Figure Review - X-Plus Toho 12" Series Godzilla 2003

As many of you may know, X-Plus figures have quite a hefty price tag, and for good reason. The attention of detail that goes into the sculpts and paint jobs of these figures are just outstanding and warrant the $100+ prices. However, for the past several months I've been forcing myself to stop buying these figures. Not that they no longer appeal to me, but it's merely to save money. However, with Diamond Select releasing many of the older X-Plus figures for North American consumers, I just had to take advantage of the situation and snag myself a figure I have been eyeing for years: The X-Plus Toho 12" Series Godzilla 2003. 

The X-Plus Toho 12" (30cm) Series Godzilla 2003 stands over a foot tall and is a little over 20" from head to tail. The figure is based on Godzilla's appearance in the 2003 film, Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo SOS (also known as Godzilla: Tokyo SOS internationally). The figure was originally released back in 2010, and then rereleased, and brought over by Diamond Select for a North American release within the past couple of months. The figure comes in three seperate parts: the main body, and the tail, split into two segments. In order to attach the tail all you need to do is soften the vinyl and insert the pieces into place. Once the vinyl cools down and hardens, your figure is fully assembled.

The meticulous detail of X-Plus figures is best exemplified in the sculpt of the face of this figure. The detailing is pretty well done. Even the teeth and tongue have very minor grooves in them to give them a sense of realism. The eyes are painted and glossed over to give them a very organic effect. They nearly reflect what we see on the actual Godzilla suit used in the movie.

Perhaps the most defining feature on the 2003 version of Godzilla is the massive scar on his chest, received when Godzilla and MechaGodzilla (Kiryu) crashed into the sea and wounded when his atomic breath and MechaGodzilla's Absolute Zero Cannon clashed (only implied, not seen on screen) in the previous Godzilla film, Godzilla x MechaGodzilla (2002). The scar on X-Plus' figure is well integrated into the figure's sculpt. It is colored very subtly so it is not entirely noticeable from a distance.

The dorsal plates on this figure are well sculpted and are colored in a bony white color. Alongside the sharp spines are a bunch of spiky protrusions running down Godzilla's back. The sculpting on this figure is very sharp and the detail and paint job really make this figure stand out.

All in all, the X-Plus Toho 12" Series Godzilla 2003 is one fine figure. Personally, I feel that it slightly differs from its onscreen counterpart due to the fact that the sculpt is less bulky than the actual suit. Regardless, the amount of detail that has gone into this figure certainly makes up for the minor flaws. This figure is what first attracted me to X-Plus' line of super detailed vinyl figures. I missed the opportunity to buy this figure four years ago. Thanks to Diamond Select, I was able to have the chance to snag the figure that got me interested in this figure line. In a nutshell, I love this darn thing!