1994 - "GODZILLA VS. SPACEGODZILLA"
NECA had their foot in the door for articulated Godzilla figures and they weren't about to stop with just a figure for the 2014 film. Now they were going to dip into the classic films. Unfortunately, per their contract with Toho, only 'Godzilla' figures were allowed to be made. No Ghidorah's, no Mothra's, only the Big G himself. I was ok with that as NECA offered a less expensive alternative to the SH MonsterArts figures that I couldn't afford to save up for at the time and their teases of a 1994 and a 1984 Godzilla figure had me hyped.
I think the head looks just a bit too narrow. It probably could've used another centimeter of fat, just so it doesn't look like Godzilla's had his head in a vice.
That being said, the head is very nicely detailed. The teeth's lack of paint is awful though.
The tail is something I have conflicting opinions on. When I look at it, it feels like it's the appropriate length but other times it doesn't look that way.
It also might be that I'm used to seeing the Heisei Godzilla have a super long tail. It also could have been thicker.
It also might be that I'm used to seeing the Heisei Godzilla have a super long tail. It also could have been thicker.
What I will not complain about with this figure are the Dorsal Fins. They look wonderful and the paint ain't to shabby either. They're also made of rubber so you wont have to worry about hurting yourself while handling the figure.
Godzilla's body overall looks good, the skin texture feels a bit smoother than most figures but that's ok.
Besides giving us good sculpts and sculpts and articulation, NECA's other gimmick with their figures would be a unique color wash on most of their Godzilla's.
For the 1994 figure, we have a greenish blue tint on top of the usual charcoal black skin color. It sorta reminds me of the box art for Sony's VHS covers for the Heisei films. I'm not sure we needed it on the claws though...
Besides giving us good sculpts and sculpts and articulation, NECA's other gimmick with their figures would be a unique color wash on most of their Godzilla's.
For the 1994 figure, we have a greenish blue tint on top of the usual charcoal black skin color. It sorta reminds me of the box art for Sony's VHS covers for the Heisei films. I'm not sure we needed it on the claws though...
Godzilla's articulation is as follows:
Godzilla's head can look up a bit and rotate at the neck. The Neck can also rotate, tilt up/down and side to side.
Arms rotate and move in/out at the shoulder, bend and rotate at the elbow and the biceps also have an extra joint for rotation, I don't know why.
The hands rotate at the wrist and you can kinda bend them. But one thing this Godzilla has that the 2014 figure didn't have was a joint in the hand allowing it to open and close. This would become a standard feature on pretty much all of NECA's Godzilla figures going forward.
Arms rotate and move in/out at the shoulder, bend and rotate at the elbow and the biceps also have an extra joint for rotation, I don't know why.
The hands rotate at the wrist and you can kinda bend them. But one thing this Godzilla has that the 2014 figure didn't have was a joint in the hand allowing it to open and close. This would become a standard feature on pretty much all of NECA's Godzilla figures going forward.
The body can rotate, tilt side to side and forward at the waist.
Legs can rotate at the hip and can sorta move in/out. Knees can bend and rotate. Feet can rotate and pivot.
The tail joints can all rotate, but the movement may not be as fluid as most other figures. The rest of the tail consists of the infamous bendy wire piece, but it does hold a pose nicely.
When all's said and done, I do really like this figure. It showed what NECA could do with their Classic Godzilla collection and it left most fans eager for more.
1995 BURNING GODZILLA - "GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH"
When you have a Heisei Godzilla figure, it should be no surprise that a Burning Godzilla figure will be added to the line up at some point.
There wont be much to this section as the Burning figure is the exact same as the 1994 figure. There are a few obvious differences that I will talk about.
First the orange fire patches.
The main patches do match the film, although I believe NECA may have taken a few creative liberties with the sides of the figure, but that's not my problem with them. The problem for me is that their color feels too dull. Even with the brightest lighting you can muster in a room, they simply don't look bright enough. I also think it could have used more paint to give it a more fiery appearance.
They are however made of a translucent material, so if you can get creative with your lighting you can make them glow to look closer to the appropriate color. 
Same with the tips on the Dorsal Fins.
The only other differences are the eye color and the body has a more bluish wash to it.
Honestly, I don't really recommend getting this figure unless you really love Burning Godzilla fan or if you want to obtain the poster box version for your collection.
A BONUS!
But if you thought NECA was done using this mold for their releases, I got two words for ya: Loot Crate.
Loot Crate for those who don't know is a monthly subscription box containing all kinds of pop culture gifts and goodies. They also had a premium or 'DX' box you could subscribe to.
For their March 2017 box, NECA had a special treat, an exclusive 'Reactor Glow Godzilla' figure you could only get through this box.
Now I don't subscribe to Loot Crate so I thought there was no way in hell I would ever get one. I figured once it hit ebay, the prices would be ridiculous and those that were decently priced would be scooped up quick.
But as luck would have it, I managed to find one at a Half Price Books store for under $20, now that's a score!
But as luck would have it, I managed to find one at a Half Price Books store for under $20, now that's a score!
Not much to say about this one either. It's the Burning mold, but green. Also the patches have slightly different patterns.
I don't know if this is a constant with other figures, but on mine, the head doesn't have as much wash as the rest of the body and I really like how it looks.
As it's name would suggest, this figure does in fact glow in the dark. If it doesn't appear to at first, just place the figure next to a lamp or open window, let it sit for a few minutes and then it should glow pretty well.
I really like the Reactor Glow Godzilla, it's a pretty neat addition the NECA's Godzilla line. If you try to search for it today, you'll most likely be looking at a price tag close to $200, so recommending this figure is pretty tough.
I would say only the super serious collectors should try and pursue it, but I guess if you have scratch to burn or you can find a good deal on this figure like I did, than go for it.
And enjoy your bragging rights. I know I am.
And enjoy your bragging rights. I know I am.
Till next time, I have been your host Gryphon
and thank you for joining me here in my lair.
So long...
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Thanks for reading!
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