Following in the footsteps of the Godzilla 2000 Millennium Special Color Version, comes this repaint of the Heisei King Ghidorah from the S.H. MonsterArts line. Inspiration wise, the release mimics the look of the character from the pre-release poster for the film, which offered a different yellow shade and multi-colored gravity beams. The figure uses the same great mold as the earlier model, although with a more eye catching (although not movie accurate) gold color and includes some extra accessories that its earlier release did not.
Details
Just like its normal color counterpart, King Ghidorah has a lot of detail placed into it. This includes a ton of detail on the faces, even down to inside the mouth that includes a curved tongue that bends upward. The top of the heads also contain a lot of detail placed into them, with a ridged look that shows considerable effort placed into it. The scales are also numerous, with a lot of attention to detail placed into giving it a uniform look.
The figure, true to its movie version, has huge wings as well. These wings are nicely detailed as well, with folds showing that really plays well with certain lighting situations to make them come alive. Due to a combination of the wings and overall massive size of the figure, the toy is a bit on the heavier side.
In terms of this figure compared to the earlier King Ghidorah S.H. MonsterArts release, it's the same exact mold and therefore the same details apply to both.
Articulation
The three-headed monster boasts a solid amount of articulation, with the exception of the wings. These aside, the heads and tails are able to move in very dynamic ways thanks to a generous number of joints in each. This makes the toy great for both posing and also to have it wrap and engage other monsters in the S.H. MonsterArts line. The strength of the joints is quite strong as well, meaning it can keep very precise positions. ...at least for most of the joints. The heads are slightly different, and the jaws sometimes fall open when not intended, although it's easily corrected with some tinkering.
As noted, the figure mold is the same on this figure as the King Ghidorah S.H. MonsterArts release and therefore has the same level of articulation.
Accessories
King Ghidorah comes with a stand, three rods, extension rods, and three gravity beams just like the earlier release. Now this is where the figure differs from the earlier, "normal" colored release. The prior figure had yellow gravity beams, while these are based off the yellow, red, and blue colors from the poster. Despite color differences, though, they are of the same mold. The figure also has the addition of a flight stand, which is very welcome. It's pretty easy to put together and it holds King Ghidorah beautifully.
The other new accessory is the KIDS ship. It's nice that it was added but the mold seems to have been quickly done. There's a real lack of detail here and the paint seems to have been hastily applied in a couple of areas. You'll only really notice it if you're looking at it up close.
Paint
The paint job really makes this figure pop and I prefer it to the duller gold of the film version. The paint for the teeth is all over the place in spots as I've seen a mix of gold, white ,black, and red from the mouth paint blended in. It's a drag that on this second attempt that the teeth didn't escape a paint issue. At least the paint for the eyes didn't get messed up.
Overall
It's nice to see King Ghidorah return to the S.H. MonsterArts line (with additional accessories no doubt!) so those who missed the previous release have another chance. It's a great figure and even if you DO happen to have the previous release in your collection, Special Color King Ghidorah would be a great addition.
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