If you're a serious Kaiju collector, you probably already know that hunting for an x plus godzilla 1984 can feel like a full-time job. There's something about that specific 1984 design—the "Return of Godzilla" look—that just hits differently. It was the bridge between the goofy, hero-style Godzilla of the late 70s and the absolute powerhouse Heisei monster we got in the 90s. When X Plus takes a crack at that specific era, the results are usually nothing short of spectacular.
Let's be real for a second: X Plus isn't really making toys. These are high-end soft vinyl statues. If you're looking for something to "pew-pew" around the living room, you're in the wrong place. But if you want a piece that looks like it stepped right off the screen and onto your shelf, that's where the 1984 sculpts shine.
Why the 1984 Design is Special
The 1984 film was a huge deal because it was a total reboot. Godzilla wasn't a friend to children anymore; he was a walking natural disaster. He looked meaner, heavier, and a bit more primitive. One of the most distinct features of the '84 suit is the "ears"—Godzilla actually had small ears in this version, a callback to the original 1954 design. He also had four toes instead of three, and his eyes were well, they were a bit spooky.
The x plus godzilla 1984 figures capture that slightly crazed, "staring into your soul" look perfectly. In the movie, they used a giant animatronic called the "Cybot Godzilla" for close-ups, and it had a slightly different face than the actual suit. Depending on which X Plus version you get, you can actually see the sculptors leaning into those specific mechanical nuances. It's that level of geeky detail that makes collectors go crazy.
The Different Scales: 25cm vs. 30cm
When you start looking for an x plus godzilla 1984, you're going to run into two main sizes: the 25cm (Large Monster Series) and the 30cm (Favorite Sculptors Line or standard 30cm series).
The 25cm version is great if you're tight on space. Don't let the smaller size fool you, though—the detail is still insane. X Plus is known for their "skin" texture. It doesn't just look like molded plastic; it looks like organic, pebbly hide. The 25cm '84 Goji usually has a great stance, looking slightly upward as if he's towering over the buildings in Shinjuku.
However, if you have the room (and the budget), the 30cm series is where the magic happens. These figures have a "shelf presence" that's hard to describe until you see them in person. The 1984 30cm sculpts often capture the bulk of the suit better. The '84 suit was notoriously heavy and a bit clunky, and the 30cm figures really lean into that sense of mass.
The "RIC" Version: Is it Worth It?
If you've been browsing forums or eBay, you've probably seen the term "RIC-Boy" or just "RIC version." Essentially, RIC is the X Plus online storefront. Their exclusive versions usually come with a "gimmick." For the x plus godzilla 1984, the RIC version typically includes light-up dorsal fins.
Is it worth the extra $100 or so? Honestly, it depends on how you display your figures. If you have a dim display case with LED lighting, seeing those fins glow blue is incredibly cool. It mimics the scene where Godzilla is charging up his atomic breath before blasting a skyscraper. But if your figures just sit on a shelf in a bright room, the standard version is more than enough. The sculpt is the real star of the show anyway.
The Gigantic Series: The Absolute Unit
We can't talk about the x plus godzilla 1984 without mentioning the Gigantic Series. If the 30cm version is a statue, the Gigantic version is a piece of furniture. These things are massive—usually standing around 18 to 20 inches tall and being even wider from nose to tail.
The Gigantic '84 Godzilla is, in my opinion, one of the best things X Plus has ever produced. Because the figure is so big, the painters can get really detailed with the shading. You'll see subtle browns and grays mixed into the black vinyl, which helps the muscles and scales pop. The only downside? You might have to get rid of a chair or a small child to make room for it on your shelf. It's a huge commitment, but it's the definitive version of that character.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're ready to pull the trigger and add an x plus godzilla 1984 to your collection, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, these figures are mostly made of PVC, but they are hollow. Sometimes, especially with the older releases, they can get a bit of "lean" if they're kept in a warm room. Most collectors fill the legs with plaster or sand to give them some weight and stability, though newer releases have better internal support.
Also, check the box! X Plus packaging is usually pretty basic—a brown cardboard box with some minimal printing—but for collectors, having that original "RIC" box can add significant value if you ever decide to sell it later.
The Aftermarket Struggle
Here's the annoying part: X Plus does limited runs. Once a figure is sold out, it's gone. This means the x plus godzilla 1984 you want might only be available on the secondary market for double the original price.
Don't let FOMO (fear of missing out) make you make a bad decision. These figures get re-issued every few years, often with a "standard" paint job or as part of a "special color" set. If the prices on eBay look insane, sometimes it's better to wait and see if a new version gets announced. Then again, if you find a good deal on an '84 Goji, you should probably grab it. They don't tend to lose value.
Final Thoughts on the '84 Goji
The 1984 film was a turning point for the franchise, and the x plus godzilla 1984 is a turning point for many collections. It represents a darker, more serious era of Kaiju cinema. There's a certain "vibe" to the 84 design—it's grumpy, it's intimidating, and it's undeniably Godzilla.
Whether you go for the 25cm, the 30cm, or the absolute monster that is the Gigantic Series, you're getting a piece of film history. The way X Plus handles the texture of the suit and the specific "dead-eyed" stare of the 84 animatronic is just top-tier. It's not just a piece of plastic; it's a tribute to the suit actors and effects artists who brought the Big G back to life in the 80s.
Just make sure you have enough shelf space, because once you buy one X Plus, it's really hard to stop. Your wallet might hate you, but your display case will look amazing. Happy hunting!