Question about Imperial Toys vinyl figures.

[B-Lister]

I recently added Godzilla to my collection. He is officially licensed.

I am aware they did a gorilla that many say is Kong. Is it also licensed?

There is also a pterodactyl that many claim is Rodan. But I did not see a Toho copyright on any image of the toy. Can somebody shed some light on the matter?

[Megotastrophe]

A quick glance thru ebay shows some half dozen different style and size gorillas that are at least informally called King Kong. One of the 6.5 inch gorillas looks a lot like the 1976 Kong poster. The 8 inch gorilla that I have looks like the 30s Kong. None of them had anything beyond Imperial and year of manufacture or possibly copyright on them.

[Mr.Marion]

I had that Kong it's generic enough that I might have just been a gorilla and not from the 1976 film.

[J.B.]

I am aware they did a gorilla that many say is Kong. Is it also licensed?

Is this the piece you're referring to?

[B-Lister]

That answers that. Thanks, J.B.! Any info on Rodan?

[Megotastrophe]

Thats the exact gorilla I have. I never had a tag for him but I suspect if anything its licensed to the 30s film.

[TrekStar]

Thats the exact gorilla I have. I never had a tag for him but I suspect if anything its licensed to the 30s film.

I have this too, the likness is definitely 1933 Kong, also goes well in battle with Mego Tarzan, their about the same size.

[J.B.]

I have this too, the likness is definitely 1933 Kong,

[darkmonkeygod]

The Rodan, IMO, is nonsense. Not only was I alive and buying these for my collection first hand when they were released, but I was also working in wholesale. I collect catalogs and displays and, though I've heard the rumor and am pertty sure I know where it started) I've never seen a shred of evidence over the last 35 years that Imperial ever released or even planned a Rodan. I would to be proven wrong, but that proof would need to be a wholesale catalog, card back, and/or hang tag.

Also, the large gorilla that is patterend on this Kong WAS NOT released by Imperial, to the best of my knowedge, but some other company filling the void.

[B-Lister]

Where do you believe the rumor began?