05/14/2024
New to Godzilla figures? We've got you.
For many longtime Godzilla figure collectors, the King of the Monsters reigns supreme on their toy shelves, with ample space dedicated to every size, scale, and format of kaiju from King Ghidorah to Mechagodzilla, Mothra to Hedorah, and Minilla to Rodan. If you're just starting out, though, our helpful guide can help you get acquainted with the basics behind figure scales, materials, articulation, manufacturers, and more to help you discover your figures of choice and start building your ideal Godzilla figure collection.
Scale
No, we're not referring to Godzilla's scaly skin, we're talking proportional figure size! After 70 years and counting, Godzilla figures come in virtually every scale and shape, but in general a common figure ranges from 1-18" tall and sometimes taller.
Since Godzilla and other Toho kaiju are so large, common ratio-based scaling (1/400, 1/250, 1/150, 1/700, 1/2) doesn't always apply to collecting monster toys the same way it can for mecha and other popular figure categories. Common figure sizes, however, include 3.75", 5", 6", 8", 12", 16", 18" and many in between, especially if you measure using the metric system.
When trying to collect Godzilla figures in a specific size, sometimes it's easiest to collect certain figure lines from dedicated manufacturers for consistency. Be advised, however, that some toy lines adjust character scaling based on the figure line rather than their relative appearances together in Godzilla films. In other words, you may find lines where Minilla and Godzilla stand shoulder to shoulder on your shelf.
Materials
Godzilla and its Toho kaiju colleagues have been rendered into figures from almost every conceivable material, ranging from tin to plastic to glittering gold. Typically, however, modern figures are fashioned from various synthetic materials and plastics like PVC (including vinyl), ABS, and in the case of some plushies PP fill. In general, though, collectors are accustomed to soft vinyl figures, dubbed "sofubi" in Japan, and figures made of firmer PVC compounds. Some figure lines, including Bandai's Soul of Chogokin also incorporate various diecast metal compounds.
Articulation
Articulated Godzilla figures put the power of poseability – and personality – into every fan's hands. Applying articulation to a sculpted figure presents challenges and can impose aesthetic trade-offs.
Some figures feature articulation that's as seamless as possible, essentially hiding mechanical joints within a monster's normal range of motion. Other figures focus on applying visible joints to a monster's body where they're simply the most fun to move around. These days, many modern figure lines approach articulation with a sort of middle-ground mindset, working to balance looks and poseability for the widest range of collector appeal.
In general, basic Godzilla figures with a limited range of motion tend to focus on head, arm, leg, and tail joints. Some collector-focused figure lines, however, specialize in making monsters with as many points of articulation as possible. In either approach, the amount of articulation a figure has can heavily affect its look and feel, so flexible collectors will have plenty of options to consider.
Contemporary articulated Godzilla figure lines include Bandai's S.H.MonsterArts, Super7's ULTIMATES! and ReAction lines, CCP's Middle Size Series, and select figures from Bandai's Movie Monster Series.
Non-posable/Non-articulated Figures
While some might rightfully refer to non-poseable/non-articulated Godzilla figures and statues or busts interchangeably, for the purposes of this blog post, the general rule for applying "figure-ness" to a given collectible has to do with size and materials. Self-appointed statues are typically larger and made of synthetic "resin" or "polystone", while non-poseable or non-articulated figures tend to stand less than 18" tall and are labeled as being made of ABS, vinyl, or simply plastic. When in doubt, however, refer to a given product name.
Some non-poseable figure lines include Bandai's Ichibansho line, Banpresto's Toho Monster Series Enshrined Monsters, various lines from X-Plus and select figures from Bandai's Movie Monster Series.
Assembled Figures vs. Model Kits
Conventional figures are shipped fully-assembled, but industrious fans can add some additional fun factor to their figure collecting hobby with model kits. Some vintage-style sofubi require sophisticated assembly, with more modern model kits are made to simply snap together like a puzzle. Collectors who like to customize their figures can also choose to paint "blank" model kit figures and apply various decals. Model kit figures are more work than pre-assembled toys, but they can also offer an extra reward for being one-of-a-kind once they're put together.
Packaging
When it comes to most figure packaging, what you see is what you get. Usually figures come carded, boxed, or tagged and the figure is easy to see. When it comes to blind-boxed figures, though, fans are metaphorically rolling the dice. The Godzilla Store sells some blind box figures, usually as a part of a complete set, ensuring that fans can collect every figure in a blind-boxed series in one fell swoop. If you're looking for a specific figure from a blind box series, though, always be sure to check a given figure's product name and description.
Manufacturers
Since Japanese toymaker Marusan released its first 10" tall tin Godzilla figures in 1966, scores of other companies have put their stamp on the Godzilla figure experience. North American fans had access to Mattel's release of Bandai's Godzilla figures through its Shogun Warriors line in the late '70s, before Trendmasters dominated Godzilla figures in the region through the '90s.
Some current Godzilla figure manufacturers include Bandai, Banpresto, CCP, Diamond Select Toys, Funko, Gentle Giant, Good Smile Company, Hiya Toys, Jada Toys, Kidrobot, Kaiyodo, Kotobukiya, Mattel, MegaHouse, Max Factory, Mezco Toyz, Mondo, Playmates, Spiral Studio, Surreal Entertainment, Super7, YouTooz, and others.
Collecting Conclusion
The world of Godzilla figures is always evolving, so expect exceptions to this guide for as long as you collect. In the end, the most important part of collecting Godzilla figures will always be having fun filling your space with things you love.
For more Godzilla figures and more, check out the Godzilla Store.