Biollante (Trendmasters)

Biollante is a hybrid kaiju created by Dr. Genichiro Shiragami through the combination of DNA from his deceased daughter, a rose, and Godzilla. Initially looking more like a gigantic rose, Biollante eventually morphs into a monster that’s basically a plant version of Godzilla, resulting in one of the coolest kaiju in Toho’s roster. Biollante must also be one of Toho’s most complex creations. First appearing in 1989’s Godzilla vs. Biollante, the creature required 32 wires to operate her various vines and of course, a human inside the suit. A monumental achievement in special effects, Biollante is easily among my all-time favorite kaiju. Today we’re looking at two Biollante figures, both made by Trendmasters in 1995.

Trendmasters produced Godzilla toys for distribution in the United States throughout the 1990’s. The company, based out of St. Louis, Missouri, was founded in 1989 and closed in 2002. In addition to Toho toys they also made toys for Gamera, the 1998 Godzilla, and Independence Day. The Biollante figures we’re looking at today include a 6” (15 cm) figure with sound and a 4” (10 cm) figure without sound. The 4” figure was included in a Toy Liquidators exclusive two-figure set and came with a “super charged thundering Godzilla”. The 6” Biollante was released under the Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla Wars lines. The 6” figure comes in versions that make sound and versions that don’t. Mine is the one that makes sounds, although it doesn’t any longer. Trendmasters also made other Biollante figures including a bendable Biollante, 10” (25 cm) Biollante, and trippy looking 40th anniversary neon green Biollante.

Both figures I have look identical with the only visual difference between them being the size, which is why I’m reviewing them together. They depict Biollante in her final form, with a toothy reptilian head surrounded by tusks and 6 smaller heads on the end of vines. They’re stuck in place on the smaller figure but can move around at their base on the larger one. Additionally, the larger one’s head and legs can swivel about. The body is hunched and Godzilla-esq but with a floral twist. A red sac can be seen on her chest which in the films is said to emit energy.  

As far as accuracy goes, this toy is a simplified and cartoony version of what we see in Godzilla vs. Biollante, but we must be forgiving since this is a 30-year-old toy that was obviously meant for children more than collectors. The only glaring issue are the feet, which Biollante shouldn’t have. Although Biollante can move in the film, it’s with the aid of her roots, not feet like what we see here.

The figure blends together various leafy green tones and the larger one has a hint of blue running down the back. The tusks, teeth, and claws are creamy white and even the teeth on the little heads are painted. The insides of the smaller heads and their tongues are not painted but the inside of the main central head is painted pink and that includes the teeth on the mouth’s interior. The eyes are red.

This is the kind of toy that will appeal most to those that have a fondness for Trendmasters toys or kaiju toys from that era. For more accurate depictions of Biollante there are better options available, including a decent budget option by Bandai that retails for about $20. I’m contemplating getting that one myself. If you’re looking for a Trendmasters Biollante then it’s off to eBay where loose examples can be found for about $25. I have a giant box of Trendmasters Godzilla toys so expect to see more of them here in the future.