Name
 Gigan
Version Source
 -
Company: Bandai Creation
Extras: None
  Order
Classification: Figure Reissue: No
Release: 2002 Height: 15 centimeters
Comments
Joshua Reynolds (submission)

Watching my second favorite Showa Godzilla movie, Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), I decided what better time than to review one of my many Gigan figures. The one I choose I decided will be the first reviewed American Bandai toy released, the Gigan released in 2002 along with Godzilla '54, Burning Godzilla, and Rainbow Mothra. Like all Bandais, Gigan is a slick representation of his movie counterpart, and surprisingly, this model seems to be based more on the Gigan from Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) rather than the original 1972 version. The Space Hunter cyborg stands at a nice six inches and sports movable legs, arms, tail, and head, allowing Gigan to be placed in various poses like his Japanese figure counterpart. For the most part, this release of Gigan is pretty good, but there are a few flaws.

Side View

For some reason, instead of being the bluish color Gigan he appears in the 1972 movie, he has been painted green. Also, while some may not be aware of this, both the Showa era Gigan's tail ended in a silver spike-like object. The kaiju never used it in battle, but even the Trendmasters release of Gigan featured the tail spike. Another note to mention about this Gigan is its sails details, or lack there of. Gigan has his infamous three sails that allow him to fly, but they are hardly detailed like the rest of the figure.

Figure Comparison

I do have to thank Bandai for making this Gigan no so soft as the original release. While he is still made of vinyl, it is much more hard than the Japanese release and doesn't squeeze inward as easily. Speaking of the two, most collectors are advised to try and track down both releases. While the figure released in Japan is modeled strictly after the Godzilla vs. Gigan version, the American release has been done up to look more like the 1973 Godzilla vs. Megalon version. I believe this makes it the first time the 1973 Gigan has been released in the form of a six inch figure. Sadly, Bandai America has yet to release a Megalon to go with him.

In the end, Bandai America could have started better. Gigan may not be the worst figure of the cyborg, but it isn't the best either. The wrong colors used for his non-golden hide and lack of tail spike lower the rating a bit, and the lack of detail on the sails is just inexcusable. Thankfully Bandai America has amped up their talents a bit for their later releases seem to be much better.

Rating: Star Rating