Shogun Warriors Rodan (1979)

Shogun Warriors Rodan is one of the rarest and most valuable figures in the Mattel Shogun Warriors lineup. Released in 1980 as one of the "World's Greatest Monsters," Rodan was never released in Japan, making it highly sought after by both American collectors and Japanese kaiju enthusiasts. Because of its matching scale with Godzilla, Rodan serves as the monster counterpart to the Shogun Warriors robot lineup and is collected by Shogun Warriors, Jumbo Machinder, and vintage monster toy collectors.

Standing apart from the other Shoguns, Rodan features large articulated wings, a moving beak, grabbing claws, and a flapping-wing action feature. Its rarity, size, and fragile construction make complete examples extremely difficult to find.

Mattel Shogun Warriors Rodan Variations

Figure Variations:

• Paint variations exist, especially in the color and size of the stripe on the beak.
• Early figures may lack visible copyright markings, while later versions have copyright information molded into the lower back plastic.
• Plastic color variations are known, particularly on the beak, horns, and feet:
  • Dark beak, horns, and feet.
  • Dark horns and feet with lighter beak.
  • Dark beak and feet with lighter horns.
  • Dark feet only (most commonly seen).
• These changes appear to be production running variations rather than separate releases.

Packaging Variations:

At least two confirmed box variations exist, with possible additional versions:

First Box Release:

• Lists an incorrect 41-inch wingspan on the front of the package.
• Later boxes received a white correction sticker covering the incorrect measurement.

Updated Box Release:

• Corrects the wingspan measurement to 38 inches.
• Includes updated packaging details and is the most commonly encountered box variation.

Possible Rare Box Variations:

• A rumored vertical-image box variation has been reported but remains unconfirmed.
• A possible "Bloody Claw" box variation, similar to the Godzilla packaging variation, has also been mentioned but lacks confirmed examples.

Common Condition Issues for Collectors:

Due to Rodan's age and the type of plastic used, many examples suffer from:

• Brittle or cracked wings.
• Broken wing attachment tabs.
• Damaged rubber bands holding wings and claws.
• Broken head stem from dried rubber components.
• Worn beak ratchet mechanism that prevents the beak from staying open or closed.
• Broken claw mounting points caused by stress from the rubber bands.

Complete boxed examples with inserts and instructions are especially valuable, with high-grade examples commanding premium prices among collectors.

With its enormous wingspan, monster design, limited release history, and connection to Godzilla, Mattel Shogun Warriors Rodan remains one of the most desirable vintage kaiju and giant robot collectibles from the 1980s.

Please note: that the item shown here has already been sold and is no longer available. Browse our shop for Shogun Warriors Rodan or similar Shogun Warriors figures and collectibles.