Wrapping up 2013 in the S.H. MonsterArts line is Godzilla 2000, and is officially the first toy to represent the Millenium Series. Godzilla was sculpted by Yuji Sakai, and the overall design closely resembles the maquette version more than the actual suit.
Design & Details
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As expected from an expert craftsman like Yuji Sakai, Godzilla 2000 boasts the same details as seen on Banpresto's Millennium Godzilla, but on a smaller, refined, and more articulated scale. The skin texture is rough and jagged, the toes are spread apart for great stability, and Godzilla's face looks just as menacing. A word of caution though, the fins are very pointy and sharp, so please be careful when handling Godzilla. This toy is not meant for kids.
Although the sight of some segments are obvious, there aren't any large gaps or drastic alterations in the structure that could otherwise deter Godzilla's aesthetic appearance. This particular version of Godzilla also does a great job in concealing a good amount of ball joints, which provides this kaiju's wide range of motion.
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Although the sight of some segments are obvious, there aren't any large gaps or drastic alterations in the structure that could otherwise deter Godzilla's aesthetic appearance. This particular version of Godzilla also does a great job in concealing a good amount of ball joints, which provides this kaiju's wide range of motion.
Paint Job
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Although Godzilla isn't colored exactly like the actual suit, what is offered on this figure is equally satisfying. Godzilla is colored in dark charcoal grey with tan highlights on his chest, neck, and knees. The fins are painted a nice shade of metallic purple blended into grey. Godzilla's fingers and toes are dark beige with some yellowish gradients.
The mouth has ivory painted teeth stained with a confusing mash of brown,reddish paint that also spreads inside the mouth and tongue. The result looks too dirty and doesn't really enhance Godzilla's intimidating expression. Does anyone have a toothbrush?
Overall, with some exceptions, Godzilla's color scheme compliments this figure just fine, despite the lack of the traditional green and purple combination.
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The mouth has ivory painted teeth stained with a confusing mash of brown,reddish paint that also spreads inside the mouth and tongue. The result looks too dirty and doesn't really enhance Godzilla's intimidating expression. Does anyone have a toothbrush?
Overall, with some exceptions, Godzilla's color scheme compliments this figure just fine, despite the lack of the traditional green and purple combination.
Articulation
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Perhaps Godzilla's body shape has something to do with it, but his neck, torso, knees, and ankles have some impressive articulation. Godzilla's ankles and calves contain two separate segments, which adds the capability to bend further to the ground, widen his stance, or stand tall.
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Godzilla's neck is able to bend down and curl into a sort of 'U' shape, as well as bending sideways to allow the head to turn left and right. All four limbs (arms and legs) are rigged with an extra pivoting joint that allows more movement.
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One minor problem with this toy is Godzilla's tail, which tends to droop
a little due to the added weight and soft, flexible material. The
droopiness does take away some advantages of posing the tail in various
ways.
Figure Specs
Size Comparison
Compared to Bandai's original vinyl of Millennium Godzilla, SHMA Godzilla is just a tad shorter. SHMA Heisei Godzilla (1994) is slightly taller, but Godzilla 2000 does have longer arms and legs, and bigger fins.
Conclusion
The design of Godzilla certainly does not disappoint, and the engineering goes to show how much Tamashii Nations have continued to improve the quality of SHMA figures. Too bad there aren't any accessories to go with this toy. Domestically, Godzilla 2000's price range from $60-$75, not including shipping charges. If you're comfortable with the price, pick yours up soon.
The design of Godzilla certainly does not disappoint, and the engineering goes to show how much Tamashii Nations have continued to improve the quality of SHMA figures. Too bad there aren't any accessories to go with this toy. Domestically, Godzilla 2000's price range from $60-$75, not including shipping charges. If you're comfortable with the price, pick yours up soon.
Just out of curiosity, does that Godzilla figure have an instruction manual?
ReplyDeleteThis figure does not have an instruction manual, probably due to not having any accessories or partial assembly required. There is some QR code on a piece of paper instead.
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