Official Bandai (Japan) Thread 2.0

[Legion1979]

One thing to consider, since they’re celebrating the anniversary of the ‘65 release of G vrs Monster Zero, how far off are we from having a ‘65 Rodan and to be more radical, a proper Showa Ghiddy 2.0 (‘65 or otherwise)?

ARE they celebrating the anniversary of MZ, or is this just a coincidence? I mean, we're getting two different 1971 Godzillas. Bandai's main goal seems to be completing the 6" Godzilla suit variations. It doesn't seem like they're all that interested in other Showa monsters right now. I don't think a new Rodan is a given here. We certainly didn't get a 1964 Mothra last year. As for a re-do of the Ghidorah, the Dream 5 box is still available. I don't think they're going back to that character, and certainly not to "correct" it.

In light of the most recent releases and how ambitious Bandai has been with its unexpected offerings, it’s not far-fetched. One can only hope.

I'm actually a little curious about exactly Bandai has been doing this year that's really "ambitious". Their character selection has been almost completely limited to Godzilla variants, stuff from the Mechagodzilla movies and a couple popular Heisei characters. Even a few people here have been saying that Bandai isn't really wowing them in 2025. A lot of the Godzillas they've done have just been retools, most people hated the Destroyer resculpt and the Godzilla Store has been weirdly quiet so far. I've liked (and bought) a good chunk of whats come out, but I don't feel like Bandai is having a banner year, nor does it seem like we're in for some truly unexpected, out of the box stuff.

[ShyGuyPal101]

I think it's been a pretty good year so far. The new Destoroyah and Burning were kind of a let down, again, imo. Everything else seems fine and/or good. Normally I don't like the recolors, yet I wanted several of the recolors this year. This is just me talking though. We still have another half of the year left, and usually they leave a couple big reveals in November of course. And we'll get the Giant Condor in Nov. too, which I'm really looking forward to. Plus the other stuff that leaked sounds pretty nice. It seems like they're making some easy skips from previous years, so from an optics perspective it doesn't look super crazy.
Oh please oh please be the year we get a 1962 Godzilla MMS..
Also I'd like MMS figures of the Godzilla and Volga from the Godzilla Galaxy Odyssey manga.
And Gigan Miles which we haven't got yet surprisingly.

[Mechagigan]

The highlight this year (unless I'm getting dates confused) is definitely the posing sub-series for MMS, lot of potential there. The ones we've seen aren't must-haves for me but I can definitely see some wicked creative stuff coming from that line. Could even be a clever way to redux certain figures that don't need a full on 2.0 reimagining. Give me a GMK with a big beam blasting out of his shoulder, or how about a zombified Burning G similar to what Super7's done.

Otherwise, talking about this year in Bandai, meh. Comes down to personal interests really. I don't really care for more Destoroyah or Kiryu stuff, it's all very safe, and I already own about everything I need of those particular characters. They have their fans, sure, but I imagine most of said fans own a solid Kiryu or two by now. Even stuff like giant condor, I dunno, not really something I'm itching to spend $30+ on. Give that one big ups for being such a weird pick, though, which is definitely what MMS is doing great at lately.

The action figure Burning G / Destoroyah is neat, though, I might end up at least buying G. I really wanna see that line developed more. GMK and EvoGoji would be wicked as dinky little action figures.

Also, there's a Gigan Miles bootleg repaint floating around being sold by TWCare if you really want one. It's just Rex with blue skin but he looks cool.

[Legion1979]

Unfortunately, only a few releases into the dynamic posing series and we're already seeing limitations. You know the poster Godzilla vs Kiryu set? The Kiryu figure doesn't even come with the stand shown. How the hell are you supposed to display it?

[GODZILLAFAN1964]

Unfortunately, only a few releases into the dynamic posing series and we're already seeing limitations. You know the poster Godzilla vs Kiryu set? The Kiryu figure doesn't even come with the stand shown. How the hell are you supposed to display it?

How do you know? It’s not even out

[CheetoKamper]

Unfortunately, only a few releases into the dynamic posing series and we're already seeing limitations. You know the poster Godzilla vs Kiryu set? The Kiryu figure doesn't even come with the stand shown. How the hell are you supposed to display it?

You obviously are supposed to buy a monster arts that comes with a stand so you can pose Kiryu that way.

I mean I'd love to say I'm surprised but I'm not that shocked if they're in fact not including a stand for it.

[Dyrakro]

According to an official announcement by Bandai, the MMS x UKAS collab will continue with future releases which will also contain Godzilla monsters.

So maybe Gigan 2004 with changeable weapon parts (claws -> chainsaw) and changeable head? That would be pretty cool ngl.

Maybe Spacegodzilla with damaged crystals and shoulder crystal party to complete to depict him before damage received?

[canofhumdingers]

Looking more closely at the Jirass, it’s not just 1965 with a frill. The legs are completely different and the stomach/chest area is too. It’s actually pretty accurate to the suit. A lot more so than I initially thought anyway.

Also, KaijuBattle says both MMS Jirass and G’65 “may” be sold by US retailers as well. Not sure where they got that info or what it means exactly. But man, if a new domestic channel for ordering P-Bandai stuff opened up that would be really cool.

[Legion1979]

Also, KaijuBattle says both MMS Jirass and G’65 “may” be sold by US retailers as well. Not sure where they got that info or what it means exactly. But man, if a new domestic channel for ordering P-Bandai stuff opened up that would be really cool.

Big Bad Toy Store has been carrying Premium Bandai figures for a while now.

Actually, now that I look really closely, that IS a 1964 body on Jirass. It's just dumpier than you'd expect it to be because that's how the body looked by then.

[canofhumdingers]

Yeah but BBTS just imports them and then resells. I was saying if they got official distribution of some sort, like via the Godzilla Store or some other venue.

[Legion1979]

Yeah but BBTS just imports them and then resells. I was saying if they got official distribution of some sort, like via the Godzilla Store or some other venue.

I have a gut feeling that's not going to happen with these.

[Godziboomer64]

One thing to consider, since they’re celebrating the anniversary of the ‘65 release of G vrs Monster Zero, how far off are we from having a ‘65 Rodan and to be more radical, a proper Showa Ghiddy 2.0 (‘65 or otherwise)?

ARE they celebrating the anniversary of MZ, or is this just a coincidence? I mean, we're getting two different 1971 Godzillas. Bandai's main goal seems to be completing the 6" Godzilla suit variations. It doesn't seem like they're all that interested in other Showa monsters right now. I don't think a new Rodan is a given here. We certainly didn't get a 1964 Mothra last year. As for a re-do of the Ghidorah, the Dream 5 box is still available. I don't think they're going back to that character, and certainly not to "correct" it.

In light of the most recent releases and how ambitious Bandai has been with its unexpected offerings, it’s not far-fetched. One can only hope.

I'm actually a little curious about exactly Bandai has been doing this year that's really "ambitious". Their character selection has been almost completely limited to Godzilla variants, stuff from the Mechagodzilla movies and a couple popular Heisei characters. Even a few people here have been saying that Bandai isn't really wowing them in 2025. A lot of the Godzillas they've done have just been retools, most people hated the Destroyer resculpt and the Godzilla Store has been weirdly quiet so far. I've liked (and bought) a good chunk of whats come out, but I don't feel like Bandai is having a banner year, nor does it seem like we're in for some truly unexpected, out of the box stuff.

I agree this hasn’t been an exciting year for Bandai particularly in comparison to the previous years when there was one exceptional release after another.

But keep in mind those “banner years” as you call it weren’t that long ago. My hope is this year is an anomaly and that Bandai is simply regrouping to having a better one next year.

If you follow Gojirasaur’s links to X and the accompanying pics, you can see that they’re tying in the 65’ release to the 60th Anniversary of the movie.

This is a direct quote from X when translated from Japanese:

“Celebrating its 60th anniversary since its release!

Godzilla (1965) from "War of the Monsters" has been re-released in the Movie Monster Series with a new color scheme!”

Also, within the pics that Gojirasaur shared of the ‘65 figure, there is an insert photo of the “War of the Monsters” film or “Godzilla vrs Monster Zero/Invasion of the Astro Monster” if you prefer.

It sure does seem to me that they’re promoting the release of the G ‘65 figure with the movie which is why I don’t rule out a ‘65 Rodan. The same goes for a Showa Ghidorah 2.0 especially since they recently announced a 2.0 Kiryu Goji with a dead Kamoebas, in their Premium Series.

Is it 100% certain that these things wiill happen? Certainly not. But one shouldn’t rule it out entirely.

[onerichman]

I am guessing that American dealers like Showcase Daikaiju, Big Bad Toy Store and Beast of the East will probably be selling the Bandai Godzilla 65 and Jirass premium figures.

[Mac Daddy MM]

One thing to consider, since they’re celebrating the anniversary of the ‘65 release of G vrs Monster Zero, how far off are we from having a ‘65 Rodan and to be more radical, a proper Showa Ghiddy 2.0 (‘65 or otherwise)?

ARE they celebrating the anniversary of MZ, or is this just a coincidence? I mean, we're getting two different 1971 Godzillas. Bandai's main goal seems to be completing the 6" Godzilla suit variations. It doesn't seem like they're all that interested in other Showa monsters right now. I don't think a new Rodan is a given here. We certainly didn't get a 1964 Mothra last year. As for a re-do of the Ghidorah, the Dream 5 box is still available. I don't think they're going back to that character, and certainly not to "correct" it.

Yeaaah. This seems to be the case lol. Wonder what scene Godzilla 1969 and Godzilla 1968 will be based on since '72 is the "default."

[GODZILLAFAN1964]

One thing to consider, since they’re celebrating the anniversary of the ‘65 release of G vrs Monster Zero, how far off are we from having a ‘65 Rodan and to be more radical, a proper Showa Ghiddy 2.0 (‘65 or otherwise)?

ARE they celebrating the anniversary of MZ, or is this just a coincidence? I mean, we're getting two different 1971 Godzillas. Bandai's main goal seems to be completing the 6" Godzilla suit variations. It doesn't seem like they're all that interested in other Showa monsters right now. I don't think a new Rodan is a given here. We certainly didn't get a 1964 Mothra last year. As for a re-do of the Ghidorah, the Dream 5 box is still available. I don't think they're going back to that character, and certainly not to "correct" it.

In light of the most recent releases and how ambitious Bandai has been with its unexpected offerings, it’s not far-fetched. One can only hope.

I'm actually a little curious about exactly Bandai has been doing this year that's really "ambitious". Their character selection has been almost completely limited to Godzilla variants, stuff from the Mechagodzilla movies and a couple popular Heisei characters. Even a few people here have been saying that Bandai isn't really wowing them in 2025. A lot of the Godzillas they've done have just been retools, most people hated the Destroyer resculpt and the Godzilla Store has been weirdly quiet so far. I've liked (and bought) a good chunk of whats come out, but I don't feel like Bandai is having a banner year, nor does it seem like we're in for some truly unexpected, out of the box stuff.

I agree this hasn’t been an exciting year for Bandai particularly in comparison to the previous years when there was one exceptional release after another.

But keep in mind those “banner years” as you call it weren’t that long ago. My hope is this year is an anomaly and that Bandai is simply regrouping to having a better one next year.

If you follow Gojirasaur’s links to X and the accompanying pics, you can see that they’re tying in the 65’ release to the 60th Anniversary of the movie.

This is a direct quote from X when translated from Japanese:

“Celebrating its 60th anniversary since its release!

Godzilla (1965) from "War of the Monsters" has been re-released in the Movie Monster Series with a new color scheme!”

Also, within the pics that Gojirasaur shared of the ‘65 figure, there is an insert photo of the “War of the Monsters” film or “Godzilla vrs Monster Zero/Invasion of the Astro Monster” if you prefer.

It sure does seem to me that they’re promoting the release of the G ‘65 figure with the movie which is why I don’t rule out a ‘65 Rodan. The same goes for a Showa Ghidorah 2.0 especially since they recently announced a 2.0 Kiryu Goji with a dead Kamoebas, in their Premium Series.

Is it 100% certain that these things wiill happen? Certainly not. But one shouldn’t rule it out entirely.

I need a rodan 65!!! I really hope it releases this year as either a standard or g store exclusive

[ShyGuyPal101]

Godzilla '65 and the Jirass P-Bandai figures are up on BBTS.com... for $64 USD and $77 USD respectively. That's BBTS for you on import items lol but considering how expensive shipping is, that probably isn't much of a profit for them. They may show-up on AmiAmi or another website for closer to MSRP.

Edit: Oh wow, I now noticed it doesn't come out until March 2026! Dang, well I guess I'll keep these pre-ordered till then.

[Legion1979]

I just cant justify $64 on a figure that would have been about $30 if it was a Godzilla Store Exclusive or a retail MMS figure. They've got a real racket going with the Premium figures.

[king_ghidorah]

Insane. These should be 35 bucks….wow

[{---HYPERZeTToN---}]

If they'd just put Godzilla figures on all Premium Bandai sites outside of Japan we wouldn't have been in this mess to begin with.

[Gojirasaur]

I do wonder if '65 will get a latter reissue that will be available more widely at a lower cost. Not sure on Jirass, though.