Cool, thanks for that. I remember going to amiami in Akiba and picking up a few figures for great prices (got a Figuarts Decade for like 1700 yen) but the best value I remember seeing was Anime Jungle - they had Akarenger for around 1000 yen. I'll definitely make sure to hit up Book-Off first, though. I actually forgot about that place. In fact, they just opened a Book-Off pretty close to my office here, so I'll check there too.

Okay, so I have thoughts here. First of all, thanks for the comparison pics.

I love the way that Monsterarts figure looks, and I vastly prefer it to the NECA figures. But is it really worth the extra cost? On top of that...why is it smaller!?

Anyways, I actually really like the way Shin Ultraman looks there. There's a figuart of that as well, yes? I wouldn't mind owning him instead of the OG.

Thanks for that. I like the way this figure looks better than the '54 above.

However in the end, what all of this will come down to is what I can find for what price.

Appreciate all the help, friends.

Yeah, and you have options there too. If you want the best articulation, go with the MAFEX. If you want shiny paint, go with ThreeZero. The SHF is just all around solid while not excelling in any one category.

For the SH Monsterarts 54 godzilla: I would wait. They have been reprinting figures lately, and they have also been repainting the figures and doing rereleases. 54 Godzilla is probably due for a re-issue. Also next year is going to be the 70th anniversary. They might just release a brand new sculpt, who knows?

Either way I would not recommend paying scalper prices. The figure’s eyes are also a little bit wonky, and SH Monsterarts is not reliable at all for painting on eyes correctly. You don’t want to roll the dice with a scalped figure on that.

As for the size, Bandai made up some BS about Showa era figures needing to be smaller. I guess I poisoned the well by calling it BS, but you can decide if that logic makes sense.

EDIT: Oh wait. If you are going to be in japan, check out the 54 SHMs. You will probably be able to inspect them over there. And SHF Shin Ultraman is a great figure too. I probably should have taken a pic of that, but I had my mafex lying around because I decided to rip apart its arm to fix a qc issue, so it made it to the pic.

And Super7 is making an 8 inch tall Godzilla later this year. If you like the VS series, then this could be a good pick

https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Produ...Details/199318

If I find a good deal on the Monsterarts in a reputable store, I'll grab it. Otherwise, I think I'll wait like you suggested.

Without having seen the actual Bandai statement you're talking about, I think it makes sense - Showa Godzilla is smaller than Millenium Godzilla, after all.

On the topic of Shin being a good replacement for Ultraman, you might want to consider the same for Shin Kamen Rider! As stated Ichigou’s Seihous are gold dust, but you may have an easier time getting the upcoming SHF Shin KR — or failing that, the FRS

Hmmm I noticed Nago is sold out on Hobby Genki …

Not saying this is the next Valkyrie, but it’s certainly interesting

Still up for pre-order on P-Bandai US though.

Still have a Necrom I want to part with... ;)

That is in fact literally all but two Ghost SHFs!