​大怪獣シリーズ パシフィック・リム レザーバック

​JAPAN ORIGINAL RELEASE: JULY 2016

​SERIES: LARGE MONSTER SERIES

​MATERIAL: VINYL

​FROM: “PACIFIC RIM” (2013)

​HEIGHT (HEAD): 8.75 INCHES / 22.22 CM

​HEIGHT (SHOULDERS): 9.75 INCHES / 24.76 CM

​WIDTH: (ELBOW TO ELBOW) 12 INCHES / 30.48 CM

​LENGTH: (HEAD TO HEELS) 12 INCHES / 30.48 CM

​FIGURE WEIGHT: 2 LBS, 1 OZ / 935 G

​REVIEW AND PHOTOS: © JOHN STANOWSKI

The Large Monster Series Leatherback vinyl figure by X-Plus was released in July 2016 nearly three years after Pacific Rim first hit theater screens. It was followed by only one other of Pacific Rim’s kaijus: Knifehead. Perhaps if X-Plus had got to work on vinyls from this franchise sooner, there would be more of them. But, as it is, we have two gems. And both of them are totally worth getting.

Leatherback had some excellent screen time having engaged with jaegers Cherno Alpha, Striker Eureka and ending with an epic fight with Gipsy Danger. This gorilla-ish kaiju was f**king awesome. And, so is the vinyl by X-Plus! (Mostly)

Now, let’s look at the X-Plus.

​Leatherback comes in a plain, brown cube with monochromatic art printed directly on the box. This box is about 14.5 inches on all sides and has slightly more volume than a typical, larger, 30cm Series figure. If you see a round, yellow stick over this art, you’re looking at a RIC exclusive version. (I have and am reviewing the Standard.)

Inside, the figure is wrapped in plastic and wire-tied in an open plastic shell comprised of only a “floor” and one “wall”. And that’s all it needs. There really isn’t anything likely to break or pop off with rough handling during shipping. (Note: I removed Leatherback from his packaging two years ago so the photo above is a recreation of an unboxing. Your Leatherback will come to you wrapped in plastic and tied in.)

X-Plus did an amazing job of recreating the fully CGI Leatherback into a real world vinyl. The likeness is spot on. All of the musculature and flab are accurately sculpted and the array of textures is expertly rendered. That, in combination with a kickass pose, makes the X-Plus Large Monster Series Leatherback one hell of a figure.

​Leatherback is posed on all fours as he was after making landfall in Hong Kong in his battle with Gipsy Danger. This guy literally looks like he’s getting ready to pounce on you!

​If you look hard enough, you might be able to detect where Leatherback’s various parts come together. But without such scrutiny, this vinyl is practically seamless.

​The first two things you will notice about the paint apps is that it is both plain and ornate at the same time.

The vinyl has a base coat of a rather light bluish black quite unlike what we’re used to with our Godzilla vinyls. This may surprise you when you first see since this Kaiju seemed to be colored a standard black in the movie. But if you look closely at the scenes following Leatherbacks landing, the port lights show this guy actually is a lighter color. Despite this, I think the figure would look better if it were a tad darker.

The X-Plus Leatherback’s swirly line pattern is hand-painted in a vibrant blueish-green and, at first, seems toyish. But these lines were luminescent in the movie and this is really the only way X-Plus could have recreated that effect. It’s just that these painted lines look like just that: painted lines. You quickly get used to it though and it really is excellent work.

​The tendrils behind Leatherback’s crown are so expertly painted that they almost look as if they were really glowing as they did in the movie. In fact, for the longest time, I thought this piece was actually molded in translucent vinyl, but the effect is actually accomplished with just paint.

​A similar bright blue is used on the inside of the mouth and the eyes. Now, about those eyes… WOW! All six of them are so tiny, yet so expertly colored without going outside the lines. And not only that, but catlike pupils and other details were somehow magically added. (This is why X-Plus rocks.)

There are minor blueish highlight on the details on the figure’s black. But, other than that, there is nothing on the rest of the body to give it depth. This is particularly disappointing where skin meets claw on both the hands and feet. Everything is simply the same color.

Overall, this figure has excellent paint apps. Yes, it could have been better. But they’ve already done so much to it.

The X-Plus Leatherback takes up a space which is roughly a cubic foot and raises above the shelf about 9.5 inches.

This Large Monster Series vinyl actually has the size and mass of a 30cm Series figure. Why X-Plus chose to file this one under Large Monster Series is curious.

If you collect only 25’s, know that this figure will absolutely look grossly out of place in your collection. Regardless of the series this one belongs to, I consider it a member of the 30cm Series. I say throw the name out the window and display him with your 30cm Series figures. Because that’s what it really is.

This figure has an actual footprint of 12 inches from front to back and 8.25 inches wide. But if you take into account the space he takes up that isn’t actually touching the shelf, then he’s a full 12 inches wide.

This figure takes up slightly more space than a 30cm Series figure. But the absence of a long tail makes it easier to fit on the shelf.

The Ric Exclusive version, which I do not have, sports a more ferocious head sculpt with a wider mouth and erect tendrils on the back of the head. I could be wrong about this (it’s been quite a while since it was released) but I think you may get both versions of the head. I seem to remember the head being held on with a magnet making switching them out quick and easy.

Also, I believe there were alternate pieces for the back which mimic Leatherback’s EMP ability in action.

Sorry that I could not be more specific on the Ric details. It’s been exactly two years since it was released and my memory is fuzzy on it.

(Kaiju Battle note:​ the Ric also includes special paint that would glow under a black light.)

Here is a size comparison with the Large Monster Series Pacific Rim Knifehead. If you take into account that Leatherback is leaning forward then, yes, they display well next to each other.

As for technically being in scale, I don’t really know. Leatherback, a Category IV kaiju is supposedly 267 feet tall while Knifehead, a category III kaiju, is 315. If you go by that, the scaling of these two look about right. (Although I’m not clear on how a Category IV can be shorter than a Category III.)

At the very least, they do look good — no, FANTASTIC next to each other on the shelf.

Legendary’s Godzilla (2014) is supposedly 350 feet. Leatherback is said to be 267 feet tall. I don’t know if that’s the height while standing or hunched, but one thing is for sure: It looks like it fits right in beside the 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 Roaring Version.

For those of you who just can’t get by the obvious difference in height, here is a shot of Leatherback balanced on his legs beside the 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 (Original Version) which is about a quarter of an inch shorter than the Roaring Version in the previous photo.

As you can see, they’re not that far off. And that subtle difference in height is there despite Leatherback being a part of the smaller Large Monster Series.

​The X-Plus Legendary monsters. Left to right: Leatherback, Godzilla 2014 Blue Fin Emission Version, Knifehead, (Star Ace) Kong Skull Island and Godzilla 2014 (original release).

A size comparison with other figures from the Large Monster Series. Something is definitely amiss here. Again, Leatherback is too large for this line.

​Here is a real world comparison with a blu-ray disc.

​The Large Monster Series Pacific Rim Leatherback vinyl figure by X-Plus has a great, movie-accurate sculpt and menacing pose. While its paint apps are intricate, the overall base coat may be a bit too light. It’s a great collectible for fans of the film Pacific Rim and fans of all modern kaiju in general.

By John Stanowski Originally posted March 31st, 2019 on Kaiju Addicts.

Gojira851 reviews the Toho 30cm Series Godzilla (1967) standard version vinyl figure by X-Plus.
​

• See more video reviews at the Gojira851 YouTube Channel.

​​By John Stanowski Originally posted February 25th, 2019​ on Kaiju Addicts.

​With so many X-Plus releases coming out, it’s often hard to decide when to buy and when to pass. Collector Bryce Erwin takes you on a tour of his own collection and discusses how he carefully curates instead of collects. His approach makes a world of sense considering the price tags on most of these pieces.

This video is also a fantastic introduction to collecting X-Plus in general. If you’re new to the line, you’re in for a treat.

​​By John Stanowski Originally posted December 30th, 2018​ on Kaiju Addicts.

Rich Eso reviews the Toho Large Monster Series Godzilla 1965 RIC Exclusive Version vinyl figure by X-Plus.

See more content from Rich at his Fresh Vinyl Reviews YouTube Channel.

​​By John Stanowski Originally posted November 30th, 2018​ on Kaiju Addicts.

I was trying to think how to best wish you all a Happy Halloween when I saw one of X-Plus Collector David Eric Dopko‘s photos that just says it all.

By John Stanowski Originally posted October 30th, 2018 on Kaiju Addicts.

​「キングコング：髑髏島の巨神」 コング ソフビ スタチュー スタンダード版

​JAPAN ORIGINAL RELEASE: OCTOBER 2018

​NORTH AMERICA ORIGINAL RELEASE: NOVEMBER 2018

​BRAND: RELEASED BY STAR ACE, BUT PRODUCED BY X-PLUS

​SERIES: NO SERIES AFFILIATION BUT IS COMPARABLE TO TOHO 30CM SERIES

​MATERIAL: VINYL

​FROM: “KONG: SKULL ISLAND” (2017)

​HEIGHT (OFF BASE): ABOUT 12 INCHES / 30.4 CM

​WIDTH (HAND TO HAND): ABOUT 7.75 INCHES / 19.6 CM

FIGURE WEIGHT: 15 OZ / 425 G​

REVIEW AND PHOTOS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED: © JOHN STANOWSKI

​KONG: SKULL ISLAND AND ALL RELATED CHARACTERS AND ELEMENTS © WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

​This is the long-awaited Kong Skull Island Vinyl Figure by Star Ace, a subsidiary of X-Plus. The sculpt was produced by X-Plus. It stands at 12 inches tall, weighs in at just under a pound and is a mostly movie-accurate representation of the giant ape from Kong: Skull Island (2017).

It was released in Japan in October 2018 and it will reach stores in the United States in mid November 2018.

It is X-Plus’ fifth vinyl based on a Legendary Pictures movie monster and the third vinyl based on a titan from the Monsterverse. (See the Size Comparison section for photos of the others.)

There are two versions of this release. The EX (or “regular/standard”) features Kong with an open left hand and no accessories. The DX (or deluxe version) features the same sculpt with the exception of the left hand being closed to wrap around a helicopter as well as an island base for it to stand on. This review features the Standard Version.

​The Star Ace Kong comes in a blind, brown box. Unlike X-Plus boxes, this one opens with a flip lid on the top and has its color cover art printed directly on the front. With a keen eye, though, you will notice elements common to X-Plus box covers such as the thin, grunge border and the offset halo effect on the image of the figure.

Note that the walls of this box are extremely thin. It could be easily crumbled. Please store it safely, assuming you get one dent and wrinkle free.

Despite the thin box, your figure is very securely protected on the inside. It’s packaged more like a 1/6 scale figure than an X-Plus vinyl. Kong is seated in a plastic shell which comes with a plastic lid which also wraps around all four sides thus increasing its strength. Also, unlike an X-Plus, Kong is not wire-tied to the plastic since the lid keeps him securely in place.

The Star Ace Kong Skull Island Vinyl Figure sports an awesome, mostly movie-accurate sculpt of the giant ape from the movie.

Three things that stand out the most to me are its apparently expertly captured proportions and gait, expressive, familiar face and intricately detailed fur which looks far better in person than I was expecting.

I’ve compared the head sculpt to several photos from the film and, yes, I did find minor details with my admittedly untrained eye which could have been tweaked. I also find the face a little more “grown-up” than the one I saw in some scenes of the movie. But in the sculptor’s defense, Kong’s face seemed to fluctuate between adolescent and adult in the movie. This sculpt seems based on the latter.

It seems super expressive from almost every angle projecting anger, confidence, curiosity, thoughtfulness and power.

FEET
What can I say? They’re feet. I have no comment, but thought you might like to see them.

​Kong stands in a seemingly idle museum pose taken straight from the movie. And yet, the level of expression in this sculpt seems so dynamic at the same time. Kong’s pose, though simple, breaks the glass on the Badass Scale.

Kong’s gait from the movie is EXPERTLY captured in this pose. This is a work of vinyl art.

BALANCE
Despite giving a little wobble when first placed down, this vinyl quickly stabilizes and stands firm. It does not appear to be easily unbalanced with heavy-footed traffic passing by the collection or even a sudden jolt to the shelves. Kong stands steady and proud.

​The only lines of note on this figure are the joints at the ankles which definitely leave a gap in the sculpt. But because they are so low, they’re not overly obvious. And they are completely invisible when looking at the figure from a higher angle.

There are traces of seams above both biceps and around the base of the trapezius muscles and base of the neck. These are covered over with paint in such a way as to make them hardly noticeable.

For something as uncomplicated as a giant, furry ape, Star Ace / X-Plus did a fantastic job bringing life to Kong’s fur. While it’s hard to see in this photo, Kong’s coat has just the right amount of darks and highlights over it main medium brown paint scheme. Even harder to see, even with your own eyes, are scattered accents that almost appear greenish brown. I’m not sure if these are meant as hairy highlights or if they are meant to represent the jungle debris that matted in his fur (as was purposely added by the CGI crew at Lucasfilm). Either way, they add a subtle top layer of detail in Kong’s paint apps.

BRIGHT FACE
Kong’s face, hands, feet and chest are treated with an off black with a very definite blueish tinge. I’ve seen this tinge on actual apes before, but didn’t really notice it in the movie. Either way, this shade seems far too bright to be movie-accurate. Despite this, I am mostly reluctant to complain about most of these areas since it seems these areas wouldn’t stand out as much had they been darker.

The face is made even lighter with generous amounts of highlights made with an even lighter shade. I’m of the opinion that his face is far too light because of this and was immediately very disappointed with it when I first opened the box. I’ve since gotten used to it. The amazing sculpt, pose and perceived attitude just washed the negativity away.

Mostly…

BRIGHT BUTT
There is one area that has me totally perplexed. And, that would be Kong’s butt. The same shades used on his face, chest, hands and feet were actually applied, over the fur, on Kong’s ass. ????? Hate to say it, but this is a glaring error. Kong’s butt is brown just like his arms and legs. But Star Ace has him looking like he just sat on a kaiju-sized bench with wet paint. What they hell were they thinking? Thankfully this error faces the wall on the shelf.

PIERCING EYES
Let’s get back to some sorely needed good news. Kong’s fiery, orange eyes look fantastic! They’ve no doubt used decals here since each one is a mere 3/16 of an inch wide. They are coated with a shiny gloss to bring even more life to them.

​CHEST
Kong’s chest is painted with the same light, off black as his other bare skin areas and it feathers into the brown fur very, very well. Excellent work.

His trademark skullcrawler scars seem to be in the right proportion but, I feel, are given too much focus with the starkly light lines of paint. The scars are noticeably brighter than was seen on the prototype we were teased with for over a year (below).

In the above photo you can see Kong: Skull Island director, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, at X-Plus headquarters in Osaka holding the prototype. Note the much more reserved coloring on the scars. I can’t help but wonder if he is the reason for the brighter colors on the end product.

Last year, Vogt-Roberts replied to a tweet made by Kyle Yount (Kaijucast) which showed the figure. His response:

“This is awesome. But please make his chest scars more pronounced via discoloration…”

It looks like X-Plus kowtowed to Jordan’s advice. But, despite being a little toyish, I’ve grown to like it. I knew Kong had scars but never really appreciated how cool they were until I got this vinyl.

​At 12 inches tall, the Star Ace Kong takes up only 7.75 inches at his widest and hardly any room at all in depth. This vinyl may be off the charts with its badassery but it’s extremely modest when it comes to taking up space on the shelf. His footprint will barely leave a mark even in the most crowded collections.

​Now, let’s take a look at the Star Ace Kong with a myriad of X-Plus vinyls and other figures you may have in your collection.

At the time of this writing, the most likely companion for your new Star Ace Kong Skull Island Vinyl Statue is the 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 (review) by X-Plus. They look FANTASTIC paired together on the shelf. The standard version of Godzilla seems to closely match the demeanor of Kong making for a good visual match in your display.

​The X-Plus Godzilla 2014 stands at 12.75 inches (32.3 cm) against Kong’s 12 inches (30.5 cm). It seems only fitting that Kong should be shorter seeing as how this version of the giant ape is actually much, much smaller than this Godzilla. But note that even at this slight disadvantage, Kong’s arms already dwarfs Godzilla’s.

The fierce 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 Roar Version (review) is slightly taller at 13 inches (33 cm). Kong still pairs with it nicely. Although, Kong seems pretty unimpressed by Godzilla’s roaring head.

Kong is slightly taller than your NECA Godzilla 2014 24-Inch Head-to-Tail figure. Even so, it’s still comparable in size and presence and they will look good together on the shelf.

The Star Ace Kong stands here with X-Plus’ two entries from Legendary’s Pacific Rim (2013). The Large Monster Series Leatherback and the Large Monster Series Knifehead. You are probably accustomed to Large Monster Series vinyls being only 25cm tall, as am I. But these two behemoths really do have the size and mass of 30cm Series figures. And so, they look GREAT next to Kong.

And here is Kong with two figures from the Toho 30cm Series: Godzilla 1964 (review) and Godzilla 1968. Kong is actually standard 30cm Series height and so will fit in nicely with any figures you may have from that series.​

​The DX version of the Star Ace Kong Skull Island Vinyl Statue comes with two awesome extras and one modification of the sculpt.

A round base with Skull Island motif will raise your Kong vinyl to new heights. This vinyl deserves to be put up on a pedestal. And, now you’ve got one!

Also included is a separate, mangled helicopter which can be inserted into Kong’s re-sculpted left hand. X-Plus had earlier indicated that this chopper would be permanently affixed to Kong’s hand, but we know know that isn’t the case. Kong’s hand looks just fine on its own if you elect to not use the extra piece.

The Deluxe Version is a virtual snapshot right out of the movie!

You can see a lot of promotional photos of both versions, including close-ups of the base and helicopter.

Despite a couple of annoying painting issues, the Star Ace Kong Skull Island Vinyl Figure is one helluva collectible! With minimum seams, intricate textures and a sculpt and pose that feels so alive, this Kong is truly an exciting addition to any X-Plus collection. I hope it’s successful run secures places for future Monsterverse vinyls from Star Ace and X-Plus.

By John Stanowski Originally posted October 19th, 2018 on Kaiju Addicts.

Is it real? Or is it X-Plus?

MyKaiju‘s John Ruffin has wowed us again by creating a Shin Godzilla movie poster using the 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla (2016) vinyl figure to stand in for the “real thing”. Can you even tell the difference? A total tribute to sculptor Yuji Sakai, X-Plus, and John’s graphic design skills!

By John Stanowski Originally posted October 14th, 2018 on Kaiju Addicts.

​東宝30㎝シリーズ 酒井ゆうじ造形コレクション ゴジラ(2016)

JAPAN ORIGINAL RELEASE: OCTOBER 2018

​SERIES: 30CM SERIES YUJI SAKAI MODELING COLLECTION

​MATERIAL: VINYL

​FROM: “SHIN GODZILLA” (2016)

​HEIGHT (HEAD): ABOUT 11.5 INCHES / 29.21 CM

​HEIGHT (TAIL): ABOUT 16 INCHES / 40.6 CM

​LENGTH: (WITH RAISED TAIL) ABOUT 17.25 INCHES / 43.8 CM

​FIGURE WEIGHT: 1 LB, 9 OZ / 708.7 G

​REVIEW AND PHOTOS: © JOHN STANOWSKI

​The Toho 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla (2016) vinyl statue by X-Plus has an amazing, movie-accurate sculpt based on the monster from Shin Godzilla (2016). It is 11.5 inches tall (from the head) and has a massive tail which reaches 17.25 inches up into the air. Released in October 2018, it was available in both Standard and Ric Exclusive versions.

The sculpt was first revealed by Yuji Sakai at Winter Wonder Festival 2017 in Chiba, Japan. A limited run resin kit soon followed. Finally, Mr. Sakai teamed up with X-Plus to produce his latest creation in vinyl.

X-Plus sold a Ric Boy exclusive version molded in red, translucent vinyl. A standard version made from opaque red vinyl was available in retail stores.

NOTE: This review will feature the Ric Exclusive version although the Standard Version will make appearances below for comparison.

Because of the figure’s massive tail, it comes in a massive box measuring 19 inches high, 15.25 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep. This box is the usual 30cm Series design. Plain, brown, blind box with flip lid and full color artwork on the front.

Inside the figure is wire-tied in two pieces in a plastic shell. One arm and one foot come wrapped in plastic. It’s important to be very careful when removing this plastic from the arm as this piece is very thin. Try to find the edge of the tape holding it on instead of just tugging on it.

New and First-time X-Plus Collectors: if this is your first X-Plus, watch Rich Eso‘s video on how to attach tails.

For the rest of us: the tail flange isn’t round this time and has several angles to it. It’s almost shaped like a diamond. While this makes it more difficult to attach the tail, it does make for a more snug fit. And considering how anxious gravity is to get closer with the tail, the connection won’t be as prone to pulling away and open as on the Large Monster Series versions.

The figure comes with a tail base which is required to make the figure stand straighter. Although the base isn’t really needed at all if you don’t mind the figure leaning back slightly. If you are displaying this figure from the front, you probably wouldn’t even notice this backward lean.

I’ve already heard from some collectors that they don’t believe that this base is high enough and wish it were taller. I’m inclined to agree. It seems the figure would look a little better if its head were pushed forward just a little more. But it doesn’t look bad the way that it is now. Also, this does seem to be the height intended by Mr. Sakai from the very beginning based on this early shot of the sculpt in progress. (Honestly, though, I have no idea why the bottom of the tail isn’t just resting on the floor. Realistically, something that big probably isn’t easily lifted off the ground.)

​And, here it is…

The Toho 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 2016 is a ridiculously movie-accurate collectible and is no doubt the most picture perfect among the three Shin Godzilla Fourth Form figures put out by X-Plus so far. It follows the Toho Large Monster Series Godzilla 2016 (click here for review) and the Gigantic Series Shin Godzilla.

I’m gonna say it! …it literally looks like it walked right out of the movie. Don’t believe me? Look here.

This Godzilla design has a wide range of new textures, ridges, Giger-esque strands and bony details which are all expertly captured on this vinyl. Because of all of these intersecting patterns and textures, Yuji Sakai’s signature “sculptorly” quality seems to be absent, or at the very least, hard to see. To me, that’s a good thing.

I haven’t compared it to the movie yet, but the head sculpt looks spot on from every angle. This head sculpt makes X-Plus’ two great previous attempts pale in comparison. I don’t know how to say it. This just looks right!

A couple of oddities I’ve noticed though: the eyes don’t quite line up with each other; one being lower than the other. I thought I was just struck with dumb luck again until I noticed that the same is true for my standard version as well. What are the odds that I got two duds? I’m guessing that this must have been intentional for some reason.

Also, the bottom jaw piece seems to be a sort of hit or miss and was easily misaligned in the factory. The jaw on my Ric is slightly crooked while the jaw on the Standard is just fine. I’m not much bothered by it since I can’t really notice it except in close-up photos.

The 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Shin Godzilla stands in the monster’s signature pose. This is how he looked in over 90% of his appearances as the fourth form kaiju. While this may not be as exciting as the dynamic pose on the Gigantic Series version, I find this one preferable since this is shaped the same as the standard image of Shin Godzilla burned into all of our brains.

The tail runs back and then swings full up into the air, making only two slight curves on both its X and Y axes. The movement captured in the pose of the tail is visible in only half of the angles. From certain other angles, it appears to be going up into the air in a straight line which doesn’t look as exciting. When displaying your Sakai Shin, try to angle it so that you can see some curves from the front of your shelves.

An added bonus to this pose is that, from the front, you can see the tail hovering in the background behind the head just as was seen so many times in the movie.

The Toho 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection (Shin) Godzilla 2016 is made up of “at least” ten parts. And, unfortunately, some of their panty lines are showing.

In the photo above, we have the Standard Version on the left and the Ric Exclusive version on the right. (Please excuse the fact that the tail hasn’t been attached to the Standard. I’m selling this figure to a friend and I don’t want to violate it any more than I have to before he gets it.)

On the Standard version, you can clearly see where some of those pieces meet. Specifically at the tops of the arms and at the top of the legs. Now this isn’t anything new and, as X-Plus collectors, we’re completely used to this. These are, after all, vinyls. BADASS vinyls, but vinyls nonetheless. Joints like this are common.

Curiously, these same lines aren’t as visible on the Ric Boy exclusive version. This is possibly due to them blending in more because of the translucent vinyl. So, despite what you see in the photo above, the seams are still there, just not as obvious.

This is where I will describe the differences between the Ric Exclusive Version and the Standard version since they involve the figure’s colors and appearance.

Instead of molding this figure in black and filling in “the cracks” with red (to replicate Shin Godzilla’s fission glows from the movie), X-Plus has repeated what they did instead with the Large Monster Series Shin Godzilla. Both versions are molded in red. Black paint is then applied on most of the body, careful not to cover over the red in the deep recesses of the skin texture and on the base of the fins. I thought this was ingenious when I saw it applied to the 25cm version. And it’s (mostly) just as impressive this time around as well.

The one problem with both, is that I feel they weren’t as liberal with the black paint as they should have been. This has resulted in more red being allowed to show through than was seen in the movie. The technique was used much more effectively on the Large Monster Series version. I can’t help but think that Mr. Sakai, who has a lot to say about how this vinyl was produced, prefers it the way that it was done this time around.

I don’t feel this is overly detrimental to this release. I will admit that I’m overly forgiving because I’m just so glad to have this ultimate (to me) Shin Godzilla figure on my shelf.

However, not all figures come out of the factory paint stations the same way. Results may vary.

Making sure that all figures get covered in black the same way and leave the same amount of red behind to shine through isn’t likely as these are done by hand. You may find that your figure has a bit more (or less!) red showing through on the chest or on a leg than you’ve seen in this review or in other photos.

One thing that concerns me is that with this painting technique, mismatches can occur more frequently between the body and the tail. Luckily, my Ric looks just fine.

​So, what’s the difference? From a distance, there is no none. Even when you step closer, both appear pretty much comparable. But the difference starts to show when the figure is right in front of you.

The Standard Version is molded in solid, opaque red vinyl. You can’t see through it. The light hits the surface of the vinyl and reflects back into your eye. These reds are brighter and, well, redder. There also seems to be more “contrast” and hard edges where red meets black. Technically speaking, the Standard kind of seems to be the more accurate between the two. And, the bright red kind of implies that it’s glowing. But for that to work, it really depends on how you look at it. You have to sort of imagine it that way.

The Ric Exclusive version is made of translucent, almost clear, vinyl. It’s tinted red but is clear enough for light to hit the surface of the vinyl, pass through it, and bounce back off of an interior coating of reflective silver paint. The reds seem deeper on the Ric. And many light effects are possible when you light the figure different ways, or simply hold it in front of you and move it around.

​The red on the Ric also seems more organic. There is less of a hard edge where red meets black and so seems more organic. The effect is truly amazing. On a side note, this is the one benefit to having the X-Plus Ric vinyl over the original Yuji Sakai resin kit. (That and the fact that you don’t have to assemble nor paint it.)

The one possible downside is that, unlike the Standard Version, the black paint is a bit thinner in certain areas (notably the neck and chest) thus making the figure look overall redder than it should be.

Besides the reflective light effect on the Ric, light can also pass through the figure entirely. You could see a sudden glow from certain angles if you place your figure in front of a lamp or by a window (although we don’t condone that. Sunlight bad!) Plus, you will more often see light passing through the dorsal fins.

Here is a shot with a standing flashlight behind the figure (not in it) shining the light clear through the figure. This should already be giving you ideas…

INSTALLING LIGHTS IN THE RIC
Yes, you can stuff the Ric Boy with LED strips. Depending on how many you use, it should look amazing. The only problem is that I believe that the back fins are over a double layer of vinyl, so light from the inside may not transmit through the back.

Personally, I’m sold on the Ric. It’s really fucking amazing. Early production photos simply didn’t capture the magic. And seeing it in person is a real treat.

Don’t take this as me knocking the Standard. I’ve already said that I feel it actually wins when it comes to looking more movie accurate. The sculpt is still stunning and anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one should more more than satisfied with it. Plus — and this is a big one — the regular opaque vinyl on the Standard Version is stronger and far less prone to deformation in hot weather. And, when you have a heavy, long ass tail going up in the air, that is a major consideration.

​HEAD
The teeth are painted in a reserved, boney, off-white which, thank god, don’t obnoxiously stick out as they do on so many other X-Plus figures. They look fantastic.

The eyes are particularly impressive. They are probably too toyishly white, but that’s necessary in this case. The diameter of eye is merely one sixteenth of an inch! And not enough half that space is taken up by a tiny stark black pupil. I’d love to know how the accomplished this. Such a super fine detail. The result are tiny eyes that, despite their small size, manage to pierce their way into view.

​TAIL
Unlike the Large Monster Series Shin Godzilla, the “bony” area at the tip of the tail is painted with a tan that doesn’t really stand out. It blends in more and doesn’t call attention to itself. This is good in a way in that this area doesn’t stick out like it did before. On the other hand, it’s a little hard to see the “face” in the sculpt. You can compare yourself by looking at the photos above and below to see the tail on the Large Monster Series version.

Again, this vinyl is about 11.5 inches high from the head to the floor and about 16 inches high from the tip of the upraised tail to the floor. The size of the main body is comparable mostly to the rest of the 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection, the Large Monster Series Favorite Sculptors Line and also about a third of the full 30cm Series. See the size comparisons below for more information.

​Obviously, the tail on this vinyl will have something to say about where you can display it. For the most part, it curves up at a steep angle and stops about 16 inches above the shelf. The second half of the tail also curves to the figure’s right side. Hopefully your shelves are high and deep enough to fit him in.

​It’s time for a ton of size comparisons, starting with the most obvious.

No doubt, the most important size comparison is one with the Toho Large Monster Series (Shin) Godzilla 2016 (Review). While the new Yuji Sakai version is almost a head taller, the figures, overall, feel around about the same overall size.

While we’re at it, let’s take a closer look at both since both of these figures since they are so similar. If you have neither, hopefully this will help you decide which one to hunt down.

While the Yuji Sakai (right) clearly has a superior sculpt, the Large Monster Series, aka 25cm Series, version is absolutely acceptable. The most notable difference being that the 25cm version is a tad shorter, leans forward more and has slightly more visible seams.

​OTHER SHIN VINYLS

Here is what your new Yuji Sakai Shin Godzilla Fourth Form will look like beside the Large Monster Series Shin Godzilla Second Form (left) and the 30cm Series Shin Godzilla Third Form. These two are really meant to display and scale with the Gigantic Series Shin Godzilla so keeping all three of these on the same shelf may be a little odd. But, if you’re not a scale freak, don’t sweat it.

​YUJI SAKAI MODELING COLLECTION

This new Yuji Sakai Shin Godzilla scales very well with other figures in the line like the Yuji Sakai Godzilla 2001 (click for review) (left) and the Yuji Sakai Godzilla 1991 (right).​

​YUJI SAKAI MODELING COLLECTION GODZILLA 1954

Here is Shin head-to-head with the Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1954, the design it is likely based on (paying homage to, updated from, etc.) The most notable characteristics common to both are the mushroom cloud-shaped heads, the position of the arms and the grossly expansive jugular notch at the top of the chest. (Funny how the last feature was — no doubt — just clumsy suit making and yet it is celebrated on the 2016 design.)

30CM SERIES

While technically in the 30cm Series, this Shin Godzilla is obviously shorter, but won’t look terrible at all on display with other 30’s in your collection. It’s seen here with the Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 1964 (click for review) and the Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 Roar Version (click for review).

30CM SERIES “SHORTIES”

If you’re worried about the 30cm Series Shin Godzilla being a little on the short side, don’t be. About a full third of this series is just as short. It’s seen here with fellow shorties 30cm Series Godzilla 1984 (click for review) and Godzilla 1968.

BTW, the Godzilla 1984 pictured above is the North American (Diamond) Reissue which stands a little taller than the original Japanese release.

FAVORITE SCULPTORS LINE

t turns out that the new Yuji Sakai Shin Godzilla, which is short for the 30cm Series, scales well with the Favorite Sculptors Line. Seen here is the FSL Godzilla 2001 and the FSL Godzilla 1962.

REAL WORLD COMPARISON

Finally, here is a shot for those of you who have yet to splurge on your first X-Plus figure.

What? You don’t do blu rays? Huh? Stream? What, you stream everything? …Millennials. (shakes head). 😛

As already stated, the Ric Exclusive version is made in clear, translucent vinyl and painted silver on the inside allowing light to play off the surface of the figure. There is no LED light gimmick and no extra mini figure. You simply get a figure with more organic paint apps.

The Toho 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 2016 is a fantastic take on Shin Godzilla and ranks at the highest end of the movie accuracy scale. If realism is your thing, then this vinyl is a grand prize winner. It’s upraised tail makes it a little difficult to display but it doesn’t care, and rightly so. The pose is right out of the movie and isn’t that what really matters?

It has super intricate textures, sculpting and ultra fine details rarely found on mere toys. This feels more like an official maquette from the Toho SPFX department than a collectible. I’m almost afraid TOHO will be banging on my door trying to take it back!

This vinyl is a tribute to Mr. Sakai’s superior sculpting skills and X-Plus’ masterful execution. If you are able to add this piece to your collection, you will not be disappointed.

By John Stanowski Originally posted October 14th, 2018​ on Kaiju Addicts.

This past weekend at Super Festival, X-Plus revealed images from a conceptual digital sculpt for Favorite Sculptors Line Iris, the tentacled monster from Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999).

The figure is still in development but we do have these amazing ZBrush renders to look at created by Dopepope for X-Plus.

No word on when this will release yet. But, you can read up on how it came to be by visiting the Interview over at KaijuBattle.net.

By John Stanowski Originally posted September 25th, 2018 on Kaiju Addicts.

​Jordan Vogt-Roberts, director of Legendary‘s Kong: Skull Island (2017), tweeted today about a recent visit to X-Plus headquarters in Osaka, Japan. There he met with X-Plus’ Gee Okamoto and got see and hold the prototype for the new 32cm Kong: Skull Island Vinyl Figure.

Last year Jordan saw photos of the early prototype and made some minor suggestions on improving the sculpt. As of now, though, he seems pretty satisfied the result.

This figure is being released internationally by Star Ace, a subsidiary of X-Plus which produced and sculpted the figure. Preorders for both a standard and deluxe version are open now. Preorders are being taken now from toy and collector sites all over the world. Both versions are expected to be released in August/September of this year.

• Follow Jordan Vogt-Roberts on Twitter
  

​By John Stanowski Originally posted May 23rd, 2018​ on Kaiju Addicts.