Godzilla is main attraction at new Arlington Heights shop

Part of it is that Godzilla figures were only made in Japan and therefore nearly impossible to get when Loris Basso was a kid.

The other part is the huge monster is pretty cool.

A few years ago, Basso opened Monster Island Toys, which specializes in Godzilla figures. He recently moved the store and his 600 Godzilla figures to the International Plaza in Arlington Heights from the South Side Chicago neighborhood that was home to the mayors Daley. The suburban store's grand opening was Jan. 2.

"When I was in Bridgeport, all of my customers came from up north," said Basso, who lives in south suburban Tinley Park. "So I decided to go where they are."

Basso's front window features a 4-foot by 6-foot Godzilla figure he put together himself. A $2,500 price tag hangs around its neck. Which, according to Basso, is a pretty good deal.

"You could easily get $5,000 for that at a trade show," he said.

Monster Island doesn't just sell Godzillas - although there is a special room in the back dedicated to his Godzilla figures, which cost between $15 and $35 each.

Basso also sells Speed Racer, Batman and GI Joe figures. Characters from popular movies such as "Gremlins," "Jaws" and "Scarface" also line the walls.

Horror movie stars are almost as popular as Godzilla here.

"Land of the Dead," "Friday the 13th" and "Bride of Chucky" dolls are everywhere. There's also more lighthearted "South Park" and "Simpson" merchandise thrown in.

If collectibles aren't your thing, there are comic books and DVDs. There were 28 Godzilla movies made between 1954 and 2005 and Basso has them all. The best one, according to Basso, is 2001's "Godzilla vs. Megaguiras."

Basso, 39, was a union painter in Chicago who saw his hours trimmed back after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Eventually he was laid off, and after prodding from friends, he opened Monster Island Toys in Chicago in 2006. He named the store after the island all monsters come from in Godzilla movies.

For more information, visit monsterislandtoys.com. The store's hours are noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Monster Island Toys at 148 E. Golf Road is closed on Monday.