@sachiel- Just read your review of Fire Rodan. Some detailed pics and thorough review, nice job as always! Looking forward to part 2!
I would have never have known about the painted veins on the wings if I didn't check out your review. On wider shots of the figure, it's harder to see those. That's some nice attention to detail!
Sucks about the bad knee joint and the tail joints. I'm hoping not all of the Rodan's have these issues, as I'm planning on grabbing one soon. Good review and nice pics, Red! Hope I get as good with reviewing figures.
Btw, I finally got some proper lighting to take some detailed pictures and writing up proper reviews for the figures. This is my first real attempt at this, so be kind.
Up for review is the Tamashii Nations' first U.S. exclusive release of their Monsterarts line. This is a special version of the Monsterarts Godzilla that was released as part of the many exclusives that were only available at the 2012 San Diego Comic Convention. This exclusive figure originally retailed for $55.00 at the convention.
This specially colored version of Godzilla is based off one of his final looks in the 90's film, Godzilla vs. Destroyah, and represents Godzilla's nuclear energy running uncontrollably throughout his body, eventually leading to his meltdown.
PRESENTATION
Godzilla comes in a window box similar to other Monsterarts releases with a large head shot of the character adorning the right side. This one shows the head of Godzilla in a mostly reddish orange color scheme with glowing yellow eyes letting collectors know that this is a fiery version of the beast!
The difference with this version compared to other releases is the picture of Godzilla is not a photo from the movies, but rather an illustration. The artwork for the box was done by renowned Japanese illustrator Yasushi Torisawa who has worked on character and costume related content for Godzilla and other Japanese live action series.
More art by Torisawa adorns the back depicting a fiery looking Godzilla rampaging through the convention center with people running out of the building.
Also, on the back are small bios regarding Yasushi Torisawa and monster sculptor and designer Yuji Sakai.
The box alone is an eye catcher, and does a nice job getting the attention of collectors!
FIGURE
Inside the box, Godzilla comes in a clear tray by himself with no accessories. I wasn't really surprised by this given the exclusiveness, but I wouldn't have minded some unique accessory to go along with him.
Instead of the traditional charcoal gray color, Godzilla is cast in a translucent orange plastic. The plastic feels a tiny bit softer compared to the regular release, but the difference is minimal.
Under the right light, you can see some of the inner workings on how the joints attach to each other with the different ball and plug-in joints. This is especially noticeable with the tail as each segment alternates with a light then dark tone giving an almost striped appearance.
Only some minor paint apps were applied but are very effective. The dorsal plates on Godzilla's back were given a bright yellowish hue to them. This gives the plates the illusion of glowing with power, and really pops on this figure! The plates also do a nice job offsetting the main orange color.
The other minor paint app is the painted red tongue. Like the dorsal plates, it helps break up the orange a bit when Godzilla is in a roaring pose. I thought this was an interesting creative decision for the final colors.
One issue that I'm sure some collectors may have been concerned was with Godzilla's eyes. Some first releases of the figure had quality control issues with one of Godzilla's eyes not aligned correctly. This gave Godzilla an odd and unwanted expression many fans would call the “derpâ€