Kiguru-Microman Series KM-01 Godzilla (First Version) with Microman Ken (12/28/04)

Takara released the Kiguru-Microman set (KM-01 and KM-02) in December of 2004 to coincide with the released of the 50th Anniversary Godzilla movie "Godzilla - Final War". Kiguru which translated to costumed actor was the forth sub-series for the popular 2004 line. Kiguru-Microman Series combined the elements from both the regular Microman Force series and that of Micro Action series, which resulted into "Micro" version of the 12" costume doll (such as Medicom RAH or Takara own original Henshin Cyborg Henshin Set). Each Kiguru-Microman set included a Microman actor and a rubber monster costume. Microman figure can be inserted into the rubber suit which gave the Godzilla body the illusion of having a Microman actor inside the rubber suit. So far the Kiguru-Microman is limited to just monsters from the ever popular Godzilla franchise of studio Toho. Since most of the Godzilla toys are usually made by Bandai so it was very interesting to see Godzilla being co-branded with Takara Microman series.

The initial assortment of KM series included two separate set of figures. KM-01 included Godzilla (1st version style from 1950's) and Microman Ken, and KM-02 which included the latest Final War Godzilla and Microman Billy. The set came packaged in blister card similar to the one used for Micro Action EX International Rescue set. The Microman figure was a basic Micro Force style figure but without any of the tampo decoration. Instead each figure came with clear stickers that can be used to decorate the body. The lack of paint probably due to the fact that these Kiguru Microman figure was meant to be used with the rubber suit and the paint probably rub off or react with the rubber. While the sticker was very thin and adhere well for the most part to the body, they certainly did not look as good as the painted on "tampo" decorations. KM-01 Microman Ken has clear yellow body with dark purple chest and shins. The figure was quite plain without the stickers but look very nice once the stickers had been applied. The figures that came with both KM-01 and KM-02 were very well made with very tight joints and high grade plastic. This was very fortunate since these figures were intended to be used with the rubber Godzilla suit.

The sets main selling point was of the rubber Godzilla suit that can be used with these Kiguru Microman figure. The suit was very well made with enough flexibility so the figure inside can articulated the suit just like the real thing. The problem however lie in the way the suit was designed. Instead of just inserting the Microman figure inside a hollowed out Godzilla, Takara designer opted for a very tight fitting suit design that precision fit to Microman 2004 body. This made for very frustrating session in trying to get Microman body into the suit. This was nearly impossible to do with the Final War Godzilla whose suit opening was way too small. I found it easier to remove Microman limbs from the ball sockets and insert the arms and legs first into the rubber suit then inserted the body and snap the joint onto the ball socket. If you want to display Kiguru-Microman figure then you probably better off picking up either Material Force figure (any of them but M-08 Tristis whose arm pegs tend to slip off) or one of the Mater Force figures that can be cheaply obtained here in the U.S. The hands and feet of Godzilla then get inserted into Microman hands and feet socket. The fit here is very good and makes for a very nice looking radioactive rubber lizard. While the rubber suit can be very frustrating, Takara decision to go with one piece precision fit design really boost the look of Godzilla and gives very nice illusion of Microman actor inside the rubberized monster outfit.

KM-01 Godzilla depicted the infamous radioactive giant lizard in his original version Godzilla movie from 1954. KM Godzilla was actually a rubber suit for Microman and to properly display the figure, Microman body must be inserted inside the suit.