While Bandai’s been pumping out figures for the new Godzilla reboot, I still have yet to find one I really want to buy. Most are too small with minimal articulation and wouldn’t fit in well with my collection, while most of the large figures are a turnoff due to their blatant action features. But when I wandered across NECA’s version of Big G at Toys R Us, he seemed to hit that sweet spot of sculpt and articulation and I knew I had to buy him.
Sculpt wise, this new Godzilla has a pretty interesting look. The combination of his thick body and trunk-like legs juxtaposed with his little head and stumpy feet give him that heavy beefcake look. It took a little getting used to, but after getting the toy and seeing the movie I’m actually pretty happy with this design now. Sure he’s got a bit more weight to him, but all Godzillas are a bit chubby (especially in that thigh area).
NECA’s sculpt is pretty dead on. The figure is covered in textured details that I didn’t even catch in the theater. Probably the most interesting is just how many different types of scales the figure has. His large back fins are surrounded by a rough rock-like surface. His sides, legs and arms have a more traditional scaled look. His chest and the top of his tail are comprised of plate armor, while his feet and bottom of the tail are wrinkled skin.
The head area is also equally textured with the outline of his skull along the eyes and cheek bones. He has a bit of a snubbed nose with tiny teeth outlining the upper and lower jaw. His tongue is sculpted separately in kind of an action position, and a bit further down the neck are his textured gills.
Godzilla’s a pretty decent size, standing just less than seven inches tall. He fits in nicely with other MonsterArts and Sci-Fi Revoltech kaiju, although he’s just a tiny bit shorter than Burning Godzilla. Unfortunately this Godzilla looks tiny and almost overwhelmed when compared to NECA’s new Pacific Rim figures. Continue to page 2…
After viewing some lousy pics of this guy online I was all set to write him off but, seeing the pic of him lounging on your sofa just sealed the deal for me. Great review Vault, you just made this Godzilla fanboy very happy!
Thanks! I definitely think he’s a fun figure to play around with. Hope you like him.
Man, Anguirus looks so pissed! I need this in my life. I think I might need the Jakks Pacific GIANT Godzilla more, BUT I will not be able to pass on this one. I’m pretty sure the other NECA Godzilla (24″ head to tail?) is the one in-scale with the Pacific Rim figures. I also hope Neca makes the male and female MUTO as well!
Yeah, that Jakks one looks great just cause it’s so big. I’d like to get the one that’s more in scale with Pacific Rim too, but I don’t know if I really need four 2014 Godzillas in my life. Guess it’ll depend on how strong my will is when I see them in the toy aisle.
I’m tempted to get this as an alternative to laying down $80 for the Figuarts version, but he does still look a slight bit toyish next to his Japanese cousins.
you looked at the photo of the three zillas together and the NECA one looks toyish next to the imports? seriously? james… you’re safe here. we all want to talk to you about your future, because if you continue smoking this much meth, you won’t have one.
He’s probably referring to that plastic sheen it gives off in the comparison photo.
The NECA one is definitely more toy-like. Like Bigbot said, it has that glossy plastic look. The paint isn’t as smoothly subtle as MonsterArts either. Instead of a gradient transition, it just kind of starts and stops. The articulation isn’t quite as good either. NECA’s can’t pull off that howling pose. But, for a price difference of sixty or seventy dollars, I’m willing to overlook those things.
I’ll probably end up getting the MonsterArts eventually to keep the collection complete with a standard look, but this NECA one is perfect for those who just want a great little Godzilla for a good price.
The NECA figure also has more visible mold lines.
Great. now I can’t help but hear him screaming “BEEFCAKE!” in all these shots.
and in Cartman’s voice.
lol, that was my plan all along!
I like it but I prefer the design of the classic Godzilla’s more. I think NECA’s 94 Godzilla will be brilliant.
Yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to that figure too.
excellent review!
where’d you get that sofa from?! it’s fantastic!
Thanks! It is from the doll house section of Hobby Lobby. It’s a good place to pick up 1/12th ish furniture. That particular set came with two big black chairs in the same style as the couch.
If you do go looking for one, hit up their website. They usually have a coupon for 40% off one full price item. Makes it a pretty good deal.
Thanks for takin’ the pics that matter! I’m not terribly interested in a monster that can destroy a city. But a monster that can realistically lounge on a couch and tear it up on the dance floor? Yes please!
I received my figure today from NECA. You review is spot on. I was very pleased with the detail. Of course the articulation and detail is not going to be as high as the Monsterarts figure, but as you stated, the figure is a fourth the cost. I don’t think it looks too toyish at all. No where near as gimmicky as the action figures made for kids.
I hate this design. The head looks like a turtle, and he’s got thunder-thighs that lead right on into a sever case of “cankles.” Godzilla does not have cankles.
*severe
It wasn’t marked on the shelf, but I decided to pick one of these up at TRU, and it rang up 25% off, so less than $15. At that price, I think he fills my display needs.