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, 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:
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