The long-running rumor that Godzilla is “The King of All Monsters,” Godzilla has been an integral part of popular culture for a long time. The first time Godzilla was introduced to America in the year 1956. Godzilla King of the Monsters was released in the form of the Americanized rendition of 1954’s original Japanese Toho Pictures Godzilla also called Gojira.
Since then, Godzilla has been in 31 films as well as four animated cartoons, and numerous videogames, comic books, statues , and models kits. In reality, that’s only the tip of the Iceberg. With such a cult character It’s inevitable that there will be a variety of action figures to slay countless cardboard cities (and perhaps your doll house for your sister). Here are a few of the most impressive Godzilla action figures that have ever been made…
Classic 1954 Godzilla
Released by Bandai
These Godzilla toys depicts the Godzilla from the film of 1945 and is the first appearance of a man wearing the suit, also known by the term “suit-mation.” This character is gray like the film and appears to be articulated in the same locations as the suit in the original. The lower part of the figure is more hefty as are the legs. They’re much larger than the models that followed. The arms aren’t as big as T-Rex, but they are larger and more robust. The tail is smaller and is higher than the ground.
SH Monster Arts Godzilla
The release was made by Bandai Tamashii Nations
Based on the 1960s version, which was released in the Showa Period (1954-1975), this Godzilla is thinner and taller, as well as a less bulky monster. In this version, Godzilla has a uniform thickness with no specific area more muscled than any other. Arms are among the largest of all figures and the tail is the most tiniest. The figure also has significantly less dorsal fins than the other figures. The most notable feature for this model is its distinct colors, including the lighter colors at the knees and chest.
Godzilla Shogun Warriors
It was released by Mattel in 1977.
It’s as bizarre as it may sound. Godzilla is firmly in the world of Captain America and Spider-Man. For the span of 24 issues, published in Marvel Comics from 1977 to 1979, Godzilla battled S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as the Avengers and The Fantastic Four and the aforementioned wall crawler. It was Godzilla’s connection to the other Monster Comic The Shogun Warrior that led to the creation of this Mattel action figurine. The button on the figure’s arm triggers his fist to explode and an on the side of his head shows the fiery tongue. The tail can also be removed to make it easy to store.
Godzilla 1995
The release was made in 2012 by Bandai Tamashii Nations in 2012
The figure is from in the Heisei time period in the Toho film series (1984-1995) This figure is an alteration from the standard model. The dorsal fin is an important aspect of the figure, the head is significantly smaller, but the body is an imposing build, with stronger and more robust legs. The figure is incredibly articulated at a variety of unusual places such as the chest, hips, knees ankles and wrists. The large tail is a great way to keep the figure balanced well.
Godzilla 2000
The release was made in 2013 by Bandai Tamashii Nations in 2013
The figure is based on The Millennium timeframe of the Toho films (1999-2004) This model has some significant differences from the Heisei counterpart. The neck and head are significantly longer, and the dorsal fins extend all the way up to the top of the skull. The body is longer in appearance than the more taller version of 1995. The tail is sloping downwards and is able to touch the ground in two points, and fingers as well as feet extend and are curving. The Godzilla appears to be an even more powerful and proportioned version of the iconic monster. It also has the largest dorsal fins of any creature we’ve seen.
Classic Godzilla Final Wars
The release was made by Bandai Tamashii Nations
In conjunction with the 2004 film Godzilla Final Wars, this Godzilla figure dials back the details in a manner that is similar to Godzilla’s original style. The figure commemorating the 50th anniversary of Godzilla shows the character of Godzilla who is much more in his “suit-mation” origins. The figure is characterized by a human-like squat stance with a slender legs and a body. The arms appear to be a bit thin but the claws and hands extend and are fixed. The figure is also not as articulate as the earlier ones and is among the rare figures in which the mouth is opened and the brow is clearly furrowed.
FunKo POP! Godzilla
The release was made by FunKo in the year 2015
The figure list is not complete without including FunKo’s POP! Version. FunKo POP! Version. This adorable rendition is extremely cuddly and is available in a variety of collectible models, including one of the most impressive “black as well as white” version. The model is perfectly symmetrical and is a resemblance to the original, with hands and legs that are similar length and a tail that is shorter. The trademark growl of his is almost an grin and it makes him all the more adorable. The lack of articulation is more than compensated with his style.
Atomic Roar Godzilla
Bandai in 2014. Bandai in 2014 by Bandai.
The figure is based on this 2014 American film produced by Legendary Pictures. It also features the most unique style of any character. Godzilla is here, Godzilla is a tiny head that is attached to an arm that extends in its thickness down to the lower part of his torso and gives it the appearance like a standing alligator, with a an snout that is shorter. The arms of the image are tiny, however the legs are massive and are the same thickness as the body. The dorsal fins are famous and run from the top of the head all the way down to the end of the long tail. In this particular image the mouth is unhinged so that the participant can put a the blue “atomic flame” in the open space to evoke the devastating attack of the film.
Godzilla Minimates Series 1 as well as Series 2
The release was made in by Diamond Select Toys
Two-inch tall Minimate figures set includes four iconic Godzilla characters from the filmography. In the firstone, Godzilla is seen extinguishing the Blue “atomic fire” as well as his dorsal fins are shining the bright blue. MechaGodzilla is the alien-created robot monster, the human-created gigantic fighting robot Jet Jaguar and Hedorah the Smog Monster are also featured in this set. The second set includes Godzilla in his classic pose, as well as fan favorite Mothra, Gigan and the metallic Titanosaurus.
Godzilla is the longest-lasting of all monsters that are giants, and there wouldn’t be films like Cloverfield and Pacific Rim without his influence on popular culture and the collective imagination. I believe that this is in large part because Godzilla is often depicted as a hero or an antagonist, often in the same movie. Most often, he is feared by adults, however, adored and cherished by children, the belief in the power of Godzilla to be good is an issue of belief and imagination. These are the qualities which make these figures enjoyable.
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