Showing posts with label Godzilla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Godzilla. Show all posts

King Kong vs Godzilla (1962) - Classic Monster Showdown | Toho | Retro Cinema Rewind


 Written By Ken Hulsey

The 1933 American classic "King Kong" had a profound influence on Asian filmmakers. As soon as the iconic monster movie hit the scene, Japanese studios began producing their own "Kong" adaptations, like "Wasei Kingu Kongu" and "Edo Ni Arawarita Kingu Kongu," both featuring actors in gorilla costumes. The film also left a lasting impact on two legends of Japanese cinema - director Ishiro Honda and special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya. Years later, this duo combined their talents to create the cinematic monster icon "Gojira" (Godzilla). For Tsuburaya in particular, "King Kong" held a special place, as the young cameraman studied the film frame-by-frame to learn how its groundbreaking visual effects were achieved. This hands-on analysis would inspire Tsuburaya's own storied career in movie magic.

Retro Saturday Morning: Remembering Godzilla's Animated Adventures!


 Written By Ken Hulsey

As many of you know, I’m a huge Godzilla enthusiast, so I thought it was about time to highlight a classic that’s been long overdue on Retro Saturday Morning. We're talking about an American cartoon that features Japan's most iconic monster, Godzilla! Back in 1978, Hanna-Barbera—famous for beloved shows like The Flintstones and The Jetsons—decided to create its own animated series featuring this legendary creature. This project, dubbed **Godzilla Power Hour**, not only spotlighted Godzilla but also featured the adventure series Jana of the Jungle. It made its debut on NBC on September 9, 1978, and ran in various formats until 1981. 

What We Know About the Godzilla Minus One Sequel Coming in 2026


 Written By Ken Hulsey

Exciting news for fans of kaiju cinema! The highly anticipated sequel to the Academy Award-winning masterpiece, *Godzilla Minus One*, is officially in production at Toho Studios in Japan. Renowned filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki is stepping up once more as a versatile powerhouse, taking on the roles of screenwriter, special effects supervisor, and director. His multifaceted involvement promises to elevate the franchise further. 

Alamo Drafthouse | What to Expect Now That Godzilla Has Arrived


 From Alamo Drafthouse (Press Release)

The world’s first kaiju-themed movie theater kicks off Alamo Drafthouse and Toho International's new alliance, with exclusive merch and special programming on the way for 2025 and beyond.

We’ve got big news. Like, colossally big news. We’ve officially teamed up with the legendary kaiju masters at Japan's legendary Toho International – the home of Godzilla and a whole universe of city-stomping beasts – for a brand-new partnership that includes exclusive merch, screenings, and other surprises.

Bandai Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla SpaceGodzilla Fukuoka Decisive Battle Version S.H.MonsterArts Action Figure


Description

$159.99 - Order Here

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla SpaceGodzilla Fukuoka Decisive Battle Version S.H.MonsterArts Action Figure:

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla - 30th anniversary.
SpaceGodzilla in the battle of Fukuoka!
Action figure includes damaged crystal and effect parts.
Sculpting overseen by kaiju master Yuji Sakai.

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla with S.H.MonsterArts, and commemorate the epic battle of Fukuoka! Alternate chest parts and other options let you recreate SpaceGodzilla's damaged crystal shoulders as seen in the battle against Godzilla and Mogera. SpaceGodzilla features sculpting overseen by kaiju master Yuji Sakai, who worked on the film, for incredible faithfulness and authenticity. Updated coloring captures the kaiju's appearance in the night battle of Fukuoka, with red used to replicate its glowing back fins. Effect parts are included to let you replicate the scene of the monster absorbing energy from space! The Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla SpaceGodzilla Fukuoka Decisive Battle Version S.H.MonsterArts Action Figure measures roughly 6 1/2-inches tall. Add this powerful kaiju to your Godzilla collection!

Specifications
Company: Bandai Tamashii Nations
Theme: Godzilla
Product Type: Action Figures
Character: Godzilla
Collection: S.H.MonsterArts
Material: Plastic
Item Height: 6.50 inches (16.51 cm)

Bandai Millenium Godzilla Movie Monster Series Vinyl Figure


 Millenium Godzilla Movie Monster Series Vinyl Figure

$19.99 - Order Here

Millenium Godzilla Movie Monster Series Vinyl Figure:

Collect all your fan favorite monsters from the world's longest running film franchise! This rendition of Godzilla captures its appearance in Godzilla 2000: Millennium. The Millennium Godzilla Bandai Movie Monster Series Vinyl Figure measures approximately 10-inches long x 6-inches tall. Bandai's Movie Monster Series offers durable, highly detailed, vinyl figures with true to film likeness of iconic kaiju. Don't miss this atomic monster for your Godzilla collection!

Specifications
Company: Bandai Namco
Theme: Godzilla
Product Type: Action Figures
Character: Godzilla
Material: Vinyl
Item Height: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Item Width: 5.50 inches (13.97 cm)
Item Length: 10 inches (25.40 cm)
Check Out:


Coffee Ad Honors Haruo Nakajima

Above, Haruo Nakajima at G-FEST in 2008. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is a Japanese advertisement for Boss Coffee, a major coffee brand (part of Suntory) in Japan. This ad is three years old, but it is only now that I've seen it (thanks to Stan Hyde).  

Although a coffee ad, it pays tribute to Haruo Nakajima and what he endured while playing the King of the Monsters.

Here's the ad:

Warner Bros Releases New Teaser For Godzilla x Kong Sequel


 It looks like there is an even bigger and nastier giant ape living in the Hollow Earth than Kong!

Warner Bros has just released the first teaser trailer for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and it features yet another super-sized Simeon that wants to add both Godzilla and Kong to its massive boneyard. 


Little is actually known about the film except that it will be directed by Adam Wingard (Godzilla x Kong) and will star Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Kaylee Hottle, Dan Stevens, Fala Chen and Rachel House. So far both Warner Bros and Legendary have been rather tight lipped about the project only hinting that Godzilla and Kong would, “team up to face a world-ending threat so terrifying that neither could survive alone,” and this trailer seems to show us who that threat is.

To be honest this one looks a little disappointing, I like most Godzilla movie fans were hoping to see more monsters from the original Japanese movie series like Gigan, Biollante or even Anguirus, all of whom have been rumored to be connected with this project.


 Check Out:

Godzilla Goes Prime-Time! - Godzilla vs Megalon On NBC In 1977


From The Monster Island News Archives

I thought that it would be a good idea to explain just how I became a Godzilla movie fan and how much the Japanese giant monster genre has influenced my life.

For me, personally, being a child of the 1970s, the fact that I have become a life-long fan of Godzilla, and other giant monster films came quite naturally.

For those of you who were also around in the groovy 70s, you already know that the decade was dominated by dinosaurs. Indeed 70s pop-culture is littered with prehistoric terrors. You really couldn't escape them, there were the Saturday morning kids shows, "Land of the Lost" and "Valley of the Dinosaurs", major motion pictures like, "The Land That Time Forgot", "The People That Time Forgot" and "The Crater Lake Monster", and television movies like "Last Dinosaur", heck, they were even in comic books like, "Turok Son of Stone."



I, like almost all of my male peers, loved dinosaurs, and what true  red-blooded, American boy doesn't?

Now, the pivotal moment, when I went from just being a dinosaur nut, to a Godzilla nut, came in 1977, when the NBC network aired "Godzilla vs Megalon" on prime-time television.

I remember thinking to myself as I watched the commercial for the show, "That is the biggest dinosaur that I have ever seen! (referring to Godzilla) That's so cool!"

As many of you may remember, NBC's nation-wide broadcast, of the dubbed 1973 Toho production, was hosted by John Belushi, who wore a Godzilla costume created by Robert Short for the 1976 film,"Hollywood Boulevard". Belushi, played the part of a late-night horror host, and provided comedy skits before, and after commercial breaks.

The film itself, was cut in half to fit into an hour-long time slot, and was played mostly for laughs. Many Godzilla writers and historians look back at this event as one of the low-points in G history.

In actuality, that was not the case at all. Granted, the NBC airing of "Godzilla vs Megalon" was meant to spoof Japanese giant monster movies, but the broadcast actually spawned a huge boom in Godzilla popularity here in the United States.

Many Americans , like myself, had never been exposed to Godzilla movies and the prime-time NBC broadcast brought the monster into homes across the country for the first time.

I was in love.


Though, "Godzilla vs Megalon" is one of the poorer entries into the long-running film series, it's quirky style and over-all strangeness caught the attention of the American public.

For me, any movie with a 200-foot-tall dinosaur, giant robot, and giant bugs, was a dream come true. Granted, I was only ten at the time, but I had already been baptized into sci-fi by the movies and shows I mentioned earlier.

I was also huge fan of the "Planet of the Apes" movies and "Logan's Run", so I knew cool when I saw it, Godzilla was now the king of cool now in my little world.

There was an undeniable boom in Godzilla related items almost immediately after the movie aired. Within a year, there were an influx of Godzilla toys, including the infamous Shogun Warriors "Godzilla", a Marvel comic book series, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters", and the Saturday morning Hanna-Barbera animated series, "The Godzilla Power Hour."

Godzilla's popularity here in America was never higher.

Despite arguments to the contrary, "Godzilla vs Megalon", even in it's severely chopped form, firmly planted Godzilla into the American pop-culture mix, where it has remained for over three decades.

Though many younger fans may not realize it, they probably can, in some part, trace their exposure to Godzilla films back to this event.

As a side note, Belushi would wear Robert Short's Godzilla suit once more, this time for a skit on Saturday Night Live. In the bit, Godzilla is interviewed by Baba Wawa (Barbara Walters) played by Gilda Radner.


Here is an excerpt:

Baba Wawa: Hewwo! This is "Baba Wawa at Warge"! [ audience cheers ] Uh -- let me just begin by saying thewe's nevew a dull moment in my iwwustwious caweew!I've JUST wetuwned fwom Iwan, whewe I was intewviewing the Shah and Shahness and Shahnettes of Iwan! And now, hewe I am in the luxuwious Bevewwy Hiwws home of a gweat Owiental fiwm staw!

[ pull back for wide shot as Baba joins Godzilla on the couch ]

Of couwse, I'm wefewwing to the weawwy tewwific Godziwwa! How awe you today, Godziwwa?

Godzilla: Oh, I'm fine! [ pats her hand ] How are you, Barbara?

Baba Wawa: Oh, just fine! Uh -- Godziwwa, is this YOUW pwace?

Godzilla: Yes, it sure is! You know, you just can't away from this -- you know, I'm working here, uh, this is where I'm gonna make my home -- Los Angeles!




Baba Wawa: Godziwwa, is -- is -- is that a Japanese name?

Godzilla: Uh, no. You know, a lot of people think I'm from Japan, or a muppet, you know? Actually, uh, I'm -- I'm neither. Actually, I'm, uh -- I'm Hawaiian! I was born in a crater off the coast of Awahoo[?], and... my egg was hatched from the warmth of a lava flow during an eruption from a dormant volcano.

Baba Wawa: Ohhh! [ she chuckles ] "Fwom the wawmth of a wava fwow duwing a vowcanic ewuption!" Weawwy! So, you'we Hawaiian?

Godzilla: Yes, I am. Sure! I went to high school with Bette Midler!

Baba Wawa: Ohhh! Weawwy?

Godzilla: We went steady together for TWO years! [ he mimes physical action ]

Baba Wawa: Uh, Godziwwa, if I could get pewsonal with you fow a moment... wouwd you say thewe was any pawticuwaw weason why you went into show business? I mean, coming fwom an unhappy chiwdhood..?

Godzilla: Well, uh, I was hatched from an egg -- you could say I came from a broken home!

For me, the NBC airing of "Godzilla vs Megalon", spawned an amazing life of Godzilla fandom, and stands out as an event I will always treasure.



Check Out:

Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman, Godzilla, and Friends in the Golden Age of Japanese Science Fiction Film


Now in paperback!


Behind-the-scenes hero to anyone who's thrilled by giant monsters duking it out over Tokyo, Eiji Tsuburaya was the visual effects mastermind behind Godzilla, Ultraman, and numerous Japanese science fiction movies and TV shows beloved around the world. The first book on this legendary film figure in English, this highly visual biography surveys his fascinating life and career, featuring hundreds of film stills, posters, concept art, and delightful on-set photos of Tsuburaya prompting monsters to crush landmark buildings. A must-have for fans, this towering tribute also profiles Tsuburaya's film collaborators, details his key films and shows, and spotlights the enduring popularity of the characters he helped create. 

Reviews:

"[A] loving, well-researched tribute to the greatest of all Japanese Monster Makers!!"
-Guillermo del Toro
Director of Pacific Rim and Pan's Labyrinth

"Eiji Tsuburaya was a very reserved man on the set. Most of the direction he gave me for the performances was, 'I trust you to do it. Do what you feel is best, I'll leave it up to you.' And that's the way he was for most of the films we worked on together after Godzilla. After the wires broke on the Rodan suit, causing me to fall several meters onto the miniature set, he chided, 'It's good that you didn't die; because I need you to finish the film.' And I replied, 'That's easy for you to say; I'm the one inside the costume.' But, these things would sometimes happen. It's been forty-three years since Tsuburaya has left us, but what a happy feeling to have a book published about him after all this time. And that it came not from Japan, but from the U.S.! I'm sure the Old Man would be as happy as I am. August did a wonderful job. Thanks to all for not forgetting him."
-Haruo Nakajima
original Godzilla suit actor (1954-1972) and the Man of a Thousand Monsters

"When I moved to America to start filming Godzilla, this was one of the few books I brought with me. Eiji is a true inspiration, and a one of a kind innovator of special effects, the likes of which we'll probably never see again in cinema."
-Gareth Edwards, director of Monsters and Godzilla (2014).

'The difference between this book and other coffee table volumes that have covered daikaiju before, though, is the staggeringly researched detail that Ragone has put into the text itself. This is not just a picture book to flip through, nod approvingly at and stick on the shelf; this is a record easily in scale with the monsters Tsuburaya created a critical and historical look at the creation and output of an industry that spanned (and has continued to span) the decades.
-Tooth and Dagger, October 2007

Mechagodzilla (Glow-in-the-Dark) 3 3/4-Inch ReAction Figure - SDCC Exclusive


 Mechagodzilla (Glow-in-the-Dark) 3 3/4-Inch ReAction Figure - SDCC Exclusive:


Super7's retro ReAction figure lines expand to Japan and Toho with the Godzilla Mechagodzilla 74 3 3/4-Inch ReAction Figure! Packaged on a retro 6-inch by 9-inch cardback, this awesome figure will be right at home in your room… or next to Walrus Man and Hammerhead. Don't miss this throwback plastic toy! Ages 14 and up.




You May Also Like:


Movie Monster Encyclopedia-Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra Yamato Takeru (Super Secret Get) 1999 Sagae, YG, Japan Grade NM- $60.99





Ultimate Godzilla Light-Up and Sound 18-Inch Mega Scale Action Figure

Ultimate Godzilla Light-Up and Sound 18-Inch Mega Scale Action Figure

$450.00 - Shop Here

If you're looking for the ultimate Godzilla figure, this is it!
The King of the Monsters will tower and rule over your collection.
This gargantuan Godzilla measures 33-inches long x 18-inches tall!
Articulated, he features a realistic face and eyes, a movable jaw, and a poseable tail.
His mouth and dorsal fins light up, and he roars movie-accurate sounds!

If you're looking for the ultimate Godzilla figure, this is it! Measuring 33-inches long from teeth to tail x 18-inches tall, the King of the Monsters will tower and rule over your collection. As immense in detail as he is in size, the colossal kaiju features 10 points of articulation, a scary-real face with movable jaw and realistic eyes, light-up mouth and dorsal fins, a poseable tail, and movie-accurate sounds. Press the discreetly hidden buttons to light him up and/or hear his monstrous roar! The Ultimate Godzilla Light-Up and Sound 18-Inch Mega Scale Doll comes packaged in a collector-friendly box, fit for a king on display. If you buy only one Godzilla figure this year, make it this one!

Customers Also Purchased:

MechaGodzilla 3.5-Inch Mini Vinyl Figure - $13.99

The Godzilla Display 3.5" Vinyl Series features authentic recreations of the iconic kaiju that appeared in the Toho Godzilla franchise. These detailed vinyl Godzilla replicas features accurate sculpting and paint treatments with multiple points of articulation for enhanced realism.

Godzilla Kingdom Of Monsters #5 - $6.99

After last issue's momentous tussle of giants, it's now painfully clear that Armageddon has descended on the human race. The government's bungled attempts the thwart the giant monsters have left an infrastructure in ruin and a nomad society desperately struggling to survive. And also... GIANT MONSTER FIGHTS! Destruction abounds in this issue of Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters, featuring new artist Victor Dos Santos!


Godzilla (ゴジラ Gojira) is a daikaiju who first appeared in the 1954 Toho film, Godzilla.

The primary focus of his franchise, Godzilla is typically depicted as a giant prehistoric creature awakened or mutated by the advent of the nuclear age. For the early part of the Showa series of films, he was depicted as a villainous and destructive force of nature, punishing humankind for its use of nuclear weapons, which disturbed and burned him. Over the remainder of the series, Godzilla gradually developed into a heroic character, defending Japan by fending off other more malevolent creatures such as King Ghidorah, many of them extraterrestrial or controlled by extraterrestrials.





Even More Godzilla:

Godzilla Kingdom Of Monsters #6 Variant Cover B August 2011 IDW Publications Grade NM

Limited 1 for 5 Cover B by Jeff Zornow. Eric Powell & Tracy Marsh (w) o Victor Dos Santos (a) o Eric Powell, Jeff Zornow (c)

$6.99 - On Sale!

Monsters continue their relentless rampage around the world, demolishing cities and shrugging off military resistance. When drastic defense measures backfire, humanity's struggle to survive takes an ugly turn. Can anything be done to stop the monster mayhem? And seriously-how many of these things can there possibly be?! Sorry, mankind... in Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #6, the hits keep coming.

1st printing.
This comic book is in new condition. Comic is complete with cover and all pages attached. This comic has very few flaws that warrant a NM grade.
Comic Book will be shipped bagged and boarded!
 

Gojira: Fainaru uôzu Book 2 Japanese Godzilla Movie Monsters! Grade NM


Gojira: Fainaru uôzu Book 2 Japanese Godzilla Movie Monsters! Grade NM

$29.99 - Shop Here

The second part of Shogakukan's two series set on Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). This book, like its predecessor, is devoted almost entirely to production shots from the 50th anniversary Godzilla film. The little text that is found in the book is often in relation to the images being shown. Like other Shogakukan releases in their "Movie" line, it's fairly short at only 16 pages, cited as 17 inside as they count the cover. The book was also made to be fairly durable, with each of the pages being around as thick as a sheet of cardboard.

In regards to the contents of the second book, it covers mostly what the first skipped over, showing pictures for: Godzilla, Minilla, Gigan, Mothra, Monster X, and Keizer Ghidorah. The Xilien are also present here, although only in two small production shots. The book is set up with about 8 two page layouts, each with numerous images spread across the two. The nice thing about the Shogakukan line, in regards to the two page layouts, is that the pages can be folded open all the way without causing any real damage to the book, making it perfect for scanning.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Soundtrack Coming To Vinyl!


From Wax Work Records

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Original Motion Picture Soundtrack! Featuring music by Emmy® and BAFTA Award winning composer Bear McCreary (10 Cloverfield Lane, TV’s The Walking Dead), in two special deluxe triple LP vinyl configurations. Written and Directed by Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat, Krampus) and starring Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring), Kyle Chandler (Super 8), and Ken Watanabe (Isle of Dogs, Inception), Godzilla: King of the Monsters is the highly anticipated next chapter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse - an epic action adventure that pits Godzilla against some of the most popular monsters in pop culture history.

Composer Bear McCreary’s (10 Cloverfield Lane, Happy Death Day, and TV’s The Walking Dead) music is a two-year-long labor of love dubbed a “Monster Opera” by director Michael Dougherty, and a crucial element to the film. Each “kaiju” is given a voice in this epic opera - Godzilla is presented with heroic, guttural vocalizations. King Ghidorah presented with dark, hypnotic chanting. Mothra by way of an ethereal female choir. Rodan’s voice is achieved by orchestral French horns pushed to their very limit to “scream” ripping roars.

Incorporated and adapted are both the legendary Godzilla theme by Akira Ifukube, and the immortal “Mothra’s Song” by Yuji Koseki. Also included is the McCreary-adapted eternal classic “Godzilla” by Blue Öyster Cult, featuring Serj Tankian (System Of A Down) on lead vocals, and musicians Brendon Small, Bryan Beller, and Gene Hoglan who form the Dethklok rhythm section of from TV’s Metalocalypse.

Clocking in at 98 minutes of music, Waxwork is proud to present Godzilla: King of the Monsters as a deluxe triple LP set. Housed in a unique, rarely manufactured heavyweight triple-fold LP ‘monster’ pack, and featuring 180 “Kaiju” colored vinyl, liner notes by director Michael Dougherty and composer Bear McCreary, and artwork by Christopher Shy.

Kaiju Variant:

The Complete Film Music by Bear McCreary
Triple LP, 180 Gram “Kaiju” Colored Vinyl
Disc 1 “King Ghidorah” - Gold and Yellow Swirl
Disc 2 “Rodan” - Oxblood and Fire Orange Swirl
Disc 3 “Mothra” - Cyan and Baby Blue Swirl
Liner Notes by Bear McCreary and Michael Dougherty
Heavyweight Triple-Fold LP “Monster” Packaging
Artwork by Christopher Shy
Godzilla Variant:

The Complete Film Music by Bear McCreary
Triple LP, 180 Gram “Godzilla” Colored Vinyl
Discs 1, 2, and 3 - Electric Blue, Black, and Gray Swirl
Liner Notes by Bear McCreary and Michael Dougherty
Heavyweight Triple-Fold LP “Monster” Packaging
Artwork by Christopher Shy



Track Listing:

Side A
01. Memories of San Francisco
02. The Larva
03. Welcome to Monarch
04. Outpost 32

Side B
05. Ice Breaker
06. Rise of Ghidorah
07. Old Rivals
08. The First Gods

Side C
09. Rodan
10. A Mass Awakening
11. The One Who is Many

Side D
12. Queen of the Monsters
13. For Andrew
14. Stealing the Orca
15. The Hollow Earth
16. The Key to Coexistence
17. Goodbye Old Friend

Side E
18. Rebirth
19. Fog Over Fenway
20. Battle in Boston
21. Redemption

Side F
22. King of the Monsters
23. Godzilla (feat. Serj Tankian)
24. Mothra's Song
25. Ghidorah Theme
26. Godzilla Main Title

This item is available for pre-order with an expected ship date of July 2019. As mentioned, two variants are available for purchase and both are priced at $50.00, plus the cost of shipping. If you’re interested in picking this item up, head on over to the order page at Waxwork Records today!

Related:

The Japanese Embrace The Americanized Godzilla: King of the Monsters

The story takes place five years after Godzilla saved Earth. A group of militants attack Monarch, a special organization that monitors kaiju, and seize a machine under development...

Godzilla: King Of The Monsters - Some People Get It!

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” has a sense of wonder. After I left the screening late at night and emerged onto a dark city street at nearly one a.m., I wanted to look up rather than straight ahead, just in case Ghidorah the three-headed dragon or Rodan the giant pterodactyl came screaming down from the clouds. That's not the same thing as saying this is a perfect movie...

Godzilla King of the Monsters Chinese New Year Variant Godzilla Movie Poster Print - Shop Now

This is a poster graphic print featuring an image of Godzilla as he goes on a rampage in the new movie that will be released May 31st. The print looks amazing matted to 8 x 10 to 20 x 30 and framed and will make a great addition to your movie memorabilia collection. A must for all Godzilla fans!

The Story:

“Possibly the last of an ancient species of giant amphibious creatures that evolved at a time when the surface of the Earth was over ten times more radioactive that it is today. Godzilla can convert his radiation stores into a violent, focused exhalation of atomic ray. Rarely seen, but spoken of in ancient Pacific Island myths, “Gojira” was last spotted in 1954...


Are There Even More Toho Monsters In Legendary's Monsterverse Future?

Michael Dougherty, director of the anticipated kaiju monster fest Godzilla: King of the Monsters, is already thinking sequel, and has two kaiju in mind for the "Big Bads." Dougherty told CinemaToday JP he would like to use Biollante and Gigan ...

Shogakukan's Godzilla Final Wars Book 2


The second part of Shogakukan's two series set on Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). This book, like its predecessor, is devoted almost entirely to production shots from the 50th anniversary Godzilla film. The little text that is found in the book is often in relation to the images being shown. Like other Shogakukan releases in their "Movie" line, it's fairly short at only 16 pages, cited as 17 inside as they count the cover. The book was also made to be fairly durable, with each of the pages being around as thick as a sheet of cardboard.

Gojira: Fainaru uôzu Book 2 Japanese Godzilla Movie Monsters! Grade NM

$29.99 - Shop Now

In regards to the contents of the second book, it covers mostly what the first skipped over, showing pictures for: Godzilla, Minilla, Gigan, Mothra, Monster X, and Keizer Ghidorah. The Xilien are also present here, although only in two small production shots. The book is set up with about 8 two page layouts, each with numerous images spread across the two. The nice thing about the Shogakukan line, in regards to the two page layouts, is that the pages can be folded open all the way without causing any real damage to the book, making it perfect for scanning.

Plot:

In the 21st century, extensive warfare, nuclear testing and careless science had mutated or awakened great beasts of all shapes and sizes. During that period, the frequent occurrence of enormous monsters had become commonplace, and thus, the Earth Defense Force (known in short as the EDF) was established by the Japanese government. The sole purpose of the force was to combat the monsters and hopefully restore peace to the world by eliminating the kaiju. During the worldwide wave of monsters, mutant humans with superhuman strength and extraordinary physical capabilities were discovered whose origins or mutations were not yet understood. The EDF realized the potential and effectiveness of the mutants as super soldiers, and established a subdivision known as the M-Organization. Utilizing the mutants' handy physical feats and superior piloting skills, along with the military's best war machines, the threat was slowly subdued and the monsters were slowly, but surely, defeated.

Many years earlier in the mid-20th century, the greatest enemy that the EDF faced, Godzilla, first appeared and frequently attacked Japan in the 1960s during the great monster wars. While they succeeded in defeating all of the other monsters, Godzilla was the only one remaining and continually threatened mankind. One year, the EDF's best battleship—the Gotengo—was battling Godzilla deep in Antarctica. It was only with the help of a large earthquake that the crew of the Gotengo was able to finally triumph against Godzilla. The earthquake had caused the ground to split and cave-in beneath Godzilla, causing him to fall into a seemingly bottomless pit. This was followed immediately by an avalanche of ice and rock caused by missiles fired from the Gotengo that buried Godzilla and imprisoned him in an icy tomb, restoring peace to the world.

Decades later, in the near future of the 21st century, peace had been recognized worldwide with the exception of very rare monster attacks. The EDF had easily defeated such threats, and the monster-scare had become a thing of the past. During this time a mysterious mummified monster was found off the coast of Hokkaido and was being suspended by large support cables in the EDF warehouse/hangar and being researched. It was calculated at being 12,000 years old and composed of organic and machine tissue, making it a cyborg. It was also discovered that the monster's D.N.A. contains M Base, which was also found in Earth's mutant soldiers, suggesting a relationship. The two Shobijin fairies reveal the creature's name to be Gigan, an evil monster from space that was sent to wipe out life on Earth, but was subdued by Mothra. They give the mutant, Shinichi Ozaki, a small sword, saying he has an important destiny and that he must choose his fate.

Suddenly a large group of monsters appear simultaneously and attack major cities all over the world. The EDF is dispatched and valiantly attempts to defeat the monsters. Rodan attacks New York City, Zilla attacks Sydney, Anguirus attacks Shanghai, King Caesar attacks Okinawa, Kamacuras attacks Paris, Kumonga attacks Phoenix, Arizona, and Ebirah attacks Tokai.

During the international devastation, an alien race known as the Xiliens appears and captures the monsters. After which they proposed a peaceful union with mankind. They revealed that an asteroid called Gorath was going to collide with Earth unless all weapons were aimed at it. The Secretary, who was considered dead when Rodan attacked his plane, began to pursue a new future with the Xiliens, claiming that the United Nations would become the Space Nations. However, distrust of the Xiliens began to arise. When the Secretary was attacked during an attempted assassination, his blood was analyzed and soon found to not be human. Worse, the image of Gorath displayed by the Xiliens turned out to be nothing more than a hologram. Shinichi feared that the Xiliens were plotting a takeover of Earth, and that many of their leaders could have been compromised. He could only trust one man, Captain Gordon, the one who originally fired the missiles that contained Godzilla.

Doctor Miyuki Otanashi went looking through the files of the Secretary, but was caught by the EDF leader. However, Gordon came in at the last moment and shot the EDF leader, revealing the leader to be an impostor. They brought the corpse of the imposter to the broadcast studio, where the Xiliens were being interviewed on live television. The Secretary was shot, revealing him to also be an imposter. The second-in-command of the Xiliens, known as the Controller, shot his commander, tired of the slow plans of a peaceful takeover. Using his species' control over M-base, he takes control of the mutants, excluding Shinichi, and releases the monsters to resume their attacks on the cities. He also sent out an army of small fighter ships to assist in leveling and decimating human civilization. M-Unit commander Muasaka held off his former command while the others escaped. However, their escape is hindered by Kazama, a fellow mutant, who Shinichi is able to subdue.

In a secret hanger, the Gotengo crew set out on a risky, last resort plan to defeat the Xiliens by releasing Godzilla from Area G. The Controller unleashes Gigan to follow them. They succeed in releasing Godzilla, who battles with Gigan and defeats him by decapitation. Godzilla, thinking he was still battling with the Gotengo, chases after the ship. Godzilla is first led to Sydney, where he defeats Zilla. He then proceeds to defeat Kumonga, in New Guinea, Kamacuras in Manazuru, Anguirus, King Caesar and Rodan next to Mount Fuji, and finally Ebirah and Hedorah in Tokyo Bay. He is finally brought to the Xilien mother-ship. The Gotengo attempts to destroy the mother-ship, but its shields are too strong and the Gotengo is soon kept busy with fighter ships. Kazama takes a fighter and manages to enter the mother-ship, destroying the generator, which allows the Gotengo to drill through to the core of the ship and attempt to fire the Maser. However, the Xiliens teleport on board and kill all of the non-essential crew-members, bringing Shinchi, Miyuki, Gordon and pilot Akiko Namikawa to the Controller. The Controller reveals that the Xilians want the mitochondria in human cells to survive and were simply demolishing civilization to show humanity its place as "cattle." He also reveals that he and Shinichi are Kaiser, a fusion of mutant and human DNA, which is what allowed Shinichi to avoid his control. However, the Controller manages to control Shinichi until he is stopped by Miyuki, who uses the Shobijin's sword to free him. The Secretary of Defense and the EDF leader are revealed to be alive, having somehow escaped imprisonment. As the humans make their escape, Shinichi battles the Controller, ultimately winning. Going insane, the Controller self-destructs the mother-ship, intent on taking everyone down with him. Shinichi is able to board the Gotengo just as the mother-ship is destroyed.

Godzilla battles a new, final foe known as Monster X, while Mothra battles a rebuilt Gigan. Gigan perishes as Mothra turns the cyborg's own power against him, just as the remaining crew are victorious. Godzilla is still fighting Monster X, who soon transforms into his true form, Keizer Ghidorah, who defeats Godzilla and starts to drain his life force. Shinichi transfers his "Kaiser energy" to Godzilla and restores his strength and empowers him. Godzilla destroys two of Keizer Ghidorah's heads and throws him around the ruins of Tokyo. Finally, Godzilla hurls Keizer Ghidorah into the air and fires his red spiral atomic breath, which pushes Keizer Ghidorah into outer space, where he explodes. Godzilla then continues his battle against the Gotengo, using his atomic breath against the ship, forcing it to crash. Godzilla is about to attack the survivors of the Gotengo, but his son, Minilla, manages to calm Godzilla down and convinces him to leave and forgive mankind for their sins. Together, Godzilla and Minilla leave a ruined Tokyo and Godzilla lets out one final roar to commemorate 50 years of destruction.

From Godzilla Wiki

Godzilla: Meet The Titans


Fans of the classic Toho flicks will no doubt recognize each one of the fantastically designed creatures, and we can assure you- you will NOT be disappointed when you see the film.

Director Mike Dougherty really does give these fantastic creatures the respect and care they deserve, proving he wasn’t kidding when he said “Primitive man saw these creatures, you want to give them a presence that would make them drop to their knees and bow to this god.”

Pair these gorgeous Titans with incredible sound design and one of the best scores this year (by Bear McCreary), Godzilla: King of the Monsters has all the makings of a true summer blockbuster.



Members of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species-thought to be mere myths-rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.

King of Monsters Roars onto the Web to Establish Global Dominance with First Official Website Godzilla.com


Toho

Feel the rumble as one of the most iconic monsters stomps its way online with the global launch of the first-ever official Godzilla website from Japanese entertainment studio Toho Co., in time for the highly anticipated film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters releasing on May 31.

Commemorating the 65th anniversary of its screen debut in 1954, Toho is connecting Godzilla fans around the world of all ages through exciting content from more than 30 films, comics, art, apparel, toys, encompassing the entire Godzilla universe.

“We’re thrilled to unleash a world of content around our most beloved Godzilla,” said Keiji Ota, CGO (Chief Godzilla Officer) at Toho. “Fans have been longing for a universe that celebrates the all-mighty king of monsters and Godzilla.com delivers the most exciting news and stories about upcoming events, new merchandise and special releases as we commemorate the 65th anniversary of Godzilla.”

One of the most exciting features is the first official Godzilla Monsterpedia, unveiling everything fans have ever wanted to know about monsters (or kaiju) in the Godzilla Universe! Monsters such as King Ghidorah, the three-headed monster and Godzilla’s biggest rival; Mothra, the guardian god of its maternal island; and MechaGodzilla, the giant battle robot modeled on Godzilla are featured. The battles among them and with humans are one of the highlights of the Godzilla movies. The more fans get to know about the kaiju, the more they can enjoy the exciting world of Godzilla.

Godzilla.com will be continuously updated as a source of news for upcoming Godzilla films including movie trailers and key art, events, fan content, new product news, and all future announcements. It will also be a resource for Godzilla’s complete filmography including rare videos, wallpaper and much more destructive content including updates on epic Godzilla toys, apparel and lifestyle products.

Godzilla first appeared in Toho’s “Godzilla” (1954), a classic monster movie widely regarded as a masterpiece. The work launched a monster franchise that expanded over 64 years with more than 30 films. Over time, the franchise itself has evolved, as Godzilla and other creatures appearing in Godzilla films have become a metaphor for social commentary in the real world. The characters are no longer mere entertainment icons but embody emotions and social problems of the times. Godzilla has become a globally recognized icon, finding its way into worldwide pop culture and influencing many creative minds.”*

Fans Go Insane For Godzilla: King of the Monsters


The hits just keep on coming in 2019, and according to these early reactions to Michael Dougherty’s monster mash sequel, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, fans might have the kind of Godzilla film that was only briefly glimpsed in Gareth Edwards underrated original.

Here’s a small selection to stoke the blue flames of anticipation before Godzilla: King of the Monsters hits cinema screens on May 31st.











The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters is set for release on May 31st, 2019 and sees Michael Dougherty (Krampus) directing returning Godzilla stars Sally Hawkins (Dr. Vivienne Graham) and Ken Watanabe (Dr. Ishiro Serizawa), and new additions Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton), Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Aisha Hinds (Star Trek Into Darkness), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley), Zhang Ziyi (The Grandmaster), Randy Havens (Stranger Things) and Elizabeth Ludlow (The Walking Dead).