Power-Up Mecha Godzilla

I tend to look back on Trendmaster’s 90s Godzilla line with rose-colored glasses. I think to myself, if I could go back, I should have just bought it all. Then I actually handle one and remind myself why I didn’t. This was the 90s, and everything subscribed to the concept of “Extreme!”.

You have to give it to them though – the line was ambitious. Not only Godzilla characters, but Gamera too. Lots of figures in different scales, playsets, bendies and more. But the thing is, the designers missed the mark on what made these characters truly great. They tried to Americanize the sculpts, used cheap materials and questionable finishes. Diehard Godzilla fans passed on the poor likenesses and the casual market didn’t care enough about Godzilla at the time.

From the Godzilla Wars line we have the Power Up Mecha-Godzilla, a good example of the general flaws of the line. One thing they did do right was the packaging.

A sturdy, thick cardboard box with die-cut window lets you easily see what you’re getting into. There’s lots of text everywhere.

This is one of the ugliest representations of MechaGodzilla ever made. I can only imagine what the reference material used for this was.

The tail needs to be attached.

Look at that face. WHAT IS THAT?

The mold is gummy and unrefined. Seam lines everywhere. Some parts are abs, but others are thick rubbery PVC.

“Articulation”

The one thing somewhat cool about this figure is the Power Up Armor. In this case it consists of the flying ship Toryu and several armor pieces. Supposedly Toryu replaced Garuda. Wait, there’s a story here? Either way, the chrome plated plastic feels cheap and hollow.

Ok, so he looks a little better with armor. If it wasn’t supposed to be Mecha-Godzilla, it would be cool.

Mecha-Godzilla does come with three working missile launchers.

The two missile launchers fold over the shoulders.

Chrome gauntlets fit over the hands.

The small ship on the back of Toryu also separates.

I admit, he has a decent side profile. Too bad he’s a crap toy.

These are the potato instructions.

Also included is a bio card. The art on the card looks like it was done by a rejected Image Comics Liefeld wanna-be.

There’s so much wrong with this toy, but it has a certain charm I guess. Maybe you had to be a child of the 90s when everything was “EXTREME!!!!!”. He needed to be more muscly, more chrome but at the same time, cheap and without substance. The only thing he lacks is tons of tiny little pouches.