Gigan

I’ve always been a huge fan of zombie movies and Ryuhei Kitamura’s “Versus” enjoyed a stretch of time where it was among the most popular entries in the genre. I, however, hated it. So when I heard that the last Godzilla movie was to be made by the same director, my expectations sank. And when I first saw the new design for Gigan, I nearly vomitted. I really HATED it. I nearly swore off the whole thing before it was even finished filming. When this toy was announced, I didn’t give it a second thought. No way would I buy that horrible new design from that horrible new movie!

But a funny thing happened at the theatre, when I and several of my friends decided to give it a chance. As it turns out, I loved it! I thought the film was tons of fun, and taken within that context, even the new Gigan design didn’t seem so bad. One of the first things I said when leaving the theatre was “Y’know, suddenly I can envision myself owning that new Chogokin Gigan!” The order was sent, the package was delivered……and I was met with nearly the same disappointment I had expected from the movie. This toy just doesn’t do it for me.

My biggest complaint with it is the poor articulation. Sure, there’s several places where you can move the joints (neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and ankles), but in many of those spots, movement is severely limited. You can also adjust the three fins on his back, spreading them out or keeping them close together. Other than raising and lowering the arms, and twisting them at the elbows, you really can’t do much with it. Poseability is almost nil.

The legs and upper torso are made of diecast metal, but there really isn’t much weight to the toy at all. And all the fancy weapons that look impressive are really just soft plastic. Here was a chance for Bandai to make a REALLY dangerous toy and they blew it.

About the only thing that sets this toy above a simple Bandai vinyl is that it has interchangeable weapons. You can replace the Hammer Claw hands with duel buzzsaws and you can change the head to display him in flight mode. A third head with a serrated horn is also included.

And while the extra metal in the toy gives is a nicer shine while on display, I’m just not sure it’s worth the extra $40 or so more than it would cost to just get a cheap vinyl. Unless you are a chogokin or Gigan completist, I think this is one you can pass on.