S.H. Monsterarts Shin Godzilla

S.H. Figuarts Zetton

REVIEW: Neca Godzilla 2001

Today I will be reviewing the just-released Godzilla 2001 figure by Neca.

This figure features a green wash. It isnt noticable in natural lighting, but makes the detailed sculpt pop. Even under the scrutiny of two LED desk lamps, it looks pretty good.

However, the one area you dont want to draw attention to is the jaw.

 Godzilla seems to have been intentionally sculpted with something of a snarl going on. I personally like it, as it makes it a bit unique and gives godzilla a sense of expression.

 However, the lower jaw is atrocious. Just look at that sloppy plaint job!

As you may have noticed, this figure has a matte finish to it (which helps bring out the details), but strangely, the face seems to be a bit glossy.

Opening the jaw doesnt help much. It's nicely painted on the inside, but thats about it.

You can even see the joint, as there was no attempt to hide it with paint.

The side profile isnt so bad at least.

Due to the bulky design of the character and the engineering of the joints, godzilla is stuck in a hunced position.

His articluation isnt bad, though.

 It even has jointed fingers.

Sadly, there is a slight gap in the back plates, even when pushed all the way back.

As stated, this figure has a green wash, but has another very odd choice of color for highlighting the claws and toes; orange.

???

At least the spines look great.

This is one fat godzilla.

Overall, this is a pretty cool figure, for a mere $20+. However, it has some deal-breaking flaws. The paint is a mix; the green wash makes the details pop, but then perhaps so could have a more natural color. Same for the orange on the claws.

 The minor gap in the back and permanent hunch may also turn people off from this figure. This godzilla isnt going to be looking skyward anytime soon.

 The jaw is just plain bad. The paint is sloppy on the outside, and the engineering of the joint is just baffling.

 The S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 2001 is the better figure, without a doubt. However, this figure's saving grace is the pricetag. It is a much cheaper alternate to the SHMA figure, which, as of this moment, will run you about $80+.

Neca have been getting better at making godzilla figures with each release. I still believe the 1954 Neca Godzilla is their best yet (not including Godzilla 2014) but this is easily #2 on my list.

If you dont want to pay $80+ for the SHMA one, and the old 8-inch bandai vinyl isnt enough for you, AND if you can overlook it's flaws. it will make a fine addition to your collection.  Otherwise, I believe the SHMA godzilla 2001 will remain the definitive GMK goji figure (at least as far as "toys" go).