Wastelnd: 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.