Tuesday, August 5, 2025

We Knew About Rancho Unicorno

Cookin' up some shrimp and scallops, and catching up on the new King of the Hill reboot, which just dropped a few hours ago; right now, I'm watching the original series finale (which I found a little... pedestrian?), and next on the queue will be the grand return. KotH's always been one of my on again, off again comfort series, and I'm pretty excited by the idea of Hank and the boys against the horrible hell-vortex known as our modern times. 




Meanwhile, in the wild, wild world of MIDLIFE... 

I'm still working on various pick-ups for the Lost / Neon Pools scenes; hoping to finish a mostly complete 2.0 of the sequences sooner than later, especially seeing as I might be moving yet again in the coming months. Would be nice to crank out another full WIP workprint, especially for safety's sake. Anyhow, tonight I'm picking away at a small animation of Vienna awkwardly haunting the halls of the Interment Facility after accidentally crushing an adowable widdle aborted fetus... as these things go.
I think it's fun how ridiculously different Venner looks from shot to shot across these sequences, as it's development has, so far, spanned almost that of the entire film - unlike most other scenes, it's earliest "finished" cut was a rush job, simply so as to finish something - so, thankfully, I don't think I'll feel quite so shilly-shally about the scenes which succeeded it. Either way, it's a very important section of the picture, so I've felt it beneficial to come back time, and time again, to tweak, polish, and punch-up. I'm carving what was a sort of slow, meandering psychedelic dirge into something that, while still surreal, is significantly less conceptual, and more illustrated. Sometimes, literally.



Well, I got through the first two new episodes of KotH - felt like a totally natural return to the same ol' Arlen, with an appropriate level of "relevant" references, and a slightly more overt cynical edge that I really enjoy. Funny as hell seeing Old Lady Peggy swear, get drunk, and confusedly throw around new-age political stuff, while still being the self-confident, blindly arrogant Peggy we loved. Same for everybody in the cast - I especially related to adult Bobby. Pretty funny how his buddy Joseph has stayed almost exactly the same, probably the least reimagined of the crew - that itself is a very clever character commentary, when you think about it. Really amazing reboot, feels perfectly in-line with the classic show, while still pretty immediately "new" in a way that's distinct, but doesn't clash with the original's vibe. 

If only Futurama could've gotten a reboot this slick. Comparing the two, it just instantly speaks for itself - one is treading the same old shyt, uninspired, and meandering in it's depressing inability to barely touch what once was; while the other really justifies it's own existence almost before clicking play. Let's not even mention the Gorillaz reboot. Or the Ren and Stimpy reboot. Or the Aqua Teen reboot. So on...

Definitely excited to see more, I've capped myself off at two so as to save some for later. I think my favorite bit thus far was definitely fat, disgusting bearded Bill - I wish they kept him that way! He was majestic!

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Review - Godzilla 2001 (Bandai Creations)


One of my favorite Godzillas is the evil, undying demon of 2001's Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack - better known as GMK. So far, I've looked at both the original 8" MMS figure, as well as its 2024 6" reissue; though, between these similar versions, was an original take by American Bandai subsidiary, Bandai Creations - a sub-series featuring unique figures inspired by, but often quite distinct from MMS - released in 2005, as part of BC's third wave.

BC's Godzilla 2001 is a pretty representative example of the sub-series' earlier works; generally true to the intended design, but oddly exaggerated in small, but substantial ways that throw the overall likeness. The figure looks a bit like if you took the Japanese figure and threw it through the Content Aware Scale; very strange, questionable proportions - such as the clownish feet, mitten hands, and bowling pin head - though still carrying the character's core "look" somewhere in there. As an aside, as a kid, I actually didn't recognize this guy as GMK specifically - I assumed it was some odd, generalized spin on Godzilla '54. It's just so... wonky. 

I think the figure's strongest aspect is it's face; from some angles, they did a pretty solid job capturing GMK's evil snarl, and serpentine hunch - though, from others, he's like if Willie Tanner morphed into a Godzilla. The body somewhat captures the incarnation's massive build - even that beer belly - yet also, gives him this warped, anemic look, as if GMK went on Ozempic. Another one of GMK's defining characteristics - his huge, misshapen spines - are very rounded down, and undefined; sculpted into long, unbroken "chunks", with filled-in blank spaces between each spine, which themselves are angled upward very unnaturally - a quirk you'll find across various MMS-types of the time.

There is a certain awkwardness to the overall figure, between it's wafting arms, perfectly straight tail, and weird proportions - though, I'd be lieing if I said it doesn't capture GMK at all. It's nowhere near the accuracy of the MMS, but, I can reasonably see the vision. I'll even add that the figure's detailing is pretty solid, covered in a tactile variety of wrinkles, scales and bony grooves - credit where credit's due. Though one would assume it's based directly on the MMS predecessor, it's so off, I almost wonder if it could've been referencing some specific concept art, or illustration? Whatever the case may be, points for trying it's own thing, but, unfortunately, it just doesn't come together. 

GMK features six points of articulation, just like the MMS - neck, both shoulders, both thighs, and tail. As mentioned before, his arms are sculpted in a sort of lifeless "wave" - though, you could also see it as a vague action look, lending themselves somewhat to creative posing.

Cast in black, solid whites define GMK's eyes, teeth, claws and spines - sprayed just before the midpoint of the tail - with a light maroon tongue. Straightforward as it may be, the figure's paint is very cleanly applied. Not a whole lot to say. 

Directly comparing him to his Japanese counterpart(s)... no contest. I could go into specifics, such as the differences in paint, proportions, et cetera, but I think the photos really speak for themselves. At best, the BC GMK is a uniquely stylized take - at worst, it's just very, very off.

It's worth mentioning the BC figure was the only 6" scale GMK until the 2024 reissue of the 2001 original - so, for many a fan, he probably filled that niche well enough. Still, even in that very specific case, I think anyone would agree he just doesn't hold up to standard. 

BC's GMK is an odd little guy - not terrible, but not especially good, either. Things just really fall apart from the neck down. These days, there's not much of a reason to hunt him down in particular, what with  the aforementioned MMS reissue; though, many a fan is quite nostalgic for the figure, being so readily available across most retailers at the time. I'd imagine most who want, or own him fall into this category - myself included. While there's not much draw to the toy, it's a unique take on the character, and it's got it's own oddball appeal. 

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Review - MechaGodzilla 1975 (Movie Monster Series)


The grand finale to the original Showa era Godzilla series, 1975's Terror of MechaGodzilla is one of my all-time favorite kaiju films; a uniquely dark, thoughtful, and yet expectedly - and hilariously - surreal last hurrah, best summed up by the show-stopping line, "Even If You Are A Cyborg... I Still Love You". Heart wrenching. 

Following it's defeat in 1974's Godzilla Vs MechaGodzilla, the mechanical monster is rebuilt by the ape-faced Black Hole Aliens using technology designed by an excommunicated doctor, sent spiraling into poverty after proposing a controversial method of controlling Kaiju; joining forces with the invaders as he ties the rebuilt MechaGodzilla's brain to that of his cybernetic daughter, Katsura - an unwilling pawn in the aliens' master plan. Cold, beaten, and ominous, MechaGodzilla 2 is a terrifying Terminator compared to his dexterous predecessor - effortlessly demolishing Tokyo and Godzilla alike with an empty stare. It may sound a bit out-there, but in that insanity, is a truly compelling, and exciting film, celebrating everything - from the uniquely retro storytelling, to wild, creative imagery- that makes the Showa era so celebrated.

The MMS MG'75, alongside an obscure clear variant, was first released in 2002; reissued soon after in 2004 with no altercations. A black MG'75 (based on the Godzilla Island TV series) was later included as part of 2005's Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box, and reissued solo by Hyper Hobby in 2007 - just before MMS' long hiatus. A mere 13 years later, 2020's  "Metallic Green" variant was released - which does not appear to be green, at all - followed by 2021's "Damage Color" variant, a slightly more shiny, but ultimately identical take offered through the Godzilla Store.

Spurred by these reissues, mystery companies such as TWcare - who we've covered before - have begun pushing bootleg copies, as well; lacking in paint, but still, just about the same figures, running as low as $20. That's a bargain. I'm glad so many once rare figures have become accessible, one way or another - between the reissues, and bootlegs, it's night and day compared to about a decade ago, when this dude was somewhat sought after.

Then, there's also the similar  - but different! - MG'74s released by BC in 2009, and MMS in 2024; if you want a full comparison between the three caballeros, check out my MMS MG'74 review. Anywho, tonight we'll be looking at the original 2002/4 MG'75, a real MMS highlight.

A lumbering tank, Bandai's MG'75 carries lot of mass, striking a movie accurate battle pose as he aims his newly fashioned rotating finger missiles with a diabolical glare.  Really perfect likeness on that head. I think there's something odd going on with his proportions, particularly those squat legs, and lanky arms - let alone, his massive fingers - but the figure's really incredible detail carries, and it all works effectively in supporting that pose. In spite of these quirks, the figure is very tactile, and real - beyond the menagerie of screen-accurate mechanical intricacies Bandai's known to love, there's even subtle details such as vague, concave wrinkles across various parts of the body - particularly, the thighs, and chest - emulating the physical materials of the suit. So cool. You really get the sense there was a lot of love going into this sculpt, from top to bottom. 
At six points of articulation, there's a fair bit to work with - much more than the average MMS; though, like figures such as BC's Godzilla 2014, or the MMS Gamera '96, you're pretty much limited by that predermined "perfect" pose - but hey, what a pose. I really dig MMS that bring their character to life in this manner, and MG'75 is one of the greatest examples. I'd much rather have some fun extraneous articulation than barely any at all; it's funny to me how the pre-posed, and otherwise much slower MG'75 got six points, whereas the MG'74 released over a decade later - a version of the character with plenty of spring in his step  - got two.

Largely a muted, sporadically sparkly metallic silver, dark silver detailings highlight MG'75's build, with red "ears" and mouth-missiles, orange eyes, shiny gold pupils, and, of course, blue and orange "MG2" logos. Overall a pretty spectacular paint job, very much matching '75's gruff, tattered appearance, with appropriate dashes of fun eye-catching flair in the golden pupils - an insanely cool choice that brings the figure even closer to the onscreen monster - or even just the nicely tarnished body. 

MG'75 is one of my favorite MMS - really top-of-the line stuff. I'd go as far as to say its one of their best works. I think it's only real issue are those sort of questionable proportions, but even then, it all works perfectly in and of itself. Finding him shouldn't be too hard, what with those aforementioned reissues, and knock-offs; but, as is almost always the case, I gotta recommend hunting down the original. Definiely one of MMS - and the Black Hole Aliens' - finest creations.

Friday, July 4, 2025

Digital Bleeps

Been a slow season; drawing, working. Existing. Lately I've been working on a couple large, but small scenes for the MidLife: Fate project with lots of background zombie extras - always a fun creative challenge, especially when working within specific poses, or environments. When the zombies aren't one-off sporadic designs, they're weirdo references- you'll notice lots of sneaky little cameos in the WIP shot pictured to the left; JTHM, HatBox Ghost, the Queen of England... so on.

I've been going back to various earlier segments, sprucing things up, and sort of tieing things together - particularly sections a bit too meandering in their beta state; though, I try not to get too Richard Williamsy about it, endless perfectionism and whatever. It's all meant to look a bit jank, style-wise, so that's something I gotta hold on to - as tempting as it is to mull over every microscopic detail. Still, fun to chip away, expanding concepts and making things as narsty as possible.

It's especially hard not to go too hard with the animations themselves - an ongoing goal of mine is to do things a bit more limited, retro, maybe even Anime style, rather than the increasingly intricate stuff I've been experimenting with - awesome as it looks. Gotta find ways to cut back, without sacrificing my own interest. 

Well, what's on the tube, Smogmonster? ALF. Duh. But beyond that, I've been repeatedly passing out to Matt McMuscles' Wha Happun; a cool YouTube series covering the hellish development of games, movies, and... yeah, that's mostly it. Really zen, love the guy's way of speaking, and snappy research. Plus, he's a buff skeleton. What's not to love.

I've also been binging SpongeBob non-stop; people say there's some point in the series where things significantly fall off, but I dunno, it's all cozy fun. The first few seasons are stone-cold classics, sure, but I've yet to find any particular stretch of "ass content". Forgettable, maybe, but not nearly as abhorrent as Cartoon Tubers lead you to believe. Eugh. Odd Bunch. Just a comforting show, I like the goofball positivity. 

Speaking of which, my depression's been fading. I'm even considering dropping Zoloft; something I wouldn't have at all considered as recently as a year ago, but these days, I find my more manic anxiety has sloped away to... meh? Nothing? They say a guy's brain finishes maturing around 25, and yeah, I definitely feel it. Maybe it's one of those self fulfilling things. Either way, a storm has passed - a lot of things I feel spurred my mental issues as a younger 20-something have now long, long passed, and I don't find myself getting quite as Squidwardly quite as often. Wack. Here's hoping that all goes smooooovely. 

Hopefully I'll have more time to pick away at my Movie Monster Series reviews soon; I definitely wanna look at the Cybot Godzilla, one of my favorites as of late. Still, the 30 reviews I've cranked out thus far ain't bad. Here's to then, whenever then comes.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Review - Anguirus 1968 (Movie Monster Series)



Beloved by fans, but forgotten by... well, just about everyone else, the great Anguirus is the true underdog of the Godzilla series; facing, and succumbing to the atomic monster in 1955's Godzilla Raids Again, before eventually returning as his trusty sidekick throughout the late 60s-early 70s, battling the likes of King Ghidorah, Gigan, and MechaGodzilla alongside the king of the monsters - the Robin to Godzilla's Batman.
Following his predecessor's death in '55, the "second generation" Angiurus emerged in 1968's Destroy All Monsters. Bandai's first take on the classic creature was released in 1984, later re-issued with a new deco as part of 1995's Godzilla Memorial Box before being scaled down and included in the Godzilla Island line - once again, redecoed. This version was again redecoed for its 2001 Movie Monster Series rerelease - which is the version we'll be covering. In 2003, the MMS was - guess what - redecoed! - for the Toy Dream Project Raids Again set, before finally seeing its final - ahem - redeco; part of the 50th Anniversary Memorial Box, taking a black and white look inspired by his debut. 

Anguirus takes a notably cartoony sculpt; common to many Bandai Godzillas of the time, though probably the most obvious example, as far as mainline MMS go. Though certainly not suit accurate, it's a solid, stylized approximation, with the usual MMS standard for nice detailing.

At four points of articulation - all in the legs - the demon ankylosaurus is about as articulated as one might expect; his dragging hind legs are, appropriately, a bit useless, but you can manage some neat action poses with what's given.
The figure's cartoony vibe is most obvious in it's paint; molded in brown, dark sprays define his head, legs, and belly, with off-white claws, simplistic bold black-on-white eyes, and a great golden hide, leading into his tail. It's all very cleanly done, and looks pretty great. Though I'm not sure it's entirely true to the onscreen design, I especially love that bright, shiny shell.

The only MMS Showa Anguirus for over 20 years, the retro figure was finally succeeded in 2024, with the release of the DREAM5 collection; featuring an all-new, screen accurate take on the monster, much to the elation of his... tens of fans. I initially felt pretty ambivalent towards the figure, seeing it as perhaps a wasted spot on the fan-polled box set, but, comparing the two directly, it's a pretty fantastic redux - immediately and easily outmoding the original.

Anguirus is a unique, if not outdated figure; though, definitely a must-have one way or another, especially if you own his sparring partner, G'68. I'd say you're best off with the pretty DREAM5 reimagining, but, if you've got a soft spot for MMS' older, weirder sculpts, Angy is a standout.

Check out my previous MMS reviews:

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Review - MechaGodzilla 1974 (Movie Monster Series)

A formative Kaiju experience for myself and many others, 1974's Godzilla Vs MechaGodzilla is a true classic; among the definitive Showa-era romps, complete with weirdo aliens, stoic doctors, unexpected song sequences and chaotic Kaiju action. 

The titular mechanical villain, MechaGodzilla, has captured fans since his debut nearly 60 years ago; decked from literal head to toe in savage space-age weaponry and technicolor death beams as he stabs, shoots, and brutally mangles earth's nuclear defender.

... and his little dog, too.

MechaGodzilla '74 was first released through Bandai America's Godzilla Monster Series, a line of scaled-down, simplified MMS, featuring less articulation and paint. Though I imagine it was always intended as an MMS "first", I feel there are certain elements to the figure that make it seem as though it was effectively designed for both series, with as little retooling as possible. A few months following its stateside debut, the MMS proper MG'74 was included in 2024's DREAM5 collection; a box set featuring five fan-requested monsters largely absent from the vast MMS rogues gallery. Though preceded by an MG'74 by Bandai Creations in 2009, as well as an MG'75 MMS in 2002 - both of which we'll be comparing to this figure - the particular incarnation was quietly excluded from the mainline MMS up to this point; it's only figure being the old-school 1984 Godzilla Collection version.

As per Bandai tradition, MechaGodzilla is a lovingly detailed mechanical marvel; covered in nicely specific and suit accurate rivets, vents, and all reaches of alien technology - with a sporadic dashing of blinky lights and flashy logos. Standing in an appropriate, albeit static robotic stance, it's a straightforward, though certainly solid take on the cosmic monster, somewhat reminiscent of the '84 figure. Sort of looks like he's strung up in the Black Hole Aliens' hangar, awaiting the MonkeyMen's evil command. 

Despite its visual appeal, very sleek, and smooth, the figure isn't especially tactile; with only the occasional, and subtle warp suggesting the physical suit, mostly throughout the lower body. Though adorned in rich, embellished detail, the figure's soft to a fault; it's various missiles rounded, and somewhat oversized - especially those fingers - with its featureless eyes sort of dulling the mech's hot maniacal glare. Some might say these aspects could be too fine to work into a sofubi vinyl, but as we'll see, both preceding Showa MGs managed. Standing around the usual 6" mark, something about MG's proportions seem ever so slightly scrawny; especially compared to the bulky '75, and his onscreen rivals. I find the size of his head and length of his arms particularly off - though, the overall solid likeness definitely stands. It's an essentially dead-on MechaGodzilla, but, it's just below the level of quality detail Bandai is capable of - though, there's definitely something snappy about it.

While the sculpt itself is basic, but nice, things get increasingly plain as we approach MG's articulation; two - count 'em - two points; namely, both karate-chopping arms. Being a literal segmented, jointed machine, you'd think he'd be the perfect excuse to cram in a few more points than usual; at the very least, a head, or waist swivel - the latter of which is actually glue sealed, suggesting movement might be possible. Limited articulation isn't an entirely foreign concept when it comes to MG MMS figures - the Heisei and Millennium versions sporting a comparable 3 or 4 - but it's worth noting both Showa alternatives are fully articulated, making this one's poseability quite uninteresting.

MG is covered in a sparkly, space-titanium silver, dark metallic definitions separating his body; with bold orange eyes, heavy maroon ears and "MG" logos - maybe a bit too heavy - and two golden apparatus dotting his chest. I think more contrasting sprays, and intricate detailing could've further elevated the somewhat blasé figure; though, its chrome deco nicely matches the '74 suit's fresh sheen, and accurately distinguishes the two Showa incarnations of the character. 

Now, for the comparisons; 

Going by order of release, MG'75 is yet another one of my favorite MMS figures, just about flawlessly capturing MG2's beaten design; though the overall proportions of MG'74 seem more accurate, '75 fits in a lot smoother with the larger MMS family, and really crushes the '74 with it's unique pose and six points of articulation. No contest - just look at those awesomely defined pupils, wider pot-belly, and worn textures. 

Though Bandai Creations' MG'74 is a very nostalgic figure, it's one I've always been very acutely critical towards; really making the new MMS alternative desirable for anyone like me, who's had to settle for the ol' Toys R Us edition. Its proportions are totally wack, especially in its long, MechaHorse face, and lanky limbs, with a very awkward C-3PO stance hardly lending itself to anything interesting; despite the once again laudable 6 points of articulation. By and large, the MMS wins - the sole area where it falls short against the BC's being its very nice paint work, coupled with the notably textured sculpt. Some find it all a bit too grungey, considering the '74 version's polish, but I've always appreciated it's embossed, tattered look, giving it a sort of realistic feel compared to the clearly vinyl MMS. 

MG'74 is a fun little figure to have; I probably wouldn't have gone for him solo, owning the comparable previous MGs - particularly the '75 - but, being part of the DREAM5 box was solid enough excuse to own the new take - it is a distinct incarnation, after all. It's clear which version I'd say you're best off hunting, but, for what it's worth, '74 is still a mostly satisfactory, very attractive figure, especially in it's clean sculpt, and cleaner deco; albeit, one with fairly immediate shortcomings, making it altogether a touch simple - but effective!

Check out my previous MMS reviews: