This is the second set of Godzilla Minimates figures. This box set features Godzilla (with atomic ray), Mechagodzilla, Hedorah and Jet Jaguar. The set has charm in spades, but is uneven and at times hard to merit its $20 price tag.
Details
Again, I will admit that I'm no expert when it comes to Minimates. I did some basic research when I reviewed the Godzilla Minimates Series 1 Box Set. Since, then, I learned even more. Like, for example, one of the perks is that the body parts can be exchanged between figures. It sounds like a Frankenstein-style process, but can see how it might appeal to some.
Now with the release of the second set, it's quite clear they are going for a Showa focus on these. This one features Godzilla alongside Mechagodzilla 1974 and Hedorah 1971. Jet Jaguar, poster boy for the 1970's Godzilla films, is also included. The package gives the description: "Once feared by humanity, Godzilla has proven himself to be a defender of Earth, against threats from outer space, other dimensions and even Earth itself. The robotic impostor Mechagodzilla and pollution-loving spors that became Hedorah, the Smog Monster, both had their origins off-planet. Now, when Godzilla needs help, humanity stands ready to assist, with tanks, scientists and even the size-changing robot Jet Jaguar."
For those not familiar with Minimates, these figures are quite small like their name implies. Most in the Minimates line clock in at around 2 inches in height. This line clock in at closer to 2.5 inches, with Hedorah being the tallest of the group by a small margin.
Since there are four figures included in this set, I will break it down figure-by-figure for the review.
Atomic Godzilla
Can't have a Godzilla figure set without Godzilla I suppose, and this is the second Minimate based on the King of the Monsters. This one, dubbed "Atomic Godzilla", is the same exact figure from the first box with a couple of changes. The most obvious alteration is the addition of an atomic ray. This is a blue, partially transparent piece of plastic that sticks from his mouth. It's a nice addition as well, and doubles as an accessory since it can be removed from the mouth if one so chooses.
The spines on the figure have also been given a translucent property as well, exactly like the breath. This color change stops right where the tail begins. The figure also had that odd spot of paint that was on the Godzilla in the previous set remove from the top of its head.
These changes aside, the figure is the same as the previous version. This means it has the same faults as that toy as well. So like before its a nondescript version of the character, although likely a version of Godzilla from Destroy All Monsters (1968) or one of the late 1970's entries. The chest is also a tad too big while the face itself looks more like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle rather than Godzilla at some angles.
Complaints aside, this is easily the superior version of the two even if there are just a few changes between the two toys.
Hedorah
The best and biggest figure in the set is Hedorah.
Of the four, Hedorah has the most detail placed into him. This includes the sludge body and also the cool back "sack" that appears exactly as it did in the film. The dripping arms are really cool as are the spread out feet.
Unlike other toys in this line for Godzilla so far, the figure is also well proportioned. The chest does not come across as too large, or any other body part for that matter.
As for the paint, the front is a little plain but the dripping green from the top of the head looks nice. The back is visually colorful for the "sack" area there. My only real beef are the eyes, which look like stickers that were placed on. They lack the depth you would expect from the large eyes of the actual character.
Regardless of complaints, this is the best of the Godzilla Minimates so far across the two sets. It lacks some of the articulation of the others, but is a nice piece when played with some of the others from this set. The detailed hands are especially cool when mixed with others. By detaching them and attaching them to other figures, you can make it look like they just stuck their hand through Hedorah and were sorry for it.
Mechagodzilla
The Showa version of Mechagodzilla joins the line, and is sadly the weakest of the four figures in this set.
The biggest problem: the bottom half. Although it wasn't quite captured in the picture I took, the legs look awful. The chest and knees/feet are huge compared to the rest of the legs. This causes a really visually disjointing view. Cover up the legs and this looks great, one of the better minimates, but exposed it's hard to take your eye away from that eyesore.
This is a shame because otherwise this toy is pretty awesome. The figure has a lot of articulation, able to twist its head, arms, legs and even rotate its hands. The detail is also top notch. The amount of small bolts placed all over is quite impressive.
Coloring is also a two tone gray to give it some diversity. It also has some spots of red and yellow. The arms feature a MG logo, relating that this is the original Mechagodzilla from Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974).
The back of the figure is a little fat, almost looking like a turtle shell with a long tail. This aspect aside, the dorsal fins look awesome with a lot of detail placed into them.
Also, don't worry, the head can be removed if you want to recreate Godzilla tearing it off.
Jet Jaguar
Last up in the set is Jet Jaguar.
The robot is well proportioned and coloring wise he is accurate. It would have been nice if the coloring was a little more vibrant, though. As is, the colors feel more muted rather than the primary tones seen in the film. Like Hedorah, the figure suffers in this area from having eyes, and in this case a mouth, that look like an applied sticker. They lack the depth to make them look more impressive.
Details on the figure are on the low end compared with the other toys. To be fair, though, there is only so much that can be done with Jet Jaguar anyway when it comes to details.
Accessories
Beyond the previously mentioned atomic ray for Godzilla, this set also includes some cool stands as well.
The stands are plastic discs that have a plastic bump sticking out. This allows the characters to be placed on them for some crazy poses. They open up the movement possibilities quite a bit, even for some dance routines. I'm not sure why these stands weren't included with the first set, unless it was because Mothra didn't need one and so the set got skipped over.
Overall
I enjoyed this set a lot more than the first. Mothra just didn't really fit with the concept, and too many from that set missed the mark. I have complaints with this set too, but they are more minor. I still find the $20 price tags for these sets to be a bit too much, but can't deny I had a lot of fun messing around with these figures for this review.
In closing I would also like to thank Diamond Select Toys for sending this in for review.
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