BANDAI X HIYA: GODZILLA EVOLVED | Figure Review

As time has passed, I've grown quite disillusioned with the MonsterVerse offerings from Bandai's SH MonsterArts line. Between the prices, repaints, lack of innovation, improvements and screen accuracy, I just don't see much point in adding their 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' figures to my collection. Their Shimo just didn't do it for me, the new Kong's were just the same old song and dance as before and Skar King just looked so unimpressive to me. 

Meanwhile, Hiya Toys continues to offer stellar MonsterVerse figures at only a fraction of the price (global slap-fighting aside.) They have their own share of issues, but when comparing the majority of their figures with the competition, plus them making more figures besides the popular ones i.e. MUTO, Skull Crawlers, Scylla (which is coming soon) and their recently announced Behemoth and Tiamat, there's no doubt in my mind who the winners in this contest are. 
I should probably review more Hiya figures, shouldn't I?

That's not to say Bandai hasn't made ANY good MonsterVerse figures. I still really love their 2019 Godzilla, Rodan and 2021 Mechagodzilla figures. I even really like their 2019 Mothra figure. Granted, that may only be because I have a talented, artist friend who was nice enough to paint it to look closer to her actual colors. (Thanks Trista!)
When it comes to my collecting goals, I've set one that involves having SH MonsterArts figures of every main Godzilla design from the films. So naturally, their Godzilla Evolved figure was gonna be on that list. But Hiya Toys also had one as part of their 'Exquisite Basic' figure line and I was also gonna get that one so I could have a complete set of figures for the GxK cast.
So that means I'm gonna look at both in one go!

SH MONSTERARTS

HIYA TOYS

On first glance alone both figures look really good. Each are roughly the same size and their sculpt and detail look very nice. Even though the Hiya figure has a lot more bulk to it, I feel both figures capture the physique of this Barbenheimer-zilla incredibly well. 

When it comes to aspects that one does better than the others, I'd have to say Hiya's figure has better skin texture overall, while Bandai's figure excels in detail on the dorsal fins. But while Hiya exceeds on the skin texture, the areas around the shoulders can be a little sharp and rough on the fingers to handle, so be careful.
Hiya's fins are good, but Bandai's fins are made of translucent plastic which adds to the overall presentation of the fins all the way from the top of the head, to the larger back fins and running down the tail to the thagomizer.

In terms of paint, both are looking really good. Each figure has their fair share of tan dry brushing to compliment the dark grey skin. Hiya has the edge when it comes to overall body paint compared to Bandai's, especially where the underbelly and tail is concerned. 
But Bandai once again receives points for their dorsal fins. While both figures fins are appropriately PANK, the translucent fins once again shine here (pun absolutely intended) but what ultimately wins Bandai the point for the fins is the area where it looks like the fins literally burst out from the back. Bandai's fins look more appropriately blended in, where as Hiya's don't look bad, but you can see in some area's where the paint looks rushed. 

One area where Bandai does falter, is the claws. MonsterVerse Godzilla's claws have kept an overall solid black color on both the hands and feet. The Bandai hands have a more bone color to them and the feet have a weird looking tan shading towards the back. It sticks out to me so much that every time I see it I wanna take a sharpie and fix it! That's something I don't have to do with Hiya's claws that keep consistency and film accuracy. 

As for the elbow spike, Hiya's is fully painted but I also really like how Bandai's is a more muted color.

You may be wondering: "You really haven't talked about the heads of the figures, you usually start off with that, this isn't like you. What gives?" Well, you remember my philosophy that a head design can make or break a figure? This is especially true with SHMA MonsterVerse figures. Consider this saving the best for last.

Anyways, both Bandai and Hiya's heads are pretty good. Bandai's head is nicely detailed and the teeth look mostly alright, but the paint on my figure really bleeds over the gums in some areas and the spikes on the back of the neck aren't as pink on they should be. Hiya's head paint is much more neat and consistent. Once again, the more detailed sculpt really shines here. Both figures can't seem to escape the awkward teeth sculpt, but at least Hiya's keeps a consistent color. 

Both Godzilla figures have roughly the same points of articulation overall, but with their own unique differences.

The heads and necks can be made to look left/right and tilt side to side. Bandai's can look very far down but barley up at all, while Hiya's can look up pretty well but barely down at all. The sculpt of the figures and the joints used have a hand in these limitations and Hiya really needs to update their neck joint to have extra segments instead of just one long double sided ball joint. The mouth on Hiya's can open appropriately wide for a nice roaring pose and even has a posable tongue. Unfortunately, Bandai's mouth can't open as much as you would like, it can't even close all the way. 

Arms can rotate and move in/out at the shoulder. The arms bend and rotate at the elbow, Bandai also includes an extra bit of rotation near the shoulder. Finally, the hands can rotate and bend at the wrist

When it comes to body movement, Bandai comes with a mid piece that I usually love on SH MonsterArts figures, but it feels like the movement on this figure is somewhat lacking, I can't get hardly any rotation. It can tilt side to side and forward/backward, especially forward. Hiya does have rotation at the waist and can also move forward/backward and tilt side to side. One unique feature on the Hiya figure is the largest dorsal fin is attached to the back on a free moving ball joint. This helps to avoid fin gap to an extent and can be adjusted for moving the body upwards.

Legs can move in/out and forward/backward at the hip, but only Hiya's can make a full rotation. The knees can bend and the feet can rotate and pivot. 

Finally, the tails on both figures are multi-segmented and can be posed freely. The win for tail articulation easily goes to Bandai and the curvature you can achieve and hold is insane!

For accessories, both figures come with alternate hand parts.

Bandai's are more open and aggressive posed hands, and Hiya's are closed fists. 

To me, both figures have their own pros and cons, but I very much love them both. I wanna say I may prefer the Hiya figure overall, but the SH MonsterArts figure definitely shines on it's own. But again, it shouldn't be $120+!
I can't really give a definite opinion as to which one you should purchase over the other. There is no wrong way to collect your Godziller figures, but I hope my review has at least helped you make the decision best for you.

And yes, I'm aware of the "2.0 Heat Ray" figure that was recently announced. Frankly, I'm fine having both a basic and heat ray Godzilla Evolved. Only time will tell if any of the improvements will be worth the wait.

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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