Figure Review - S.H. MonsterArts MechaGodzilla

Just to let you guys know, this is not my first S.H. MonsterArts MechaGodzilla. I bought this one the other week from Amazon.com to replace the one I currently have. Why? Apparently my first MechaGodzilla figure had a chipped tooth. I discovered this relatively recently and based on photos of it from when I first got it back in December 2011, I must've accidentally broke it when I put the figure's beam effect in its mouth (I do not suggest that at all... more on that later.)

So in the spur of the moment during Black Friday shopping on Amazon, I couldn't help but snag this one along with the tons of other stuff I bought as well. Back in 2011, when I first got this figure, The Kaiju Planet did not exist, so I felt that this would be a good opportunity to give this guy a proper review.

 

MechaGodzilla is the second figure in the now expansive S.H. MonsterArts figure line. It was first released in early December 2011 in Japan. The box for the figure is decorated with a window, on it a description of the mission statement for the S.H. MonsterArts line, as well as a front view bust of the actual MechaGodzilla suit.

The S.H. MonsterArts MechaGodzilla stands close to seven inches tall, slightly towering over the first S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla. The detailing on the feature is pretty movie accurate. It perfectly replicates the synthetic diamond coating through its metallic shine. Diecast parts are also implemented in its sculpt, mainly down in the shins, and feet, giving the figure some added weight and better balance.

This figure has at least 17 points of articulation. Let's first take a look at the articulation in the head. Unlike other S.H. MonsterArts figures (other than Mogera,) MechaGodzilla has very limited articulation in its head and neck region. This fits perfectly with its on-screen counterpart. Neck articulation is totally absent. The jaw is able to open and close, and the entire head can turn 360 degrees around.

 

Despite the limited articulation in MechaGodzilla's head, the rest of the body is pretty great. The shoulders have ball joints and can be moved however you want them. You can essentially pose this guy in almost any position you want. The S.H. MonsterArts MechaGodzilla is able to achieve more dynamic poses than its movie counterpart. This makes for some really cool and creative ways to display this figure. However, due to the figure's added weight in Diecast parts on his feet, the differences in weight in its feet and torso cause the figure to 'wobble' whenever you handle it. For some it may be irritating, but I don't mind it. Especially when you're done toying with it, it looks really good once displayed. 

 

MechaGodzilla is accompanied by several cool accessories. The first of which is an alternate midsection with its Plasma Cannon revealed. I personally prefer to display this figure with the Plasma Cannon accessory attached. It gives the figure some added detail to its very smooth and sleek look, in my opinion.

 

The next several accessories go into transforming MechaGodzilla into its flight mode. This is a really neat addition to this figure, because there are so very few figures and model kits that feature the 1990's MechaGodzilla in its flying pose.  It's definitely a real treat for Tamashii Nations to give MechaGodzilla and subsequently Mogera this treatment. The parts that must be added to form MechaGodzilla's flying pose include an alternate neck piece, another pair of hands with straightened fingers, and slightly down positioned tail to give him extra aerodynamics. This pose really shines if you have a Tamashii Stand to prop the figure on. 

 

The final set of accessories are MechaGodzilla's Mega Buster beam effect, a Tamashii Stand to attach the beam to, and a base in the form of a hillside. The hillside base is mean't to reflect the scene from Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla (1993) when MechaGodzilla first battles Godzilla before he engages G-Force and rampages through Kyoto. The beam effect is nice, but is quite thin when compared to how it looked on film... but still, very nice nonetheless.

As a note of caution, do not shove the beam effect into the figure's mouth! That is how I, and other collectors, damaged MechaGodzilla's teeth. What I suggest is to prop the beam in front of the figure's open maw as seen above. It is as effective and keeps you from ruining this figure.

Overall, the S.H. MonsterArts MechaGodzilla is definitely one of the better figures in this line of super articulated monster action figures. It is pretty accurate to what we see on screen. I am fortunate that I also have the web exclusive set that enables someone to add the Garuda airship to MechaGodzilla's back and transform this figure into Super MechaGodzilla.

In the end, even though the Heisei series MechaGodzilla is not a big fan favorite, this figure really makes it work for some reason. I can't put my finger on it, but the way this figure looks and operates makes it pretty desirable. For those who do not have this figure yet, you can still find it available on Amazon.com.