Released in August 2023 as a premium Bandai web exclusive figure, it followed a recent pattern in S.H. MonsterArts of Bandai/Tamashii Nations of a short timeframe release of the star kaiju and the respective villain monster that the main kaiju faced and vice versa. In this specific case, it followed the June 2023 release of the Gamera 1999 Kyoto Decisive Battle Version figure.
Details
Overall, it’s an excellent match to this screen counterpart with superb skin detail for the different body parts of Iris as well as the color contrasts. For scaling, it scales well in terms of height when compared to the S.H. MonsterArts Heisei Gameras.
Articulation
The focus of articulation is on the tentacles, arms, head, neck and hooves with less articulation in the legs. The sharp ends of the tentacles can open to replicate Iris firing Gamera’s fireballs. The saw edged plates on its back can move up and down to replicate the kaiju flying. The spear absorbers are capable of small movement up and down. With a little work, the tentacles can be angled upwards into the air by themselves.
Accessories
There are parts to portray Iris in its flying form as well as a stand to provide better stability when it stands, when its tentacles are angled up into the air, and to help display it in its flying form. When all four of its tentacles are on the ground, it can stand by itself just fine.
Paint
The only complaint is that the blue sections on the chest and the upper legs could be a bit brighter to match the movie counterpart. Instead, they are at the brightness level when Iris is in hibernation. The blue color is a better match on the flying sections to its onscreen counterpart. The eye is bright yellow instead of yellow-orange. Otherwise, the paint matches well to its on-screen counterpart.
Overall
Very well done in a lot of cases. Perhaps the flying form may have been a bit overboard, although it is understandable considering the events of the movie. Still, the price is dicey but fortunately it is still available, unlike the release of the S.H. MonsterArts figure Gamera 1999 Kyoto Decisive Battle Version.
**Below are bonus images of the figure.**
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