Hiya Exquisite Basic Series GMK Heat Ray Godzilla – A Fierce New Collectible

In this post, I’m diving deep into the Hiya Toys GMK Heat Ray Godzilla figure, exploring its sculpt, articulation and accessories, and giving my honest, opinionated take, plus a bit of fun commentary. We’ll also look at the legacy of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001), the film behind this iconic design.

Release details:

• Release date: Pre-order now, shipping expected Q3 2025, global availability
• MSRP: ~$79.99 / £65
• Edition size: Not officially limited, part of Hiya’s broader Exquisite Basic+ line
• Manufacturer: Hiya Toys (licensed by Toho)

Sculpt, Articulation and Fluorescent Effects

Hiya continues its streak with CG-accurate sculpting. The GMK Heat Ray Godzilla nails the squat, rugged silhouette of the 2001 design, scaly skin, massive dorsal spines, and adds fluorescent paint detail to simulate the glowing, heat-ray charging look.

Articulation is excellent, with ball joints, hinge knees, and a swivelling tail, great for roaring poses and heat ray stances. The included alternate head and hands are a nice touch, allowing collectors to recreate scenes from the film or invent new ones.

The glowing effect isn’t from LEDs, but from smart use of paint and sculpt. Under the right light, the fins and body markings pulse with a charged energy, giving the illusion of power building inside Godzilla, ready to fire.

Accessories and Display Value

The figure includes:

• Multiple hands (clawed and relaxed)
• Translucent blue heat ray blast piece

It’s a streamlined loadout, but an effective one. The heat ray blast attaches securely, and the claws add versatility for various action or static poses. No alternate head sculpt here, but the fixed portrait is expressive and aggressive enough to do the job.

For display, this GMK stands well on its own, with the tail acting as tripod support. It’s going to stand out on your shelf, especially next to other entries in the series.

GMK Film Connection

The figure isn’t just eye candy, it represents a pivotal moment in Godzilla history. Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (GMK) hit cinemas in Japan on 15 December 2001 and is widely regarded as one of the best Godzilla films of the Millennium era.

Set in an alternate timeline, the film has Godzilla as an undead force of vengeance, raining destruction on Japan. Summoned to oppose him are guardian kaiju Mothra, King Ghidorah and Baragon, beings awakened to retaliate for past injustices. The movie blends wartime themes, spirits of the Pacific War and commanding monster battles, all packed into 105 minutes. It’s equal parts grim, thrilling and emotionally charged.

Mothra and King Ghidorah are reimagined here as protectors, cutting against type and adding moral depth. Ghidorah in particular is smaller and more agile than previous golden dragons, transformed into a heroic figure.

Why It’s One of the Best GMK Figures

This Hiya release ranks among the best GMK Godzilla figures – Hiya Toys Heat Ray version for several reasons:

1. Outstanding sculpt, every ridge and fold matches the film’s design
2. Great articulation, poseable and fun to play with
3. Fluorescent paint effects, give a dynamic visual presence without needing LEDs
4. Value for money, two portraits and effects accessories at £65 is solid

Plus, it perfectly complements other Hiya entries such as the Hiya Toys Mecha King Ghidorah and Hiya Toys King Ghidorah, so you can recreate the full monster roster from GMK on your shelf.

Final Verdict

Is the Hiya Toys GMK Heat Ray Godzilla figure collectible worth it? Absolutely. It hits that sweet spot of accuracy, playability, and value. While there are no LEDs, the figure makes up for it with clever paint work and strong accessories.

For fans of GMK or anyone building a kaiju collection, this figure deserves a place. I’d say it’s one of the strongest offerings from Hiya’s Exquisite Basic line yet.

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