A long time ago, dubbed “The King of All Monsters,” Godzilla has been an essential part of popular culture for many years. The first time Godzilla was introduced to America in the year 1956. Godzilla King of the Monsters was released as the Americanized version of the original 1954 Japanese Toho Pictures Godzilla also known as Gojira.
Since then, Godzilla has been in 31 films and four animated animated cartoons as well as a number of videogames, comics, statues and model kits. It’s not even the top of the iceberg. Being such a popular character, it is inevitable that there would be a quantity of action figures to slay countless cardboard cities (and perhaps your doll house for your sister). These are the most impressive Godzilla action figures ever created…
Classic 1954 Godzilla
Released by Bandai
This figure focuses on the Godzilla from the 1945 film and is the first appearance of a man dressed in an outfit, which is also known in the film as “suit-mation.” The figure is gray like the film, and appears to be articulated in the same spots as the original suit. The lower half in the form is much thicker while the legs appear larger than the figures that came after. The arms look like a T-Rex but are longer and thicker. 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 60s version, which was released in the Showa Period (1954-1975), this Godzilla is a thinner more imposing, taller and overall less stocky version of the monster. This version of Godzilla is of uniform size with no specific area more muscular than any other. The arms are the longest of all figures and the tail is the most tiniest. The figure also has significantly less dorsal fins than the other figures. One of the most striking features that this one has is its distinct colors, including the lighter hues at the chest and knees.
Godzilla Shogun Warriors
Released by Mattel in 1977
As bizarre as it sounds. Godzilla exists firmly within the realm of Captain America and Spider-Man. For 24 issuesthat ran in Marvel Comics from 1977 to 1979, Godzilla battled S.H.I.E.L.D. along with the Avengers, the Fantastic Four and the aforementioned wall crawler. It is Godzilla’s association with another monster comic The Shogun Warrior that led to the creation of this Mattel action model. The button on the figure’s arm will cause his fists to shoot and an on the back of his head reveals an explosive tongue. His tail can be removed to make it easy to store.
Godzilla 1995
The release was made from Bandai Tamashii Nations in 2012
From in the Heisei time period in the Toho film series (1984-1995) The figure is a bit of a departure from the traditional character. While the well-known dorsal fin is an important part of this figure, the head is significantly smaller, but the body is larger proportions and stronger and more robust legs. The figure is heavily articulated at various unusual points, including the chest, hips, knees ankles, and wrists. The large tail is a great way to keep the figure balanced nicely.
Godzilla 2000
The release was made in 2013 by Bandai Tamashii Nations in 2013
The figure is based on from the Millennium decade of Toho movie series (1999-2004) the model has some significant differences from the Heisei counterpart. The head and neck are significantly longer, with the dorsal fins stretching all the way to the level of the skull. The body has a longer appearance, but not as tall as the version from 1995. The tail is sloping downwards and touches the ground at two places, while fingers and feet are extended and curved. The Godzilla appears to be an even more powerful and balanced version of the original monster. This one also sports the biggest dorsal fins any creature we’ve seen.
Classic Godzilla Final Wars
This release is by Bandai Tamashii Nations
Coinciding with the 2004 film Godzilla Final Wars, this statue dials back the to a degree which is reminiscent of the original design. This 50th anniversary figure shows the character of Godzilla that falls much closer to his “suit-mation” roots. The figure is characterized by a human-like squat stance with a slender legs and body. The arms appear to be a bit thin but the claws and hands can be extended as well as fixed. This figure isn’t as articulated as previous figures and is also one of the few models where the mouth is wide and the brow appears to be furrowed.
FunKo POP! Godzilla
FunKo in 2015. FunKo in 2015
No figure list would be complete without including this version of the FunKo POP! Version. This cute version has the monster incredibly cuddly and is available in a mix of collectible models, including an amazing “black and white” version. The figure is symmetrically perfect and resembles the original, sporting hands and legs of similar lengths as well as a smaller tail. His signature growl is close to an grin and it makes it even more lovable. The lack of articulation the actor more than makes up with his style.
Atomic Roar Godzilla
Bandai in 2014. Bandai in 2014 by Bandai.
These Godzilla toys are based off an 2014 American film produced by Legendary Pictures. It also has the most distinct appearance of any model. The figure here Godzilla is a tiny head attached to the neck, which extends in its thickness to the lower torso creating the look of an alligator standing with one of the shorter snouts. The arms on the model are tiny but the legs are enormous and have the same thickness as the body. The famous dorsal fins run from at the back of the head all the way down to the end of the tail. In this particular figure, the mouth unhinges in order to let the user create a violet “atomic flame” in the open area to evoke the devastating attack of the film.
Godzilla Minimates Series 1 and Series 2
It was released in by Diamond Select Toys
Two-inch tall Minimate figure sets feature four of Godzilla’s most popular characters from his filmography. In the first, Godzilla is seen extinguishing the Blue “atomic flame” along with his dorsal fins that also are glowing vibrant blue. MechaGodzilla, the alien created robot monster, the human-created giant robot fighting Jet Jaguar and Hedorah the Smog Monster are also featured 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 the longest-lasting 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 the collective imagination. I think this is mostly because Godzilla can be depicted in both hero roles and a villain, sometimes in the same film. Often feared by adults however, adored and cherished by children, trust that the Godzilla can do good is something that is based on the faith of children and their imagination. This is among those qualities which make these figures enjoyable.
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