Stock up before the iconic monsters face off in theaters next weekend.
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It’s not quite the summer, but studios are all ready rolling out their biggest franchises for delightful popcorn flicks that make movie lovers sprint to the multiplexes. This year might look a little different, but indicators of normal life gradually returning are always welcomed signs. “Godzilla vs. Kong” feels like a return to the big-budget summer blockbusters that moviegoers became accustomed to, before the pandemic. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t require much of a synopsis, beyond its three-word title. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the two iconic characters, or are simply itching to watch a new blockbuster, the release should be an event to remember.
Warner Bros. is releasing “Godzilla vs. Kong” in theaters and on HBO Max on March 31. Not subscribed to HBO Max? No problem. You can sign up for just $14.99 a month, which lets you stream thousands of blockbuster films, addictive series, and epic originals.
“Godzilla vs. King,” which is already receiving positive buzz from critics, is the latest installment in two of the oldest blockbuster film franchises in Hollywood. Godzilla made his debut in the 1954 film “Godzilla” from Toho Studios, and the kaiju monster has appeared in 36 feature films. He’s battled with a variety of monsters including Mothra, Ghidora, and in 1962, King Kong himself. Kong first appeared in the eponymous 1933 RKO Film from Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, and has been a pop culture mainstay ever since, gracing the screen in 12 movies.
The franchise has spawned legions of loyal fans and tons of merchandise, and the release of a new movie is a great time for fans to expand their collections.
Adam Wingard, the director of “Godzilla vs Kong,” has made it clear that the battle will have a clear winner. If you’re team Godzilla, this is a great time to stock up on toys and merchandise from the iconic kaiju franchise (ditto if you’re pulling for Kong). Or better yet, why not shop items from both characters? No matter how the new “Godzilla vs. Kong” movie performs, these film franchises have been around for decades, and the collectibles are great investment for film buffs.
Check below for our favorite Godzilla and King Kong toys and collectibles.
Kong Funko Pop
Any list of genre film collectibles needs to start with Funko Pop! This adorable 10-inch King Kong figurine was made specifically for the release of “Godzilla vs. Kong,” but its timeless design will look good in your collection for years to come.
Mechagodzilla Funko Pop
Funko Pop might be giving fans a sneak preview of what’s to come in “Godzilla vs. Kong” by unleashing the Mechagodzilla figurine. The release suggests that the robotic version of Godzilla will make an appearance in the film. (Just another reason to see the movie, as if you needed one.)
“Godzilla Dominion” by Greg Keyes
This graphic novel by Greg Keyes serves as the official prequel to “Godzilla vs. Kong.” It fleshes out Godzilla’s story, picking up after the events of 2019’s “Godzilla: King of Monsters,” and providing backstory on Godzilla’s relationship with other monsters in the universe. Told from the perspective of the kaiju monster, this is a great read for fans who just can’t get enough of this mythology but want more than what the movies offer.
“Team Godzilla” Face Mask
If you’re heading out to see “Godzilla vs. Kong” in a real theater, make sure you stay safe while showing your allegiance to the monster of your choice! This face mask is a fun way to show off your fandom while stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“Team Kong” Tee Shirt
If cloth masks aren’t your thing, these cool T-shirts allow you to rep the monster of your choosing, at an affordable price. It’s a win-win.
MonsterVerse 11″ Giant Godzilla Figure
Playmates has released a set of six action figures under their MonsterVerse line, and don’t be surprised if you want to collect them all. This first in the collection is an 11-inch Godzilla action figure that’s appropriate for kids and grown-up fans alike.
MonsterVerse 11″ Giant King Kong Figure
If you bought the 11-inch Godzilla, now you need someone for him to fight, right? This action figure also makes a great gift for a kid who loves Kong.
MonsterVerse 6″ Heat Wave Godzilla Figure
If you prefer your toys on the smaller side, this six-inch action figure depicts Godzilla breathing blue fire, thanks to his impressive heat wave powers.
MonsterVerse 6″ Hollow Earth Kong Figure with Fighter Jet
When Kong is mentioned, you might picture a giant ape swatting away planes from atop the Empire State Building. This MonsterVerse Hollow Earth Kong figurine comes with its own fighter jet, so you can reenact the iconic scene as often as you want.
MonsterVerse 6″ Skullcrawler Figure
The King Kong and Godzilla cinematic universe from Legendary Pictures is built around mythology that says our planet is actually hollow and filled with tunnels that contain a variety of monsters. One of the worst of these is the Skullcrawler, a dinosaur-like creature that lurks underground. While it remains to be seen how much the Hollow Earth will factor into “Godzilla vs. Kong,” no toy collection is complete without some of the less-famous monsters from the franchise.
MonsterVerse 6″ Warbat Figure
The Warbat is another great Hollow Earth monster from the Legendary Pictures universe. This flying snake figurine is mostly vertical, so it will look great next to the horizontal Skullcrawler. And like the King Kong Playmates figurine, this one comes with a miniature toy fighter jet.
Diehard fans will want to pick up this coffee table book, which serves as a definitive guide to the making of the “Godzilla vs. Kong.” Daniel Wallace digs deep into every stage of the making of this historic blockbuster, from creature design to never-before-seen photos from the set. The forward from the film’s director lends the book some legitimacy. You won’t want to pass this up.
Tamashi Nations Godzilla Figurine
If you’re looking for something a little more intense than the toy action figures, this insanely-detailed Godzilla model from Bandai might do the trick. The replica was designed by legendary sculptor Yuji Sakai to match the monster’s proportions as closely as possible. In short, it’s the most realistic piece of “Godzilla vs. Kong” memorabilia you could possibly have on your shelf.
Tamashi Nations King Kong Figurine
This Bandai King Kong figurine, also sculpted by Sakai, features the gorilla in a sweet action shot, giving him a slight advantage over the Godzilla model that could already be on the other end of your shelf.
If you have young kids in your life, start their cinema journey early with this cute board book covering Godzilla and Kong’s unlikely friendship and their conflict resolution skills. It might leave out a few scenes from the movie, but the message is adorable and it’s a great way to introduce children to your favorite characters.
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