandai Creation Godzilla figures. It’s speculated that the results of poor sales from the Threndmasters Tristar Godzilla toys were still fresh in the minds of the major retail sellers and decided to avoid another possible poor outcome. Except for a few comic shops, the only option to obtain the Bandai U.S.A. Godzilla toys were online stores and eBay, with many key items unavailable, overpriced, or sold out. In April of 2003, only one toy outlet store managed to secure some of the toys, but only the six inch figures. sbobet88

The first wave of Bandai Creation figures consists of Godzilla 54, Burning Godzilla, Gigan, and Rainbow Mothra. It’s pretty clear Bandai Creation used samples of these figures from Bandai Japan, yet took it upon themselves to create new molds to showcase thier own brand of vinyl figures. The figures are packaged on a display box with the figures secured by tie wrap. The front of the display box pictures graphic artwork of Godzilla 2000 firing his ray. The back features the line up of the 6.5 inch figures. Here’s a look at each figure along with its Japanese counterpart. www.mrchensjackson.com

Godzilla 54

Bandai Creation fashioned thier Godzilla 54 in the same manner as Bandai Japan’s version, as far as pose and facial expression. While the body shape, position of the tail, and the legs of the U.S. version are similar to the Japanese version, the scales on the U.S. version are not as deep and the arms are longer and skinnier. The spines on the U.S. version are different when compared to the Japanese version, but don’t prove to be a distraction cause they are done well. The Bandai Creation Godzilla 54 also has a straight up posture, unlike the Japanese version that leans a bit forward.

Bandai Creation & Bandai Japan Godzilla 54

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 1

Burning Godzilla

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 2

It is an interesting choice for Bandai Creation to go with the Burning Godzilla figure rather than Bandai Japan’s Heisei Godzilla. Another interesting aspect of Bandai Creation’s Burning Godzilla is that there are no similarities when compared to its Japanese counterpart other than they can both be recognized as a Burning Godzilla.

Bandai Creation & Bandai Japan Burning Godzilla

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 3

All body parts of the Bandai Creation Burning Godzilla are different from its Japanese counterpart. The body/arms/legs of the Japanese version is a translucent orange vinyl, while the U.S. version is black vinyl. The tail position of the Bandai Creation figure is different. The body, spines, and arms are a different mold and the only thing comparable is the legs, but not by much.

The heads are completely different when compared. While the Japanese version is more of an accurate look, The U.S. version looks more fierce. The eyes of the U.S. version are more detailed and while the Japanese version has a more straight up posture, the U.S. version is leaning forward this time.

Gigan

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 4

The Bandai Creation Gigan is also a different sculpt when compared to the Japanese version, sporting its own unique look. The only similarity is the tail as far as position goes, but the tail on the U.S. version is larger and sports more scales. The spikes on the tail is larger on the U.S. version, as well as the spikes on the neck and head.

Bandai Creation & Bandai Japan Gigan

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 5

The body of the Bandai Creation Gigan is not as round as the Japanese version and the legs on the U.S. version are shorter and closer to the body. The arms are shorter as well. The back fins on the U.S. version are fuller and more spread out, yet not as detailed as the Japanese version.

The head of the Bandai Creation Gigan has a unique look. The eye visor of the U.S. version has a different shape and while both versions display thier mouths closed, the Japanese version shows teeth while the U.S. version’s mouth appears completely shut. The head of the U.S version also can turn while there is no articulation for the head of the Japanese version. Bandai Japan’s Gigan stands a bit taller than the U.S. version.

Rainbow Mothra

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 6

Collectors have mention that Bandai Creation’s Rainbow Mothra is much improved over it’s Japanese counterpart. Once again, the mold on the U.S. version is different and is slightly smaller than the Japanese version, yet the detail and painted highlights are much better on the Bandai Creation version.

Bandai Creation & Bandai Japan Rainbow Mothra

Bandai Creation First Wave Godzilla Series 7

The painted highlights on the U.S. version are more colorful with both the top and bottom wings painted, unlike the Japanese version, which only has the top of the wings painted. While both versions have thier front arms extended, The U.S. versions arms are more spread out than the Japanese version. The patterns found on the top of the body are slightly different as well.

The head of the Bandai Creation Rainbow Mothra is smaller when compared to the Japanese version, yet is more detailed. The marks on the front of the head and the atteneas are more noticable and sports better painted highlights. It has been mentioned that Bandai Creation’s Rainbow Mothra had fewer quantities placed in the box for shipping when compared to the other three figures, making the Rainbow Mothra the harder to find figure.

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Pao Burning Godzilla Resin model kit

Pao Burning Godzilla Resin model kit – The Hobby of collecting Godzilla merchandise is so interesting because there are many areas of the hobby you can focus on. Toys, models, posters, trading cards, ect. Because there’s so much in abundance, when it comes to Godzilla merchandise, collectors tend to focus on certain specifics like collecting Bandai figures or movie posters which can result in obtaining something quite unique in your collection that not too many collectors will have.

Through my years of collecting, I’ve tried to get my hands on a little of everything. While I’ve been fortunate to obtain several rare and unique pieces to my collection and share on my website, there is one particular piece that I get asked about the most. That is the Pao Burning Godzilla model kit. poker asia

Collecting model kits is truely for the advance collector. Not only do one require skills to assemble and paint a model, Garage kits (as they are commonly known for kits originally being produced in an actual garage) tend to be limited and quite expensive. Model kits are the best way to go when you want the actual likeness of the way Godzilla and its fellow Kaiju appeared in the films. Well known manufactures like Kaiyodo and Paradise are popular for their vinyl kits, but it’s the Resin kits that truely stand out and Pao is one of the best. sbobet

I know very little of Pao, other than their model kits are limited and quite pricey, yet command such detail in thier work. Often sold in a white box with a drawing of an elepants heat and POA in red letters. A color glossy picture of the assembled kit is included. While I refer to this kit as a “Burning Godzilla” Pao released two versions of the kit. One in clear resin and the other in red, like the one I have. I believe the clear version is intended to be painted to be a Burning Godzilla, though there’s no reason not to paint the red version. I perfered the “Melting Godzilla” look. https://www.mrchensjackson.com/

Assembling this kit was quite a challenge. I didn’t want to pin the arms and tail to the body for fear the pins would be shown. I went with a quick drying epoxy and roughed up the areas to be glued with sandpaper to get a strong bond. The toughest areas were the jaw and the spines with each spine needing to be glued on which was time consuming, but the end result was well worth it. I used a simple red marker to touch up areas.

The model stands just under 9″ inches. The kit is very detailed and I love the dynamic pose. Since it’s made of resin, the model is a bit heavy and always have fears of the tail or the spines breaking, though repairing would not be difficult. Personally, this one of the best representions of the Burning Godzilla and is in par with Yuji Sakai’s great work.

Pao has produced a number of kits. Ones that I look out for is the Pao Flying King Ghidorah 91 and Pao Flying Adult Destroyah. Several Pao Gamera kits are also available. While I tend to see the Pao Gamera kits available, the Godzilla kits tend to be rarer. While these kits (espcially the Godzilla kits) are pricey, if you have the cash and the model skills, these kits are worth looking out for.

vinylmaddness

Kaiyodo SCI-FI REVOLTECH Gigan

Kaiyodo SCI-FI REVOLTECH Gigan – The innovators at Kaiyodo unleashed the SCI-FI REVOLTECH Series featuring film icons from Sci-Fi, Horror, and Animation to name a few. Popular Kaiju have appeared in this series. Such as Baragon, Gamera, Gyaos, Mothra, Mougera, Rodan, and Angilas. The focus of this article will be the newly released Gigan 72.

Gigan is secured in a very nice window box. The front of the box is held closed by velcro where anyone can pick up the box and open the cover to see the contents. idnpoker

Inside of the cover has a wealth of information on Gigan, yet you do need to know Japanese. The back show basic instructions on what Gigan can do. Even though the instructions are Japanese, it’s easy enough to follow the instructions. I found it interesting that the “Warning” label is in Japanese and English. https://www.benchwarmerscoffee.com/

Those that like to perserve the packaging will find it’s easy to remove the tray that houses Gigan and all the parts without cutting tape or damaging the box. Gigan is securely tie wraped onto the tray with plastic wraps to prevent rubs on the figure. premiumbola

On a personal note, I held off on this series because of my past experience with the Takara Microman series. The Microman always fell apart and was a pain to pose the suit, which really resulted in no posing at all. I figured I’d make an exception with Gigan since the kaiju is one of my favorites. www.benchwarmerscoffee.com

Once Gigan was out of the packaging, I found the figure difficult to pose, which made me felt I wasted my money. I soon got the hang of how it worked and actually started to have fun with it. The contents that came with the figure were pieces of the oil refinery Gigan attacked in the film “Godzilla vs. Gigan 72”. The tallest portion of the refinery has a part that can be removed and in its place, a damaged piece from a result of Gigans rampage. A nice name plate is also included.

I found the tail of the figure to be bendable. Here are two shots of the tail straight and lifted.

If you are going to have a posable Gigan, you must be able to pose the figure in its flying mode. This can be easily accomplished

As I played with the figure, I was able to do several poses. Articulation can be found in the head/neck, mouth, pinchers, shoulders/elbow/arms, hip/legs/feet, and tail.

The wings are very flexable, which is great so they won’t break, but it is difficult to get the wings straight. While the tail bends, you have to squeeze the tail into the position desired.

I wanted to see how durable the figure is and tried to be a little rough on it when posing. I found the arms and legs can detach. But the parts are staked and easy to reinsert and staying on tight. It’s possible the wings can be pulled off with enough force, but I won’t take that chance

The paint job is well done, featuring highlights thoughout the figure. The visor is well detailed and the scales look great. One compliant I heard is you can see the ball joints and.. you can. In some positions, you can see right through the figure. I don’t really see a problem. Other complaints have been bad proportions of the arms and legs that really appear just fine to me. Sometimes collectors just like to nit pick and should just be ignored, especially if they haven’t even bought the figure.

My only disappointment is the size of the figure. Compared the the Bandai 6″ Gigan, it would be nice if the Kaiyodo figure was larger. Still a great looking figure regardless.

While I’m impressed with the series, word has it the line is already in trouble when it comes to the Toho Kaiju figures. Appearently, Kaiyodo don’t have the rights to make a Godzilla figure. King Ghidrah and MechaGodzilla has also been mentioned Kaiyodo don’t have rights to. Also, word has it the series is not a big seller. I don’t know if it relects just the Kaiju figures or the whole line which includes Aliens, Predator, Jason from Friday the 13th, and Batman. I do see this series all over Yahoo Japan, including Baragon, which was the first Kaiju of the series, at decent starting bids. I would love to see a Megalon and had heard rumor that Jet Jaguar was to be released, but is on hold. I’m hoping the Kaiyodo SCI-FI REVOLTECH series continues with more kaiju on the way.