X-PLUS COLLECTOR PROFILE: Mike Ross

X-PLUS COLLECTOR MIKE ROSS

​In this second installment of a new series, Kaiju Addicts talks with Mike Ross about his X-Plus collection.

WHY DO YOU LIKE TO COLLECT X-PLUS?
You know, there are so many brands out there. My first ever Godzilla toy was the 1985 12-inch imperial figure. I eventually moved up the ranks and got myself into Bandai. I didn’t think anything could ever top Bandai when it comes to detail. Then, X-Plus came along. And, the game changed.

I am absolutely in love with the brand. X-Plus puts out the most detailed Kaiju figures out there in the current market.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU START COLLECTING X-PLUS VINYLS?
I want to say I started collecting X-Plus in 2012, I believe. My best friend Joe Astalfa (RIP) introduced me to the line when I went over to his house one day. I was like “Wow, these things are amazing!”.

So, I went on eBay one day and started looking up X-Plus figures until I saw one that caught my eye. It was the Large Monster Series Godzilla 1971 Godzilla Ric Boy. I bought the figure, received it in the mail, and fell in love with it.

Ever since then, I’ve been buying X-Plus. No regrets.

HOW MANY VINYLS ARE IN YOUR COLLECTION?
Too many! I’m at the 100+ mark in my X-Plus collection. There will be more added into it, because the world is not enough!

WHICH X-PLUS SERIES DO YOU COLLECT? (SIZE)
Honestly, I collect each and every series: the 25cm Series, the 30 cm Series, the Gigantics — you name it. If they produce a good figure, I’m gonna buy it, no matter the size.

DO YOU HAVE A FOCUS WHEN IT COMES TO SHOWA, HEISEI, MILLENNIUM, ETC?
No, not really. I enjoy all the monsters and each era, so anything that is released I will purchase.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE FAVORITE X-PLUS VINYLS AND WHY?

​When you have so many X-Plus figures, it’s really hard to choose which ones are your most favorites. But I have to say my top three would be:

First, The Gigantic Series Shin Godzilla. This is probably my ABSOLUTE favorite in my X-Plus collection. X-Plus totally NAILED this figure! I couldn’t be any happier.

Next, the 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Godzilla 1991 Hokkaido version. The 89/91 design is my ALL TIME favorite Godzilla. So when I received this, I was utterly pleased. The pose, the eyes, everything about this figure is perfect to me.

Finally, the Large Monster Series Godzilla 1971 RIC BOY Version. What can I say? You never forget your first X-Plus!

Non-Godzilla honorable mentions: Biollante, 30cm Titanosaurus, the 30cm Series Gargantuas, and Destoroyah.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN STARTING AN X-PLUS COLLECTION?
Two things: Have space and have a good job, because these figures will kill your wallet and take up all the space in your home.

For someone who is an addict, like myself, I know first-hand what it is like to be running out of space. It seems X-Plus comes out with a new figure every month, AND Diamond is releasing the reissued figures on top of that.

The hobby is expensive, so be prepared! 🙂

SELECTED SHOTS FROM MIKE’S COLLECTION

By John Stanowski Originally posted April 27th, 2018 on Kaiju Addicts.