Movie Monster Series

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The Movie Monster Series (ムービーモンスターシリーズ,   Mūbī Monsutā Shirīzu), abbreviated MMS or called Mubimon (ムビモン) for short, is a line of soft vinyl action figures released by Bandai. Beginning in 2001 as a Godzilla toy line and following the trend of the previous Godzilla Island Monster Series and Toho Kaiju Series, it consisted primarily of figures in the six-inch scale, though it occasionally featured eight-inch scale figures as well. The line released new figures every year from 2001 to 2004 in conjunction with each new Millennium Godzilla film, along with reissues from previous lines and sometimes even new figures of classic kaiju. The Movie Monster Series' output decreased following the release of Godzilla Final Wars in 2004, and it went on a seven-year hiatus from 2007 to 2014, when it was revived to coincide with Legendary Pictures' Godzilla. Since then, the line has released increasingly large volumes of figures each year, both corresponding with new Monsterverse and Reiwa Godzilla media and featuring reissues of existing figures and new molds for existing kaiju. The Movie Monster Series has gradually incorporated other franchises beyond Godzilla in recent years, including releasing multiple figures from the Heisei Gamera trilogy and the films of the Shin series.

The Movie Monster Series has also included numerous sub-lines throughout its existence, such as for figures of a different scale or of higher detail.

Main figures

2001

The Movie Monster Series was launched in 2001, featuring reissues of 10 of the figures from the previous line, the Toho Kaiju Series. The figures were given a new vinyl color, different paint highlights (if not most giving resemblance to their film counterparts), and even a larger size difference when compared to the Toho Kaiju Series. The tags for the Movie Monster Series figures are completely different from the previous lines; the borders were removed with the pictures of each respective monsters taking up most of the front of the tag, and the back shows a picture of the head of one of the Godzillas from the respective era where the monster originated (Godzilla 1993 for Heisei monsters, and Godzilla 1974 for Showa monsters). Towards the end of 2001, Bandai released one more figure to the Movie Monster Series: Burning Godzilla.

To coincide with the release of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack in 2001, Bandai added the movie's versions of Godzilla, Baragon, Mothra and King Ghidorah to the Movie Monster line-up.[note 1] Unlike the other figures in the line, they are all part of the 8-inch scale, making this the only line of primarily 6-inch Godzilla figures to also produce 8-inch figures. Theater exclusives for all four figures were made, as well as an event-exclusive Clear Version Godzilla, a Hyper Hobby exclusive translucent glitter Godzilla, and an orange translucent Baragon. The tags for the GMK figures feature a picture of Godzilla's head.

2002

To coincide with the release of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla in 2002, Bandai added Godzilla 2003 and Mechagodzilla 2003, the latter both with and without weapons, to the Movie Monster line-up, and like the GMK figures, they were all part of the 8-inch scale. Theater Exclusives for both the Godzilla 2003 and Mechagodzilla 2003 with weapons figures were also produced, as well as a red Ito-Yokado exclusive Godzilla and a Link Science exclusive Mechagodzilla.

During the Asian Fantasy Film Festival in 2002, Bandai representative Yasumasa Kawauchi announced to guests during a panel discussion that there was a 50/50 chance that a 6-inch Titanosaurus would be included in the Movie Monster series. Kawauchi also entertained a suggestion that the new Titanosaurus figure should be paired with a Mechagodzilla 1975 figure. By the end of 2002, Bandai added both Mechagodzilla 1975 and Titanosaurus to the Movie Monster line-up, along with reissues of Fire Rodan and G-Force Moguera with new paint schemes, as well as a re-scale of the Godzilla Junior figure from the standard 8-inch line. A "Clear Mechagodzilla" was produced as well.

2003

In 2003, Bandai added Godzilla 1974 to the Movie Monster line-up. It had been rumored for years that Toho was never proud of the 1970s version of Godzilla and would never allow Bandai to produce a figure of Godzilla from that time period. Bandai also reissued King Caesar with a new paint scheme as well.

To coincide with the release of Godzilla: Tokyo SOS in 2003, Bandai re-sculpted the Godzilla 2003 and Mechagodzilla figures from the Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla toy line to match their appearances in Tokyo SOS Bandai also produced a Mothra Imago 2004 and two Mothra Larva 2004 figures. As with the other Millennium figures, all figures in the Tokyo SOS toy line are all 8-inch scale figures. Theater Exclusives for Godzilla 2004, Mechagodzilla 2004 with weapons, the Mothra Imago 2004 and the female Mothra Larva 2004 were also produced, as well as an HMV Godzilla, a gray Ito-Yokado exclusive Godzilla and an Ito-Yokado Mechagodzilla. The tags for the Tokyo SOS figures include a picture of Godzilla's head.

2004

To coincide with the release of Godzilla's 50th anniversary film, Godzilla Final Wars, in 2004, Bandai added Godzilla 2005, Anguirus 2005, Rodan 2005, Xilien 2005, Minilla 2005, Gigan 2005, Modified Gigan, Monster X and Keizer Ghidorah to the Movie Monster line-up. They also reissued the Mothra Imago from the Godzilla: Tokyo SOS toy line in translucent red vinyl under the name "Fire Mothra," reflecting her final attack in Godzilla Final Wars. Unlike the other Millennium figures, only six figures are in the 8-inch scale (Godzilla 2005, Gigan 2005, Modified Gigan, Fire Mothra, Monster X and Keizer Ghidorah), the other figures are all part of the 6-inch scale. Theater Exclusives for Godzilla 2005, Anguirus 2005 and Rodan 2005 were also produced, as well as an Ito-Yokado Exclusive Godzilla 2005 figure and HMV Exclusive Godzilla 2005 and Anguirus 2005 figures. The tags for the Final Wars figures feature a picture of Godzilla's head. Originally, Bandai was planning to make figures of all the other monsters that appeared in Final Wars, like King Caesar, Ebirah, and even Zilla, but following the film's poor box office performance, Bandai decided to cut their losses and cease production on figures of any other monsters from the film.[citation needed] Mechagodzilla 1975, Titanosaurus, Fire Rodan and Godzilla Junior were also reissued from 2002's lineup; their size and paint schemes are no different than before. However, all four figures come with single-sheet tags with the Toho license sticker in silver sporting the 50th anniversary symbol and the year 2004.

2005

In 2005, Bandai renamed the line to Movie Monster Series -STANDARD-. Godzilla, SpaceGodzilla, King Ghidorah, Mecha-King Ghidorah, Destoroyah, Godzilla 1954, Anguirus 2004 and Rodan 2004 were reissued from the 2001 and 2004 line-ups with new paint schemes. Godzilla 2004, Gigan 2004, Mechagodzilla 2003 with the Anti-Beast Drilling Device and Mothra Imago 2003 were all scaled down into 6-inch figures and were all given new paint schemes as well. The tags that all the figures come with are different from the previous line-ups; the tags have pink borders on both sides, and the back shows a silhouette of the Millennium Godzilla in a fiery background.

2006

In 2006, Bandai added Hedorah to the Movie Monster line-up, as well as a reissue of Godzilla 1968 from the Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box set with a new paint scheme. The tags for both figures are the same as the 2005 figures except the borders are purple instead of pink. Godzilla 1968's tag features a picture of Godzilla 1973 from Godzilla vs. Megalon. The inside of the tag shows a close-up picture of another publicity shot of Godzilla 1971. The lineup also included the Showa and Heisei Trilogy Gameras, Toto from Gamera the Brave (under the name "Rebirth Gamera"), and Hyper Gyaos.

2007

In 2007, Bandai added Jet Jaguar to the Movie Monster line-up. Jet Jaguar's tag is the same as Godzilla 1968's and Hedorah's. However, Jet Jaguar was the only figure in the line released in 2007, and the last until 2014. Bandai's Ultra Monster Series toy line became quite popular in the meantime. Three figures representing characters from Godzilla Island were sold exclusively through Hyper Hobby: Medical Jet Jaguar, Fire Fighter Jet Jaguar (both Jet Jaguar repaints), and Black Mechagodzilla (a Mechagodzilla 1975 repaint).

2014

Both Godzilla 2014 and the MUTO were released on July 12, 2014, with the name for the toyline reverting back to "Movie Monster Series." The back of the tags for both figures are done entirely in black with the Legendary Pictures' Godzilla title labelled on the top middle right side. The top left of the back of the tags are given a similar shape to Godzilla 2014's dorsal fins on the tail, and are also outlined in white.[1]

2016

In April 2016, Bandai announced it would be reviving the Movie Monster Series once again in July to coincide with the upcoming release of Shin Godzilla. Bandai's sales sheet revealed plans for a six-inch Godzilla 2016 figure, along with two other figures tentatively labeled "Godzilla 2016 Monster A" and "Godzilla 2016 Monster B," later revealed to be figures of Godzilla's second and third forms in the film. Bandai also reissued the Millennium Godzilla from the Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box with a new paint job to resemble the 1999 incarnation and Mechagodzilla 2004 from the line's 2005 releases with a new right arm sculpt without the drill. The figures all include unique tags featuring the dorsal fins of each character. A repaint of Bandai's earlier Mechagodzilla 2004 figure with the drill hand designed to resemble Evangelion Unit-01 and another repainted to resemble Evangelion Unit-02 were also released as part of Toho and khara's "Godzilla vs. Evangelion" collaboration.

2017

In 2017, Bandai released two reissues of their Godzilla 2016 figure. The first, called Godzilla 2016 Frozen Version, depicts Godzilla frozen from the ending of the film, complete with the monster's fifth form present on the tip of the figure's tail. The second repaint, called Godzilla 2016 Climax Version, is made to resemble Godzilla as he fires his atomic breath in the film, with an unhinged jaw and purple paint on his dorsal fins, the tip of his tail, and the inside of his mouth. Bandai also released repaints of their figures of Godzilla's second and third forms, now with more film-accurate paint jobs.[2]

On July 11, 2017, Bandai unveiled two upcoming figures in the Movie Monster Series, Godzilla 2017 and Servum, to coincide with the release of GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters. This wave of figures also included Burning Godzilla and Destoroyah. The figures were released in September 2017, while pre-orders opened on August 18. On August 21, 2017, Bandai unveiled an exclusive Godzilla 2017 figure that was included with special pre-order net-tickets from 7-Eleven.[3] On September 26, 2017, Bandai revealed a translucent Godzilla 2016 figure exclusive to the Godzilla Store.[4]

2018

On October 11, 2017, Bandai revealed two new figures in the line, Mechagodzilla (Heavy Arms) and Biollante, to be released in March 2018. On December 20, 2017, Bandai revealed a Theater Exclusive Millennium Godzilla to commemorate the closing of Toho Cinemas Daily Theater.[5]

In February 2018, Bandai revealed the next wave of Movie Monster figures set for release in April 2018, in anticipation of the Japanese theatrical release of GODZILLA: City on the Edge of Battle. The announced figures were Godzilla Earth Atomic Breath Version, Mecha-King Ghidorah, Mothra (Larva), and Mothra (Imago). On June 20, Bandai revealed a figure based on the new Hibiya Square Godzilla statue, which was sold exclusively in the Godzilla Store starting on August 3. On June 27, Bandai revealed a limited edition Godzilla 2016 figure, which was sold exclusively at a special Godzilla exhibition in Taiwan.

A Rodan figure based on his appearance in Godzilla Final Wars and a Showa Gigan figure were released in September 2018.

A figure of Ghidorah from GODZILLA: The Planet Eater was released on November 10, 2018.[6]

2019

Figures of SpaceGodzilla and Moguera were released in January 2019. On November 17, Bandai announced two event-exclusive figures of the second and third forms of Godzilla 2016 which were sold at the Tokusatsu DNA 2019 Winter Attack exhibition. On January 10th, Bandai announced an exclusive Godzilla 2016 figure that was sold at Winter Wonderfest 2019.

Bandai released figures of Godzilla, King Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra from Godzilla: King of the Monsters in April 2019. A repaint of the Godzilla figure representing Burning Godzilla from the film's climax was sold exclusively through the Godzilla Store with home video releases of the film starting December 18.

Bandai reissued a figure of Godzilla 1954 in November 2019, with Gigan 2004 and Anguirus 2004 following in December. A "Retro Blue" variant of the Godzilla 1954 figure was available exclusively at the Godzilla Store Tokyo. In May 2019, two Exclusive figures went on sale at Universal Studios Japan as a tie-in for the limited attraction Godzilla vs. Evangelion: The Real 4-D.

2020

Bandai announced a figure of Gamera from Gamera the Guardian of the Universe on December 12, 2019, releasing it in March 2020. A Metal Pink repaint of the Godzilla 2016 Climax Version figure was sold exclusively by the Godzilla Store beginning on March 12 and a "Metallic Green" reissue of Mechagodzilla 1975 was released in August 2020. A Heavy Paint Specification variant of the Godzilla 2016 Climax Version figure was released exclusively at the Godzilla Store in August 2020. On November 3, Bandai announced two Godzilla Store exclusive figures, a Heavy Paint Specification Mechagodzilla 2003 and a "Heat Radiation" Godzilla 2000. In April 2020, a Heavy Paint Specification King Ghidorah 2019 was sold at the Godzilla Store. In December 2020, Bandai released a Godzilla 2016 diorama based on the Godzilla statue in the attraction Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji.

2021

The Movie Monster Series lineup for 2021 included figures of Ultraman (in both a standard and a Specium Ray pose), Neronga, and Gabora from Shin Ultraman; Gyaos from Gamera the Guardian of the Universe; the Mother Legion; Gamera and Iris from Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris; Kong and Mechagodzilla from Godzilla vs. Kong; Godzilla-kun, Minilla, and Little from the web series Godziban; Godzilla Ultima, Godzilla Aquatilis, Godzilla Amphibia, Godzilla Terrestris, Jet Jaguar, Anguirus, and Manda from Godzilla Singular Point; Megalon and Jet Jaguar from Godzilla vs. Megalon; and Godzilla from Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.

On February 1, the Godzilla Store launched a poll through their Godzilla+ app to determine the newest Movie Monster Series figure.[7] Options included Mothra 1961, Godzilla 1962, Ebirah 1966, Anguirus 1968, Gorosaurus 1968, Hedorah 1971, Godzilla 1984, King Ghidorah 1991, Super Mechagodzilla, and Baragon 2001. The vote lasted until February 28, although Gorosaurus was not announced as the winner until a Godzilla Store TV livestream revealed a prototype on May 21.[8] It received a limited-edition release on November 3 (Godzilla Day) as a Godzilla Store exclusive, along with a battle-damaged version of Mechagodzilla 2 from Terror of Mechagodzilla.[9] An exclusive translucent orange Burning Godzilla figure was given to those who purchased tickets to Godzilla Fest Extra Edition: Shinjuku Total Advance. Figures of Godzilla and King Ghidorah from Godzilla the Ride were available for purchase at the Seibuen amusement park. An exclusive Atomic Breath Version of Godzilla Ultima was packaged with the Complete Edition Blu-ray of Volume 1 of Godzilla Singular Point, and was released on August 28. A flying Jet Jaguar figure was announced as well and is a Godzilla Store exclusive. A translucent Neronga figure and a Gabora variant with the head armor plates forming a drill appeared on the Premium Bandai website. A Godzilla Store Exclusive 50th Anniversary Retro Color Version Hedorah was released in July. On November 12, Bandai released a Movie Monster Series Burning Color Hedorah at the Hedorah 50th Anniversary Exhibition. Home video releases of Godzilla vs. Kong sold through the Godzilla Store starting November 3 included a repaint of the Godzilla 2019 figure representing his appearance in the film, as well as a Kong variant with his battle axe.

2022

A figure of Godziham-kun, the anime character Hamtaro dressed as Godzilla, was released on February 8 in green, blue, and red, with a Hanshin Tigers variant being released online for April 1 as part of the Godzilla vs. the Tigers April Fools collaboration. A new Hedorah figure was released in March. On April 1, Bandai announced figures of Jet Jaguar β and Salunga from Godzilla Singular Point.

In May 2022, following the Japanese theatrical release of Shin Ultraman, Bandai announced two more figures from the film for release in June: Zarab and Zōffy. Figures of the Ultraman Suit and Ultraman Suit Ver. 7 from the Netflix ULTRAMAN anime followed in late August. The line's first Kamen Rider figures, Kamen Rider Black Sun and Kamen Rider Shadowmoon from Kamen Rider Black Sun, will be released in October.

A Godzilla Store poll on the Godzilla+ app allowing fans to pick a new Movie Monster Series figure launched on February 10, 2022.[10] This year, there were three rounds of voting, with the second round narrowing the field to the top three vote-getters in the first round, and the third round pitting two finalists against each other. The choices were Ebirah, Minilla, Kamacuras, Varan, Gabara, Titanosaurus, Super Mechagodzilla, Baragon, Monster X, and Keizer Ghidorah. Varan, Super Mechagodzilla, and Keizer Ghidorah advanced to the second round, which eliminated Keizer Ghidorah.[11] As with the last year's poll, Toho did not immediately announce the winner until a May 22 stream on the Godzilla Channel, which revealed that Varan was victorious over Super Mechagodzilla in their head-to-head matchup. The figure's design was revealed on October 23, and it will be released on November 3 as a Godzilla Store exclusive. Retro color variants of the original Hedorah and Showa Gigan figures, set for a June release, were also announced on the stream.[12]

On August 31, Bandai announced figures of Daimajin, Battra, and Megaguirus for release in September. Also released in September was a Godzilla Store exclusive gold variant of the original Hedorah figure.

A 6-inch Mechagodzilla 2002 figure was released in November (marking the first figure of that specific design in the line since the 8-inch figures released in 2002) along with Evangelion Unit-01 and Evangelion Unit-02 from the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. Also announced for November were Black Locust Kaijin Black Sun and Silver Locust Kaijin Shadowmoon from Kamen Rider Black Sun. On October 31, Bandai announced a Gamera 1996 figure to complete its lineup of the primary monsters from the Heisei Gamera trilogy. It also announced the next wave of figures from Shin Ultraman, which includes Ultraman Low Energy ver., Mefilas, Imit-Ultraman, and Ultraman Landing Specium Ray ver. All of these figures were scheduled for release in late November. On November 3, during the 2022 Godzilla Day livestream, several more Godzilla Store exclusive figures were revealed. These include Godzilla and Gigan Rex from Godzilla vs. Gigan Rex and a new "Choco Color" variant of the original Hedorah figure set for release later in November, and a new Godzilla 1984 figure set to release in December.

Images of Anguirus and Radon figures from Godziban surfaced online on November 30, 2022, and were scheduled for a December release.

2023

On September 5, 2022, Bandai revealed figures of the Taro Suit, Ultraman Suit Ver. Z, Ultraman Suit Ver. A and Jack Suit from the Netflix ULTRAMAN anime, which are set for a March 2023 release. On December 1, 2022, Bandai unveiled figures of Kamen Rider and Kamen Rider 2 from Shin Kamen Rider, along with coated variants of each, for release in March as well. On December 11, 2022, the 29th anniversary of the Japanese theatrical release of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, the Godzilla Store revealed that it would exclusively sell a Super Mechagodzilla figure beginning on January 31, 2023, in commemoration of the film's upcoming 30th anniversary.

On January 31, Bandai revealed figures of Mechagodzilla 1993, Godzilla 2004, Hedorah 2004, and Manda 2004; all of the figures were released in February.

A "Shin Sofvi Factory feat. Movie Monster Series" attraction will be held at the Ikebukuro, Tokyo Shin Japan Heroes Amusement World venue, which will open from March to May 2023. For a fee of ¥1,100, participants insert materials into a machine and are given a random prize. Possible prizes include nine varieties of acrylic logo or an uncolored Movie Monster Series Godzilla 2016, Eva Unit-01, Ultraman, or Kamen Rider (Coated ver.); the figures can be painted in metallic red, purple, silver, and green, respectively.[13]

During a livestream on February 19, the Godzilla Store revealed an exclusive "Moon White" variant of Godzilla 2016 and a metallic black variant of Godziham-kun.

On March 1, Bandai announced several figures for release in March and April. Released in March were Peguila, Gomess, and Pagos from Shin Ultraman, King Ghidorah from Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, Ebirah from Ebirah, Horror of the Deep, Soldier Legion from Gamera 2: Attack of Legion, Evangelion Mark.06, Evangelion Unit-00 (Revised), and Evangelion Unit-08α from the Rebuild of Evangelion films, and metallic red, green, and blue variants of Godziham-kun. Released in April were a figure depicting Ultraman in flight from Shin Ultraman, and a figure of Baragon from Frankenstein vs. Baragon.

Figures of Gamera, Gyaos, and Jiger from the upcoming anime series GAMERA -Rebirth- were unveiled at AnimeJapan 2023 on March 24. Gamera was released on April 1, and the other two were released on June 24.

On April 10, Bandai revealed figures of Kamen Rider No. 0 and Phase Variation Batta Augments from Shin Kamen Rider, both of which were released on May 25.

On April 20, Bandai unveiled a figure based on the prototype model used as reference when sculpting the Godzilla suits for the original Godzilla. The limited edition figure, tentatively to be released in December on a limited basis as part of Toho's GODZILLA THE ART project.[14] A Bandai limited edition Movie Monster Series: Godzilla (1991) figure with a new color design by participating artist COIN PARKING DELIVERY was also available at this event which was held at Shibuya PARCO from December 28, 2023 to January 9, 2024. On April 23, the Godzilla Store announced that it would exclusively sell a "Retro Color" variant of Megalon in May. The following day, April 24, Premium Bandai unveiled a figure of Zetton from Shin Ultraman. Though it is considered part of the main Movie Monster Series line, the figure is considerably larger and more detailed than other figures in the line, standing just under 12 inches tall and carrying a retail price of ¥9,350.

On May 1, Bandai announced figures of Fire Rodan from Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II and Monster X from Godzilla Final Wars. Fire Rodan released on May 27, while Monster X released on June 3. On May 21, a Retro Color version of Jet Jaguar from Godzilla vs. Megalon became available for pre-order on the Godzilla Store, and released on June 15. On May 31, Bandai announced a figure of the imago Mothra from Godzilla vs. Mothra, as well as figures of the Mammoth Flower, Kaigel, and Larugeus from Shin Ultraman. Mothra released on June 24 and the others released in October. On June 17th, a Godzilla Store-exclusive Godzilla 1973 figure was revealed. It was released on July 28.

On July 3, Bandai unveiled figures of Gamera from Gamera the Giant Monster, Gyaos from Gamera vs. Gyaos, and the larval form of Battra; all three figures were set for a July release.[15] On July 13, Bandai unveiled a figure of Godzilla from the upcoming Godzilla Minus One, which released in October.[16] A July 22 Godzilla Store livestream revealed a Hedorah figure exclusive to the Godzilla Store with a summer-themed paint job, released on July 28. On July 25, figures of Zigra, Guiron, and Viras from GAMERA -Rebirth- were revealed and released on August 5. A figure of Keizer Ghidorah was revealed on August 1, and was released in September. On August 28th, in a YouTube livestream, Godzilla Store exclusive Titanosaurus and Godzilla 1975 were revealed for a September release. The figures are both repaints of existing molds; the Titanosaurus was originally released in 2002, while Godzilla 1975 was part of the Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box in 2004.

On September 24, Bandai revealed a Godzilla Store exclusive figure based on Hedorah's Landing Stage in a bipedal stance. The figure was released on October 25. On September 30, Bandai also released figures of K and Kamen Rider No. 2+1 from Shin Kamen Rider.

On October 23, several theater-exclusive items for Godzilla Minus One were announced to be available from the Godzilla Store via mail-order starting on November 3,[17][18] including a glittery, clear blue version of the Movie Monster Series Godzilla 2023 figure.

On October 28, Bandai revealed figures of Bagan (in what is the first toy of the character) and Biollante's Flower Beast form, the latter being the winner of the 2023 vote held earlier in the year. Also revealed were a new figure of Hedorah's Landing Stage in a crawling position, an 8-inch black version of Kiryu (Heavy Arms), and a metallic repaint of Godzilla 2023. All five Godzilla Store-exclusive figures were released on Godzilla Day, November 3. 6-inch figures of Godzilla and Anguirus from Godzilla Raids Again (1955) were revealed on Halloween, with both to be released on November 25.

A figure of the unmutated Godzilla from Godzilla Minus One was revealed on November 6 and released on December 16. On November 21, Gamera 2: Attack of Legion was announced to have a 4K rerelease in Japan on November 30; to celebrate this, Bandai announced a theater-exclusive white Gamera 1996.

2024

On November 3, 2023 (Godzilla Day), Bandai revealed six figures on the Godzilla Store Stream that will be exclusive to its stores. The first were Hedorah's Flying Stage and a variant of the original 2006 Hedorah mold called "Strawberry Chocolate Version" to correspond with the previously released "Choco Color" variant. Next to be shown off was Godzilla 1964 from Mothra vs. Godzilla, Bandai's first six-inch vinyl of this design since the Godzilla 50th Anniversary Memorial Box. Following Godzilla was Minilla 1967 from Son of Godzilla. The next two figures revealed were "Imaginative Color Version" variants of the previously announced Godzilla 1955 and Anguirus 1955. These are based on the previously released limited line "Toy Dreams" from 2005, with Anguirus now being the proper iteration of the character, as the Toy Dreams version used the Anguirus 1968 iteration. Hedorah (Flying Form Ver.) and Hedorah (Strawberry Chocolate Ver.) will be released on January 31, 2024. Godzilla 1964 will be released on February 29, 2024. Minilla 1967 and Godzilla/Anguirus 1955 (Imaginative Color Ver.) will be released on March 31, 2024. On December 14, 2023, Bandai announced a figure of Kafka Hibino's Kaiju No. 8 form from the anime adaptation of Kaiju No. 8, to be released on April 14, 2024.

On January 12, 2024, Bandai revealed uncolored versions of Godzilla and his unmutated form from Godzilla Minus One following the release of the black-and-white version of the film, Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color. On January 15, 2024, an exclusive silver variant of Godzilla 2023 was revealed for a collaboration between the Godzilla Store and Anime Jungle in Little Tokyo. On March 4, 2024, a gold variant of Godzilla 2023 was revealed, to be packaged with home video releases of Godzilla Minus One sold through the Godzilla Store.

Sub-lines

Movie Monster EX Series

The Movie Monster EX Series (ムービーモンスターEXシリーズ,   Mūbī Monsutā Īekkusu Shirīzu) began on February 14, 2015 and consisted entirely of reused molds from Bandai America's Godzilla figures. Each figure was priced at ¥1,600. The first and only wave consisted of figures of Godzilla 1968, King Ghidorah, Mechagodzilla, King Caesar, and Rainbow Mothra. In addition to using the same molds, all of the EX Series figures have identical paintjobs to their Bandai America counterparts with the exception of Rainbow Mothra. A translucent blue variant of the King Ghidorah figure was later released exclusively through the Godzilla Store in connection with Godzilla Fest 2018.

King of the Monsters Series

Godzilla King of the monster series logo.png

The King of the Monsters Series (怪獣王シリーズ,   Kaijū-ō Shirīzu) is a line of 12-inch figures which began in July of 2016. Revealed in a Bandai sales sheet in April 2016, the first two figures in the line, Godzilla FINAL WARS and Mechagodzilla, were reissues of Bandai America's 12-inch Godzilla 2004 and Mechagodzilla figures. The next figure was of Godzilla 2016, released that August.[19] On July 11, 2017, Bandai unveiled the next figure in the line, Godzilla 2017. It was released in October 2017, with pre-orders opening on August 18. On November 2, 2017, Bandai revealed a retool of the Godzilla 2016 figure that was released the previous year. The new figure came with a new paint job and an extended tail. On November 22, 2017, Bandai revealed an exclusive Godzilla 2017 figure with a gray body and bright blue dorsal fins. The figure came with exclusive pre-order 7-Net tickets for GODZILLA: City on the Edge of Battle.[20] A Godzilla 2019 figure was released as part of the line in April 2019. On July 13, Bandai announced the revival of the subline with a figure of Godzilla from Godzilla Minus One, which was released in November.[21]

Master Detail Movie Monster Series

On May 18, Bandai announced the first, and so far only, figure in a new subline of the Movie Monster Series called the Master Detail Movie Monster Series (マスターディテール ムービーモンスターシリーズ,   Masutā Ditēru Mūbī Monsutā Shirīzu). The figure, representing Mechagodzilla from the recent film GODZILLA: City on the Edge of Battle, stands 19 centimeters tall and 45 centimeters long, and began shipping in November 2018

Chibi Movie Monster Series

The Chibi Movie Monster Series (ちびムービーモンスターシリーズ,   Chibi Mūbī Monsutā Shirīzu) was announced on June 3, 2019 and includes figures made of soft material based on Toho's line of Chibi Godzilla merchandise aimed toward young children. The only three figures in the Chibi movie Monster Series are Chibi Godzilla, Chibi Ghidorah, and Chibi Mothra, all released in late July.

Mega Movie Monster Series

The Mega Movie Monster Series (メガムービーモンスターシリーズ,   Mega Mūbī Monsutā Shirīzu) was announced on August 1, 2021 and consists of figures in a larger scale. Currently, the only three Mega Movie Monster Series figures are characters from Shin Ultraman and stand 23 centimeters tall. The first, Ultraman, was released on August 28. A figure of Zōffy was released on June 18, 2022, followed by one of Ultraman's landing stage that December 17. They are all priced at ¥3,080.

Movie Monster Series Extreme feat. Yuji Sakai

Movie Monster Series Extreme feat. Yuji Sakai (ムービーモンスターシリーズ (きわみ) feat.酒井ゆうじ,   Mūbī Monsutā Shirīzu Kiwami Fīcharingu Sakai Yūji) is a premium line of higher detail figures sculpted by artist Yuji Sakai, known for his work on the S.H. MonsterArts and X-Plus toylines. The line and its first figure, representing Godzilla during his nighttime attack on Osaka's business district from Godzilla vs. Biollante, were announced during a Godzilla Store livestream on January 22, 2023. Priced at ¥13,200, it will be released exclusively through the Godzilla Store on December 31, 2023.[22]

North American releases

On July 15, 2023, Bandai America announced that it would be selling five previously released Movie Monster Series figures in North America through Amazon in September. The figures in question were King Ghidorah 2019, Millennium Godzilla, Godzilla 2019, Hedorah, and Mechagodzilla (Heavily Armed).[23] On August 25, it announced that it would next release Destoroyah and Burning Godzilla in November.[24] On September 20, Bandai announced that Godzilla 2004 and Gigan 2004 would follow in December.[25] Manda 2004, Godzilla 1954 and Mechagodzilla 2004 followed in March 2024.

You Choose! Toho Kaiju Sovfi Figure!

You Choose! Toho Kaiju Sovfi Figure! (あなたが選ぶ!東宝怪獣ソフビフィギュア!,   Anata ga Erabu! Tōhō Kaijū Sofubi Figyua!) is an annual vote held to determine Toho kaiju to be turned into Movie Monster Series figures. Beginning in 2021, three such votes have been held so far, with a fourth currently underway. The first vote was held exclusively through the Godzilla+ smartphone application, resulting in the victory of Gorosaurus. The second vote was split into two rounds; the first was again held through Godzilla+ and narrowed the options to three finalists, but the second was moved to the Godzilla Store website (requiring registration) due to suspected cheating. Varan came out victorious, though Super Mechagodzilla, who earned second place both years in a row, was also given a figure anyway to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. The third vote, this time held exclusively through the Godzilla Store website, did not have predetermined nominees, and a survey was held through the website between December 1, 2022 and January 8, 2023. Participants could enter the name of any Toho kaiju, so long as a specific incarnation was provided and it was not an incarnation of Godzilla himself. Ten nominees were selected from these entries and voted on in two rounds from January 22 to February 12 and February 12 to February 28. Biollante Flower Beast Form prevailed.[26]

For the fourth vote, titled You Choose! Toho Kaiju Sovfi Figure! Dream 5," the format was changed such that a total of five winning figures will be selected and sold together in a box set. However, each voter is still limited to the choice of only one figure.

Every winning figure is guaranteed to be a new sculpt and is always released on November 3 (Godzilla Day), usually of the year in which the vote was held.

No. Nominees (Winner(s), Finalists) Voting period
1
  1. Mothra (1961)
  2. Godzilla (1962)
  3. Ebirah (1966)
  4. Anguirus (1968)
  5. Gorosaurus (1968)
  6. Hedorah (1971)
  7. Godzilla (1984)
  8. King Ghidorah (1991)
  9. Super Mechagodzilla (1993)
  10. Baragon (2001)
02/01/2021 (15:00 JST) -
02/28/2021 (23:59 JST)
2 Round 1
  1. Ebirah
  2. Minilla
  3. Kamacuras
  4. Varan
  5. Gabara
  6. Titanosaurus
  7. Super Mechagodzilla
  8. Baragon
  9. Monster X
  10. Keizer Ghidorah
02/10/2022 -
02/19/2022
Round 2 02/20/2022 -
02/28/2022
3 Round 1
  1. Anguirus (1955)
  2. Moguera (1957)
  3. King Ghidorah (1964)
  4. Gabara (1969)
  5. Titanosaurus (1975)
  6. Biollante Flower Beast Form (1989)
  7. Desghidorah (1996)
  8. Kamacuras (2004)
  9. Zilla (2004)
  10. Gigan Miles (2022)
01/22/2023 -
02/12/2023 (23:59 JST)
Round 2 02/19/2023 -
02/28/2023 (23:59 JST)
4
  1. Mothra (1964) Imago
  2. King Ghidorah (1964)
  3. Rodan (1964)
  4. Godzilla (1965)
  5. Godzilla (1966)
  6. Kamacuras (1967)
  7. Baragon (1965) Quadrupedal ver.
  8. Gabara (1969)
  9. Mechagodzilla (1974)
  10. Anguirus (1972)
11/03/2023 (21:00 JST) -
11/30/2023 (23:59 JST)

Gallery

Notes

  1. The tags for the figures nonetheless give the year as 2002, presumably because the film was released in December. This approach would continue for subsequent Millennium era figures.

External links

References

This is a list of references for Movie Monster Series. 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]

  1. [1] Bandai Movie Monster Series: Godzilla 2014 and Muto Figures « SciFi Japan
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
  6. [6]
  7. @godzilla_jp (1 February 2021). "【アプリで新作ソフビ投票】G公式アプリ「ゴジラ+(ゴジラプラス)」では、「あなたが選ぶ!東宝怪獣新作ソフビフィギュア!」の投票を絶賛受付中!今すぐ無料アプリをダウンロードして、「イベント」内記事より投票を!得票数1位の怪獣がゴジストで発売!詳細は⇒https://godzilla.store/votemms2021/". Twitter.
  8. Godzilla Channel ゴジラ(東宝特撮)チャンネル (21 May 2021). "【ゴジラ・フェス番外編】ゴジラ・ストアTV【新宿総進撃】". YouTube.
  9. @GodzillaS_Osaka (3 November 2021). "【商品情報】 先ほど「#ゴジフェス 2021」にて紹介されました、2つの新作ムービーモンスターは、当店で絶賛販売中Fire ★ゴロザウルス(税込2,530円) ★メカゴジラ(1975) ダメージver.(税込3,300円) どちらもゴジラ・ストアの限定商品となっておりますので、是非お見逃しなく! #ゴジラ". Twitter.
  10. @godzilla_jp (10 February 2022). "【第2回新作ソフビ投票】本日より第2回「あなたが選ぶ!東宝怪獣新作ソフビフィギュア!」の投票を開始!予選投票の上位3体が決選投票に進出します。今すぐG公式アプリ「ゴジラ+」(無料)アプリをダウンロードして、「イベント」内記事より投票を!詳細は⇒https://godzilla.store/votemms2022/". Twitter.
  11. @godzilla_jp (28 February 2022). "ムビモン投票企画第2回、最終決戦投票開催! 先日の決選投票の集計の結果、バランとスーパーメカゴジラが非常に僅差となる大接戦となりましたので、この2体に絞った最終決戦投票を行います。 まさかのサドンデス! 皆様のご投票お待ちしております!! 【投票URL】 https://godzilla.store/election2022". Twitter. External link in |title= (help)
  12. Godzilla Channel ゴジラ(東宝特撮)チャンネル (22 May 2022). "【第9回】ゴジラ・ストア TV 5/22(日)【アーカイブ】". YouTube.
  13. "体験型イベント「シン・ジャパン・ヒーローズ・アミューズメントワールド」が東京&関西地区での追加開催が決定!イベント限定メタリックカラーのソフビフィギュアなどが当たる新たなミニゲームや、イベント限定商品の販売も!". Dengeki Hobby Web. 18 January 2023.
  14. Showcase Daikaiju MMS Godzilla 1954 concept design listing
  15. "ムービーモンスターシリーズ「ガメラ(1965)」「ギャオス(1967)」「バトラ(幼虫)」ソフビ 予約開始". Figsoku. 2 July 2023.
  16. "Two bandai Minus One Godzilla's coming". Godzilla-Movies.com. 13 July 2023.
  17. @godzilla231103 (23 October 2023). "『ゴジラ-1.0』劇場パンフレット&グッズが発売決定上映劇場にて公開日11/3(金・祝)各劇場オープン時より発売開始します。(一部劇場・商品除く)詳しくはこちらhttps://godzilla-movie2023.toho.co.jp/news/c4btbe2pu/#11月3日公開#ゴジラ#ゴジラマイナスワン#生きて抗え#GodzillaMinusOne#Godzilla". Twitter. External link in |title= (help)
  18. "『ゴジラ-1.0』劇場パンフレット&グッズが発売決定!". Godzilla Minues One official site. 23 October 2023.
  19. BANDAI'S QUARTET OF "SHIN GODZILLA" SOFUBI Four Godzilla 2016 Figures? What Does It Mean? - The Good, the Bad, and Godzilla
  20. [7]
  21. "Two bandai Minus One Godzilla's coming". Godzilla-Movies.com. 13 July 2023.
  22. ゴジラ (22 January 2023). "【受注開始】「ゴジラ・ストア限定 ムービーモンスターシリーズ極 feat.酒井ゆうじ ゴジラ(1989)大阪進撃発光カラーver.」の受注を開始しました!新しいソフビフィギュアシリーズ第一弾は、ゴジラ造形の第一人者・酒井ゆうじ氏による『ゴジラVSビオランテ』のゴジラです!". Twitter.
  23. @BandaiNamcoPlay (15 July 2023). "It's been almost 70 years since Godzilla was dubbed the King of Monsters and now you can take a journey through history with the new Movie Monster Series! Pre-order your favorite today!🔗 https://amzn.to/3rqaA9X#Godzilla #ActionFigures #MovieMonsterSeries @GODZILLA_TOHO". Twitter.
  24. @BandaiNamcoPlay (25 August 2023). "Available for pre-order now, it's the vicious crustacean kaiju, Destoroyah, and Burning Godzilla! Who do you think would win in this monstrous showdown? https://amzn.to/45pesXU https://amzn.to/462HLj5 @godzilla_toho #Godzilla #ActionFigures #MovieMonsterSeries". X.
  25. @BandaiNamcoPlay (20 September 2023). "Get your Godzilla 2004 and Gigan 2004 ready for the ultimate battle. All new figures from the Movie Monster Series are now available for pre-order! Godzilla: https://amzn.to/3PtZsky Gigan: https://amzn.to/44UZ5FH @Godzilla_TOHO #Godzilla #ActionFigures #MovieMonsterSeries". X. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  26. @godzilla_jp (22 May 2023). "【お知らせ】 第3回「あなたが選ぶ!東宝怪獣新作ソフビフィギュア!」の栄えある優勝怪獣は、「ビオランテ花獣形態(1989)」です! 多くの方々に清き1票をいただきまして、まことにありがとうございました。11/3の発売にむけて制作してまいりますので、続報をお待ちください。 #ゴジラ". Twitter. line feed character in |title= at position 7 (help)

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Legendary
Warner Bros.
Kadokawa
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Toy Line
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Era Icon - MechaGodzilla (Heisei).png
Era Icon - Anguirus.png
Era Icon - Gigan.png
Era Icon - SpaceGodzilla.png
Era Icon - Mecha-King Ghidorah.png
Era Icon - Destoroyah.png
Era Icon - Mothra Leo.png
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Era Icon - Mothra.png
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Fire Rodan
MOGUERA
Era Icon - Godzilla Junior.png
Era Icon - King Caesar.png
Era Icon - Rodan.png
Era Icon - Minilla.png
Era Icon - Monster X.png
Era Icon - Keizer Ghidorah.png
Era Icon - Hedorah.png
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Era Icon - MUTO.png
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Super Mechagodzilla
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