Howdy there, Godzilla collectors!

Firstly, I am aware that this site has a MonsterArts discussion thread… however, it has very little information on the figures themselves, and the list of available figures is out of date and seriously incomplete. Therefore, I am creating a new and improved 2.0 thread that will include a greater amount of information, including a complete list of S.H.MonsterArts figures, pictures, prices, and availability. In addition, I will consistently be updating the thread with any new information on figure availability, upcoming figure predictions, and any new announcements that pertain to the line.

For longtime collectors of the figures who want to discuss their favorite additions and hopes for the future, as well as people who are interested in starting a collection and don’t know where to start or just what is out there, I hope this thread will answer any questions you may have, and provide a place to discuss this stellar line.

Stay tuned for updates, and let the discussions begin!

 

Godzilla Series

Godzilla (1994)

Based On: Mogegoji suit (Godzilla vs Spacegodzilla (1994))

Release Date: November, 2011 (Reissued in July, 2012)

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Blue Atomic Ray (First Edition Only); Stand Arm & Base (First Edition Only)

MSRP: $67.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

UX-02-93 Mechagodzilla

Based On: Heisei Mechagodzilla (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993))

Release Date: December, 2011

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Megabuster Ray; Plasma Grenade Mid-Section Piece; Flight Mode Hands; Flight Mode Tail; Flight Mode Neck Piece; Stand Arm and Rock Base (All First Edition Only)

MSRP: $79.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Spacegodzilla

Based On: Spacegodzilla (Godzilla vs Spacegodzilla (1994))

Release Date: April, 2012

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Corona Beam; Stand Arm and Crystal Base

MSRP: $83.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

MOGUERA

Based On: Heisei Moguera (Godzilla vs Spacegodzilla (1994))

Release Date: June, 2012

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Plasma Cannon Beam; Plasma Cannon; Opening Hands; Two Spiral Grenade Missiles; Flight Mode Wings; Alternate Tail Fin; Three Stand Arms; Clear Base, and Building Base

MSRP: $84.99

Availability: ALMOST GONE

 

Little Godzilla

Based On: Little Godzilla (Godzilla vs Spacegodzilla (1994))

Release Date: July, 2012

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Four Crystals; Two Bases

MSRP: $42.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Godzilla [Comic Con Explosion]

Based On: Meltdown Godzilla (Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995))

Release Date: July, 2012

Status: San Diego Comic Con 2012 Exclusive

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $55.00

Availability: Out of Print

 

Fire Rodan

Based On: Heisei Rodan (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993))

Release Date: August, 2012

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Uranium Heat Beam; One Stand and Two Bases (with two body cradles); Damaged Mechagodzilla Head (For Mechagodzilla 1993); Spiral Fire Ray (For Godzilla 1994/1995)

MSRP: $42.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

King Ghidorah

Based On: Heisei King Ghidorah (Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991))

Release Date: October, 2012

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Three Gravity Beams; Three stands and Bases

MSRP: $124.99

Availability: Out of Print

Articulation Series Video

 

Godzilla 1995

Based On: Burning Godzilla (Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995))

Release Date: October, 2012

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Two Alternate Hands; Two Maser Tanks (First Edition Only)

MSRP: $86.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Godzilla Jr.

Based On: Godzilla Junior (Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995))

Release Date: January, 2013

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Two Helicopters; Two Alternate Helicopter Blades; Two Helicopter Wire Stands and Bases

MSRP: $50.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Destoroyah (Complete Version)

Based On: Destoroyah Final Form (Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995))

Release Date: March, 2013

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $149.99

Availability: Out of Print

Articulation Series Video

 

Destoroyah Evolution Set

Based On: Destroyah’s Aggregate, Juvenile, and Flying Forms (Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995))

Release Date: July, 2013

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Aggregate Destoroyah Head with Extended Mandibles

MSRP: $89.99

Availability: ALMOST GONE

Articulation Series Video

 

Godzilla (1964)

Based On: Mosugoji suit (Mothra vs Godzilla (1964))

Release Date: September, 2013

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $64.99

Availability: Out of Print

Articulation Series Video

 

MFS-3 Type 3 Kiryu Mechagodzilla (2002)

Based On: Kiryu 2002 (Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002))

Release Date: October, 2013

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Gun Backpack Unit; Two Maser Blades; Two Laser Gun Arms; Two Alternate Eye Pieces (three total: Yellow On, Yellow Repaired, and Red)

MSRP: $96.99

Availability: Out of Print

Articulation Series Video

 

Biollante

Based On: Biollante Final Form (Godzilla vs Biollante (1989)

Release Date: December, 2013

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: None (features LED effect (2 LR44 batteries not included))

MSRP: $229.99

Availability: Out of Print

Articulation Series Video

 

Godzilla 2000 (Millennium)

Based On: Godzilla 1999 Concept Version by Yuji Sakai (Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999))

Release Date: January, 2014

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $74.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Battra

Based On: Battra Imago (Godzilla vs Mothra (1992))

Release Date: February, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Body Cradle, Stand, and Base

MSRP: $64.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Gigan (2004)

Based On: Final Wars Gigan (Godzilla: Final Wars (2004))

Release Date: May, 2014

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Two Chainsaw Hands; Two Upgraded Mandibles; One Upgraded Horn: Upgraded Neck

MSRP: $94.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Mothra

Based On: Heisei Mothra Imago (Godzilla vs Mothra (1992))

Release Date: May, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Body Cradle, Stand and Base

MSRP: $64.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Mothra and Battra Larva Set

Based On: Heisei Mothra and Battra Larvae (Godzilla vs Mothra (1992))

Release Date: July, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Web Effect for Mothra

MSRP: $99.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Godzilla 1995 Rebirth

Based On: Adult Godzilla Jr. (Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995))

Release Date: August, 2014 (To be reissued in September, 2015)

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Two Alternate Hands; Red Atomic Ray; Stand and Base

MSRP: $66.99 (Reissue: $56.99)

Availability: Limited Stock

 

Godzilla (2014)

Based On: Legendary Godzilla (Godzilla (2014))

Release Date: October, 2014

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $67.99

Availability: Limited Stock

 

MFS-3 Type 3 Kiryu Mechagodzilla Heavy Arms Version

Based On: Kiryu 2003 (Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003))

Release Date: November, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Rocket Backpack Unit; Two Wrist Rail Guns; Drill Hand; Damaged Head

MSRP: $124.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Mecha-King Ghidorah

Based On: Mecha- King Ghidorah (Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991))

Release Date: March, 2015

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Machine Hand Grip Parts; Stands and Bases; Three Dorats

MSRP: $199.99

Availability: Readily Available

 

Godzilla (2014) [Poster Color Edition]

Based On: Godzilla 2014 Colored to Match the Japanese Theatrical Poster (Godzilla (2014))

Release Date: February 25^th, 2015

Status: Amazon Japan Exclusive Packaged with the Japanese Deluxe Edition Set of Godzilla (2014))

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: 15,000 JPY

Availability: ALMOST GONE

 

Godzilla 2000 (Millennium) [Special Color Version]

Based On: Godzilla 1999 Concept Version by Yuji Sakai (Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999))

Release Date: June, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $74.99

Availability: Limited Stock

 

Godzilla 2014 [Spitfire Version]

Based On: Godzilla 2014 with Atomic Ray Blue Spines (Godzilla (2014))

Release Date: August, 2015

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Atomic Ray; Stand and Base; Severed Female MUTO Head; Extra "Death Grip" Right Hand for MUTO Head

MSRP: $70.99

Availability: Readily Available

 

Godzilla (1964) [Appearence Version]

Based On: Dust Covered Mosugoji Suit (Mothra vs Godzilla (1964))

Release Date: November, 2015

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Atomic Ray; Stand and Base

MSRP: $63.99

Availability: Readily Available

 

King Ghidorah [Special Color Version]

Based On: Heisei King Ghidorah (Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991))

Release Date: January, 2016

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Three Gravity Beams; Three stands and Arms; Effect Base; Flight Stand and Base; K.I.D.S.

MSRP: $141.99

Availability: Readily Available

 

Godzilla 2001

Based On: "GMK" Godzilla 2001 (Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001))

Release Date: July, 2016

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: None

MSRP: $82.99

Availability: Preorder (Releases July)

 

Godzilla 1954

Based On: Shodaigoji Suit (Godzilla (1954))

Release Date: August, 2016

Status: Web Standard Release

Bonus Parts: TBA

MSRP: TBA

Availability: Preorder (Releases August)

 

 

Alien & Predator Series

Alien Warrior

Based On: Alien Warrior (Alien vs Predator (2004))

Release Date: February, 2014

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Chestburster; Egg; Extra Hands

MSRP: $58.99

Availability: Readily Available

Articulation Series Video

 

Predator Wolf

Based On: Predator Wolf (Aliens vs Predator: Requiem)

Release Date: March, 2014

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Interchangeable Hands; Helmeted Head; Open Pincers; Closed Pincers; Coiled and Extended Whip; Cylinder; Syringe; Forearm Blade

MSRP: $58.99

Availability: Readily Available

Articulation Series Video

 

Alien Big Chap

Based On: Original Alien (Alien, 1979)

Release Date: June, 2014

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Extra Hands: Stand and Base

MSRP: $53.99

Availability: Readily Available

Articulation Series Video

 

Predator Wolf [Heavy Arms Version]

Based On: Upgraded Predator Wolf (Aliens vs Predator Requiem))

Release Date: September, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Interchangeable Hands; Helmeted Head; Open Pincers; Closed Pincers; Coiled and Extended Whip; Forearm Blade; Two Shurikens; Claymores; Dual Shoulder Cannons

MSRP: $63.99

Availability: Readily Available

 

 

King Kong Series

King Kong (2005)

Based On: Peter Jackson’s King Kong (King Kong (2005))

Release Date: April, 2013

Status: Standard Release

Bonus Parts: Three Interchangeable Faces; Two Knuckle Hands; Two Fists Hands; Two Open Hands; Gripping Hands; Right Anne Darrow Hand

MSRP: $64.99

Availability: ALMOST GONE

 

Gamera Series

Gamera (1996)

Based On: Heisei Gamera 1996 (Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996))

Release Date: February, 2015

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Plasma Ball Effect; Flying Arms; Flying Lower Body Part; Stand and Base for Plasma Ball; Stand, Base, and Cradle for Flying Mode

MSRP: $80.99

Availability: Readily Available

 

 

Expansion Sets

UX-01-92 Garuda

Based On: Garuda and G-Crusher Weaponry (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993))

Release Date: March, 2012

Status: Web Exclusive

Includes: Garuda; Two Plasma Lasers; G-Crusher Cables; Three Attachment Parts; Stand and Base

MSRP: $33.00

Availability: Out of Print

 

Godzilla Effects & Toho Ultimate Weapons Set

Based On: Heisei Series Weaponry

Release Date: March, 2012

Status: Web Exclusive

Includes: Orange Atomic Ray; Super X-2; Super X-2 Fire Mirror Part; Five Tanks; Five Maser Tanks; Three Maser Jets; Three Fighter Jets; Three Stands and Two Bases; Two Stand Arms; Six Small Jet Stands

MSRP: $26.99

Availability: Out of Print

 

Toho Ultimate Weapons Set 2

Based On: Heisei Series Weaponry

Release Date: October, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Includes: Super X-3; Landing Gear; Cadmium Launcher; Maser Weapon; Four Maser Tanks; Four Dual Maser Tanks; Three Maser Jets; One Large Building; One Small Building; Stand, Base, and Arm for Jets

MSRP: $32.99

Availability: Limited Stock

 

Godzilla Effects Set 2

Based On: Godzilla Series Beams and Buildings

Release Date: October, 2014

Status: Web Exclusive

Bonus Parts: Yellow Atomic Ray; Opaque Yellow Atomic Ray; Yellow Fire Base; Rock Base; Two Large Buildings; Two Small Buildings; Explosion Effect

MSRP: $31.99

Availability: Limited Stock

 

 

Upcoming Figures:

Godzilla 2001 (July, 2016)

Godzilla 1954 (August, 2016)

 

 

Prototypes Awaiting Official Announcement:

Utsuno Ikusagami (Yamato Takeru (1994))

 

Godzilla 1989 (Godzilla vs Biollante (1989))

 

Predator Scar (Alien vs Predator (2004))

 

Brown Rodan (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993))

 

UPDATES:

(NOTE: IN ORDER TO MAKE THE THREAD MORE MANAGABLE/READABLE, I HAVE REMOVED THE UPDATES FROM 2014 IN ORDER TO MAKE ROOM FOR MORE RECENT/RELEVENT NEWS AND INFORMATION.  IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE REMOVED UPDATES, THEY CAN BE READ, COMPLETE AND IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, IN THE PAGES OF THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.)

 

1/4/15: Happy 2015, folks!!!!  The first update of the year is not about the line itself, but rather some hosekeeping.

Firstly, the S.H.MonsterArts: The Articulation Series website has removed its Monster Forecast page (which teased three possible releases for a certain month, and featured a mixture of red herrings and, every so often, a figure that would be announced soon after), and so, I will be removing it from this page as well.  Something is supposed to take its place on the site, but until then, the Forecast section on this page is less than useless.

Secondly, in its place, I will be adding another feature from the Articulation Series website... Michael Shipman's incredible stop motion articulation walkthroughs!  If you are unaware, these videos demonstrate the S.H.MonsterArts figures' movement capabilities with professional, film quality stop motion, and many also feature reenactments of scenes from the movies these monsters appeared in!  I hope you enjoy watching them!

Also, speaking of the articulation videos, Michael has confirmed tht the next video will focus on Godzilla 2000!  Stay tuned for its release, and for other MonsterArts updates in the coming weeks!

 

1/24/15: Two bits to share, and neither are particularly great. 

Firstly, that magical time of the month, between the 17th and the 24th when Tamashii reveals their upcoming products has come... and gone.  Again.  And NO MonsterArts figures were part of those reveals forthe third month in a row.  This means that, following Mecha-King Ghidorah's release in March, and not including the June re-release of Godzilla 2000 (albeit in different colors), there will be no, non-repaint releases for a four month stretch.  This is a pretty big gap in releases, and the lack of announcement this month means that we won't see anything post MKG until at least August.  At least it will give us time to let our wallets recouperate. :)

Lastly, I want to clear THIS craziness up...

 

Before anyone freaks out... THIS IS SO FAKE ITS NOT EVEN FUNNY!!!!!!!! 

Here is the link to the Devientart page.

So NO ONE had better be posting this saying "LOOK!  S.H.MONSTERARS IS MAKING MUTO'S!!!!", because that's how rumors start, and I don't wan't anyone misinformed and/or dissapointed.

You're welcome.

 

1/26/15: A small, but important update for you Mothra and Battra fans out there... the stock of the Larva Set is now ALMOST GONE!  This set is a web exclusive, and was therefore made in smaller quantities than the regular releases.  After half a year on the market, the set is now almost dried up completely!  Amazon currently only has 12 left.  It says "More on the Way", but they also said that about the Imago Mothra... and no more ever showed up.  So if you want it, BUY IT NOW!!!!  Its a stellar set, with two incredible figures with great paint apps, articulation, and sculpts... especially Battra.

Oh, and one other thing... after two months of waiting... KIRYU HEAVY ARMS IS FINALLY AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON!!!!  Who knows what the hold up was, but he's finally there, and man... is he ever worth it!  Plus, you save 4 cents!!!!  WHAT A DEAL!

Stay tuned for some pics of Gamera when the figure released in Japan at the end of the month!

 

2/12/15:

AAAAAAAAT LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAST!!!!!!!!

After nearly FOUR MONTHS, we FINALLY have a new reveal for the S.H.MonsterArts Line!!!!

After making an appearance at the Tamashii showroom and just recently at Winter Wonderfest, Tamashii plans to release the Godzilla 2014 Spitfire Version as a web exclusive!

This news comes courtesy of Michael Shipman of the S.H.MonsterArts: The Articulation Series website, who posted it on the Toho Kingdom Forums.

At this time, price, release date, and the inclusion of the severed Female MUTO head (absent from Wonderfest) have yet to be confirmed, but it is known that preorders will begin for the figure on February 16^th via the Bandai webshop. It is also unknown whether or not Bluefin will distribute the figure in the U.S., but they more than likely will, as they have with all previous MonsterArts releases sans the first two effects sets and the upcoming Godzilla 2014 Poster Color Version.

Stay tuned for more news as it breaks!

 

2/13/15:

Happy Friday the 13^th, G-Fans! Following yesterday’s announcement of the Godzilla 2014 Spitfire Version, we now have some awesome new information on the figure:

1. Thanks to Import Monsters, we now have A LOAD OF PROMO PICS!!!! CHECK THEM OUT HERE!

2. Thanks to those pics, the inclusion of the severed MUTO head is CONFIRMED!!!!

3. The price in JPY is 8,000… meaning that the U.S. price will be around $80.99 or $81.99.

4. The figure’s release date in Japan is July, meaning that if Bluefin distributes it in the U.S., it will be released in August here!

5. The figure’s blue spines are translucent plastic, meaning that in the right lighting conditions, they will glow!

We still don’t know what its exact release date will be, what its official MSRP in USD will be, nor do we have confirmation that the figure will get a U.S. release at all. All of that should be revealed in the next few days. Be sure to check back for updates as the news breaks!

 

2/15/15:  Three little bits of info to share with all two of you that check this thread!

First and foremost, as of today, Gamera is officially out in the U.S.!!!!  The collectors that already have one are unanimous: its a winner!  Be aware, however, that there is a dock strike on the west cost that is delaying a TON of shipments.  Many sites will not be able to deliver Gamera for quite a while (Amazon, as usual, is "Temporarily Out of Stock" right now), but you WILL get it eventually!

Secondly, pre-orders on the Godzilla 2014 Spitfire Version have started popping up!  The price appears be $70.99 or less most places.  If you are interested, pre-order it at Big Bad Toy Store!

Last but not least, Tamashii was indeed at ToyFair, and although nothing new was revealed, we did get some cool pictures of the Godzilla 2014 Spitfire version and the upcoming Mecha-King Ghidorah!

 

2/24/15: After four months on pre-order (and a mere two days before selling out), the Japanese Godzilla 2014 Deluxe Edition Blu-ray and SHMA Godzilla 2014 Poster Color Version Set started shipping a day or so ago from Amazon Japan and, as of today, is listed as "In Stock" on the website!  If you pre-ordred this Japanese exclusive, expect it tomorrow or the day after courtesy of DHL Shipping! 

And the good news is, Amazon apparently still has a few in stock!  You may still get it for at or near its original MSRP if you get it now! 

Expect pictures onces consumers start getting their sets!

 

2/3/15: Last month was a big month for MonsterArts releases!  Halfway through the month, Gamera arived in America.  On the 25th, Godzilla 2014 Poster Color Version was released and shipped to buyers around the world!  And at the end of the month, Meca-King Ghidorah was finally unleashed in Japan!!!!  Pretty much all collectors are reporting that this bad boy is a winner!  The wing joints are FAR superior to King Ghidorah's weak joints, and although a few parts are apparently pretty delacate, this release looks to be incredible.  And at 200 bucks... it had better be!

Check back shortly for images of both G14 PCV and Mecha-King Ghidorah in the hands of collecotrs, and remember... Mecha-King Ghidorah comes out here in the U.S. in two weeks!

 

3/15/15: As of today, Mecha-King Ghidorah is available for purchase in America!

Or is he...

Yep, the dock strike... er, strikes again.  Mecha-King Ghidorah is gonna be delayed for, most likely, a few weeks.  He could pop up in the odd comic book store here and there before he starts shipping from websites like Amazon, but don't count on it.  Hopefully he and Gamera start shipping soon, so keep on the lookout for the fabled "In Stock" label to show up online!

 

4/6/15: A few things do talk about here.  To start things off, Mecha-King Ghidorah is finally starting to pop up online for purchase, and should be pretty much everywhere in a week or two!  The virdict from people who have him is clear... we've got another winner!!!!  Be on the lookout for this stellar figure!

In addition, Gamera is FINALLY shipping from Amazon!  Get it for $72.76 today!

Next up is the news that Godzilla 1995 Rebirth (A.K.A. Adult Junior) will be reissued in Japan due to the massive popularity of the figure in its country of origin.  It apparently sold out very quickly there, so this reissue will, at least right now, be for Japan only.

Last but not least, after months of dwindling quantities, Destoroyah (Adult Form) and the Mothra and Battra Larva Set are officially OUT OF PRINT.  If you missed either of these sets, you're pretty much out of luck if you want to find them at or below MSRP.  Check your local comic book shops if you still need them for your collection!

 

5/10/15: ALERT!  For anyone out there who hasn't gotten Final Wars Gigan, you might want to get on that soon.  Only three major online retailers still carry this bad boy, and Amazon, who right now has the best deal for $66.55, only has 16 left in stock.  If you want him, get him NOW!  He's an awesome figure, and he'll only be MSRP for a few more weeks!  Follow the link and get yours while you still can!

 

UPDATE:

5/20/15: Well, FINALLY, we've got another announcement for a new figure!  Well, I use the term "new" lightly...

 

Yep, the 1964 Godzilla strikes again, back and repainted as (at leat based on the translation I say) "Dust Appearence Version".  The new paint appears to mimic the Monster King's look upon arising from the dust during his first appearence in Mothra vs Godzilla (1964).  As silly as that might sound for a 70 dollar repaint, it is a great thing for people who missed the first release.  Plus...

Uh huh... HE'S GOT HIS ATOMIC RAY!

More info on this beauty (price, release date, and other features) coming soon!

 

6/30/15: I'm a little late on this one, but Godzilla 2000 Millenium Special Color Version is officially out and readily available in the United States!  For those who missed out on the first Godzilla 2000 from the line, DO NOT miss this opportunity to pick this stellar figure up!

Stay tuned for possible updates on the line as we approach SDCC!

 

7/15/15: Well, the year of repaints continues!  We have a new announcement for the line, and yes... it somehow yet ANOTHER repaint.  Kicking off 2016 in the US will be King Ghidorah: Special Color Version.  Basically an excuse for a super welcome corrected rerelease of the wonky original with its infamously screwed up wings, this new version is basically identical to the original, save for a SLIGHTLY brighter gold paint scheme, and the inclusion of some sick bonus parts!  This version is based off of the beautiful advance poster art for Godzilla vs King Ghidorah, and as such includes a yellow, red, and blue beam, flight stand and base, and even a TINY K.I.D.S. time machine!

For those who missed the original version, this is the perfect opportunity to rectify that!  Look for this guy to drop next January, and have an estimated $120 ready to shell out.

Lets hope 2016 continues with some, ya know... actual new molds. ;)

Here's the poster this figure is based on:

 

For images, visit my Official Scified Article on the figure!

/shameless plug

 

7/21/15: Well, it finally happened.  After two years on the market, the controversial Destoroyah Evolution set has finally depleted its stock at Bluefin.  Now that, of course, does not mean that it is gone for good, as it it still plentifully available at most online retailers.  All this means for you, the hypothetical collector that does NOT have this set for whatever reason, is that you may want to think about putting aside 90 smackers, just in case your favorite retailer runs dry.  Speaking personally, I love the set, and its awesome... just not 90 bucks awesome.  Be on the lookout for a sale ($60.00 is a good price for what you get), but just be wary: whatever's out there now at various stores and in various warehouses... is all thats left.  Thats it.  So you know the drill... :)

Stay tuned for possible news the 26th: there's a toy show coming up in Japan...

 

8/18/15: Man, I am PAINFULLY late on this (personal stuff over the last week+ prevented me from sharing this the second it came out way back on the 11^th), but just in case you haven’t read the recent Toho Kingdom interview with Tamashii Nations on the future of the S.H.MonsterArts line, here it is.

I have to say, this interview completely baffled me and left me in a fanboy stupor for a few days. Without descending into “rant” territory (yet), here’s what we can take away from this train wreck of an interview.

First, the positives:

-Gamera sold well, and the line is set (hopefully) to continue. This is huge news, and a long awaited answer to a question fans have been asking since the beginning of the year.

-The dry spell was explained, even though we all knew what the reason was. If you ask me, a lack of a movie this year is STILL no excuse for all the consecutive repaints, but hey… I’m just an American dude buying expensive Japanese plastic.

-Tamashii DOES look at fan feedback and suggestions… just, not in America. -_-

-Here’s the BIG one… a new franchise is confirmed to be a part of the line soon, most likely next year! This opens up the possibility of things like the long teased Jurassic World line, and maybe even something like Pacific Rim, or (OHPLEASEOHPLEASEOHPLEASEOHPLEASE) the creatures of Ray Harryhausen! We will have to wait and see…

And now, strap in for the negatives:

-To start, the AvP figures are still in limbo pending any interest from the company in trying to improve the quality of the line. Dull surprise.

-Remember the Godzilla 1989 and Brown Rodan prototypes revealed a year or so ago? Well, they are on hold. You’d thing Tamashii would at least release the Rodan, seeing as it’s an easy repaint, but…

-Here’s a bummer… despite the latest ones selling like gangbusters, no new effects sets are planned for the line. Crud.

-When asked about the new PS3/PS4 Godzilla game possibly inspiring the creation of SHMA figures based on characters like Jet Jaguar and Hedorah, the answer was a definite no. So much for that.

-Here’s a surprise… NO Showa planned. Millennium also got the shaft in the interview, so it’s possible this is one of those “positive ‘no comment’” things. We’ll see.

-And now we get to the REAL kicker of this interview… the news that, believe it or not, this year is indicative of where the line is going for the foreseeable future. Tamashii plans to significantly cut back on the “articulated figures” in the line. When I read this, my brain looked like one of those side-scrolling digital news banners in Times Square that read something like “WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT”. Believe it no not, Tamashii actually intends to phase out articulated MonsterArts figures next year. Why?! Here’s why…

-This interview all but confirmed that an S.H.MonsterArts Zero line is forthcoming, sooner rather than later. For those who don’t know, Tamashii’s S.H.Figuarts line recently spun off into a new line called SHFA Zero, which re-released previous articulated figures as static statues. These statues, featuring the same paint apps and scaling as their articulated brethren, are static display pieces that cost even more than the posable figures. THIS is where Tamashii intends to take the MonsterArts line: into statue territory.

-And last but not least, it was indicated that Tamashii intends to take the line in a more “premium” direction. As if paying $70 to $200 per toy isn’t premium enough…

So what does all this mean? Well aside from the good news about another franchise joining the line, and Gamera’s success insuring possible future figures from his series, things are looking a little rough for the future of the S.H.MonsterArts line. Next year will most likely see Godzilla 2016 (and whatever enemies he may fight) join the line, along with a few new figures. But there will be no Showa, no accessory packs, no AvP, no Bio-Goji or Brown Rodan, almost no articulated figure in general, and (possibly) a crap-load of statues at the expense of the previously mentioned articulated figures.

Personally, HERE is the problem I have with that last point… let’s name some companies that are making, or have made, Godzilla statues: X-Plus, Kaiyodo, Banpresto, about a million and a half model kit makers and sculptors… the list is endless. Now, let’s name companies other than Tamashii that are making super articulated figures of Godzilla and his (*ahem*, NECA…) monster costars: NONE. ZIP. NADA. BUPKIS. ZERO DIVIDED BY ZERO. The closest is NECA, but in over a year they’ve sculpted a total of THREE Godzillas (the 1954 isn’t even out yet), and are contractually unable to release other monsters. So for the monsters at least, it’s Tamashii or bust. Speaking for myself, I collect and love this line because of the articulation. If I want a pretty statue with great sculpt and paint, I’m blowing my money on an X-Plus. The world doesn’t necessarily need another line of statues from the only company making articulated Godzilla and Co. figures. I don’t have a problem with an SHMA Zero line in principal, but it’s the introduction of this new line at the expense of the articulated figures that bugs me. You’ve gotta wonder about Tamashii’s decision making process on this one.

/rant

If you made it through that wall of text, congrats. Be sure to stay tuned to this thread for updates on this whole thing as they come in. Let’s hope this news doesn’t mean the eventual end of S.H.MonsterArts as we know it, and that the next bit of news I post isn’t this glum.

 

10/4/15: Well, it’s been a while since my last update, but I’m finally back to tell you all that… there’s nothing to tell you. With the news a few months ago that Tamashii would be scaling back the SHMA brand and begin replacing the articulated figures with an all but confirmed ZeroArts statue line, there has been ZIP news to share. The last reveal was the Poster Color King Ghidorah nearly two and a half months ago, and although it is inevitable that at least a few more articulated figures will come out in the future, we have yet to see what those figures will be. Chances are, when one IS revealed, it will be another repaint instead of a new mold/character. Hard to believe that we are coming up on a year since the last new, non-repaint figure was revealed.

However, I do want to share some availability changes for fans out there who still have figures in the line to collect. First off, after being on the market for years, stock for both Little Godzilla and the Destoroyah Evolution Set are nearly depleted. With it being the cheaper choice, Little Godzilla is heading towards Out of Print status faster than the Evolution Set, but it might be wise to get a hold of both of those while you can.

Also heading down that road is Heavy Arms Kiryu (2003), whose stock is now limited to whatever is left in warehouses scattered across the country. Might want to think about grabbing him, too.

In addition, Final Wars Gigan (2004) has finally gone out of print, but with a twist… he’s still readily available in Japan, where the shelf clogging cyborgs are going for as low as 40 bucks! If you missed out on getting him from a US retailer, check some Japanese sites… ;)

Be sure to check this page again soon for a POSSIBLE (but, let’s face it, highly unlikely) reveal in around two weeks’ time. Will it be a statue, a repaint, or, dare we hope, a NEW ARTICULATED MOLD?!

BE SURE TO TUNE IN TWO WEEKS FROM TONIGHT!

SAME G-TIME,

SAME G-CHANNEL!

 

1/9/16: Welcome to 2016, MonsterArts collectors!  As you all know, 2015 didn't end particularly well for the line, and news from Tamashii has been LESS than nonexistant.  To further the overall feeling that the line really appears to be on its last legs, the final S.H.MonsterArts figure was just released in Japan, that being the Repaint King Ghidorah, with a North American release coming soon.  However, it will be with little pagentry, as even Amazon isnt taking pre-orders for this uber expensive repaint.  This marks an unfortunate landmark for the line... this is the first time that a figure has been released without ANY idnication as to what is o come next.  Since the line started, fans have always had at least one or two more figures that they knew about coming in the following months,  This time, nothing.  This, combined with Tamashii's statements last year proclaiming few and far between articulated releases, and a move towards X-Plus style statues instead, has fans all but accepting the line's end.

However, even with all of this taken into account, it is easy to forget that the line is NOT over quite yet.  Remember, mixed in with all the bad news last year, we did learn that a new franchise was joining the line, and that new Gamera additions might be coming.

That said, for the first time in OVER A YEAR, fans can get excited again for a new figure at last.  Acording to Chris Mirjahangir at Toho Kingdom, a new figure (NOT A REPAINT) is expected to be announced within the next few weeks!

Can I get a "hallelujah"?!?!?!?!

The last non-repaint figure released was Gamera, this time a year ago.  Now the speculation can begin... who will it be?  Will it be a new Gamera or Gamera foe?  Could it be from this new franchise?  Could it be another Heisei figure, or perhaps a Millennium character like Orga or Megaguirus?  Or... could it be the new ShinGoji from this year's Godzilla Resurgence?!

Be sure to check this page often for any new updates on this development!

 

1/15/16: Never before, in the history of the universe, has the word “FINALLY” meant so much…

Several days ago, Tamashii teased the next ARTICULATED, NON-REPAINT figure it was rumored we’d be getting news of via Facebook. The tease stated that a new MonsterArts would make an appearance at ToyFair 2016 in New York, and then left an image to wet our appetites… the poster for 2001’s GMK. This immediately narrowed it down to an obvious four possibilities: Godzilla 2001 (a.k.a. Sokugekigoji), and the GMK incarnations of Baragon, Mothra, and King Ghidorah. However, with Baragon cropped out of the poster image shown, the fact that a repaint of the Heisei King Ghidorah was just released, and the choice between the two remaining possibilities, it was pretty clear that the figure they were hinting at was an honest to goodness S.H.MonsterArts GMK Godzilla.

And this was confirmed yesterday when this image was posted to Tamashii’s Facebook page:

Two words…

HELL. YES.

Finally, 7 months after the last reveal for the line (Repaint King Ghidorah), and a whopping year and a half since the last NON REPAINT figure was announced (Mecha-King Ghidorah, way back in August of 2014!), the long moribund SHMA line, it seems, is FINALLY doing new things again. It’s been an excruciatingly long wait, and according to a certain insider, we can expect another two articulated figures within the year! What could they be? Could we see that long rumored new franchise join the line at last? Could it be the hinted at Jurassic Park/World dinosaurs, Harryhausen creatures, the Jaegers and/or Kaiju from Pacific Rim (possible, as X-Plus has recently acquired the license), or perhaps a SHMA resurrection of the long defunct Ultra Kaiju series that was once part of Tamashii’s Ultra Act line? (This is plausible as well, as this is the 50^th Anniversary of the Ultra Franchise.) Personally, my money is on one of them being the new Shingoji design from this year’s Godzilla: Resurgence, but we shall see…

Supposedly this new figure goes up for pre-order next week, so pictures should be coming LONG before ToyFair! Stay tuned for more info and pictures coming soon!

 

(Information courtesy of the amazing Michael Shipman, S.H.MonsterArts: The Articulation Series, and the Toho Kingdom Forums!)