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'''Godzilla: High Grade''' {{Nihongo|{{tt|HG|エイチ・ジー}} シリーズ|Eichi Jī Shirīzu|lit. ''H.G. Series''}} is a line of two-inch tall collectible gashapon figures produced by [[Bandai]]. These figures are released in waves that usually coincide with the newest [[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]] film. They were sold in vending machines and all require at least minor assembly.
'''Godzilla: High Grade''' {{Nihongo|{{tt|HG|エイチ・ジー}} シリーズ|Eichi Jī Shirīzu|lit. ''H.G. Series''}} is a line of two-inch tall collectible gashapon figures produced by [[Bandai]]. These figures are released in waves that usually coincide with the newest ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' film. They are typically sold in vending machines and all require at least minor assembly.
{{TOC}}
{{TOC}}
==Waves==
==Waves==
===Godzilla 1===
===Godzilla 1===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_1.jpg|thumb|200px]]The first wave was released in [[1994]] in conjunction with ''[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=325 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 1]</ref> It includes the following figures:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_1.jpg|right|200px]]The first wave was released in [[1994]] in conjunction with ''[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=325 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 1]</ref> It includes the following figures:
*[[Godzilla]] [[MogeGoji|1994]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MogeGoji|1994]]
*[[King Ghidorah/Heisei|King Ghidorah]]
*[[King Ghidorah/Heisei|King Ghidorah]]
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*[[MOGUERA]]
*[[MOGUERA]]
*[[SpaceGodzilla]]
*[[SpaceGodzilla]]
*[[Mechagodzilla/Heisei|Super Mechagodzilla]] (Includes [[Mechagodzilla/Heisei|Mechagodzilla]] and [[Garuda]])
*[[Mechagodzilla/Heisei|Super Mechagodzilla]] (includes [[Mechagodzilla/Heisei|Mechagodzilla]] and [[Garuda]])
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 2===
===Godzilla 2===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_2.jpg|thumb|200px]]The second wave was released in [[1995]] to coincide with ''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=327 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 2]</ref> It includes:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_2.jpg|right|200px]]The second wave was released in [[1995]] to coincide with ''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=327 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 2]</ref> It includes:
*[[Godzilla]] [[MogeGoji|1995]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MogeGoji|1995]]
*[[Battra]] (Imago)
*[[Battra]] (Imago)
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 3===
===Godzilla 3===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_3.jpg|thumb|200px]]Wave 3 was released in [[1997]] to coincide with ''[[Rebirth of Mothra II]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=328 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 3]</ref> It includes:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_3.jpg|right|200px]]Wave 3 was released in [[1997]] to coincide with ''[[Rebirth of Mothra II]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=328 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 3]</ref> It includes:
*[[Godzilla]] [[ShodaiGoji|1954]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[ShodaiGoji|1954]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MosuGoji|1964]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MosuGoji|1964]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 4===
===Godzilla 4===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_4.jpg|thumb|200px]]The fourth wave was released in [[1998]] to coincide with [[Godzilla (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]].<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=329 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 4]</ref> Figures included in this wave are:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_4.jpg|right|200px]]The fourth wave was released in [[1998]] to coincide with [[Godzilla (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]].<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=329 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 4]</ref> Figures included in this wave are:
*[[MogeGoji|Burning]] [[Godzilla]]
*[[MogeGoji|Burning]] [[Godzilla]]
*[[Godzilla/TriStar|Godzilla]] [[ToraGoji|1998]]
*[[Godzilla/TriStar|Godzilla]] [[ToraGoji|1998]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 5===
===Godzilla 5===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_5.jpg|thumb|200px]]Wave 5 was released in [[1998]] to commemorate the release of ''[[Rebirth of Mothra III]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=330 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 5]</ref> It includes the following figures:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_5.jpg|right|200px]]Wave 5 was released in [[1998]] to commemorate the release of ''[[Rebirth of Mothra III]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=330 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 5]</ref> It includes the following figures:
*[[Godzilla]] [[BioGoji|1989]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[BioGoji|1989]]
*[[Mothra Leo|Armor Mothra]]
*[[Mothra Leo|Armor Mothra]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===EX===
===EX===
[[File:Bandai_HG_EX.jpg|thumb|155px]]In [[1998]], Bandai re-released the figures from wave 1 under the name "Godzilla: High Grade EX." These figures featured slightly different paint jobs than wave 1, and were sold exclusively at 7-11 stores instead of in vending machines.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=326 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade EX]</ref> Just like wave 1, Godzilla: High Grade EX features the following figures:
[[File:Bandai_HG_EX.jpg|right|200px]]In [[1998]], Bandai re-released the figures from wave 1 under the name "Godzilla: High Grade EX." These figures featured slightly different paint jobs than wave 1, and were sold exclusively at 7-11 stores instead of in vending machines.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=326 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade EX]</ref> Just like wave 1, Godzilla: High Grade EX features the following figures:
*[[Godzilla]]
*[[Godzilla]]
*[[King Ghidorah]]
*[[King Ghidorah]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 6===
===Godzilla 6===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_6.jpg|thumb|200px]]In [[1999]], in anticipation of ''[[Godzilla 2000: Millennium]]'', Bandai released a sixth wave of High Grade figures.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=331 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 6]</ref> It includes:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_6.jpg|right|200px]]In [[1999]], in anticipation of ''[[Godzilla 2000: Millennium]]'', Bandai released a sixth wave of High Grade figures.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=331 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 6]</ref> It includes:
*[[Godzilla]] [[MireGoji|1999]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MireGoji|1999]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[KingGoji|1962]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[KingGoji|1962]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 7===
===Godzilla 7===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_7.jpg|thumb|200px]]Wave 7 was released in [[2000]] in conjunction with ''[[Godzilla vs. Megaguirus]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=332 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 7]</ref> It includes the following figures:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_7.jpg|right|200px]]Wave 7 was released in [[2000]] in conjunction with ''[[Godzilla vs. Megaguirus]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=332 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 7]</ref> It includes the following figures:
*[[Godzilla]] [[MireGoji|2000]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MireGoji|2000]]
*[[Megaguirus]]
*[[Megaguirus]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 8===
===Godzilla 8===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_8.jpg|thumb|200px]]Wave 8 was released in [[2001]] to coincide with the release of ''[[Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=334 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 8]</ref> It includes the four monsters featured in the film, plus two classic monsters.
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_8.jpg|right|200px]]Wave 8 was released in [[2001]] to coincide with the release of ''[[Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=334 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 8]</ref> It includes the four monsters featured in the film, plus two classic monsters.
*[[Godzilla]] [[GMKGoji|2001]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[GMKGoji|2001]]
*[[Mothra/GMK|Mothra 2001]]
*[[Mothra/GMK|Mothra 2001]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 9===
===Godzilla 9===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_9.jpg|thumb|200px]]The ninth wave was released in [[2002]] to coincide with the release of the film ''[[Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=1057 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade Set 9]</ref> It includes:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_9.jpg|right|200px]]The ninth wave was released in [[2002]] to coincide with the release of the film ''[[Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla]]''.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=1057 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade Set 9]</ref> It includes:
*[[Godzilla]] [[KiryuGoji|2002]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[KiryuGoji|2002]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[MegaroGoji|1974]] (Comes with interchangeable arm that allows it to be turned into [[Fake Godzilla]])
*[[Godzilla]] [[MegaroGoji|1974]] (Comes with interchangeable arm that allows it to be turned into [[Fake Godzilla]])
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 10===
===Godzilla 10===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_10.jpg|thumb|200px]]Wave 10 was released in [[2003]] along with the film ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''. All six of the figures in this wave are new molds, but all except [[Ebirah]] are based on monsters that have already received High Grade figures.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=1333 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 10]</ref> The figures in this wave are:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_10.jpg|right|200px]]Wave 10 was released in [[2003]] along with the film ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''. All six of the figures in this wave are new molds, but all except [[Ebirah]] are based on monsters that have already received High Grade figures.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=1333 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 10]</ref> The figures in this wave are:
*[[Godzilla]] [[KiryuGoji|2003]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[KiryuGoji|2003]]
*[[Kiryu|Kiryu (Mechagodzilla)]] 2003
*[[Kiryu|Kiryu (Mechagodzilla)]] 2003
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 11===
===Godzilla 11===
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_11.jpg|thumb|200px]]In [[2004]], to celebrate both the release of ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'' and [[Godzilla]]'s 50th anniversary, Bandai released a 12th wave of High Grade figures.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=1565 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 11]</ref> All of the figures in this wave are of monsters featured in ''Godzilla: Final Wars'', and include:
[[File:Bandai_HG_Set_11.jpg|right|200px]]In [[2004]], to celebrate both the release of ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'' and [[Godzilla]]'s 50th anniversary, Bandai released a 12th wave of High Grade figures.<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/listings/itemListingRpt.php?catID=2&subCatID=46&contentID=1565 Club Tokyo: Godzilla High Grade 11]</ref> All of the figures in this wave are of monsters featured in ''Godzilla: Final Wars'', and include:
*[[Godzilla]] [[FinalGoji|2004]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[FinalGoji|2004]]
*[[Monster X]]
*[[Monster X]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 2014===
===Godzilla 2014===
[[File:HG Godzilla 2014.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]In [[2014]], Bandai released the first new High Grade wave since 2004, not counting the Godzilla Chronicle reissue sets, in commemoration of the [[Godzilla (2014 film)|2014 American film]]. From this point onward, the waves abandoned their previous numbering. It features four figures:
[[File:HG Godzilla 2014.jpg|right|200px]]In [[2014]], Bandai released the first new High Grade wave since 2004, not counting the Godzilla Chronicle reissue sets, in commemoration of the [[Godzilla (2014 film)|2014 American film]]. From this point onward, the waves abandoned their previous numbering. It features four figures:
*[[Godzilla]] [[GareGoji|2014]]
*[[Godzilla]] [[GareGoji|2014]]
*[[Godzilla]] (Spit Fire Version)
*[[Godzilla]] (Spit Fire Version)
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Shin Godzilla===
===Shin Godzilla===
[[File:Bandai HG Shin Godzilla Set.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]To coincide with the upcoming film ''[[Shin Godzilla]]'', Bandai released a new wave of High Grade Figures in August 2016. The wave includes:
[[File:Bandai HG Shin Godzilla Set.jpg|right|200px]]To coincide with the upcoming film ''[[Shin Godzilla]]'', Bandai released a new wave of High Grade Figures in August 2016. The wave includes:
*[[ShodaiGoji|Godzilla 1954]]
*[[ShodaiGoji|Godzilla 1954]]
*[[BioGoji|Godzilla 1989]]
*[[BioGoji|Godzilla 1989]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Shin Godzilla 2===
===Shin Godzilla 2===
[[File:BANDA2017G16.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
[[File:BANDA2017G16.jpg|right|200px]]
Following the release of ''[[Shin Godzilla]]'', Bandai announced a second wave of High Grade figures based on the film. It includes all four forms of [[Godzilla/2016|Shin Godzilla]]:
Following the release of ''[[Shin Godzilla]]'', Bandai announced a second wave of High Grade figures based on the film. It includes all four forms of [[Godzilla/2016|Shin Godzilla]]:
*[[ShinGoji|Godzilla 2016]] (1st Form)
*[[ShinGoji|Godzilla 2016]] (1st Form)
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Shin Godzilla Climax===
===Shin Godzilla Climax===
[[File:Shin_Godzilla_high_grade_set_2_variants.JPG|thumb|right|200px]]
[[File:Shin_Godzilla_high_grade_set_2_variants.JPG|right|200px]]
In 2017, Bandai released another wave of ''[[Shin Godzilla]]'' figures, all of which were repaints of the figures from the previous two waves. Figures in this wave are:
In 2017, Bandai released another wave of ''[[Shin Godzilla]]'' figures, all of which were repaints of the figures from the previous two waves. Figures in this wave are:
*[[ShinGoji|Godzilla 2016]] 2nd Form Model Color Ver.
*[[ShinGoji|Godzilla 2016]] 2nd Form Model Color Ver.
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===Godzilla 2017===
===Godzilla 2017===
[[File:Bandai HG Godzilla 2017 set IM.JPG|thumb|right|200px]]
[[File:Bandai HG Godzilla 2017 set IM.JPG|right|200px]]
[[Bandai]] announced a wave of High Grade figures for release in the third week of January [[2018]] to commemorate ''[[Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters|GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters]]''. Figures in this wave are:
[[Bandai]] announced a wave of High Grade figures for release in the third week of January [[2018]] to commemorate ''[[Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters|GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters]]''. Figures in this wave are:
*[[AniGoji|Godzilla 2017]]
*[[AniGoji|Godzilla 2017]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===D+ Godzilla 01===
===D+ Godzilla 01===
[[File:HG D+ Godzilla 01 final.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
[[File:HG D+ Godzilla 01 final.jpg|right|200px]]
In the fourth week of May 2019, to accompany the release of ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]'', Bandai released the first "D+" wave of Godzilla: High Grade figures. These figures come in round shells bearing the texture of Godzilla's skin that can be opened into miniature dioramas, complete with effect parts. The first D+ wave includes the following four figures:
In the fourth week of May 2019, to accompany the release of ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]'', Bandai released the first "D+" wave of Godzilla: High Grade figures. These figures come in round shells bearing the texture of Godzilla's skin that can be opened into miniature dioramas, complete with effect parts. The first D+ wave includes the following four figures:
*[[ShodaiGoji|Godzilla (1954)]]
*[[ShodaiGoji|Godzilla (1954)]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===D+ EX01===
===D+ EX01===
[[File:HG D+ EX 01.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
[[File:HG D+ EX 01.jpg|right|200px]]
Premium Bandai will be releasing a set of "D+ EX" figures in November 2019. Like the D+ Godzilla 01 wave, these figures come in shells which can be opened into dioramas. The set includes three figures:
Premium Bandai will be releasing a set of "D+ EX" figures in November 2019. Like the D+ Godzilla 01 wave, these figures come in shells which can be opened into dioramas. The set includes three figures:
*[[Mothra/Legendary|Mothra (2019)]]
*[[Mothra/Legendary|Mothra (2019)]]
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</gallery>
</gallery>
===D+ Godzilla 02===
===D+ Godzilla 02===
[[File:HG D+ Godzilla 02.jpg|right|200px]]
Bandai released the second standard wave of D+ Godzilla figures in November 2019. Figures in this wave are:
Bandai released the second standard wave of D+ Godzilla figures in November 2019. Figures in this wave are:
*[[BioGoji|Godzilla (1989)]]
*[[BioGoji|Godzilla (1989)]]
*[[Biollante]] (Flower Beast Form)
*[[Biollante]] (Flower Beast Form)
*[[Hedorah]] (Perfect Stage)
*[[Hedorah]]
*[[Kiryu]]
*[[Kiryu|Mechagodzilla (Type-3 Kiryu)]]
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
HG D+ Godzilla 02 Godzilla (1989).png|Godzilla (1989)
HG D+ Godzilla 02 Biollante (Flower Beast Form).png|Biollante<br>(Flower Beast Form)
HG D+ Godzilla 02 Hedorah.png|Hedorah
HG D+ Godzilla 02 Mechagodzilla (Type-3 Kiryu).png|Mechagodzilla<br>(Type-3 Kiryu)
</gallery>
{{Clear}}
==Bootlegs==
==Bootlegs==
[[File:Bootleg_Markings.jpg|thumb|200px|Bootleg markings (top), Actual Bandai markings (bottom)]]Starting in summer of 2000, bootlegs of the wave 4 figures began appearing on the internet, and remain common on sites such as eBay and Amazon to this day. Though at first glance it may be difficult to spot the differences between the real figures and the bootlegs, there are some notable differences. The bootleg figures are generally smaller and feature sloppier paint jobs. They also lack the marking on their tails that lists the copyright date and "BANDAI CHINA," instead simply listing the word "CHINA."<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/articles/beaware/bootlegBandaiHG4.php?catID=Art Club Tokyo: Bandai High Grade 4 Bootlegs]</ref> Below are pictures comparing the actual figures and their bootlegs.
[[File:Bootleg_Markings.jpg|thumb|200px|Bootleg markings (top), Actual Bandai markings (bottom)]]Starting in summer of 2000, bootlegs of the wave 4 figures began appearing on the internet, and remain common on sites such as eBay and Amazon to this day. Though at first glance it may be difficult to spot the differences between the real figures and the bootlegs, there are some notable differences. The bootleg figures are generally smaller and feature sloppier paint jobs. They also lack the marking on their tails that lists the copyright date and "BANDAI CHINA," instead simply listing the word "CHINA."<ref>[http://www.clubtokyo.org/articles/beaware/bootlegBandaiHG4.php?catID=Art Club Tokyo: Bandai High Grade 4 Bootlegs]</ref> Below are pictures comparing the actual figures and their bootlegs.
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</gallery>
</gallery>
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*There has been a wave of High Grade figures made for every ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' film since [[1994]].
*There has been a wave of High Grade figures made for almost every ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' film since [[1994]]. The only films without their own dedicated waves are ''[[Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle|GODZILLA: City on the Edge of Battle]]'' and ''[[Godzilla: The Planet Eater|GODZILLA: The Planet Eater]]''.
*[[Bandai]] also produced a [[Gamera: High Grade]] line from [[1995]] to [[1999]].
*[[Bandai]] also produced a [[Gamera: High Grade]] line from [[1995]] to [[1999]].
==References==
==References==

Revision as of 15:14, 10 November 2019

Godzilla: High Grade (HG シリーズ,   Eichi Jī Shirīzu, lit. H.G. Series) is a line of two-inch tall collectible gashapon figures produced by Bandai. These figures are released in waves that usually coincide with the newest Godzilla film. They are typically sold in vending machines and all require at least minor assembly.

Waves

Godzilla 1

Bandai HG Set 1.jpg

The first wave was released in 1994 in conjunction with Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.[1] It includes the following figures:


Godzilla 2

Bandai HG Set 2.jpg

The second wave was released in 1995 to coincide with Godzilla vs. Destoroyah.[2] It includes:


Godzilla 3

Bandai HG Set 3.jpg

Wave 3 was released in 1997 to coincide with Rebirth of Mothra II.[3] It includes:


Godzilla 4

Bandai HG Set 4.jpg

The fourth wave was released in 1998 to coincide with GODZILLA (1998).[4] Figures included in this wave are:


Godzilla 5

Bandai HG Set 5.jpg

Wave 5 was released in 1998 to commemorate the release of Rebirth of Mothra III.[5] It includes the following figures:


EX

Bandai HG EX.jpg

In 1998, Bandai re-released the figures from wave 1 under the name "Godzilla: High Grade EX." These figures featured slightly different paint jobs than wave 1, and were sold exclusively at 7-11 stores instead of in vending machines.[6] Just like wave 1, Godzilla: High Grade EX features the following figures:


Godzilla 6

Bandai HG Set 6.jpg

In 1999, in anticipation of Godzilla 2000: Millennium, Bandai released a sixth wave of High Grade figures.[7] It includes:


Godzilla 7

Bandai HG Set 7.jpg

Wave 7 was released in 2000 in conjunction with Godzilla vs. Megaguirus.[8] It includes the following figures:


Godzilla 8

Bandai HG Set 8.jpg

Wave 8 was released in 2001 to coincide with the release of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack.[9] It includes the four monsters featured in the film, plus two classic monsters.


Godzilla 9

Bandai HG Set 9.jpg

The ninth wave was released in 2002 to coincide with the release of the film Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla.[10] It includes:


Godzilla 10

Bandai HG Set 10.jpg

Wave 10 was released in 2003 along with the film Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.. All six of the figures in this wave are new molds, but all except Ebirah are based on monsters that have already received High Grade figures.[11] The figures in this wave are:


Godzilla 11

Bandai HG Set 11.jpg

In 2004, to celebrate both the release of Godzilla: Final Wars and Godzilla's 50th anniversary, Bandai released a 12th wave of High Grade figures.[12] All of the figures in this wave are of monsters featured in Godzilla: Final Wars, and include:


Godzilla 2014

HG Godzilla 2014.jpg

In 2014, Bandai released the first new High Grade wave since 2004, not counting the Godzilla Chronicle reissue sets, in commemoration of the 2014 American film. From this point onward, the waves abandoned their previous numbering. It features four figures:


Shin Godzilla

Bandai HG Shin Godzilla Set.jpg

To coincide with the upcoming film Shin Godzilla, Bandai released a new wave of High Grade Figures in August 2016. The wave includes:


Shin Godzilla 2

BANDA2017G16.jpg

Following the release of Shin Godzilla, Bandai announced a second wave of High Grade figures based on the film. It includes all four forms of Shin Godzilla:

  • Godzilla 2016 (1st Form)
  • Godzilla 2016 (2nd Form)
  • Godzilla 2016 (2nd Form) - Translucent Ver.
  • Godzilla 2016 (3rd Form)
  • Godzilla 2016 (4th Form) - includes interchangeable mouth parts to simulate Godzilla firing atomic breath
  • Godzilla 2016 (4th Form) - painted to represent Godzilla frozen from the film's ending, includes fifth form on the figure's tail


Shin Godzilla Climax

Shin Godzilla high grade set 2 variants.JPG

In 2017, Bandai released another wave of Shin Godzilla figures, all of which were repaints of the figures from the previous two waves. Figures in this wave are:

  • Godzilla 2016 2nd Form Model Color Ver.
  • Godzilla 2016 4th Form Model Color Ver.
  • Godzilla 2016 4th Form Frozen Ver.
  • Godzilla 2016 4th Form Daytime Ver.

Godzilla 2017

Bandai HG Godzilla 2017 set IM.JPG

Bandai announced a wave of High Grade figures for release in the third week of January 2018 to commemorate GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters. Figures in this wave are:

D+ Godzilla 01

HG D+ Godzilla 01 final.jpg

In the fourth week of May 2019, to accompany the release of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Bandai released the first "D+" wave of Godzilla: High Grade figures. These figures come in round shells bearing the texture of Godzilla's skin that can be opened into miniature dioramas, complete with effect parts. The first D+ wave includes the following four figures:

D+ EX01

HG D+ EX 01.jpg

Premium Bandai will be releasing a set of "D+ EX" figures in November 2019. Like the D+ Godzilla 01 wave, these figures come in shells which can be opened into dioramas. The set includes three figures:

D+ Godzilla 02

HG D+ Godzilla 02.jpg

Bandai released the second standard wave of D+ Godzilla figures in November 2019. Figures in this wave are:


Bootlegs

Bootleg markings (top), Actual Bandai markings (bottom)

Starting in summer of 2000, bootlegs of the wave 4 figures began appearing on the internet, and remain common on sites such as eBay and Amazon to this day. Though at first glance it may be difficult to spot the differences between the real figures and the bootlegs, there are some notable differences. The bootleg figures are generally smaller and feature sloppier paint jobs. They also lack the marking on their tails that lists the copyright date and "BANDAI CHINA," instead simply listing the word "CHINA."[13] Below are pictures comparing the actual figures and their bootlegs.

Trivia

References

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TriStar
Legendary
GODZILLA (1998)
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LittleGodzilla
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