S.H.MonsterArts Mechagodzilla (1993) Garuda Fire Rodan [Makuhari Decisive Battle Ver.] First Look

Unboxing & First Impressions of the S.H.MonsterArts Mechagodzilla (1993) & Garuda & Fire Rodan [Makuhari Decisive Battle Ver.] Set.

00:00 - Intro
00:05 - Unboxing Mechagodzilla
00:58 - Unboxing Garuda
01:18 - Unboxing Fire Rodan
01:38 - Unboxing Accessories
02:45 - Mechagodzilla Articulation Demonstration
04:56 - Garuda Articulation Demonstration
05:39 - Fire Rodan Articulation Demonstration
07:16 - Illumination Demonstration
07:48 - Super Mechagodzilla Assembly
08:53 - Plasma Grenade Assembly
09:27 - G-Crusher Assembly
10:05 - Damaged Head Assembly
10:36 - Flight Mode: Hands - Tail - Head
11:59 - Fire Rodan Flight Stand
13:08 - Garuda Flight Stand
13:29 - Gallery - Mechagodzilla
13:59 - Gallery - Garuda
14:09 - Gallery - Fire Rodan
14:39 - Gallery - Super Mechagodzilla
14:54 - Comparison - Mechagodzilla
15:03 - Comparison - Garuda
15:10 - Comparison - Super Mechagodzilla
15:18 - Comparison - Fire Rodan

Mechagodzilla, Garuda, and Fire Rodan are being rereleased, MG & Garuda for a third time while Fire Rodan sees its first since 2012, in celebration of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1993)'s 30th Anniversary.

First Impressions:

Mechagodzilla is back with a new feature, but still largely similar to the 2017 Super Mechagodzilla release. The sculpt is the same as the 2017 version. It's clean and well done throughout. The Inner core, legs, and feet use diecast parts, so there's some heft with this figure. While that gives this figure a more premium feel, the weight makes it difficult for dynamic posing involving a kicking motion. There are some areas where you can see mold line breaks, but they're fairly small. The articulation is the same as the 2017 version as well. These include enhancements like an articulated tail, hip sheaths for stability, and a head mechanism for flight mode. Regarding paint application, this is where the figure excels. This time it features a blueish-silver to recreate the Diamond Coat Armor look seen during the final battle in Makuhari. It looks amazing and the best looking of the three variations of this figure. The eyes have better pipe lighting effects now that the top part of the head is made from translucent materials. The illumination is top-tier. The body also features weathering details throughout which is always a nice touch. The paint on the bottom of the feet is dark gunmetal, so that's different. Overall the paint application is a great improvement.

Garuda returns and looks great! The sculpting details haven't changed since its debut in 2011. That said, it does have the same changes that were made for the 2017 release--no swappable pieces for the guns. The articulation is the same as well. Both guns can move, the cockpit can slide up and down, and the thrusters and be adjusted. The paint application compliments the new application seen on Mechagodzilla with a bluish-white and silver. Interestingly, the bottom of the ship is a very dark Gun Metal for the parts that are swappable for flight mode. Looks a bit off compared to the previous releases which were consistent with their overall paint application. Garuda assembles the same way as previous variations, popping off MG's backplates and swapping out parts to connect. 

Fire Rodan returns with no new tooling or articulation engineering changes. The sculpting details are still top notch and you'll be happy to have this in your collection if you missed out on the 2012 release. One change in materials is that its back spikes and crest on the head are translucent. They illuminate easily and look great under dynamic lighting situations. I had hoped to see updates in the neck and legs, unfortunately, it's the same. It works, but could still be better with modern articulation. Joint tolerance is much better though compared to the first release. No parts pop off easily, especially the tail which was a constant complaint of the first figure. The wing's range of movement works well. No ab crunch, but that's okay in my opinion since that would break up the torso armor. The paint application is completely changed from the 2012 release featuring a darker red coloration with a blending of a flesh-white throughout the wings. The veins are very prominent. I'm not a fan of this as they look like decals with no natural blending. The 2012 version does this but it's very subtle. The back spikes and head crest are painted a translucent yellow.

Extras! This pack comes with some old and new items. Returning are the Plasma Grenade, Flight Mode Hands, Super Mechagodzilla Combination parts, and Flight stand(s)/Cradle for Fire Rodan & Garuda. New and New-ish parts include the swappable damaged eyepiece for Mechagodzilla, absurdly long G-Crusher cable parts, and new flight stand pieces for Fire Rodan.

Overall, I think this may be the best iteration of these characters in the line so far. There's more to be seen with this set, so look forward to an in-depth review at a later date!