By Josh Wallen Posted on

Figure Friday: Import Pre-Orders and a Cryptoid Kickstarter

When last we spoke, I lamented the lack of new figures in my life. Two weeks later, my figure drought continues. Rumour has it that some Targets are starting to put out Haulathon product early! If all goes well, I’ll be knee deep in NECA by my next Figure Friday column. In the meantime, let’s take a look at a few imports that caught my eye and a Kickstarter that funded in less than 48 hours.

A dynamic action figure of a ninja in a blue outfit, posed with a sword and surrounded by a blurred background, suggesting motion.
A dynamic action figure of a ninja in a fighting pose, wielding a sword with one arm extended and wearing a blue outfit.
A dynamic action figure of a ninja character in blue attire, running with a drawn katana, showcasing intricate details and a posed stance.
A detailed action figure of a ninja character in a dynamic pose, wearing a blue outfit and a mask, with a scarf billowing and a throwing knife in hand.
Assorted action figure accessories including various articulated hands, a dagger, a katana with a red and gold handle, and two silver shurikens.

Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech Ninja Gaiden – Ryu Hayabusa

Ninja Gaiden on the NES was one of the first times I realized that I wasn’t very good at video games. It was fun, but some of those jumps were too much for me to figure out. I had a much better time watching my friends navigate Ryu Hayabusa on his path to avenge his father’s murder.

Revoltech has done an incredible job translating Ryu from 8-Bit to figure form. He looks even more badass than I imagined him to be. There aren’t a ton of folks that can pull off a muffler, but Ryu’s is pretty epic. It punches up the drama to those dynamic poses the same way those cutscenes made that game feel so cinematic.

Ryu has movable eyes, multiple sets of hands, a Dragon Sword with a sheath, a dagger, throwing stars and a display stand. If you order directly from Kaiyodo, you’ll get an exclusive unmasked head.

A detailed action figure of a soldier holding a rifle, featuring realistic textures and clothing details.
A detailed action figure of a soldier in tactical black attire, holding a knife, posed dynamically with a focused expression in a dimly lit industrial setting.
A detailed action figure of a soldier in tactical gear, crouched and aiming a firearm, with a serious expression. The figure is posed dynamically on a clear display base.
A detailed action figure of a soldier in black tactical gear crouching inside an open cardboard box.
A toy action figure of a soldier, aiming a gun at a posed figure with a surprised expression, characterized by a head with an exclamation mark. The background is a simple gray, highlighting the figures.
A cardboard box with text on it, a green frog toy, various toy weapons including a rifle and handguns, a toy grenade, and multiple toy hands placed on a gray background.

Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – Naked Snake

I’m not well-versed in the Metal Gear lore, but I know a badass figure when I see one. Snake has a full arsenal to go into battle with and they even throw in a cardboard box to carry it all in… or sneak around in. Whatever the situation calls for.

You get multiple sets of hands, binoculars, multiple guns, a knife, a Kerotan (frog) and a display stand. My favourite accessory has to be the exclamation point (!) that you can place on the head of another figure to make it appear that they’ve been alerted to Snake’s presence.

If you order directly from Kaiyodo, you’ll get an exclusive eye-patch head. Preorders open Monday, March 16.

A large, menacing Godzilla-like creature with sharp spines and a fierce expression, standing amidst a dark background with hints of tropical foliage.
Detailed figure of a Godzilla character posed dramatically against a dark blue background, showcasing its spiky back and fierce expression.
A detailed figure of a dinosaur-like creature, resembling a giant lizard, with spiky features and an aggressive stance against a dark background.
A detailed display of two Godzilla figures, one larger and more muscular, the other smaller with spiky features, set against a blue gradient background.

S.H.MonsterArts Godzilla Minus One Godzilla (The Odo Island Monster)

I loved Godzilla: Minus One. The failure of Kōichi Shikishima to kill teenage Godzilla when he had him dead to rights on Odo Island is the jumping-off point of the movie; the wrong that will need to be made right by the film’s end.

Adolescent Godzilla gave me Godzilla ’98 vibes. A more T-Rex inspired Godzilla, short and squat. While G98 never really scratched my Godzilla itch, The Odo Island Monster has a much more traditional Godzilla head and face with the short, squat T. rex body. If they absolutely HAD to change up his design, this is more like what I would have preferred to see in ’98.

The chaos of the nighttime attack didn’t give us a great opportunity to study Little G. The MonsterArts Odo Island Monster gives us the luxury of admiring the design in the light of day, and it makes me want to see this version on screen even more. Maybe the Minus One sequel will give us some more of his exploits from his time tormenting Odo Island?

Colorful comic book cover for 'Cryptoids: War for the Green Planet,' featuring various mythical creatures and characters in a battle scene, with a prominent bear-like creature in the center.
A colorful display of action figures from the Cryptoids brand, featuring various alien and monster characters, including a lion-like creature, a purple monster with wings, and green extraterrestrial beings, set against a detailed background.
A lineup of action figures including a colorful butterfly character, a pink creature, an alien figure, and various monster figures, all displayed with height markers indicating sizes ranging from 5 to 7 inches.

CRYPTOIDS: War For The Green Planet – Cryptid Action Figures

When I was six, I checked out a book about Bigfoot from the Bookmobile. I’ve been drawn to the world of Cryptids ever since. When I saw an action figure Kickstarter with Yetis, Mothmen and Aliens, I was immediately on board.

From the minds behind YHS Podcast! CRYPTOIDS pulls inspiration from the shadows, exploring the rich world of cryptids, global conspiracies, UFO/UAP, and everything in-between! Our goal is to build a unique universe where legendary creatures clash with the evil Reptoid uprising in high-stakes adventures, offering collectors and fans figures that feel simultaneously familiar and totally new!

Bigfoot vs Lizard People? Say less. You want to offer me two shelf-worthy Moth Men? Sign me up! Highly articulated glow-in-the-dark Roswell Alien army builders? Already unlocked and ready to order!

Between these, The Cursed Dead Kickstarter from last year and everything Fresh Monkey Fiction is doing with Operation: Monster Force, we’re in a Renaissance of Creepy action figures!

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