S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 1964 Review

Godzilla 1964 is the fourth web exclusive figure released, but more importantly, the first "Showa" monster from the S.H. MonsterArts line. Therefore, one can understand why a lot of attention and pressure was placed on this figure altogether. After all, the possibility of other figures based on the Showa period being made just may rest on the consumer response on this particular figure. Does Godzilla 1964 meet any general expectations?

This version of Godzilla came from a movie titled, Mothra vs Godzilla (aka Godzilla vs The Thing). Godzilla (1964) sports great craftsmanship and comes in a nice color scheme of (primary) charcoal grey with greyish yellow highlights on the fins, chest, knees, claws, and toes. Some of the best benefits included, are the colony of scales and texture that were nicely captured on this toy and a paint job applied perfectly consistent on Godzilla's body.





Godzilla's key features include:

• a line of tissue or scar that runs down from Godzilla's chest to belly.
• bumpy textured knees.
• thick eyebrows.
• a single column of asymmetrical dorsal fins.

Unlike the previous Godzilla figures from SHMA, this version's eyes were designed very differently. These eyes are painted white with a clear lens sealed over them, which mimic those glassy eyes that the original body suit had. However, Godzilla's pupil on the right lens is a little more centered, giving him a sort of cross eyed look.

Unfortunately, some of the exterior design suffered for the sake of poseability. The most notable problem are these unique hip joints that are hidden by triangle shaped segments of skin, which can be too much to bear from some perspectives. Another complaint to make is the gap between those dorsal spines. Despite numerous attempts to correct that problem through an upright pose, the gap could not be closed in. However, these critical drawbacks were overshadowed by other positive aspects that compliments this figure.

Generally speaking, Godzilla 1964 is by no means a perfect figure. The body design is good and the paint job is certainly a nice complement. However, the engineering's flaws can potentially ruin this toy's overall appeal. The gap is a tad distracting and so are those triangle layered seams, but only when the defects are the main focus. Balancing figure details with super articulated capabilities are always a give and take with these figures. Godzilla 1994 maintained the details and external structure of his body, but his range of motion, especially in the legs, were very limited. To get a better range of movement on this figure, Godzilla's hip had to be modified, which resulted in the layers of skin we see on the sides. For myself, I admire the benefits of this figure much more and any initial complaints I made against this toy became moot through my perspective.