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Iconic Godzilla Toys

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The long-running rumor that Godzilla is “The King of All Monsters,” Godzilla has been an essential part of pop culture for years. First introduced to America in 1956, Godzilla King of the Monsters first appeared as the Americanized adaptation of the classic 1954 Japanese Toho Pictures Godzilla also known as Gojira.

Since the time of his creation, Godzilla has been in 31 films and four animated animated cartoons as well as several videogames, comics, statues and models kits. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Being such a popular character there is no doubt that there would be a variety of action figures to crush innumerable cardboard cities (and maybe your little sister’s doll house). Here are a few of the most impressive Godzilla action figures ever created…

Classic 1954 Godzilla

Released by Bandai

This figure details the Godzilla from the film of 1945 and is the first representation of a man in the suit, also known in the film as “suit-mation.” This figure appears grey, just like in the film and appears be articulated in the same locations as the original suit. The lower part of the figure is much thicker while the legs appear taller than most of the figures that followed. The arms look like a T-Rex but are longer and thicker. The tail is shorter and is higher than the ground.

SH Monster Arts Godzilla

It was released by Bandai Tamashii Nations

Based on the 60s version that was created during the Showa Period (1954-1975), this Godzilla is slimmer and taller, as well as a less stocky version of the monster. Here, Godzilla has a uniform height and no one area is more heavily muscled over any other. Its arms run the lengthiest of any figure and the tail is the most tiniest. There are also significantly fewer dorsal fins in comparison to other figures. One of the most striking features for this model is its distinct colors, including the lighter coloring around the knees and chest.

Godzilla Shogun Warriors

The release was made by Mattel in 1977.

As unusual as it sounds. Godzilla exists firmly within the world of Captain America and Spider-Man. For 24 issuesthat ran through Marvel Comics from 1977 to 1979, Godzilla battled S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers and the Fantastic Four and the aforementioned wall crawler. Godzilla’s relationship with another horror comic The Shogun Warrior that led to this Mattel action statue. The button on the figure’s arm will cause his fists to shoot and an on the side of his head shows the fiery tongue. The tail can also be removed for easy storage.

Godzilla 1995

Published through Bandai Tamashii Nations in 2012

In in the Heisei period of the Toho movies (1984-1995), this figure is a bit of different from the usual figure. While the well-known dorsal fin appears as a major element of the figure the head is much smaller. However, the body has larger proportions and strong and larger legs. These Godzilla toys are very articulated in a number of unique places like the chest, hips, knees , ankles and wrists. The extra-large tail helps keep the figure balanced nicely.

Godzilla 2000

The release was made from Bandai Tamashii Nations in 2013

Modelled on the Millennium phase of the Toho films (1999-2004) The model has some significant differences from the Heisei counterpart. The head and neck are much larger, with the dorsal fins extending all the way up to the base of the skull. The body has a wider appearance rather than the taller version from 1995. The tail dangles down and touches the ground at two points and fingers and feet are extended and slightly curved. The Godzilla is a more dynamic and balanced version of the original monster. This model also features the largest dorsal fins we’ve seen on every figure we’ve ever seen.

Classic Godzilla Final Wars

This release is by Bandai Tamashii Nations

The 2004 film, Godzilla Final Wars, is in sync with it. Godzilla Final Wars, this figure dials back the design to a degree which is reminiscent of Godzilla’s original style. This figure, which is 50 years old, shows an image of Godzilla that falls much closer to his “suit-mation” roots. The character has a human-like squat stance with a large body and legs. The arms are thin and oddly shaped but the hands and claws extend and are fixed. This figure isn’t so articulated as other figures and is also one of only a handful of figures with the mouth is wide and the brow is clearly furrowed.

FunKo POP! Godzilla

It was released by FunKo in 2015

The figure list is not complete without the FunKo POP! Version. This adorable model has the monster incredibly cuddly and is available in a range of collectible models, including one of the most impressive “black with white” version. The model is perfectly symmetrical and has a look that is similar to the original with hands and legs that are similar length and a tail that is shorter. His signature growl is close to an expression of grin, and it makes him all the more charming. Whatever he is lacking in articulation is more than compensated for with style.

Atomic Roar Godzilla

The album was released by Bandai in 2014 by Bandai.

This figure is based on the 2014 American film by Legendary Pictures. It also features the most unique style of any figure. Here, Godzilla has a small head that is attached to a neck that continues in its thickness to the lower torso and gives it the appearance like a standing alligator, with a a shorten snout. The arms of the image are small however the legs are massive and nearly the same size as the body. The dorsal fins are famous and run from the back of the head all the way down to the tip of the long tail. In this particular illustration the mouth opens so that the participant can put a Blue “atomic flame” in the open area to simulate the devastating attack in the film.

Godzilla Minimates Series 1 as well as Series 2

Released on the market by Diamond Select Toys

Two-inch tall Minimate set of figures feature four popular figures from Godzilla’s filmography. In the firstset, Godzilla is seen extinguishing the blue “atomic spark” while his dorsal and lateral fins are also shining the bright blue. MechaGodzilla is the alien-created robot monster, the human created giant robot that fights Jet Jaguar and Hedorah the Smog Monster are also included in this set. The second set includes Godzilla in a classic pose, as well as fan favorite Mothra, Gigan and the metallic Titanosaurus.

Godzilla is one of the most popular of all giant monsters and we would not have films such as Cloverfield as well as Pacific Rim without his influence on popular culture and our collective imaginations. I think this is mostly because Godzilla can be portrayed as both a hero and a villain, sometimes in the same movie. Most often, he is feared by adults, yet adored and revered by children, trust in Godzilla’s power to be good is an act of the faith of children and their imagination. This is among the same qualities that make playing with these action figures so exciting.