A Real Sweetheart: Christine Nguyen!

Photo courtesy of Christine Nguyen.

A Real Sweetheart: Christine Nguyen!

by Armand Vaquer

A funny thing happened the other night.

I was about an hour and a half away from going off-duty in my "parachute" job as a security patrol officer when I stopped at the guard shack at one of the gated communities I patrol in Malibu.

Inside, the guard had on television the Poorman's Bikini Beach show. The show was about ten minutes away from ending and they played a teaser (just before a commercial break) of their hotline segment with a panel of three bikini-clad lovelies who would answer callers' questions. One of them was very familiar to me, but I wasn't sure as the teaser whisked by.

After the commercial break, segment came on and one of the panelists was Christine Nguyen! Hot damn! (Ahem.) It truly is a small world.

I told the guard of Christine and he was very impressed with her. He hadn't heard of her before, and he comes from a show-biz family (his uncle was comedian Billy Gilbert from the Hal Roach Laurel & Hardy comedies (see "The Music Box" or "County Hospital") and his mother acted in many Gene Autry westerns) He also has acted and is a card-carrying SAG member. I sent Christine a text message telling her that we just saw her on the show.

Minutes later (around midnight) she text her thanks. Tom, the guard I was with, speculated that she may have been up watching too.

The next day, I followed up by telling Christine the circumstances on how we happened to see her on the show. I won't post what she said in our exchanges (at one point she did say I made her "blush"), but Christine is one real sweet lady! (I knew this before, as she was the first to send me a condolence message the morning of my mother's passing.)

It is Christine's natural sweetness and humor that comes through in her acting and model work. One cannot avoid being drawn to her. That shouldn't be too difficult to understand: she's an Aquarius! Christine and I both were born on February 4.

Besides being a fan, it is an honor for me to also be a friend of Christine Nguyen. She's a real sweetheart!

The Women Who Spend Their Lives Behind The Mask

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Jeff Hughes / Dennis Willman

Just about everyone has a secret fantasy to be a superhero. As children we dream of being Batman or one of the Fantastic Four. For some of us, those dreams never go away.

Now, Jeff Hughes, owner and writer of Comic Book Divas, along with artist Dennis Willman, are making that dream come true for a lucky group of young actresses and models.

Okay....no, these two comic book guys aren't turning these ladies into real superheroes, they aren't locking them in a room full of strontium 90 until they turn into mutants or anything like that. What they are doing is using their likenesses to model their characters after.

And I have to say, the results are stunning.

For Hughes and Willman's latest creation, "A Life Behind The Mask", the duo has collected some of the loveliest faces in the modeling industry, plus independent cinema genre, to create an amazing collection of heroes, villains and Anti Heroes.

The idea for using 'real-life' models and actresses came to Hughes and Jason Dube, of Scattered Comics Studios, while they were working on another comic entitled, "Scorpion Warrior". After putting out some feelers to find out if anyone would be interested in having their likeness used for a comic book character, Hughes and Dube were overwhelmed by requests by Models, Actresses, Wrestlers, and even NFL Cheerleaders.

Needless to say, the idea was a hit that lead to the founding of Comic Book Divas and new comic series based on real women.

For their latest project the two comic makers wanted to take a page out of Alan Moore's "Watchmen", and look at the lives these characters live from day to day.

Writer Jeff Hughes explains, "'A Life Behind The Mask' (is) a comedic look at the lives of Super Heroes and Super Villains in everyday life and everyday situations and how they react.

'A Life Behind The Mask' will put an amusing spin o events and situations that we have all been through at one time or another; and we hope to make reader's think 'I have been there' or 'I wish I could do that!'

The idea popped in my head while I was watching a super hero movie and the thought came across 'Who fixes this guys costume' or 'If he went into a convince store would anyone pay attention?'

Joining Hughes on "A Life Behind The Mask" is the 'rookie' comic book artist, Dennis Willman, who, from these images, looks like a seasoned artist that has been doing this for years.

Hughes adds, "Artist Dennis Willman has done the character designs and is now paneling the first page of the series that will feature "Amazonia" portrayed by actress and scream queen Tara Cardinal; this will be Dennis Willman's first full comic book project, but as you can see on FaceBook people are very excited about his art work and ready for the project to begin."

"The women featured in "A Life Behind The Mask" were all very gracious and generous to Dennis and I to feature their likeness as the characters; just about all the women selected their characters they wanted to portray, it was a thrill to see Dennis 's work and the women's selections come to life it was if that their personalities matched up to exactly what Dennis had in mind."

One of the actresses that Willman and Hughes selected for "A Life Behind The Mask" is veteran 'scream queen' Rachel Grubb, who has been a life-long comic book fan.

The stunning actress/model quips, "I grew up as a comic book fan for sure! As a child, I admired Batman and looked up to him as a father figure. I loved to read superhero comics as a kid, but Batman was my favorite. I was interested in just about anything Batman related, no matter how silly."

Luckily for Grubb, her character, Jolly, is kinda like The Joker mixed with Harley Quinn. Two of her all-time favorite comic book characters.

Here are the rest of the ladies that make up the cast of "A Life Behind The Mask":

She-Goblin Portrayed by Claire Fluff Ryan (Villain) – She is a woman with two obsessions Halloween and candy, she will literally still candy from a baby at Halloween.

Blackbird Portrayed by Deneen Melody (Hero) She is dark-winged avenger; she is mysterious, the ultimate crime fighter and VERY intense, it is rumored that she injected her justice on a man that disobeyed the "10 items or less" rule at the market.

Gunslinger Portrayed by Devanny Pinn (Anti Hero) is a woman on a mission of revenge, and that includes that guy that just bought the last box of cupcakes!

Maddylne Scientist Portrayed by Raelynn Blaha (Villain) –All Maddylnn wanted to be was a mad scientist; she enjoyed making things go boom, and turning the family dog into different critters with her formulas. Her favorite movie was Doctor Jeykle and Mr. Hyde.

Lady Weeds Portrayed by Kitsie Duncan (Villain) – Loves gardening but things don't always come up roses for her, she is more successful growing dandy-lions. Her mortal enemy is the gardener and the woman that works at the nursery

Gale Force Portrayed by Kaci Hansen (Hero) is a woman that can control the weather or is it her moods control the weather? In any even if she is having a bad day you may want to stay away from that thunder cloud hovering over her.

Kit-Kat Portrayed by Kaylee Williams - Is a villain turned hero who has a passion for all things "Cats" with a equal obsession with milk, her downfall as a criminal was because she was fascinated by rapidly moving yarn.

Mrs. Marvelous Portrayed by Michelle Shields ( (Hero) Faster than a speeding.... more powerful than a...... you get the idea; she has fame, glory, and some awesome fans, but she is in a need of a break!

Jolly Portrayed by Rachel Grubb (Villain) Is the clown that enjoys the fact that she can scare you and your kids at parties and the circus.

Luna Portrayed by Kara Cagle (Ant-Hero) - A wolf trapped in a woman's body and the inability to keep from changing no matter the time of the day.

PDQ Portrayed by Sara Barrnett - Is the fastest moving woman in the world, but there is one problem she is never on time to meetings or appointments.

Amazonia Portrayed by Tara Cardinal (Hero) - Is a warrior that can not be matched by any man or beast, she can lift a car over her head while kick major bad guy ass.. she is a "Wonder Of A Woman". She must do battle with one of the most formidable villain groups in all the world..her family!

Miss. Greene Portrayed by Victoria Floro (Anti-Hero) She gets envious of anything she sees and can obtain at that moment, the more envious she becomes the bigger and greener she becomes. Watch out when she throws a tantrum!

Miss Attraction Portrayed by Victoria Paege (Villain) She has the power to attract all forms of metal (Paper clips, staples, nails!) so you may want to duck when she is around.

To follow the adventures of "A Life Behind The Mask" and the other "Comic Book Divas" please visit: http://comicbookdivas.com/

Credits:

"A Life Behind The Mask"
Written and Created by Jeff Hughes
Some Stories Also Written by Don Smith
Character Design and Art by Dennis Willman
Comic Book Divas Publisher

Carl Erik Rinsch To Direct LOGAN'S RUN Remake

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Hollywood.com

Just when you thought that the "Logan's Run" remakes Life Clock had turned black, it has reverted to clear.

It looks like I need to become best friends with director Carl Erik Rinsch because he is about to remake two of my all-time favorite films, "Creature From The Black Lagoon", and now, "Logan's Run."

The remake of the 1976 sci fi epic, which starred Michael York, Richard Jordan and Jenny Agutter, has been in the planning stages at Warner Bros since way back in the mid 90s.

As a matter of fact, I was contacted by an potential director (who's name I can't divulge) in 2003 about his plans for the remake. That film maker was soon ousted, and Bryan Singer (X-Men) was then signed to the project, who in turn, himself, left to direct "Superman Returns".

Since that time, the film has been in a virtual holding pattern, with directors Robert Schwenke, Joseph Kosinski and James McTeigue all taking very brief rides on the "Carousel".

None of those film makers seemed to fit into Warner's plans for the film, so the long quest continued.

Now, the virtually unknown, Carl Erik Rinsch, has stepped in to take over. As I had mentioned in a prior article about his taking on "Creature From The Black Lagoon", Rinsch has made a name for himself as of late, directing commercials for RSA owners Ridley and Tony Scott, who strongly considered him for their "Alien" prequel film.

Rinsch cut his director's teeth in independent films such as, "The Quiz" (1994) and "Lovely Weather for Rain" (1996). "Creature" is scheduled to be his second project, the director will helm the Keanu Reeves samurai epic “47 Ronin” for Universal later this year, and now "Logan's Run" can be added to the list, once those are finished.

Earlier drafts of the "Logan's Run" script more resembled the George Johnson and William Nolan novels than the Michael Anderson film version. It is unknown at this time if Rinsch will continue along those lines or make a direct remake.

Logan's Run Plot:

In the distant future the survivors of the apocalypse live in a giant domed city where their every need is taken care of by overlord computer. People live in world of pleasure, but there is one catch. At the age of 30 (21 in Johnson and Nolan's novel) all citizens are required to report for a ritualistic murder ceremony known as "Carousel". The populace has been fooled into believing that this ceremony leads to reincarnation and a new life though its real purpose is population control. To insure that citizens don't "chicken out" on their way to Carousel there is a police force in place known as "Sandman" who terminate those who attempt to run.

Logan 5 is one of the elite Sandmen. During one of his routine terminations he retrieves an anch, a symbol for a mythical place called Sanctuary where runners can find refuge, off the body of a would be runner. Upon placing the item into the computers scanner he is instructed to undergo a process to alter his "Life Clock", a symbol of a persons age embedded in the palm, to the blinking red of a person on last day so that he may pose as a runner to infiltrate Sanctuary. During the process he learns that 1036 runners had managed to escape the city and that Carousel is a ruse.

Along with his companion, Jessica 6, Logan attempts to flee the domed city in search of Sanctuary.

With a new "Logans Run", "Planet of the Apes" and "Godzilla" films in the works, you would think that it is the early to mid 1970s all over again.

See Also: Universal Courting Carl Erik Rinsch To Direct "Creature From The Black Lagoon" / The Death Of An American Icon - Farrah Fawcett - 1947-2009 / Logan's Run (1976)(MGM)

Shinji Higuchi Bringing Monster Magnitude 9 To Television

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Nippon Cinema / Toho Kingdom / Avery Guerra

Japanese special effects master, Shinji Higuchi (Heisei Gamera Series), has developed a brand new giant monster television series for late night television called, "MM9" (Monster Magnitude 9).

The series will take place in an alternate universe, where Japan is constantly attacked by monsters. MM9 is a special unit of Japan Meteorological Agency who's job it is to predict the arrival of these monsters in very much the same way that the National Weather Service predicts rain and snow.

When the monsters do show up, and you know that they will in every episode, a team of monster specialists called “Kitokutai” are dispatched to combat them. Only one problem, these specialists are not from the military, so they don't have any weapons. The group will have to rely on their skills, knowledge, and experience to prevent the monsters from reducing Japan to toothpicks.

That's a new twist! You would think that a group that specializes in dealing with 200ft tall creatures would get a maser tank or two......or at least a bazooka or something?

"MM9" stars Anna Ishibashi as the teams rookie, Sakura Fujisawa, along with Machiko Ono as Sakura's mentor, Mikazuki. Rounding out the cast are Issei Takahashi, Yasuhi Nakamura, Satoru Matsuo, Sarutoki Minagawa, Takako Kato, and Yutaka Matsushige.

"MM9" also has a great list of directors lined up, including Tomoyuki Furumaya, Kiyotaka Taguchi and Ataru Oikawa. So far all of the shows episodes have been written by Kazunori Ito (Patlabor, Gamera).

Back on April 1st, posted a fake message, that hinted that this show was coming, about a new series called, "XX9". The post featured the cast of "MM9" dressed in sci fi costumes with futuristic weapons.

As a late night sci fi dorama "MM9" will go toe-to-toe with Kadokawa's "Daimajin Kanon".

"MM9" is set to premiere July 7th on the Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS).

Why can't we get any great shows like this here in America?

See Also: New Images And Video From "Daimajin Kanon" / In The Absence Of Godzilla, Japan Has Had A Real Giant Monster Boom!

The First Look At Alexander Seyum's DARKMOON

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Alexander G. Seyum / Avery Guerra

What do you do if you are a Ironworker who has found it hard to find work during these rough economic times?

Why, you go to film school and make a werewolf movie of course.

It may sound like a joke, but that is exactly what Alexander Seyum did after he got laid off from his job as a boilermaker, he bit the bullet and decided to follow his dreams.

Seyum explains, "..I'm a student film maker currently at The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood. But I wasn't always a film maker. I was a Union Boilermaker local#92 and an Ironworker for 5 years. During that part of my life I was writing short stories, poetry and recording music as my side projects. The recession hit and my Union lost a whole lot of work. So I had to make a hard decision at that time in my life. Wait for the work to come back or take a leap of faith and follow my dreams and become a film maker. So I decided...become a film maker! I grew up watching horror films, being inspired by Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsesse, Oliver Stone, Quintain Tarantino and Stephen King."

For his first film project, Seyum decided on a making a short werewolf movie entitled, "Darkmoon", which is part "American Werewolf in London" with a good portion of the 1941 Universal classic, "The Wolfman", added into the mix.

On "Darkmoon" the inspiring film maker teamed up with FX artist Zoie Roman, and his fellow Los Angeles Film School classmates, to create a modern film with the look and feel of the classics.

Roman was obviously inspired by the makeup created by Jack Pierce for Lon Chaney Jr when she designed the look for the werewolf in "Darkmoon". (See Below)

It is so refreshing to see young film makers reverting back to the way movies used to be made before CGI came on the scene.

The film, which is about 15 minutes long, and cost about $1800 to make, was originally a short-story penned by Seyum called, "The Beast of Forest Greens", which the film maker turned into a screen play.

Here is the synopsis:

For the past fifteen years there has been a myth about a creature lurking near the city of Los Angeles...today these sightings have reached an all time high."

As someone who has lived in Southern California most of my life, I can tell you that there are all kinds of 'creatures' lurking around LA .......... some human, some trying to pass for human. You really have to see it to believe it sometimes.

Presently "Darkmoon" is in post production and Seyum is pondering over a list of potential film festivals to submit it to.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos and the trailer for "Darkmoon":

See Also: Do You Have The Fever? Werewolf Fever? / The Second Season Of 'Being Human' A Huge Success For The BBC / Movie Review: "The Wolfman" (2010) / Its Werewolves vs Bigfoot In Clint Romag's 'Revenge Of The Werewolves' / The Wolfman (2010)(Universal) / Kiss And Van Halen Provide The Wolfman's Howl / A Huge Batch Of Photos From Universal's "The Wolfman" / The Wolfman 7-Inch Action Figure / New Added Special Effects Push Wolfman Release Back To February / Leaked Wolfman Trailer Hits The Net / Three New Teaser Posters For The Wolfman / Del Toro Makes One Hell Of A Good Looking Wolfman! / The Wolf Man (1941)(Universal) / Leonardo DiCaprio Envisions A Gothic Little Red Riding Hood For Warner Bros / An Exclusive First Look At Blood Moon From Ruckus Productions / Sean And Bryan Furst To Helm Werewolf Remake

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Slideshow

Four Brand New Images From FUTURAMA!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter / Comedy Central

Just wanted to post a quick note about these four new photos from the upcoming season of "Futurama" on Comedy Central.

One shows the Planet Express Ship under construction. It's a homage to the early images from J.J. Abrams "Star Trek" film that showed the Enterprise under construction.

The second shows Fry, Amy, Bender, and the gang as bunch of wackos on a street corner with "Domesday" signs.

The third shows Bender doing his best Tony Manero impression from "Saturday Night Fever".

The fourth shows Leela and Zapp Brannigan as Adam and Eve.

Hey, a little skin never hurts a shows ratings.

Hard to tell what all this means yet, but you can bet it will be funnier than hell.

Here's the skinny:

"Futurama" - Season 6 Premiere

Premieres Thursday, June 24 at 10:00 p.m.

"Futurama" is back! Everybody’s favorite zany group from the future has returned with twelve brand-new episodes, premiering right here on COMEDY CENTRAL. Twentieth century boy Philip J. Fry is still jetting around the universe with his favorite drunken robot, one-eyed mutant, mad scientist, rule-abiding Jamaican accountant and Nibblonian monster in a host of brand-new adventures from the team at Planet Express.

Here are the pics:

See Also: "We're Back Baby!" Futurama Cast Members Returning To Show! / Bad News Everyone! Futurama Voice Actors Unlikely To Return For New Series / Good News Everyone! Fox And Comedy Central Order 26 New Episodes Of Futurama / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs Trailer / Futurama Series 2 Action Figure Set / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs

It's Geek Pride Day So Don't Forget Your Towel

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Question: "What is the probability that two, loosely connected events would happen on the same day, in the same year?"

Answer: "Not impossible, just highly improbable." or "42"

Improbable or not, two, well actually three, such events have come together, on one day, in the same year.

For you see, today is the rather improbable, "Geek Pride Day", and as a matter of coincidence, it is also "Towel Day", a day that marks the passing of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" author Douglas Adams in 2001.

But wait, there is another improbable element to this equation. The growing number of, "Geek Girl Divas", young women who are fans of Japanese anime, comic books, video games, action figures and movies with big robots in them.

How do all of these rather improbable, yet separate, items fit together?

Okay, lets run them all through our "Infinite Improbability Drive" and see what happens.

The answer: Semi-nude amateur photography or "42".

Again, not impossible, but highly improbable.

I am very certain that the late Douglas Adams would have ever dreamed that his passing would give young, socially awkward, girls an opportunity/excuse to pose for amateur erotic photographs ..... of a geeky nature.

Yet, that is exactly what has happened.

The photograph above pretty much sums it up, an attractive young lady, undoubtedly a "Geek Girl Diva", wearing a towel and nothing else. Seems like your typical amateur nudity right? Ah, there is more here than meets the eye. Look at the mirror in the photo. Do you see the words, "Day 42"? That's the giveaway. The towel she is wearing, barely, is a reference from "Hitchhiker's Guide". "Day 42" are kinda a Geek code words for "Towel Day", another reference to Adams and the "Hitchhiker's Guide."

FYI: This is only one example of dozens of such photographs out there.

Is this all starting to meld in your grey matter yet?

Three loosely connected events coming together on the same day, in the same year, with the result being semi-nude amateur photography.

Not impossible, but highly improbable.

Okay, if you are not a geek, a geek girl diva, or a fan of sci fi, comic books, action figures and movies with big robots, this all may have sounded like babel to you.

If so, stick a Babel Fish in your ear and have a friend read the article to you aloud, or better yet, consult your "Hitchhiker's Guide", it's the one with the big red letters on the front that say "Don't Panic!".

Oh, and the number "42", it's the answer to "What is Life, the Universe and Everything." What, you don't think that makes any sense? Well, it's because you didn't ask the right question.

What is the question? Do you have a million years to find out?

Oh, just stare at the naked girl then.......

Robot 13 Co-Creators To Bring Exclusives To Phoenix Comicon

Source: Blacklist Studios

This Memorial Day weekend, comic creators Thomas Hall and Daniel Bradford (collectively known as Blacklist Studios) return to the site where their greatest creations were born. Appearing at Phoenix Comicon 10, the duo will offer two exclusive items for fans of R-13 (aka Robot 13) and KING!

“KING! first debuted at the Phoenix Con, and we unveiled our plans to do Robot 13 there as well,” noted writer Hall. “Both the convention organizers as well as the Phoenix fans have been behind everything we do at Blacklist. Doing exclusives for the Phoenix Comic Con seems natural to us given that history of support.”

The Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture event in the Southwest. Started in 2002 as the “Cactus Con” with 432 attendees, it has since grown to boast more than 7,000 people in attendance. This year’s convention marks the first time the event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. For operating hours and directions fans are encouraged to visit the convention’s original website at http://www.phoenixcomicon.com

R-13 tells the story of a skull-headed robot with an irresistible instinct to battle mythological creatures. It has captured the imaginations of comic book fans and fantasy pros the world over, including none other than legendary sci-fi author Harlan Ellison.

The first three-issue R-13 mini-series, “Colossus” was critically acclaimed, with MTV citing it as the “Best Under-the-Radar Comic Series” on the stands today.

Fans at Phoenix Comicon 10 will get a taste of what the next R-13 mini-series brings with a thrilling print by artist Bradford depicting the robot’s pulse-pounding battle with Medusa. Limited to 100 pieces, Blacklist is offering the print to convention goers for $10.

A huge hit with fans in the Arizona area, the original KING! comic book told the story of a former pro wrestler with a striking resemblance to a certain “king of rock ‘n roll” and a penchant for killing monsters to rival R-13 itself! Blacklist plans to re-launch the KING! comic series this summer.

KING! fans can wait in anticipation for the return of the king while sporting their very own KING! t-shirt. Featuring a full color image on charcoal, 100% cotton shirts, this striking piece of apparel is limited to 100 pieces at a price of $17 each.

Issues of the original R-13 comic book are still available for sale. The print editions of R-13 #2 and #3 can be ordered directly from Blacklist Studios (www.blackliststudios.com). The 32-page, full color comics retails for $3.99 US. Distributors and retailers are encouraged to contact Blacklist Studios for wholesale rates.

The R-13 “Colossus” series can also be ordered in a digital edition from Robot Comics (www.robotcomics.net) and Panelfly (www.panelfly.com) for Apple, Google, Amazon and Android mobiles. The digital editions are priced at $0.99 each.

See Also: The Third Issue Of Robot 13 Arrives Amidst Media Praise / Robot-13 Returns For An Action Packed Second Issue / A Modern Look A The Frankenstein Mythos In Blacklist Studios Robot-13

New Photos And DVD Release Info For “Deep Sea Monster Raiga"

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: J-Film2009 / JETRO-USA / Taito International Comedy Film Festival / Starchild /Raiga Blog / Avery Guerra

It has been almost a year since Shinpei Hayashiya's film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", made it's debut at the “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven) film festival in Tokyo last June. Since that time, things have been very, very, quite, with no new reports coming out of the "Raiga" camp.

That is, until today.

Indeed, it has just been announced that the film will, finally, be released on DVD, in Japan, on August 25th.

Here is the scoop:

...... Global Warming is the catalyst for unleashing giant monsters on Japan. The melting of the southern polar ice causes a disruption in Earth's ecosystem that causes the migration of the monsters to the island nation.

The largest of the sea monsters is a beast called "Raiga", which unleashes it's "Inconvenient Truth" on Tokyo just like Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra and Rodan have numerous times.

Reportedly, there are four different monsters in the film, "Raiga", and three others. You can get a look at one of them in the photos below.

Here are the film's details from the DVD:

“SHINKAIJÛ RAIGA” (2009)
English Title: RAIGA, the Monster from the Deep Sea
Genre: Sci-fi
Format: Digital Betacam / 85min / Color
Year of Production: 2009
[Theatrical] Release Date (Japan): June 27, 2009
Production Company: Crossroad
Director: Shinpei Hayashiya
Producers: Atsuko Iwai
Screenplay: Shinpei Hayashiya
Director of Photography: Toshiharu Nakagawa
Music: Keiichiro Kitazono
Main Cast: Yukijiro Hotaru, Miyu Oriyama

Also in conjunction with this upcoming release of "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", now being called, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea", three new English language synopsis have surfaced, and several new photos have been released.

First, here are the synopsis:

Set 60 years after the events from the previous film “Deep Sea Monster Reigo”, the threat of global warming is causing the southern polar ice-cap to slowly melt. Because of this, the ecosystem is disturbed and sea monsters are heading to Japan. [As] if things couldn’t get any worse, a huge sea monster by the name of Raiga arrives at Asakusa and begins its path of destruction on the town. (J-Film2009)

A monster from the deep-sea attacks again! This time in Asakusa, where many temples attract visitors from not only Japan, but also all over the world, the sparkling thunder brings a gigantic monster from the deep-sea with deadly fangs. It will burn Asakusa to ground. (JETRO-USA)

The second theatrical film directed by Shinpei Hayashiya, a rakugo master (comic storyteller). Raiga, the evolved version of the deep-sea aquatic dinosaur “Reigo” from his first film Deep Sea Monster Reigo, runs rampant in the town of Asakusa! …

It has been over six decades since the battle of Deep Sea Monster Reigo and Battleship Yamato. As global warming worsens, throwing the ecosystem off balance, a disaster approaches Japan. A mysterious, massive creature emerges from the nearby ocean and a fishing boat encounters an ominous deep-sea creature in Tokyo Bay. Then a giant monster “Raiga” lands in Asakusa, Tokyo! The Taito Guard is called out at the request of the government, and a cut-throat battle beyond all imagination begins… (Taito International Comedy Film Festival)

Just like in Minoru Kawasaki's 2008 film, "Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit!", "Raiga" is part monster movie, part comedy, that lampoons the giant monster genre, while also paying a respectful homage to it.

I was actually half tempted to add, 'music video' to that description, due to the fact that director Shinpei Hayashiya spent almost as much time promoting the singing careers of his three young leading ladies, Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu, as he did for his monster movie.

For those of you who don't know, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea" is actually a sequel to Hayashiya's 2005 film, "Deep Sea Monster Reigo", which was set during World War II and told the story Japanese battleship Yamato and it's confrontation with a giant monster in the remote Pacific.

As you have probably gathered, the events in "Raiga" take place in modern times.

No word yet on any possible DVD release for "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep" here in America.

Here is the website for the Japanese DVD - http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/raiga/

Here are the photos, plus the films trailer, now with English subtitles:

See Also: New Photos And Interviews From The Premiere Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Are There Four Monsters In Deep Sea Monster Raiga? / The First Music Single From Deep Sea Monster Raiga To Be Released June 27th / New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events / The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Superman and The Mummy's Kiss: Something Shared

Above, the E. Clem Wilson Building, something that the "Adventures of Superman" and "The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty" have in common.

Superman and The Mummy's Kiss: Something Shared

by Armand Vaquer

After I posted my spotlight feature on actress/model/language instructor Yuu Asakura on Monster Island News, I was in the mood to watch Don Glut's The Mummy's Kiss Second Dynasty tonight. In the movie, Yuu Asakura had a bit part as Marie, the assistant to the tabloid editor. Christine Nguyen played the tabloid's ace reporter who gets wrapped up in the mummy story.

For the first time, I watched the movie with the commentary track on and noted Don's comment that he wanted to use the E. Clem Wilson Building on Wilshire Blvd. at La Brea Ave. in the movie as the tabloid office so he could correct an error in the first (1951) season DVD set of the Adventures of Superman, starring George Reeves.

Above, the E. Clem Wilson Building as the Daily Planet Building in 1951.

In the commentary track, Glut said that the commentators in the Superman DVD said that the building used for the Daily Planet Building was Los Angeles City Hall. In actuality, the E. Clem Wilson Building was used as the Daily Planet in 1951. Starting in 1953, City Hall was used as the Daily Planet until the show ended in 1957. Both Gary Grossman (Superman: Serial To Cereal) and Chuck Harter made the same error in their commentaries.

I guess we can now deem the error corrected, thanks to Don Glut.

Focus On: Yuu Asakura

Above, this shot of Yuu is my personal favorite.

Focus On: Yuu Asakura

By Armand Vaquer

Some have wondered who the model is holding a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan in several blog posts on the travel guide. Some thought she looked familiar, but couldn't quite place her.

Her name is Yuu Asakura, and according to Wikipedia:

Yuu Asakura (born in Kawanishi, Hyogo, Japan in 1976) is a Japanese actress, dancer and language instructor based out of Los Angeles, California, USA.

She moved to Los Angeles after graduating from Tokyo University in 2000 with a B.A. in linguistics and area studies. She has worked as a translator for Hollywood production companies and tutored students at various stages in speaking Japanese, including a series of short clips released on the website expertvillage.com on basic spoken Japanese. She taught English in Japan for many years and views her work in language training as offering a "communication tool for better understanding for one another."

I first noticed Yuu in Don Glut's The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty (that stars Christine Nguyen) in which she had a bit part as Marie, the assistant to a tabloid editor. I needed an Asian model for a publicity photo shoot for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and was able to obtain Yuu through Don. When we first met for the shoot at Lake Balboa in the San Fernando Valley (we were going to do it at the Japanese Gardens in Van Nuys, but a recent storm made the place unusable due to mud), I mentioned first seeing her in The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty and she responded with a giggle.


I found Yuu very easy to work with and she obviously knew how to pose without much direction by me.

As mentioned above, Yuu is also an actress and has appeared in several movies besides the Glut mummy movie. To see her IMDB listing, go here. There's another Yuu Asakura who appears in Japanese porn movies, so don't get confused. The other Yuu Asakura does not even look like this Yuu Asakura.










Left, one of several photos of Yuu Asakura Don Glut sent me when I was deciding on a model for the photo shoot.

Yuu has her own website. To see it, just click here. Here, one may contact her for arranging Japanese language instruction as well as modeling and acting work (naturally, she'd direct the people making the query to her management company).





She's a member of SAG and AFTRA and is represented by Infinite Talent Agency ((818)955-8662).

Would I recommend Yuu Asakura to anyone in need of a Japanese model? I sure would!

Is It The Great Pumpkin? Or The MOMO Monster?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Avery Guerra

It's Halloween night, Sally and Linus are waiting patiently in a pumpkin patch for the 'Great Pumpkin' to come along with his bag of toys and other goodies.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, this thing pops out of the ripe pumpkins.

Sally screams, drops her sack of candy, throws both arms up into the air and runs for the hills.

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Linus, scared beyond words (and a little bit let down, because his beloved hero is a Bigfoot with a pumpkin head), just stands there, frozen.

After a few seconds the statue that is Linus just falls to the ground.

The pumpkin headed Bigfoot thing, stops, looks at Linus, then eats up all of Sally's candy and walks away into the crisp fall night.

I don't know why I felt like ruining a beloved children's holiday special just now, but it's what came to me after seeing these brand-new poster images from Count Zee's 'Missouri Monster' inspired movie, "Momo".

Actually, nothing that I have ever written has made me laugh out loud like this before.

Okay, I'm composed.

Actually, the funny thing (really) is that every time someone (like me) mentions that Momo has a 'pumpkin head', Zee always responds by saying that the monster doesn't have a pumpkin for a head, it's just orange and shaped like one.

Well, call me stupid, but doesn't the top of the monster's dome have a stem?

Just saying........

Anyway, 'Momo' was originally to completed this past March, but has run longer than expected. Zee and his crew a still feverishly working on the film, with hopes of having it completed very soon.

I can only hope that all you "Peanuts" fans out there can forgive me.....

See Also: MOMO - Bigfoot Crossed With The Headless Horseman

Halcyon International Pictures Teams Up With Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Reboot Classic Universal Horrors

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Halcyon International Pictures

Remember last Tuesday when I posted a rumor coming out of Cannes that "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine was planning on getting into the movie making business?

Well, now it's official.

This morning, Halcyon International Pictures has announced that it has teamed up with "Famous Monsters" to reboot several of the classic movie monster franchises made by Universal Studios.

The indie movie maker, that first broke into the business in 1985 with "Re-Animator", issued this brief statement through their website:

"For decades, they roamed the cinemas, video stores and late night TV, haunting us, exciting us and inspiring us… Now, the Famous Monsters are back...in Five ALL NEW movies ready to entertain an all new generation."

Here is the list:

DRACULA: REBORN
MUMMY: RESURRECTED
FRANKENSTEIN: REGENERATED
WEREWOLF: RELOADED
CREATURE: RETURNS

Along with this announcement came four new graphics for all of the films, except the Creature reboot.

I don't know about you, but I don't know quite what to think about all this? How are fans going to react to some of the most beloved movie monsters of all-time getting remade for the 2000's?

From these images, three of the films look like standard remakes, but the Wolfman on a space station?

Well.....that's what the pic looks like? Doesn't it?

I've got a bad feeling, though I will reserve my comments until more information surfaces.

Maybe it's a good thing that they haven't come up with a new design for The Creature yet?

Check these out:

See Also: Famous Monsters To Bring Back The Creature, The Mummy, Frankenstein And Others To The Silver Screen? / FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND ISSUE #251 COVER UNVEILED / The First Look At Famous Monsters Of Filmland #251 / Famous Monsters of Filmland Convention News /Famous Monsters Of Filmland Brings 'Downstream' To The Egyptian Theatre / Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Invade Indianapolis This Summer / Famous Monsters Of Filmland Magazine Returns! / Famous Monsters Of Filmland - Editor To Be Announced Soon - Magazine Being Pushed Back / Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Give Carla Laemmle A Grand 100th Birthday Bash / Famous Monsters Of Filmland Is Reborn On The World Wide Web / Dracula (1931) / "Famous Monsters" Trademark Injunction Won By Philip Kim / Forrest J. Ackerman, 1916 - 2008 / RIP Forrest J Ackerman (1916-2008) / Forrest Ackerman's Health Is Failing Now Is The Time For Fans To Contact Him / Mad Monster Party (1969)