Frozen Shin Godzilla is the first S.H. MonsterArts Shin Godzilla figure to be available in the US. While it’s too bad that the other releases missed this opportunity, this is a welcome release for fans of the line and of the Shin Godzilla design.
Details
Being MOSTLY a repaint, it’s the same design as the other Shin Godzilla figures in this line - although since this is the first that I’ve reviewed, I’ve got to say, I quite like it. With the only other Shin Godzilla that I’ve reviewed being the NECA version, I’m noticing more detail this time around. For example, there’s the little “side toe” on the outside of each foot. It’s nice to see them included here. The backplates are VERY sharp to the touch so be careful when handling the figure. What makes this figure really stand out from the rest is the tip of the tail with the “Godzilla people” coming out of the tail (which incidentally looks great with all the ridges). They’re really well sculpted and are just awesome to look at in fine detail.
Articulation
It does seem odd to have articulation for a monster that’s frozen and didn’t move in the film but hey, if there are poster versions, hey, why not? Also, the line wouldn’t feel complete without this version when you consider they make a figure out of every single variation from the films (with more variations to come). So, that being said, onto the articulation.
Godzilla’s hands can move 360 degrees and move in/out while the elbow can move up and down. At the shoulders, the arms can move a little up and down. This is a stiff figure and VERY noisy by the way. The legs can do the splits and move back and forth as well and the feet can do the usual rotating/moving back and forth while the knees and calves can move back and forth as well. He can also move side to side and back and forth smoothly and very nosily. Godzilla’s mouth can open REALLY wide like it did in the movie, although I did wish the lower jaw would have articulation which would allow it to split in the middle like it did in the film. He sure does look creepy with the mouth open so wide though. Finally, there’s the tail. It’s really big on this figure and what’s great is that it can hold a pose really well due to the great engineering. Godzilla can REALLY bend down low too and when you get him in that low pose, there’s no real gap in the back due to the extra plastic design. Be careful while doing so as the backplates in the lower area can rub against each other.
Accessories
No accessories are included with this release.
Paint
The paint on this figure - which is largely made up of a grayish wash - is a mixed bag. Gobs of it in one area, sparse in others. While it does have a nice overall look to it and does give off that “frozen” effect, when you look at it close-up, you can see where more care should have taken place. Kudos to Tamashii for getting the pinhole eyes painted correctly!
The paint on the portion of the tail with the “Godzilla-people” (or whatever it is that they’re called) is done really well with even the tiniest crevice painted with no blemishes in a mix of a reddish-pink color and white.
Overall
Frozen Shin Godzilla Ver 4 isn’t a must own if you already have any of the other Shin Godzilla’s in the S.H. MonsterArts line. He’s more of a figure for completionists. However, it is cool to have an actual S.H. MonsterArts Shin Godzilla figure available in the USA and for some, that alone is worth the price. While I am a fan of the beautiful work that went into the “Godzilla people” section of the tail, I just wish more care was put into the paint job. So, bottom line, if you like what you see, pick him up. He’s a pretty cool figure!
**Below are a number of bonus images, including some close-up shots of the body and tail.**
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Addendum: Godzilla 2016 Night Combat Ver.
it’s been seven years since Shin Godzilla last appeared in the S.H. MonsterArts line and he’s back in the form of “The Fourth Night Combat Ver.” (or “Version”) to simulate the part of the film just before he powers up and destroys everything. Released as part of the Shin Heroes Japan Universe alongside the properties Kamen Rider, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Ultraman, this release seems to be a sort of “2 for 1” in the sense that it satisfies completionists who want this version and also is a way to be included in the promotion with something new. I do wonder if this would have come out if not for the promotion. Anyway, onto the review!
Details
The main selling point here is the translucent mold and it looks beautiful. There’s just enough solid and translucent material mixed in to give it a haunting effect in the right light, if you have a well lit or brightly lit display shelf. The backplates are on the sharp side so be careful when handling. I’ve only reviewed the Frozen Shin Godzilla prior to this release and while that was an interesting release - especially with that tail - this one is a more impressive release in terms of the mold.
Articulation
While the articulation is the same as the previous releases, the tail is where it’s at. It can hold a pose with no dropping and the joins are super tight on it, not to the point where you have to apply a lot of pressure to make it move. I did have an issue with the right foot falling off from time to time, but it wasn’t a big issue.
Accessories
None.
Paint
The paint is ok for the most part but the paint on the teeth look awful. There are many blemishes and it looks like the paint was very quickly done. There’s also a small bit of white paint under the foot which I’ve seen on figures from time to time and I can never figure out just how it got there. The paint inside the mouth looks really cool with the metallic red color and it’s a real stand out. The paint on the toenails and claws look good with no real errors and I like how brown paint was mixed in to show texture. For the eyes, as tiny as they are on this figure, actually look alright until you’re up close - one eye looks upward and the other is centered (although they’re supposed to be looking downward).
Overall
This is a pretty solid release and even if you have the other releases, this one is still worth picking up and adding to the collection. The translucent mold alone is worth the price of admission!
**Below are a number of bonus images for the figure.**
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