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Little Package Power Punch

7.31.2021 (updated 8.2.2021)

Most of our lives are lived in the past. Our minds are preoccupied with things that have already happened. And that’s as big part of collecting. My collecting is all about nostalgia and conjuring, capturing and reliving the warm and fuzzy feelings when I was growing up. The biggest Godzilla of my childhood was no doubt the Mattel Shogun Godzilla released in 1978. It was a huge part of the lives and childhood of many Godzilla fans. Just seeing it takes me back 40 years.

Godzilla’s design was distinctive and stands out. Based on its Japanese counterpart, the Popy Jumbosaurus Godzilla figure, Mattel’s Godzilla was 18.5 x 9 x 13 inches featuring a firing fist released by a red button on his arm and a “Hot Wheels” flaming tongue trigger by a red lever that easily broke off. Godzilla’s feet were equipped with small wheels to assist his mobility and playability. Unlike the Jumbo Godzilla, he had little dorsal fins making him less like Godzilla in appearance and he made no sound.

My Shogun Godzilla from 1978

My Godzilla has sand in its legs to keep the figure grounded. Some assembly was required. The tail had to be attached. Its packaging with its vibrant primary colors is unforgettable and could not be missed sitting on store shelves.

Several years ago, Toynami released the Shogun Warriors 1964 Godzilla Jumbo figure. Toynami: “Godzilla returns in this retro vinyl rendition! Standing at 20 inches tall, this Godzilla Jumbo, is ready to do battle with the classic giant robots you knew and loved from the 1970s.” Like the original, it came with the “flicking fire-tongue, spring-loaded firing fists and freewheeling rolling feet!” Toynami changed his color to black and altered his face to capture Godzilla’s likeness more accurately. It retailed for $249.99. In 2019, Medicom released a Vintage Sofubi Godzilla (メディコムトイ ビンテージソフビ ゴジラ). It was 26cm set in a plastic bag with a header card designed like the Mattel box. The figure retailed at 25,000 yen. And in 2020, they released a large soft vinyl Jumbo Amazing Characters (JAC) Godzilla figure at Wonder Festival 2020. This 60cm figure was priced at 55,000 yen.

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Now, a week ago, Super7 released the ReAction 3¾-inch tall Shogun Godzilla figure with spring-loaded retractable “flame” tongue. Super7: “ReAction figures celebrate the iconic action figure of our childhood. The iconic size and sculpting style was simple while allowing our imagination to go all in on our daily adventures. With ReAction Figures, we continue the classic size while making the figures we wished we had while growing up.”

This Super’ Godzilla is small but perfect and packs a cool punch. As soon as it went up for sale, it sold out. Godzilla was released as part of their “Spectacula Kinda Sorta Still at Home-ic-Con event,” retailing for $25.00. This solid well-detailed and painted Shogun is perfect for the shelves and perfect for the Godzilla fan who missed out Mattel’s. It comes in a recreation of the classic Mattel packaging. They captured the original so well! The colors, details, paint application, and sculpt are perfect. Godzilla doesn’t have wheels but that is forgivable.

I’ve spent the last year looking back and picking up vintage figures and collectibles when I can. I love it when companies reissue vintage items with a new twist. I believe this Super7 Shogun Godzilla will be grow in value and become a new-must have figure in near future. But more importantly, this little guy conjures the great memories of the past. Get this Godzilla if you can!