Trendmasters: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Trendmasters logo.png|right|250px]] | [[File:Trendmasters logo.png|right|250px]] | ||
'''Trendmasters''' was the primary ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' toy manufacturer in the [[United States]] in the 1990s. Aside from its classic ''Godzilla'' lines, Trendmasters released a line for the [[ | '''Trendmasters''' was the primary ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' toy manufacturer in the [[United States]] in the 1990s. Aside from its classic ''Godzilla'' lines, Trendmasters released a line for the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 American ''GODZILLA'' film]] and even had a brief ''[[Gamera (franchise)|Gamera]]'' toy line. Many of the company's classic ''Godzilla'' figures had multiple variations ranging from packaging differences to color and whether they made sounds or not. The two main lines for the classic ''Godzilla'' series were King of the Monsters and Godzilla Wars. There was a third line called Godzilla: Doom Island, which only saw a minor release through Trendmasters' online store. | ||
{{TOC}} | {{TOC}} | ||
==King of the Monsters== | ==King of the Monsters== | ||
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King of the Monsters was the first main line of Trendmasters' classic ''Godzilla'' figures. They were released in [[1994]] in various retail stores. There were multiple releases of certain characters like [[Godzilla]], [[Rodan]], [[King Ghidorah]], and [[Mothra]] in different size ranges. | King of the Monsters was the first main line of Trendmasters' classic ''Godzilla'' figures. They were released in [[1994]] in various retail stores. There were multiple releases of certain characters like [[Godzilla]], [[Rodan]], [[King Ghidorah]], and [[Mothra]] in different size ranges. | ||
===6-inch figures=== | ===6-inch figures=== | ||
The 6-inch figures either had sound or no | The 6-inch figures either had sound or no sound at all included with the figures. Included with them are collector cards. The Kmart exclusives come with tiny army men and a tank, but left out the collector card, while the regular sound versions come with the army men, the tank, and a collector card. Despite the size classification being 6 inches, some of the toys range from 5-6 inches. The 6-inch figures are: | ||
*[[Godzilla]] (versions: glowing eyes; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound) | *[[Godzilla]] (versions: glowing eyes; no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound) | ||
*Godzilla (Supercharged) (versions: glowing eyes; with sound) | *Godzilla (Supercharged) (versions: glowing eyes; with sound) | ||
*[[King Ghidorah]] (versions: no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound) | *[[King Ghidorah]] (versions: no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound) | ||
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trendmaster-6figurewsnd-scgsd.JPG|Godzilla (Supercharged) | trendmaster-6figurewsnd-scgsd.JPG|Godzilla (Supercharged) | ||
Trend-6in-ghid.jpg|King Ghidorah | Trend-6in-ghid.jpg|King Ghidorah | ||
Trendghido.jpeg|King Ghidorah (no sound) | |||
Ghidorah-Playset-Front.jpg|King Ghidorah (Kmart exclusive with sound) | Ghidorah-Playset-Front.jpg|King Ghidorah (Kmart exclusive with sound) | ||
Trendmosu.jpeg|Mothra (no sound) | |||
MothraKmartExclusiveTrendmasters.jpg|Mothra (Kmart exclusive with sound) | MothraKmartExclusiveTrendmasters.jpg|Mothra (Kmart exclusive with sound) | ||
Trendmeka.jpg|Mechagodzilla | |||
trendmaster-6figurewsnd-rodan.JPG|Rodan (with sound) | trendmaster-6figurewsnd-rodan.JPG|Rodan (with sound) | ||
trendmaster-6figurewsnd-biol.JPG|Biollante (with sound) | trendmaster-6figurewsnd-biol.JPG|Biollante (with sound) | ||
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===10-inch figures=== | ===10-inch figures=== | ||
All of the 10-inch figures have electronics in them, as well as motion-sensors that allow the monster to roar whenever their sensors detect movement. Unlike the 6-inch figures, these did not come with collector cards. The sizes of these figures range from 8-10 inches. The 10-inch figures are: | All of the 10-inch figures have electronics in them, as well as motion-sensors that allow the monster to roar whenever their sensors detect movement. Unlike the 6-inch figures, these did not come with collector cards, but each figure did include a bonus comic book entitled ''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters - Monster Island Unleashed!]]''. The sizes of these figures range from 8-10 inches. The 10-inch figures are: | ||
*[[Godzilla]] | *[[Godzilla]] | ||
*Godzilla (Supercharged) | *Godzilla (Supercharged) | ||
*[[King Ghidorah]] | *[[King Ghidorah]] | ||
*[[Mothra]] | *[[Mothra]] | ||
*[[Mechagodzilla (Heisei)|Mechagodzilla]] (versions: regular; JC Penney exclusive that included ''[[Garuda]]'') | *[[Mechagodzilla (Heisei)|Mechagodzilla]] (versions: regular; JC Penney exclusive that included the ''[[Garuda]]'') | ||
*[[Rodan]] | *[[Rodan]] | ||
*[[Mecha-King Ghidorah]] | *[[Mecha-King Ghidorah]] | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Godzilla Force=== | ===Godzilla Force=== | ||
Sort of a precursor to the [[1998]] ''[[ | Sort of a precursor to the [[1998]] ''[[GODZILLA (1998 film)|GODZILLA]]'' toy line's human figures, Trendmasters made figures of humans and the ''[[Garuda]]'' that were part of a group called Godzilla Force, similar to the [[G-Force]] organization from the last three [[Heisei era|Heisei]] ''Godzilla'' films. The figures come with battle armor, weapons, a Godzilla Force badge, and a collectible trading card. The ''Garuda'' toy came with its own smaller pilot figure. These toys are only 4 inches tall, with the ''Garuda'' being 4 inches long. Figures that are part of Godzilla Force include: | ||
*David Easton | *David Easton | ||
*Peter Richards | *Peter Richards | ||
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GarudaFlyingShip-Front.jpg|''Garuda'' | GarudaFlyingShip-Front.jpg|''Garuda'' | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Figure sets=== | ===Figure sets=== | ||
Figure sets are basically 4-inch Godzilla figures packaged together with various other monsters. Like many other Trendmaster products, they came with collectible trading cards. The figure sets are: | Figure sets are basically 4-inch Godzilla figures packaged together with various other monsters. Like many other Trendmaster products, they came with collectible trading cards. The figure sets are: | ||
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*Godzilla vs. [[Rodan]] in [[New York City|New York]] (versions: regular Godzilla head; Supercharged Godzilla head) | *Godzilla vs. [[Rodan]] in [[New York City|New York]] (versions: regular Godzilla head; Supercharged Godzilla head) | ||
<gallery widths="120" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center"> | <gallery widths="120" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center"> | ||
Ghidorah-SF photo.JPG|Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in San | File:Ghidorah-SF photo.JPG|Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in San Francisco | ||
File:Trendmaster-headset-gvmgopen.JPG|Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla in Los Angeles | |||
Rodan-NY photo.JPG|Godzilla vs. Rodan in New York | File:Rodan-NY photo.JPG|Godzilla vs. Rodan in New York | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Wind-Ups=== | ===Wind-Ups=== | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Miscellaneous=== | ===Miscellaneous=== | ||
Trendmasters released many ''Godzilla'' products during the King of the Monsters toy line run, ranging from piggy banks, drinking straws, growing Godzilla figures, and pop-up toys. These are items that | Trendmasters released many ''Godzilla'' products during the King of the Monsters toy line run, ranging from piggy banks, drinking straws, growing Godzilla figures, and pop-up toys. These are items that do not fit in with the other categories of the line. | ||
*[[Godzilla]] Monster Bank | *[[Godzilla]] Monster Bank | ||
*Godzilla Monster Fun Straw | *Godzilla Monster Fun Straw | ||
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trendmaster-popup-rodls.JPG|Rodan Pop-up | trendmaster-popup-rodls.JPG|Rodan Pop-up | ||
GodzillaNewYork-Playset-Front.jpg|Godzilla Attacks New York Giant Playset | GodzillaNewYork-Playset-Front.jpg|Godzilla Attacks New York Giant Playset | ||
trendmaster-blaster-jcpennylbl.JPG|Godzilla Attacks New York Missile Blaster Set | trendmaster-blaster-jcpennylbl.JPG|Godzilla Attacks New York Missile Blaster Set (JCPenney exclusive) | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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<gallery widths="120" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center"> | <gallery widths="120" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center"> | ||
8311831599_594ce5b611_z.jpg|Godzilla Battle Armor | 8311831599_594ce5b611_z.jpg|Godzilla Battle Armor | ||
31680611841 0f7fceb33f b.jpg|Mecha-King Ghidorah Battle Armor | |||
battle-armor-kumonga-godzilla-doom-island.jpg|Kumonga Battle Armor | battle-armor-kumonga-godzilla-doom-island.jpg|Kumonga Battle Armor | ||
trendmastersFigureDoomAngPower.jpg|Anguirus Battle Armor | trendmastersFigureDoomAngPower.jpg|Anguirus Battle Armor | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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MechaKingGhidorahVsDinosaurs-Front.jpg|Mecha-King Ghidorah vs. ''Velociraptor''s and ''Pteranodon'' | MechaKingGhidorahVsDinosaurs-Front.jpg|Mecha-King Ghidorah vs. ''Velociraptor''s and ''Pteranodon'' | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==[[ | ==[[GODZILLA (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]]== | ||
Trendmasters produced a short-lived toy line for the [[ | Trendmasters produced a short-lived toy line for the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 American film]], featuring several figures of [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]], the [[Baby Godzilla (TriStar)|Baby Godzilla]]s, a few human characters from the film, and several military weapons and vehicles. A second line was planned but never released. A line for the [[Godzilla: The Series|animated series]] was also planned, but was cancelled after Trendmasters went bankrupt. | ||
===Godzilla=== | ===Godzilla=== | ||
*Combat Claw [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]] | *Combat Claw [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]] | ||
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Gamera: Guardian of the Universe was a short-lived ''[[Gamera (franchise)|Gamera]]'' toy line produced by Trendmasters in the late 1990s. The line included figures of [[Gamera]] and several of his classic enemies. | Gamera: Guardian of the Universe was a short-lived ''[[Gamera (franchise)|Gamera]]'' toy line produced by Trendmasters in the late 1990s. The line included figures of [[Gamera]] and several of his classic enemies. | ||
===Figures=== | ===Figures=== | ||
*[[Gamera]] with Fireball Missile Blast | *[[Gamera]] with Fireball Missile Blast (versions: with sound; no sound) | ||
*[[Gyaos]] with Firing Sonic Beam | *[[Gyaos]] with Firing Sonic Beam (versions: with sound; no sound) | ||
*[[Guiron|Guilon]] with Firing Saber Fin | *[[Guiron|Guilon]] with Firing Saber Fin (versions: with sound; no sound) | ||
*[[Jiger]] with Firing Terror Talon | *[[Jiger]] with Firing Terror Talon (versions: with sound; no sound) | ||
*[[Viras]] with Thrashing Tentacle Attack | *[[Viras]] with Thrashing Tentacle Attack (versions: with sound; no sound) | ||
*[[Zigra]] with Firing Paralysis Beam | *[[Zigra]] with Firing Paralysis Beam (versions: with sound; no sound) | ||
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | <gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | ||
Trendmasters Gamera.jpg|Gamera | Trendmasters Gamera.jpg|Gamera | ||
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Trendmasters Viras.jpg|Viras | Trendmasters Viras.jpg|Viras | ||
Trendmasters Zigra.jpg|Zigra | Trendmasters Zigra.jpg|Zigra | ||
Trendmasters Gamera Back.jpg | Trendmasters Gamera Back.jpg|The back of the packaging | ||
1998-trendmasters-gamera-guardian 1 ad4bb3ffca2f6cd33079e2fac7a04588.jpg|Roaring Gamera with Fireball Missile Blast | 1998-trendmasters-gamera-guardian 1 ad4bb3ffca2f6cd33079e2fac7a04588.jpg|Roaring Gamera with Fireball Missile Blast | ||
Trendmasters GTS and Gamera Ad.jpg|Advertisement for Trendmasters' Gamera line and cancelled ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'' line | Trendmasters GTS and Gamera Ad.jpg|Advertisement for Trendmasters' Gamera: Guardian of the Universe toy line and its cancelled ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'' toy line | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Cancelled releases== | ==Cancelled releases== | ||
===King Kong: The Ultimate Beast=== | ===King Kong: The Ultimate Beast=== | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Second ''GODZILLA'' (1998) line=== | ===Second ''GODZILLA'' (1998) line=== | ||
A second line for the [[ | A second line for the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 American film]] was planned for a release during the holiday season of 1998, but due to the first line's poor sales it was cancelled. However, prototypes from the line exist, several of which are just repaints of figures from the first line. | ||
*Nuclear Glow [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]] | *Nuclear Glow [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]] | ||
*Steel Attack Godzilla | *Steel Attack Godzilla | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===''Godzilla: The Series'' line=== | ===''Godzilla: The Series'' line=== | ||
Another line of figures was planned to coincide with ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'', but it was cancelled when Trendmasters went bankrupt. Like the unreleased second line for ''[[ | Another line of figures was planned to coincide with ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'', but it was cancelled when Trendmasters went bankrupt. Like the unreleased second line for ''[[GODZILLA (1998 film)|GODZILLA]]'', prototypes of figures from this line exist. | ||
*Ultimate [[Godzilla (Godzilla: The Series)|Animated Godzilla]] (repaint of Ultimate Godzilla) | *Ultimate [[Godzilla (Godzilla: The Series)|Animated Godzilla]] (repaint of Ultimate Godzilla) | ||
*Deluxe Godzilla | *Deluxe Godzilla | ||
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8572238553 b501064002 b.jpg|Human figure prototypes | 8572238553 b501064002 b.jpg|Human figure prototypes | ||
8572605431 cc9090e591 b.jpg|N.I.G.E.L. prototypes | 8572605431 cc9090e591 b.jpg|N.I.G.E.L. prototypes | ||
Trendmasters GTS and Gamera Ad.jpg|Advertisement for Trendmasters' ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'' and Gamera lines | Trendmasters GTS and Gamera Ad.jpg|Advertisement for Trendmasters' ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'' and Gamera: Guardian of the Universe toy lines | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Had the line been released, the next planned figures would have included [[El Gusano Gigante]], a [[Cyber Fly]], and a [[Mutant Rat]].<ref name="SciFi Japan">[https://www.scifijapan.com/merchandise/godzilla-the-series-the-lost-trendmasters-toy-line GODZILLA: THE SERIES- The Lost Trendmasters Toy Line - SciFi Japan]</ref> | Had the toy line been released, the next planned figures would have included [[El Gusano Gigante]], a [[Cyber Fly]], and a [[Mutant Rat]].<ref name="SciFi Japan">[https://www.scifijapan.com/merchandise/godzilla-the-series-the-lost-trendmasters-toy-line GODZILLA: THE SERIES- The Lost Trendmasters Toy Line - SciFi Japan]</ref> | ||
==Videos== | ==Videos== | ||
{{Videos| | {{Videos| | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Trendmasters produced figures of [[Battra]], [[Mecha-King Ghidorah]], [[SpaceGodzilla]], and [[Destoroyah]] several years before the films in which they were introduced were released in the [[United States]]. Furthermore, many of Trendmasters' figures of existing [[kaiju]] were based on their [[Heisei era|Heisei]] designs, such as with [[Mechagodzilla (Heisei)|Mechagodzilla]] and [[Moguera|MOGUERA]], even though the films featuring those designs had not yet been released in the U.S. | *Trendmasters produced figures of [[Battra]], [[Mecha-King Ghidorah]], [[SpaceGodzilla]], and [[Destoroyah]] several years before the films in which they were introduced were released in the [[United States]]. Furthermore, many of Trendmasters' figures of existing [[kaiju]] were based on their [[Heisei era|Heisei]] designs, such as with [[Mechagodzilla (Heisei)|Mechagodzilla]] and [[Moguera|MOGUERA]], even though the films featuring those designs had not yet been released in the U.S. | ||
*Trendmasters [[Godzilla]] and Mecha-King Ghidorah toys appear in ''[[wikipedia:Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]'', the film [[Roland Emmerich]] directed prior to ''[[ | *Trendmasters [[Godzilla]] and Mecha-King Ghidorah toys appear in ''[[wikipedia:Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]'', the film [[Roland Emmerich]] directed prior to ''[[GODZILLA (1998 film)|GODZILLA]]''. | ||
*Several of Trendmasters' figures for the 1998 film were distributed in [[Japan]] by [[Bandai]]. | *Several of Trendmasters' figures for the 1998 film were distributed in [[Japan]] by [[Bandai]]. | ||
*[[Toho]] would later perform a 3D scan of Trendmasters' Ultimate [[ToraGoji|Godzilla]] figure to create [[Zilla]]'s CGI model for ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]''.<ref name ="SciFi Japan"/> | *[[Toho]] would later perform a 3D scan of Trendmasters' Ultimate [[ToraGoji|Godzilla]] figure to create [[Zilla]]'s CGI model for ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]''.<ref name ="SciFi Japan"/> | ||
*Trendmasters' Gamera: Guardian of the Universe line includes all of [[Gamera]]'s enemies from the [[Showa era|Showa series]] except for [[Barugon]]. | *Trendmasters' Gamera: Guardian of the Universe line includes all of [[Gamera]]'s enemies from the [[Showa era|Showa series]] except for [[Barugon]]. | ||
*Trendmasters released a comic book titled ''[[Monster Island Unleashed]]'' to promote its first wave of ''Godzilla'' figures in [[1994]]. The comic is notable for being the first American ''Godzilla'' comic to feature [[Mothra]], [[Rodan]], [[King Ghidorah]] (as [[Mecha-King Ghidorah]]), or [[Mechagodzilla (Heisei)|Mechagodzilla]]. The only American comic beforehand to include any other [[Toho]] kaiju beside Godzilla was [[Cinema Shares]]' [[1976]] [[Godzilla vs. Megalon (comic)|promotional comic]] for ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]''. | *Trendmasters released a comic book titled ''[[Monster Island Unleashed]]'' to promote its first wave of ''Godzilla'' figures in [[1994]]. The comic is notable for being the first American ''Godzilla'' comic to feature [[Mothra]], [[Rodan]], [[King Ghidorah]] (as [[Mecha-King Ghidorah]]), or [[Mechagodzilla (Heisei)|Mechagodzilla]]. The only American comic beforehand to include any other [[Toho]] kaiju beside Godzilla was [[Cinema Shares]]' [[1976]] [[Godzilla vs. Megalon (comic)|promotional comic]] for ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]''. | ||
*Trendmasters created several unique [[trademark icons]] for each of the "Big Five" kaiju which appear on the packaging for their toys, featuring artwork of their toys of the monsters in place of the original artwork used on [[Toho]]'s icons. Unique icons for [[TriStar Pictures|TriStar]]'s versions of [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]] and [[Baby Godzilla (TriStar)|Baby Godzilla]] from the [[ | *Trendmasters created several unique [[trademark icons]] for each of the "Big Five" kaiju which appear on the packaging for their toys, featuring artwork of their toys of the monsters in place of the original artwork used on [[Toho]]'s icons. Unique icons for [[TriStar Pictures|TriStar]]'s versions of [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Godzilla]] and [[Baby Godzilla (TriStar)|Baby Godzilla]] from the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 film]] also appeared on some of Trendmasters' toys. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== |
Latest revision as of 03:46, 24 March 2024
Trendmasters was the primary Godzilla toy manufacturer in the United States in the 1990s. Aside from its classic Godzilla lines, Trendmasters released a line for the 1998 American GODZILLA film and even had a brief Gamera toy line. Many of the company's classic Godzilla figures had multiple variations ranging from packaging differences to color and whether they made sounds or not. The two main lines for the classic Godzilla series were King of the Monsters and Godzilla Wars. There was a third line called Godzilla: Doom Island, which only saw a minor release through Trendmasters' online store.
King of the Monsters
King of the Monsters was the first main line of Trendmasters' classic Godzilla figures. They were released in 1994 in various retail stores. There were multiple releases of certain characters like Godzilla, Rodan, King Ghidorah, and Mothra in different size ranges.
6-inch figures
The 6-inch figures either had sound or no sound at all included with the figures. Included with them are collector cards. The Kmart exclusives come with tiny army men and a tank, but left out the collector card, while the regular sound versions come with the army men, the tank, and a collector card. Despite the size classification being 6 inches, some of the toys range from 5-6 inches. The 6-inch figures are:
- Godzilla (versions: glowing eyes; no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound)
- Godzilla (Supercharged) (versions: glowing eyes; with sound)
- King Ghidorah (versions: no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound)
- Mothra (versions: no sound; with sound, Kmart exclusive with sound)
- Mechagodzilla (versions: no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound)
- Rodan (versions: no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound)
- Biollante (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Mecha-King Ghidorah (versions: no sound; with sound; Kmart exclusive with sound)
- Battra (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Gigan (versions: no sound; with sound)
10-inch figures
All of the 10-inch figures have electronics in them, as well as motion-sensors that allow the monster to roar whenever their sensors detect movement. Unlike the 6-inch figures, these did not come with collector cards, but each figure did include a bonus comic book entitled Godzilla: King of the Monsters - Monster Island Unleashed!. The sizes of these figures range from 8-10 inches. The 10-inch figures are:
- Godzilla
- Godzilla (Supercharged)
- King Ghidorah
- Mothra
- Mechagodzilla (versions: regular; JC Penney exclusive that included the Garuda)
- Rodan
- Mecha-King Ghidorah
Bendables
Just as the name implies, these figures' limbs are able to bend with ease, allowing collectors and children alike to pose them in a variety of different ways. Like the 6-inch figures, collectible cards were included with every toy. The figures are 4 inches tall. The Bendable figures are:
- Godzilla (versions: green-colored; aqua blue-colored)
- King Ghidorah (versions: gold-colored; dull gold-colored)
- Mothra
- Mechagodzilla
- Rodan
Hatchlings
These little toys come with eggs that they could fit inside so that children or collectors can re-enact the monsters "hatching" out of their eggs. These toys are only 2 inches tall. Included with the figures are collectible trading cards. The Hatchling figures are:
- Godzilla (versions: regular; crooked neck)
- King Ghidorah
- Mothra
- Mechagodzilla
- Rodan
Walkers
Battery-powered toys that allow the figures to move around, roar, and do attack motions. These figures stand 11-12 inches tall. The two Walker figures are:
Godzilla Force
Sort of a precursor to the 1998 GODZILLA toy line's human figures, Trendmasters made figures of humans and the Garuda that were part of a group called Godzilla Force, similar to the G-Force organization from the last three Heisei Godzilla films. The figures come with battle armor, weapons, a Godzilla Force badge, and a collectible trading card. The Garuda toy came with its own smaller pilot figure. These toys are only 4 inches tall, with the Garuda being 4 inches long. Figures that are part of Godzilla Force include:
- David Easton
- Peter Richards
- Margaret O'Brien
- Michael van Horn
- Garuda
Figure sets
Figure sets are basically 4-inch Godzilla figures packaged together with various other monsters. Like many other Trendmaster products, they came with collectible trading cards. The figure sets are:
- Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (versions: regular; Toys'R'Us exclusive)
- Godzilla vs. Mothra (versions: regular; Toys'R'Us exclusive)
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (versions: regular; Toys'R'Us exclusive)
- Godzilla vs. Rodan (versions: regular; Toys'R'Us exclusive)
- Godzilla vs. Mecha-King Ghidorah (versions: regular; smooth wing Mecha-King Ghidorah; Toys'R'Us exclusive)
- JCPenney 3-Pack (includes Godzilla, Rodan, and King Ghidorah)
- King of the Monsters 40th Anniversary Set (includes Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, Rodan, King Ghidorah, Battra, Mecha-King Ghidorah, Gigan, Mothra, and Biollante)
- Thundering Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (Toy Liquidators exclusive)
- Battling Godzilla vs. Mecha-King Ghidorah (Toy Liquidators exclusive)
- Supercharged Nuclear Godzilla vs. Battra (Toy Liquidators exclusive)
- Supercharged Raging Godzilla vs. Gigan (Toy Liquidators exclusive)
- Supercharged Thundering Godzilla vs. Biollante (Toy Liquidators exclusive)
Micro playsets
Playsets of cities with tiny Godzilla figures and pieces for children and collectors alike to have tiny monster fights in cities. When folded up, the playset becomes Godzilla's head. Collectible trading cards are included in each set. Playsets included:
- Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in San Francisco (versions: regular Godzilla head; Supercharged Godzilla head)
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla in Los Angeles (versions: regular Godzilla head; Supercharged Godzilla head)
- Godzilla vs. Rodan in New York (versions: regular Godzilla head; Supercharged Godzilla head)
Wind-Ups
As the name implies, these toys walk, move their limbs, and open their mouths when the wind-up dial on their side was wound up. These figures were 3 inches tall and came with collectible trading cards. Wind-up figures are:
Miscellaneous
Trendmasters released many Godzilla products during the King of the Monsters toy line run, ranging from piggy banks, drinking straws, growing Godzilla figures, and pop-up toys. These are items that do not fit in with the other categories of the line.
- Godzilla Monster Bank
- Godzilla Monster Fun Straw
- Godzilla Key Ring Bendable Figure
- Growing Godzilla (versions: New York; San Francisco; Tokyo)
- Godzilla Pop-Up
- Mechagodzilla Pop-Up
- Rodan Pop-Up
- Godzilla Attacks New York Giant Playset (includes Mecha-King Ghidorah)
- Godzilla Attacks New York Missile Blaster Set (JCPenney exclusive)
Godzilla Wars
The second main line of Trendmasters' classic Godzilla series was released in 1995. Many of the King of the Monsters figures were repackaged under the Godzilla Wars box, but there were also new figures made so as to add variety to the line. Like before, many of the packages had variations to them, as well as the figures themselves, and new collectible trading cards were available with most of the toys.
6-inch figures
Like in the King of the Monsters line, these figures either are available with sound or without it, as well as collectible trading cards. All of the previous 6-inch figures Trendmasters released were repackaged for this line, with only five new monsters available. Figures sold are:
- Godzilla (versions: glowing eyes; with sound)
- Godzilla (Supercharged) (versions: glowing eyes; with sound)
- King Ghidorah (no sound only)
- Mothra (no sound only)
- Mechagodzilla (versions: no sound; with sound)
- Rodan (versions: no sound; with sound)
- Biollante (versions: no sound; with sound)
- Mecha-King Ghidorah (no sound only)
- Battra (versions: no sound; with sound)
- Gigan (versions: with sound; no sound)
- SpaceGodzilla (versions: no sound; with sound)
- MOGUERA (versions: no sound; with sound)
- Megalon (with sound only)
- Baragon (with sound only)
- Varan (with sound only)
10-inch figures
Figures sold are:
- Godzilla
- Godzilla (Supercharged)
- Mechagodzilla
- Mecha-King Ghidorah
- SpaceGodzilla
- Gigan
Bendables
Figures sold are:
- King Ghidorah
- Mechagodzilla
- Rodan
- Godzilla (Supercharged)
- SpaceGodzilla
- Biollante
- MOGUERA
Hatchlings and Micro Mountain
The King of the Monsters line packaged figures are either packaged with an egg or a mountain case, while the newer figures only came with the mountain case. Figures sold are:
- Godzilla (versions: egg; mountain case)
- Godzilla (Supercharged) (versions: egg; mountain case)
- King Ghidorah (versions: egg; mountain case)
- Mothra (versions: egg; mountain case)
- Mechagodzilla (versions: egg; mountain case)
- Rodan (versions: egg; mountain case)
- SpaceGodzilla
- MOGUERA
- Anguirus
Power-Ups
These are Godzilla figures with attachable weapons, making the flesh-covered toys appear to be cyborgs in a way. There were two variations of missile colors; red and blue. Figures sold are:
- Godzilla
- Godzilla (Supercharged)
- Mechagodzilla
- Rodan
- Mecha-King Ghidorah
Figure sets
Sets sold are:
- Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
- Godzilla vs. Mothra
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
- Godzilla vs. Rodan
- Godzilla vs. Mecha-King Ghidorah
- Godzilla vs. Battra
- Godzilla vs. Biollante
- Godzilla vs. Gigan
- Godzilla Wars 40th Anniversary Set (includes Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, Mecha-King Ghidorah, SpaceGodzilla, MOGUERA, Battra, Biollante, Gigan, and Anguirus - versions: regular; special repaint)
- Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla
- Godzilla vs. MOGUERA
- Godzilla vs. Anguirus
Micro playsets
Sets sold are:
- Godzilla vs. Biollante in Washington, D.C.
- Godzilla vs. Godzilla Force in Mecha-King Ghidorah Central Command
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla in Mechagodzilla Defense Base
- Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla in Tokyo
Doom Island
Trendmasters' third classic Godzilla line, Doom Island, was set to be released to stores in 1997, but it never was. The only release it received was through Trendmasters' website as contest give-away prizes. Years later in 2001, an Anguirus figure was revealed inside a Doom Island Godzilla box.
6-inch figures
- Godzilla (no sound)
- Godzilla (Supercharged - no sound)
- SpaceGodzilla (no sound)
- Megalon (no sound)
- Baragon (no sound)
- Varan (no sound)
10-inch figures
- Godzilla (Supercharged)
- SpaceGodzilla
- Biollante
Battle Armor
Megamutations
Figure sets
- Doom Island 40th Anniversary Set (includes Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, Mecha-King Ghidorah, SpaceGodzilla, MOGUERA, Battra, Biollante, Gigan, and Anguirus)
- Godzilla vs. Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor
- Mechagodzilla vs. Stegosaurus and Velociraptor
- Mecha-King Ghidorah vs. Velociraptors and Pteranodon
GODZILLA (1998)
Trendmasters produced a short-lived toy line for the 1998 American film, featuring several figures of Godzilla, the Baby Godzillas, a few human characters from the film, and several military weapons and vehicles. A second line was planned but never released. A line for the animated series was also planned, but was cancelled after Trendmasters went bankrupt.
Godzilla
- Combat Claw Godzilla
- Fang Bite Godzilla
- Living Godzilla
- Razor Bite Godzilla
- Shatter Tail Godzilla
- Thunder Tail Godzilla
- Ultimate Godzilla
- Supreme Godzilla
- Shatter Blast Godzilla vs. Rocket Launcher
- Nuclear Strike Godzilla vs. Hornet Jet
- Electronic Godzilla Bank
Baby Godzillas
- Baby X Baby Godzilla
- Claw Slasher Baby Godzilla
- Razor Fang Baby Godzilla
- Hammer Foot Baby Godzilla
- Tail Thrasher Baby Godzilla
- Remote Control Tail Swinging Baby Godzilla
Baby Godzilla Hatchlings
- Monster Claw Baby Godzilla Hatchling
- Hammer Tail Baby Godzilla Hatchling
- Spike Jaw Baby Godzilla Hatchling
Humans
- Capture Net Philippe
- Grapple Gear Nick
- Power Shield Jean-Luc
- Ultra Attack Animal
- Double Blast O'Neil
Military vehicles
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- All Terrain Attack Vehicle
- Rapid Attack Battle Bike
- Twin-Firing Combat Cannon
- Twin-Firing Battle Blaster
- Apache Attack Copter
- F/A-18 Hornet Strike Jet
- Thunderblast Tank
Micro Battle World playsets
- Battle at Brooklyn Bridge Micro Battle World
- Terror at Times Square Micro Battle World
Gamera: Guardian of the Universe
Gamera: Guardian of the Universe was a short-lived Gamera toy line produced by Trendmasters in the late 1990s. The line included figures of Gamera and several of his classic enemies.
Figures
- Gamera with Fireball Missile Blast (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Gyaos with Firing Sonic Beam (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Guilon with Firing Saber Fin (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Jiger with Firing Terror Talon (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Viras with Thrashing Tentacle Attack (versions: with sound; no sound)
- Zigra with Firing Paralysis Beam (versions: with sound; no sound)
Advertisement for Trendmasters' Gamera: Guardian of the Universe toy line and its cancelled Godzilla: The Series toy line
Cancelled releases
King Kong: The Ultimate Beast
Advertisements for several King Kong figures appeared in Trendmasters' 1995 dealer's catalog.
Classic Godzilla figures
Trendmasters cancelled figures of Kamacuras and Manda for their classic Godzilla lines. Only concept art for the Manda figure exists, while a prototype exists for the Kamacuras figure.
Animated plushes
Trendmasters also created prototypes for animated Godzilla, Rodan, and King Ghidorah plushes that were never released.
Second GODZILLA (1998) line
A second line for the 1998 American film was planned for a release during the holiday season of 1998, but due to the first line's poor sales it was cancelled. However, prototypes from the line exist, several of which are just repaints of figures from the first line.
- Nuclear Glow Godzilla
- Steel Attack Godzilla
- Mayhem Godzilla
- Living Godzilla Repaint
- Shatter Tail Godzilla Repaint
- Roar Godzilla
- Silver Baby Godzilla (repaint of Razor Fang Baby Godzilla)
Godzilla: The Series line
Another line of figures was planned to coincide with Godzilla: The Series, but it was cancelled when Trendmasters went bankrupt. Like the unreleased second line for GODZILLA, prototypes of figures from this line exist.
- Ultimate Animated Godzilla (repaint of Ultimate Godzilla)
- Deluxe Godzilla
- Thunder Sonic Godzilla
- Baby Animated Godzilla
- Cyber Godzilla
- Crustaceous Rex (misspelled as "Sea Rex" in advertisements)
- Quetzalcoatl
- Robo-Yeti
- Nick with Accessories
- Randy with Accessories
- N.I.G.E.L.
- H.E.A.T. F/A-18 Hornet Strike Jet
- H.E.A.T. Apache Capture Copter
Advertisement for Trendmasters' Godzilla: The Series and Gamera: Guardian of the Universe toy lines
Had the toy line been released, the next planned figures would have included El Gusano Gigante, a Cyber Fly, and a Mutant Rat.[1]
Videos
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Trivia
- Trendmasters produced figures of Battra, Mecha-King Ghidorah, SpaceGodzilla, and Destoroyah several years before the films in which they were introduced were released in the United States. Furthermore, many of Trendmasters' figures of existing kaiju were based on their Heisei designs, such as with Mechagodzilla and MOGUERA, even though the films featuring those designs had not yet been released in the U.S.
- Trendmasters Godzilla and Mecha-King Ghidorah toys appear in Independence Day, the film Roland Emmerich directed prior to GODZILLA.
- Several of Trendmasters' figures for the 1998 film were distributed in Japan by Bandai.
- Toho would later perform a 3D scan of Trendmasters' Ultimate Godzilla figure to create Zilla's CGI model for Godzilla Final Wars.[1]
- Trendmasters' Gamera: Guardian of the Universe line includes all of Gamera's enemies from the Showa series except for Barugon.
- Trendmasters released a comic book titled Monster Island Unleashed to promote its first wave of Godzilla figures in 1994. The comic is notable for being the first American Godzilla comic to feature Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah (as Mecha-King Ghidorah), or Mechagodzilla. The only American comic beforehand to include any other Toho kaiju beside Godzilla was Cinema Shares' 1976 promotional comic for Godzilla vs. Megalon.
- Trendmasters created several unique trademark icons for each of the "Big Five" kaiju which appear on the packaging for their toys, featuring artwork of their toys of the monsters in place of the original artwork used on Toho's icons. Unique icons for TriStar's versions of Godzilla and Baby Godzilla from the 1998 film also appeared on some of Trendmasters' toys.
External links
References
This is a list of references for Trendmasters. These citations are used to identify the reliable sources on which this article is based. These references appear inside articles in the form of superscript numbers, which look like this: [1]
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