X-Plus collector and toy photographer, Ted Ekering, has set social media on fire with his recent set of diorama photos featuring the Gigantic Series Godzilla 2019 vinyl figure by X-Plus. What makes these photos radioactively awesome is that he had employed not one, not two, not three, but FOUR tricks of the trade. Trick #1: He has employed a set of Japanese N-scale buildings in the foreground and background. This size building model is most closely in scale with any X-Plus 30cm Series figure based on a 50-meter monster. That includes all of the Showa series Godzilla figures as well as most of the Millennium series figures. However, as you can see, you are really not limited to those figures. These buildings look fantastic with an X-Plus figure at any scale. Trick #2: Ted had shot these photos out under the sun for a real sky backdrop. In addition to the authentic clouds and blue hue, the sunlight casting down on the diorama gives an extra touch of realism. (More on this later…) Trick #3: Ted has further enhanced his diorama with some custom rubble so fine in texture that it looks ridiculously real. Ted combined this mixture with some more recognizable debris in the form of pieces of N-scale building models, faux girders and more. Add some buildings and your figure and you’re ready to rumble. And for Ted’s final trick (#4), he has employed forced perspective. Did you notice the “real” buildings in the background yet? How about those power lines? By positioning the camera down low and up close to the diorama and figure, the real background “lines up” with the scene infecting the foreground models with realism. Pull the camera back and up and you can see what Ted really had to work with on his second floor balcony. There really is no need for a fancy camera to capture amazing images like these. Ted used an iPhone 6, a model which came out 5 years ago! If you are interested in acquiring some of those demolition buildings and building kits, you’ll have to go on the hunt for them. Some are made by Tomytec and a company called FidgetKute (broken link) or EatingBiting (??). One of the later may be knockoffs of the other so shop with caution. Ted is an English language teacher living in Okayama, Japan. After school, he’s a ravenous toy collector.
By John Stanowski Originally posted January 5th, 2020 on Kaiju Addicts.
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William Fett of The Godzilla Files reviews the Toho 30cm Series Mechagodzilla (1993) Fierce Fight Color Version vinyl figure by X-Plus. This figure is based on the suit from 1993’s Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II). It is a reissue of the previously released 30cm Series Mechagodzilla (1993) Ric Exclusive version complete with Garuda on its back. This time around, though, it sports a darker paint scheme to reproduce the night time fight scene from the movie.
By John Stanowski Originally posted December 27th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
Gojira851 unboxes the Gigantic Series Godzilla 2019 standard version vinyl figure by X-Plus.
By John Stanowski Originally posted December 6th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
The Toho 30cm Series Favorite Sculptors Line Godzilla (1962) surprised many collectors last summer with its lighter-than usual paint apps. It looks great. But it does have a way of sticking out on the shelf when surrounded by other X-Plus figures with the usual darker hues. David Eric Dopko, a long-time Godzilla fan and X-Plus collector, has recently completed a repaint of his FSL Godzilla 1962 and he agreed to provide some guidance for those who have considered doing the same but didn’t know where to start. KAIJU ADDICTS: David, what prompted you to repaint this figure? DAVID ERIC DOPKO: Let me start by saying I really liked the paint job on the figure but it really wasn’t movie-accurate. KAIJU ADDICTS: Agreed. DAVID ERIC DOPKO: It was definitely a departure from the basic dark gray paint scheme which most of the X-Plus Godzilla figures have. I did like the nuanced detail and subtle dry brushing. But, I wanted to duplicate that vibe with a more movie-accurate a paint job. KA: I happen to know that you are a modeler. Would I be correct in saying that this was probably something very easy for you to do? DED: Yes, I’ve been building models for about 20 years. Although I was surprised by the color scheme, I actually really liked it. Initially I had not intended to repaint it. As you are probably well aware, it’s always a difficult decision on what color to paint a 1962 Godzilla. The suit looks so vastly different from scene to scene, night versus day, etc. One could argue that the paint job we got reflected the last scene in King Kong vs. Godzilla where, on the slopes of Mount Fuji, Godzilla was dirty and dusty from wrestling with Kong. KA: So, even though you decided to repaint, other collectors who have this figure shouldn’t feel like there is something lacking because of its paint scheme, right? DED: Oh, absolutely not! I think the paint scheme you get is still one of the best X-Plus has done so far. KA: That’s because of the large amount of highlights and its dusty/dirty effects, etc.? DED: Exactly. If you look at it carefully, there are many different colors in there. KA: But, despite this you still decided to give it a more standard look. DED: Ultimately, I did. I just thought it was time for change! I think my motivation for doing it over this past weekend was due to a few things. First of all, I watched the newly released Criterion Showa Godzilla Collection blu-ray discs for inspiration. Then I saw that you had showcased this figure in your X-Plus Facebook group post and then it was discussed again in Leslie Chambers’ X-Plus Xplosion livestream chat on Youtube. Honestly, when I first started to apply the new base coat I starting to regret my decision. KA: Are you happy with how it turned out? DED: Yes, in the long run it exceeded my expectations. KA: Now, the idea of repainting or even touching up an X-Plus vinyl may seem crazy to some collectors even though these figures are basically vinyl kits which are just pre-assembled and pre-painted for you. DED: You summed it up perfectly. With my modeling background, in my eyes, X-Plus figures are pre-painted and pre-assembled model kits. So to do anything from a slight touch-up to major deconstruction projects is second nature to me. KA: Would you say someone who hasn’t done any modeling or painting probably shouldn’t get notions to “try this at home”? DED: I wouldn’t say that, I think if they just need a few paint touch-ups for scrapes or scuffs it’s a pretty simple procedure. A really important tip that I’d be happy to share with people who want to do paint touch-ups is to match the original paint color as much as possible. That seems like a pretty obvious thing to say, but people need to remember to mix several different colors until they find the right combination. In other words, it’s not just dark gray paint. There are tones of blue, brown, red and even black in most of the Godzilla skin colors. KA: Doesn’t the color of paint change from when it’s wet and when it’s dry? Can you trust what you see while you are mixing? DED: That’s a really good point. What I suggest is to do a paint swatch on the bottom of the foot and let it dry and making sure the color is right before moving on. KA: I‘m sure the big question on everyone’s minds is: What kind of paint do you use? DED: Always use acrylic water-based paint. That’s very important. Never use oil or enamel. When purchasing acrylic paint always try to search for a matte or flat color. These are the colors I used for the ‘62 figure. KA: Does this paint always come in tubes or can they come in jars as well? DED: Absolutely. Usually it’s more economical to buy larger containers of paint. The good news is you can get all of these paints from Amazon and never have to leave the house. Also, I think Michael’s craft stores carry a few brands of acrylic paint.
KA: Earlier you said that you were floored by all of the highlights and subtle color changes on the FSL Godzilla 1962’s original paint apps. What did you do to get some of that back after you applied your new, darker base coat? How do you add shadows and highlights? DED: After applying the base coat, I go back in with a darker wash on the areas that I wish to give the appearance of shadows. KA: By “wash” do you mean a darker color which you water down in order to fill in parts of the skin texture? DED: Yes, a diluted paint mixture. KA: Then you add the highlights? DED: Then, I go over some areas with a lighter version of my new base color. Drybrush effects are created by utilizing a very small amount of paint on an extra dry paintbrush. Also, do not apply too much pressure. Brush very lightly. Finally, be careful not to overdo it. It may look okay, but to me that’s the difference between it looking like a model kit or looking like it’s stepped out of the movie. Does that make sense? KA: Yes. Highlights should be something that you “discover” after looking at it. Not something that jumps out at you as soon as you lay your eyes on it. DED: Exactly. KA: How do you achieve the feathering on the dorsal spines? DED: That’s basically an example of the drybrush technique. KA: You just drybrush lightly and accumulate the effect? DED: Yes. And, again, there are different tones in the colors of the dorsal plates. KA: Do you have a magic recipe or starting off point for the color you use on the tips of the dorsal spines? DED: Gray, yellow, tan and white. It all depends on what suit it is and how they look in the films. Sometimes, there are even tones of blue. KA: But what is a good starting point? If there was a generic, acceptable shade to use on the fins in most cases, what would the recipe be? DED: Tan, white and a bit of gray. KA: Does customizing a figure with new paint devalue it? DED: First of all, if the customization makes sense and it’s done well, then it definitely retains the value of the figure and sometimes even increases it. Secondly, these figures cost a lot of money, so there’s no reason why you can’t customize them to make them exactly the way you want them to look. Take your time, ask questions, and have patience. And, if it fails: contact me. In most cases, I can fix it for you. KA: Where can you be reached? DED: You can find me in the X-Plus group. You can also use the Contact Form on my Zenfolio site. KA: Where can our readers hear more from you? DED: The Gods & Monsters Photography Group on Facebook, and also at my photography portfolio at https://davidericdopko.zenfolio.com/ You can also catch me on the Youtube Series Collect All Monsters. I’m part of an ensemble cast of collectors who will discuss collecting Godzilla! By John Stanowski Originally posted November 28th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
Phil The Kaiju King reviews the Toho 30cm Series Titanosaurus vinyl figure by X-Plus.
By John Stanowski Originally posted November 11th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
Rich Eso reviews the Toho Large Monster Series Godzilla 1964-B RIC Exclusive Version vinyl figure by X-Plus. This figure is significant because it’s the only Godzilla X-Plus has ever done based on the suit from Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964). Yup, we got two Godzilla movies that year!
By John Stanowski Originally posted October 18th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
Norman Chan from Adam Savage’s Tested stopped by the X-Plus / Star Ace booth earlier this month at New York Comic Con. There he interviewed Jeremy Soles, X-Plus’ Project Coordinator for North America.
By John Stanowski Originally posted October 17th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts. Phil The Kaiju Kings reviews the 30cm Series Barugon vinyl figure by X-Plus. It’s based on the movie Gamera vs. Barugon (1966). The number of 30cm Series figures based on Gamera (Showa and Heisei) is very small, so if you’re a fan and a collector, this guy is probably on your radar. And Phil has nothing but praise for it.
By John Stanowski Originally posted October 9th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
X-Plus Collector Mike Eberl shows you how to give your vinyls a voice! His video takes you through the steps of obtaining an inexpensive audio module, adding your kaiju sounds and attaching it to your figure which will make them roar at the touch of a button!
By John Stanowski Originally posted September 20th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts. Leslie Chambers reviews the Soft Series Hedorah Landing Stage “All Fours” Version vinyl figure by X-Plus. It was released in late 2018 and scales with the Large Monster Series.
By John Stanowski Originally posted September 7th, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.
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Author/AboutJohn Stanowski
Owner/Blogger of Kaiju Addicts, a premiere X-Plus and figure related website. Kaiju Addicts is a guide to collecting X-Plus Godzilla/Kaiju vinyls. It is site that is a web portal featuring all things X-Plus including his own written figure reviews, news, release schedules as well as content from other collectors and reviewers. Kaiju Addicts Reviews and Original photos by John Stanowski, do not copy and reuse without permission. Photos are NOT to be used for selling. Kaiju Addicts also posts content from other reviewers and user submitted photos which are copyrighted by their owners and can not be copied without permission. All articles on this page are
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