Rodan CED Video Disc (Vestron, 1983)

When I was discussing the companion release to this disc, Vestron's GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS, I had mentioned that it may have been the only Godzilla or even kaiju film released in the CED format.  However, from some database searches, I can now tell you that there were actually three Godzilla-related CED discs released in the USA:  KOTM, RODAN, (which I just picked up), and GODZILLA 1985.  

More information on CED discs is available in that previous post, as well.

2001 Godzilla ("GMK, Giant Monsters All-Out Attack") NECA, 2016

The seventh figure in NECA's Godzilla series has arrived!  NECA has slowed down from the speed that began this series, but thankfully, it is still alive.  Here is their production so far:

2014 - Three figures (beginning in June of that year)

2015 - Three figures

2016 - One figure

If I recall correctly, Shin Godzilla is going to be next, but I'm sure it will be in 2017, at this point.  Here's a halfway-decent look at the new figure:

It's another stunning sculpt, and the bulkiest Godzilla so far, and that even counts 1985's thunderous thighs.  This figure's are actually bigger, and to my quick comparisons, everything is newly-sculpted.

Also, the biggest feet so far.  This Godzilla has huge, thick feet, and I think that's accurate to the design.

I decided to make a comparison to Bandai's version of this Godzilla, from their line of American vinyls (credited to Bandai Creation, of course).  You can see the major difference right away:  NECA's 2001 can't stand up very straight.  It's really true for all their Godzillas.  

Now, this really isn't a deal-breaker.  It's just the way it is.  In the first unboxed photo above, that is the absolute straightest he will stand and still have both enormous feet on the ground.  Sure, you can lean him forward more, but his heels will be off the ground.  You'll notice Bandai's posture is very rigid in comparison, and it just comes down to what you prefer for a given display situation. 

Of course, Bandai's 2001 isn't super-articulated, and this figure has all of the great design elements of the previous six, including the jaw.

Oh, and points for the tail, which has a lovely, blunt end, as well as the usual bendable wire.  (The point of the tail was a complaint of mine in reviewing previous figures.)

Overall, NECA's 2001 has a wider stance, a more impressive bulk, and nice-looking texture to the folds and scales of the sculpt, achieved with a dark wash.  Originally pushed back to September--and then again to October, until finally arriving in November--I ordered mine from Entertainment Earth, thinking they would never show up on store shelves.  However, I was surprised to see several of this exact figure on the shelves of my local Toys [backwards "R"] Us the other day, so you just never know.

Lego #76057 Expansion Project (Web Warriors Bridge Battle)

I know this was a popular idea, when this amazing set recently came out, to buy more than one and "extend" the bridge.  From the way it's designed, I think this was even what the Lego Group had in mind.  I was lucky that a local Wal-Mart ran a sale on this set for $78, instead of the $99 it originally was.  I don't know why they did that, but I haven't regretted the second purchase for one moment.

And of course, it provides room to involve the other current Spider-Man sets!

First off, let me say that I did absolutely nothing fancy.  I could have done a lot of modifications, but

I didn't see the need.  All I added were a couple of large plates to connect the two bridge playsets together, three baseplates for water, two minifigures (a fireman and a driver for the second taxi), and some clear rods and bricks to make the gliders fly.  That's all it took.  Really, you could modify this thing as much as you want--unless I'm parting out a set I like to keep it complete, so I just built the whole thing, and left off the final, small segment (where the street signs and trash can launcher is).  Not building that last part gives you the plates you need to hook both sides together, and fill in the missing street plates. 

I have over 300 Lego sets, and I have to say that this very well may be my absolute favorite set that has been made.  Definitely the best Marvel set, hands down!

Hey, I just remember that Doc Ock was involved when Capt. Stacy died in the original comics.  This was a happy accident.

If only they had given us a Gwen, instead of Aunt May.  Oh well, it feels just as therapeutic to dangle her from a bridge!

A better view of the translucent bricks and rods, which of course would work for the Vulture too.