Godzilla 3D News And Info

USA Today Article On Criterion's "Godzilla" Blu-ray

2012-01-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

USA Today is carrying an article on the upcoming Criterion Blu-ray edition of the original 1954 Godzilla and the 1956 Americanized Godzilla, King of The Monsters!

The article also includes interview comments by kaiju historians David Kalat and August Ragone.

The article starts with:

From terms like "Bridezilla" to films like Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, the thought of Japan's most famous monster usually evokes a chuckle, not a roar.

But the roots of the Tokyo-stomping beast are dark and terrible. Long before its 27 sequels and endless spinoffs, the original 1954 film, called Gojira in Japan, was a fearful atomic fable from expert filmmakers, a metaphor for the bombing of Hiroshima that ended World War II just nine years earlier.

On Tuesday, the highbrow Criterion Collection, which usually traffics in the world of Hitchcock, Truffaut and Japan's Akira Kurosawa, will add digitally restored editions of Toho Studios' Gojira and the watered-down American version from 1956, Godzilla: King of the Monsters with Raymond Burr, to its prestigious DVD and Blu-ray catalog.

To read the full USA Today online article, go here.

Godzilla "Concept" Art: Nothing To See Here, Folks!

2012-01-19T00:07:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

These images purported to be "rejected concept designs" for the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla are making the rounds over the Internet.

Sites such as Shock Till You Drop, Dread Central and others have posted articles proclaiming that these are "the real deal" and, also, citing G-Fan as the source.

From Dread Central:

The images popped up in the latest issue of G-Fan. It should be noted these concepts were rejected, but at least they offer insight into which direction they're looking to go. Thankfully it's the right one!

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon one's point-of-view), the images are fan-art drawings. They are not rejected concept drawings.

"Gamera The Brave" Blu-ray Coming May 22

2012-01-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Above, Gamera and Zedus locked in battle in Nagoya.

Media Blasters' Blu-ray edition of Gamera The Brave (2006) is set to hit shelves on May 22.

Above, "Gamera The Brave" Japanese poster.

Gamera The Brave is an entertaining movie targeted to the younger set, but it is "adult" enough so that it won't make adult viewers cringe.

For Media Blasters' website, go here.

Travel Guide Holiday Special: 6 Days Left

2011-12-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan holiday "stocking-stuffer" sale has six (6) more days remaining.

This is your chance to get the travel guide for $12.00 total (and that include shipping!) for that kaijulogist in your life (or for yourself).

Don't delay, order today!

For details, go here.

Left, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012

2011-12-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

I will have a table at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium Expo Center at 700 West 32nd St., Los Angeles, CA.

I will be selling The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. The celebrity guests include actor Ron Ely (Doc Savage, Tarzan), actress Yancy Butler (Witchblade) and stars of the Adventures of Superboy.

From the show's website:

REGULAR ADMISSION is only $8.00, five years and under are free. Show Hours: 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Each attendee receives a Hand Stamp and Ticket which allows all day access to the Convention, so you can go to lunch and come back to continue shopping. EARLY ADMISSION is only $12.00 and shop early like the Dealers starting at 9:10 A.M. PREMIUM ADMISSION is $12.00 and you'll receive a UNDERWORLD AWAKENING MOVIE T-SHIRT AND FULL SIZE POSTER! In addition, the PREMIUM ADMISSION also includes EARLY ADMISSION! GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE (opens in theaters February 17) give-aways might be added, so check back closer to show date for updates.

For more information, go to http://www.comicbookscifi.com/index.html.

Remember: The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012! Mark your calendar!

It's Time Once Again For Godzilla Christmas

2011-12-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Inventors Spot / Whyismarko

It's the holiday season again and everyone is thinking about buying gifts, eggnog, Perry Como songs, snow, Christmas carols, setting up an enormous light display in front of their house, friends, family, and of course Godzilla. What the hell does Godzilla have to do with Christmas? Well my naive friend quite a lot as you will soon discover.

Over the past couple of decades a new Godzilla movie has been released each year just before Christmas much to the delight of monster movie maniacs around the globe. Of course when I say released I mean released in Japan. The connection with these films and the happiest of holidays has not been lost on the people who dwell in the land of the rising sun and every year it seems that the monster is primed to kick Santa to the curb for good.

A perfect example of this the Christmas tree at the Aqua City Odaiba shopping mall in Tokyo which is shaped like "the king of monsters". Not only is the thing shaped like Godzilla but it also has eyes that glow red and it shoots out steam from it's mouth!

How friggin cool is that!

Only the Japanese would come up with a 40ft Christmas tree that is shaped like Godzilla that breathes fire!

God, they really are years ahead of us aren't they? Our Kong tree that kidnaps a blond female shopper and climbs to the top of the food court is a decade away at best.

Now many of you may think that this is sacrilegious .... and it probably is, but for some reason some people like to replace the characters from the Bible with Japanese giant monsters in their nativity scenes. Why? Who knows? Yet every year pictures of Godzilla nativity scenes start popping up online just after thanksgiving. This image comes from a blogger's list of the 40 worst nativity scenes. Now is Godzilla Marry or Joseph? Is Ghidorah supposed to be the three wise men? Did they eat up all the sheep and oxen? That stable would have to be huge! More questions here than answers I'm afraid.

Merry Godzilla Christmas!

Hundreds flee in terror as the Godzilla Christmas tree attacks a Tokyo mall!

Honda Estate vs. Toho: More Information

2011-12-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Here's a few more details (and confirmation that there is a legal action pending) from Godzilla historian Ed Godzisewski (right) that was posted at the Monster Zero message board:

Yes, there is a legal case ongoing in Japan. Has been for a while. I have heard about the case from Ryuji for a couple years. The family has preferred to just quietly pursue the case the way it should be done, in court. It all stems from the Japanese system that gives rights to writers (not directors).

The first ruling is due in February.

Looks like we won't have to wait too long.

Honda Estate vs. Toho: Delving Deeper

2011-12-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The story of the alleged lawsuit by the family of late director Ishiro Honda against Toho Co., Ltd. over the Godzilla copyright may have some legs after all.

Over on Facebook, some of us were mulling over the story.

It was asked by one participant: "Couldn't we have somebody in Japan verify if a Complaint has actually been filed? Those are a matter of public record·"

Noted Godzilla historian August Ragone replied that he had looked into it and he is currently "writing up something about this now [for his blog]."

Once he does, I'll post a link to his blog post. This should be interesting!

It appears we may be on the verge of learning something about Japanese copyright law.

Honda Estate vs. Toho Ramifications?

2011-12-04T13:19:00.001-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, yours truly with the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

The story of the alleged copyright lawsuit against Toho by the heirs of Ishiro Honda over the Godzilla character may have some big ramifications if 1.) the story is true or, 2.), they actually win.

The story does not sound Japanese to me. Maybe in America, perhaps (i.e., Bela Lugosi Jr.'s legal actions over his father's image and The Three Stooges).

If the story is true and Honda's heirs prevail and win the Godzilla copyright from Toho, could we see Noriaki Yuasa's estate taking similar action against Kadokawa Pictures (the successor company to Daiei) over the Showa Gamera and Shusuke Kaneko over the Heisei Gamera? Who knows what (or who) may come out of the woodwork?

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, if true.

Ishiro Honda Family Suing For Godzilla Copyright

2011-12-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, yours truly with Toho's (or is it Honda's?) copyrighted Godzilla character.

It has been reported that the family of Godzilla director Ishiro Honda is suing Toho Co., Ltd. for the copyright to the Godzilla character.

According to this article in Ridersrangersandrambles.com:

In a past case, the copyright for Godzilla was supposed to belong to the Honda estate, but Toho insists on having at least the merchandising rights to the character.

Personally, I don't see how Ishiro Honda or his family has any claim to the rights to the character as Honda was a staff director of Toho, unless there is some codicil in his contract with the movie studio giving him some rights. Then again, there may be something in Japanese law or case law that provides this.

To read the full article (with links to Japanese sites), go here.

Holiday Special For Monster Japan Travel Guide

2011-11-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Ho! Ho! Ho!

The 2011 holiday season is now upon us. As soon as Halloween ended (maybe even before), the department stores became decked out in Christmas decorations.

Since we are now in the holiday season, I am discounting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan 20% off the cover price, making the cost of the book $12.00. This special offer is direct from me, not from ComiXpress. So if you want the discount, you'll need to order directly from me.

It is the world's only Japan travel guide tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films.

Additionally, to even make your holiday dollars go even further, the $12.00 price includes shipping & handling! How's that for getting into the Santa spirit?

From today to December 24 (Christmas Eve), you can get The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for $12.00 total! Orders postmarked within (and including) those dates will get the discount!

The mailing address can be found here (ignore the price listed on the page).

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan makes the perfect stocking stuffer for that kaiju fan in your life (or for yourself)!

None of that "politically correct" "Happy Holidays" stuff around here! Here, we say Merry Christmas!

"Godzilla" (1954) In Hawaii

2011-11-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

Need something to do to close out 2011?

If so, and you find yourself in Honolulu, Hawaii at the end of December, then go to the Doris Duke Theater to screen the original, uncut Godzilla (1954).

The screenings take place on Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30.

Director: Ishirô Honda
Japan, 1954, 95 mins.
In Japanese with English subtitles

Restored print! The original Japanese Godzilla, directed by sci-fi master Ishiro Honda, is considered a classic of Japanese cinema .

It was also the biggest budgeted film in Japanese history at that time and spawned 50 years of sequels, countless rip-offs, and a new genre-the kaiju eiga or Japanese monster movie. Sold to an American distributor in 1956, it was recut, rearranged, dubbed and retitled Godzilla: King of the Monsters, to the dismay of subsequent generations of Godzilla fans.

We present the Japanese version in its original glory. Don't miss this opportunity to see a 30-story Jurassic behemoth destroy an exquisitely detailed miniature Tokyo as it was meant to be seen-on the big screen!

Doris Duke Theatre
900 S. Beretania St.
Entrance on Kinau
Honolulu, HI 96814
USA

Phone: 808-532-3303

For details on the screenings, go here.

Godzilla 5 1/2-Inch Super Deformed Collector Figure Set

2011-11-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

Source: Entertainment Earth

Godzilla 5 1/2-Inch Super Deformed Collector Figure Set:

Godzilla as you've never seen him before! Godzilla is as adorable as ever in 5 1/2-inch super-deformed chibi style vinyl collector figure! The set contains 2 individually packaged figures (subject to change):

1x Mecha Godzilla
1x Godzilla 2004

Each plastic action figure features articulated arms and legs and a mean streak to boot!

Order This Pair Of Kaiju For $32.99 From Entertainment Earth - HERE

Max Borenstein Brought In To Write GODZILLA 3D

2011-11-09T21:37:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Legendary Pictures continues to bring in new blood to work on their highly anticipated "Godzilla 3D". Today the studio announced that they have hired Max Borenstein to write the script for the film which many speculate will be a remake of the original "Gojira" which stomped it's way into Japanese movie theaters way back in 1954. Borenstein like the film's director Gareth Edwards boasts a rather short resume. To date the young scribe has only penned two other screenplays including the upcoming supernatural thriller "The Seventh Son" (2013 release) for Warner Bros/Legendary and "Swordswallowers and Thin Men" way back in 2003 which he also directed.

Recently it had been reported that David Goyer who helped reinvent the Batman movie franchise with his screenplay for "The Dark Knight" was on board to do the same for Godzilla.

According to other sources associated with the production Toho is heavily monitoring many aspects of this new American Godzilla movie, presumably to ensure that the film won't turn out like the heavily bombasted "Godzilla 98". It has even been suggested that the studio insisted that Godzilla be played a man in a suit rather than a CG creation.

"Godzilla 3D" has been in the early development stages since March of 2010 and many aspects of the production have been kept close to the cuff by the studio.

Godzilla On Monster Island Video Slot Machine

2011-10-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: IGT

It seems that there is some sort of conspiracy going on to get me into a casino. Yes, a very definite conspiracy to get my big white parked in front of a slot machine. Sure I play the slots from time to time, who doesn't, but I'm no high roller and I can easily resist an urge to plunk my hard earned dough into a one-armed bandit.

That will power is starting to ebb however with the recent introduction of a slot machine that is classic Universal monster themed. I loved to play the old "Creature From The Black Lagoon" slot machine so I figured that I give the new game a shot. Anyway, I can resist "The Creature", "Wolfman" and "Frankenstein" when I want to ...... but can I resist "Godzilla"?

Probably not.

Yes, the "King of Monsters" has invaded the casino!

Here is the skinny from slot machine manufacturer IGT:

Launch into the explosive world of monsters and mayhem with Godzilla on Monster Island Video Slots. Packed with larger-than-life Godzilla characters, this MegaJackpots animal provides some exhilarating interactive features.

During the Godzilla vs. the Military Bonus, players control the path of Godzilla's atomic breath to military vehicles with the guidance of their hand.

Look for Mothra and Godzilla to enter the base game to reward random wilds and more. And in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, the legendary monsters battle in an epic Free Games match.

Innovative technology, frequent bonuses and an atomic progressive keeps players engaged and immersed in some mighty, monstrous entertainment.

"Godzilla on Monster Island Video Slots" contains animations of Godzilla, MechaGodzilla, Gigan and Mothra.

Damn these slot machine makers will make a gambler out of me yet!

Check out these images and trailer:

Media Blasters' "Destroy All Monsters" DVD/Blu-ray Release Including AIP Dub?

2011-10-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the box art for ADV Films' DVD of "Destroy All Monsters" from 2004. Media Blasters hasn't released any photos of their upcoming box art. They say they have a few "surprises" in store.

Media Blasters' DVD and Blu-ray editions of Destroy All Monsters and Godzilla vs. Megalon are days away (slated for October 25) from being released.

The big question in fans' minds is, "Will they include the AIP (original distributor American International Pictures) dub on DAM?" Fans generally agree that the Toho "international dub" is horrendous (I am in this camp) and that the inclusion of the AIP dub would be a big selling point.

Well, once people start receiving their discs and post reviews on the Internet, we will know for sure! It is rumored that the AIP dub had been sourced from a 16mm print of DAM.

The last video release of DAM by ADV was back in 2004 (for Godzilla's 50th anniversary) and it only included the "international dub." As a refresher, here's my 2004 review of that release:

Taking advantage of Godzilla's 50th Anniversary, ADV Films has produced a Special Edition DVD of Destroy All Monsters! (1968) complete with a soundtrack CD for the price of $14.99.

While I have other and better (including one with the original U.S. dubbing) copies of DAM, the price of $14.99 for a DVD with a CD were too good to pass up. Was this worth the $14.99? Easily yes!

On the DVD itself, it contains the "international" Toho dub that many fans aren't too fond of. Since I've owned the ADV VHS edition with the same dub, that really didn't bother me and I fully expected it.

However, the film transfer itself is not one that I would give high marks for. The print used was a bit worn to begin with and the "natural" enhancement that digital transfers do to older films only accentuate the film scratches and sound pops of the soundtrack. It was not anywhere near as obvious in the VHS edition of a few years ago. I would have expected that ADV would have been able to obtain a more pristine print of the film to make the digital transfers. Plus, there are no chapter stops or a menu (well, since there's no chapters, who needs a menu?) and no extras on the DVD. It would have been nice if they included the original Japanese and/or U.S. trailers. This is pretty bare-bones!

The soundtrack CD, on the other hand, is a gem of an item and it alone is worth the price of the item. There are 30 Akira Ifukube tracks on the CD. But, unfortunately, there's nothing in the package to tell you the titles of each track. Since most of us pretty much memorized the movie anyway, we can picture in our own minds which scenes each track came from. If you don't already have the soundtrack for DAM in your kaiju library, this item is a must-have. Your neighbors will love you for cranking up your system's volume while playing this!

I have to admit the packaging art for this DVD/CD is very nice. It is a lot better than the cartoony one ADV released before. "50th Anniversary" is quite evident in the packing art. The average person not "in the know" might be led to believe that it is the 50th Anniversary of Destroy All Monsters!, not Godzilla himself.

The DVD is in widescreen and 2.0 English.

My overall grade for this item is B. Too bad ADV didn't put out a product that matched or came close to their recent Gamera trilogy releases.

The DVD gets a C and the CD gets an A.

Media Blasters has promised a few "surprises" with their release. We'll see.

The Criterion Collection: "Godzilla"

2011-10-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Details on the upcoming Criterion Blu-ray and DVD of Godzilla (1954) are now available at Criterion's website. Both the Blu-ray and DVD editions will be available January 24, 2012.

Features include:

New high-definition digital restoration (with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition)

Audio commentary by David Kalat (A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series)

New high-definition digital restoration of Godzilla, King of the Monsters, Terry Morse’s 1956 reworking of the original, starring Raymond Burr

Audio commentary for Godzilla, King of the Monsters by Kalat

New interviews with actor Akira Takarada (Hideto Ogata), Godzilla performer Haruo Nakajima, and effects technicians Yoshio Irie and Eizo Kaimai

Interview with legendary Godzilla score composer Akira Ifukube

Featurette detailing Godzilla’s photographic effects

New interview with Japanese-film critic Tadao Sato

The Unluckiest Dragon, an illustrated audio essay featuring historian Greg Pflugfelder describing the tragic fate of the fishing vessel Daigo fukuryu maru, a real-life event that inspired Godzilla

Theatrical trailers

New and improved English subtitle translation

PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman

To see Criterion's site on the Godzilla Blu-ray and DVD, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Discount Ends In 4 Days

2011-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Above, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The 20% autumn discount sales for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan are going well. Strangely, sales through ComiXpress (without the discount) are also going well.

Orders sent directly to me (not through ComiXpress) postmarked through October 10 can get the guide for $12.00 plus $2.00 shipping & handling for a grand total of $14.00.

So, between now and October 10 (four more days) send your orders to:

Armand Vaquer
18618 Collins Street #105
Tarzana, CA 91356

Legendary Pictures' Godzilla?

2011-10-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Is this the design for Legendary Pictures' Godzilla?

Maybe so, maybe no. Anyway, Dread Central posted this photo on their site. They won't bet the farm on it, but can't rule it out either. Fans are dubious.

As for me, it is too spikey for my tastes, but it at least looks like Godzilla and it is a major step above the Sony/TriStar version of 1998.

We'll have to wait and see.

To see Dread Central's write-up on it, go here.

UPDATE: Turns out this picture has been floating around for a while.

THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SHOWS "GODZILLA, MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK

2011-10-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, on October 31, 2001 to be exact, I flew for the first time to Japan to attend the 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival for the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack. The movie was shown on November 3.

Upon my return to the United States, I submitted the following article to G-FAN magazine. It was published in the January/February 2002 issue (no. 54). Here's a look at what I wrote about the movie and experience in 2001.

Above, Godzilla lumbers onstage at the 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SHOWS "GODZILLA, MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK"

by Armand Vaquer

Before the year 2000 ended, I had not a single thought about making a trek over to Japan to see the newest Godzilla epic. However, when fellow G-FAN contributor Richard Pusateri returned from a 19-day Japan vacation in December to see the premiere of "Godzilla X Megaguirus" and later told me of the great time he had, I then started thinking that maybe the time has come to make the trip myself.

I have always wanted to go visit Japan ever since high school when I took an Asian studies class in my senior year of 1972. When word got out that Gamera director Shusuke Kaneko was slated to direct the next installment of the Godzilla series, excitement and some anxiety flooded the fan Internet message boards and newsgroups. Will Kaneko give Godzilla a new lease on life or will his film be the death knell of this nearly half-century old character?

Fortunately, my thoughts of attending the 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival came closer to reality as I had the good fortune in obtaining a high-paying job in the insurance claims industry. As soon as the paychecks started coming in, I immediately set out to plan my trip to Japan to see the premiere of "Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack" at the festival on November 3.

The name of the film itself is a throwback or homage to the Godzilla movie titles of the 1960s. Producer Shogo Tomiyama had stated that the films beginning with "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" would be a trilogy of three separate films totally unrelated to each other or of the films of the past except, to some degree, the 1954 original. Each film would be a different "take" on Godzilla and other kaiju characters. This way, they can "play around" with the characters and see what interesting films they can come up with.

I know it has been stated in these pages and elsewhere that changing origins and motivations of established characters does a "dishonor" to the creators of the past. But I look upon this strategy as a means to an end that all fans can agree on: to keep churning out fun and enjoyable Godzilla films in the years ahead. After all, how many times had Godzilla changed in the years before "The Return of Godzilla" in 1984? The superhero Godzilla of 1975 was not the nuclear terror that started out in 1954.

To Tokyo And Beyond.

I got into the New Tokyo International Airport in Narita a couple of days before the showing. Contrary to what some have said around the Internet, I found that taking the Narita Express (N'Ex) train into Tokyo to be easy and relaxing. Who wants to sit in a cab bogged down in rush-hour traffic after an eleven-and-a-half hour flight from Los Angeles? Certainly not me! Having the Japan Rail Pass also was a
great help (for about $230, the Rail Pass may be obtained through authorized travel agencies).

I elected to arrive in Japan early so that I can spend the next day touring around and get acclimated to the area. I had the unplanned fortune in making reservations at a Japanese inn in the Shibuya section of Tokyo that was within walking distance to the Bunkamura shopping complex that contained the Orchard Hall where "GMK" would be shown. Thanks to my friends in Japan at Toho Co., Ltd., I was able to obtain
tickets to the film and was able to get a hold of the festival's public relations committee in time to obtain a press pass to the festival to cover the premiere for G-FAN.

Onward to the show.

After a hearty breakfast at the Shibuya Denny's Restaurant (yes, there are Denny's restaurants in Japan), I made my way to the Bunkamura for the show. The T.I.F.F. is a well-run operation and my press credentials were waiting for me at the press center. After sending off a quick dispatch to Aaron Smith at Monster Zero, I wandered around the festival's exhibits and eventually made my way to where the line was beginning to form (three hours before the show) for "GMK."

I found some familiar American fan faces in the crowd and spent most of the time waiting with them and having a good time discussing films, kaiju toys or whatever subject that happened to come up. I became reacquainted with some old friends and found some new ones. There were many fans with Godzilla figures, models, books and magazines waiting in line and were having a grand time looking at each other's items. It was so pleasant to get away from the constant bombardment of the U.S. media's coverage of anthrax and the war in Afghanistan. Rain began to fall before we are allowed into the theater. But the spirit of the fans there refused to be dampened.

The Orchard Hall theater is a big facility that reminded me of the grand movie palaces of a bygone era, only modern. The show started with a film called "A Message to Godzilla From Godzilla" that had Japanese baseball player Hideki Matsui, whose nickname is Godzilla and flanked by Godzilla himself (or a reasonable facimile) playing around and posing with baseball bats. Then followed the live show with Godzilla producer Shogo Tomiyama, director Shusuke Kaneko and "GMK" stars Chiharu Niiyama, Ryudo Uzaki and Nobuaki Kakuta. After each gave a brief address to the audience, Godzilla enters the stage spewing out dense vapor from his mouth to the audience's delight. As one can imagine, many camera shutters went off during this portion of the show (including mine.) The show was a great warm-up for what
was to come.

The Movie.

After the stage was cleared, the film began. Rather than go into the storyline in great detail, what I will do is describe my impressions on what I saw and heard. Keep in mind that as producer Shogo Tomiyama stated in his remarks, this film was not quite completed. It was said that the film was about 95% completed with some special effects scenes that were in need of fixing (or perfecting) and more scenes to be added in. So, between the showing on November 3 and opening day of December 15, the film will be undergoing more refinement.

Godzilla's first appearance was actually just of his dorsal spikes as he was underwater behind a sunken American nuclear submarine. Jettisoned were the spikes of the prior two films and a return to a more traditional style. It seems that there was a "first" Godzilla that was apparently killed off in 1954 by an unknown chemical compound (a hint at the Oxygen Destroyer) and for some reason the generations of Japanese that followed caused this new Godzilla to appear because they have forgotten the horrors of the Pacific War and its war dead. The spirits of the war dead did not take kindly to be forgotten by the present generation, so they merged into Godzilla, who is still a creation of the H-bomb, but now has this new aspect to his character. Godzilla's appearance triggers the awakening of the three guardian monster "gods" of Yamato: Baragon, Mothra and King Ghidorah (also known as the 1000-year dragon.)

The designs of the four monsters were probably the best examples of modern kaiju suit designs. They remained somewhat faithful to their previous incarnations, but updated. I was told by Mr. Tomiyama that Kaneko had control over the suit designs and other facets of the film, more so than previous directors with the possible exception of Ishiro Honda. His involvement in storyboarding and directing the special effects helped to integrate the live action and the special effects scenes into a more seamless product than what we have seen in past Godzilla films.

Former special effects director Koichi Kawakita makes a couple of cameo appearances as a military leader and one of the two investigative mini-subs was named "Satsuma" (a reference to former Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma. There is a notable "dig" at the American Godzilla early in the film that the audience immediately caught.

Although the Godzilla suit is larger than the more recent ones, it was amazing to see how maneuverable it was and expressive it could be. Mothra never looked better and never flew better. It did not suffer from the wing movements (or lack thereof) of previous films. If only Megaguirus (in "Godzilla X Megaguirus") had the wing articulation that Mothra did, it would have greatly improved that film. The Mothra larva was only briefly seen in a nighttime shot and there was an aerial shot of Mothra's cocoon floating on a lake. Unfortunately, it lacked detail, and looked like Snoopy floating in a bathtub.

The use of integrating CGI (computer-generated imaging) with the live action enhanced the effects.

The "younger" versions of Ghidorah were good, but the final form transformation of King Ghidorah was absolutely breathtaking.

What is especially striking about this movie is the daytime photography of the battle between Godzilla and Baragon. That, plus the miniatures and camera angles, made Baragon the show-stealer. The flaws usually apparent in having a human portraying a quadruped were not present in this film. One can only imagine how well Anguirus (a past Japanese monster) would have turned out if he had been included.

Baragon, while clearly out-matched by Godzilla, was tough-as-nails (like a pit bull) and fought valiantly.

The dark humor one usually associates with Kaneko's films were also apparent in this film. A man relieving himself and a girl in a hospital meet their maker courtesy of Godzilla were fun to watch. The funny part is, one instinctively knew ahead of time what was to happen, but it was fun anyway.

The battles were all well done and there was not a dull moment. The ending was a surprise, though.

Without giving it away, I'll just say that it was a very unusual one for a Godzilla film. This is obviously "not your Daddy's Godzilla film" and is more like a "thinking man's Godzilla film." It definitely cries out for repeated viewings in order to soak in all the various nuances. The score was okay, but not strong as the
one for "Godzilla X Megaguirus." The sound system was lacking and the score will be remixed before the film's general release.

Post Movie Mortems.

The movie ends and the crowd files out of the theater. It is pouring rain outside, but everyone is so pleased with the movie that they linger around to discuss it and visit with friends. Original Godzilla suit actor Haruo Nakajima was there and graciously signed autographs and posed for photos with fans. I complimented Mr. Tomiyama on a job well done. I had earlier seen people exit the theater from other movies and at no time did they stay and linger as the Godzilla crowd did. It was a communal experience with like-minded people, Japanese and non-Japanese alike.

Eventually, the crowd thinned out to different venues for dinner, drinks or whatever. I went with a group to dinner in Nakano that grew to around 20 that included Kenpachiro Satsuma. Mr. Satsuma, while quite a character anyway, really gets quite jolly after putting away a few. He's definitely a man one would enjoy partying with.

There were some who attended that I only knew from the internet and it was a pleasure meeting them in person. Sometimes, one can get the wrong impression on somebody and when you meet them and talk with them for a while, you can come away with a vastly different (for the better) view of them.

A new Godzilla film is now being planned to be made this year and if it gets premiered at the 2002 T.I.F.F., without hesitation I would suggest that you seriously consider going. Sure it costs a little money, but what's a little money in comparison to a lifetime's memory of an experience that many have only dreamed of? You only live once, so make the most of it. And if you do go, take some time to go see some of the country. You will want to return, I certainly do.

Above, Shogo Tomiyama, Godzilla and Shusuke Kaneko pose for photos with some of the movie's actors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

###

It is interesting to look back at what I wrote at the time. Some of the things I wrote were a little off. For example, Godzilla's dorsal spikes weren't first seen behind the sunken submarine. They were seen glowing behind an underwater rock formation. I was going by memory at the time (along with some notes).

"GMK" is probably the most revered G-movie of the millennium series (1999 - 2004).

10th Anniversary of First Japan Trip

2011-09-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Ten years ago this coming Halloween (October 31), I arrived at the United Airlines Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminal for my first trip to Japan. Up to that point, my only "foreign" travels consisted of automotive crossings of the Canadian and Mexican borders from the United States.

October 31 of 2001 was an uneasy time. The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were still fresh in peoples' minds. The National Guard posted armed (some say the rifles weren't loaded) guardsmen in airport terminals around the country. LAX was no exception. Security was (and still is) extremely tight at airports.

Above, Richard and Armand with Haruo Nakajima at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

But, I wasn't about to let this heightened security stop me from making my first overseas visit to another country, even though my mother really didn't want me to go. As Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles time, I arrived at Narita Airport on November 1 (the International Dateline is crossed in the mid-Pacific).

The year before, fellow G-fan Richard Pusateri took a trip to Japan to see Godzilla x Megaguirus. After hearing his tales of adventure and grand time he had upon his return, I got the urge to go to Japan myself. Luckily, I was working as a temp at a Farmers Insurance claims office and security patrol at the time, so I was able to afford a Japan trip. All I had to do was to get a U.S. Passport, plane ticket and hotel reservations. In rapid order, all were obtained.

The 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival was featuring the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack on November 3. So, I decided to time my visit for that. As it happened, Richard was also planning to attend and we met several times at Chili My Soul in Encino to plan the trip. At least I would know somebody while there (other familiar names and faces were also there, it turned out).

Since I was writing for G-FAN at the time, I was also able to obtain a press pass for the Godzilla screening. This allowed me access to the stage for the pre-movie festivities (below).

Following the movie, Richard and I rubbed shoulders with Haruo Nakajima, Hideyo Amamoto, Shogo Tomiyama and others.

Above, Godzilla prop at Toho Studios. Mothra rests nearby on a shelf. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

I was invited to take a V.I.P. tour at Toho Studios while in Japan and was able to invite Richard along. Fortunately, 2001 wasn't 2005, when Toho began demolishing the big pool and several of their old sound stages and facilities, so we were able to see the studio as it was when Eiji Tsuburaya and Ishiro Honda were making movies. One of the things we were greatly impressed with was Toho's old snack bar. It was like stepping back 40+ years in time. Unfortunately, the snack bar is now history. We were shown the studio by Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama, spfx director Koichi Kawakita and Shozo Watanabe of Toho International following lunch in Hibiya.

For my first visit to Japan, I decided to stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) to see what it would be like. It was an enjoyable experience (plus the room was cheaper in price). The ryokan was the Hotel Fukudaya in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. The Tokyo International Film Festival would be screening the Godzilla movie at Orchard Hall in the Bunkamura in Shibuya, within walking distance.

Above, Godzilla entertains attendees of the film festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hotel Fukudaya was also a couple of blocks away from a Denny's Restaurant (it was a surprise seeing Denny's in Japan). While I like Japanese food, I prefer to have a western-style breakfast. Denny's came in handy for that.

Above, Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My wanderings in Tokyo on that first trip included Ginza, Hibiya, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building, Harajuku, Zojo-ji Temple, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano (where I bought a few things from the Mandarake store). Outside of Tokyo, I visited Atami and some areas near Mt. Fuji. After all, I just had to include some Shinkansen (bullet train) traveling experience on the trip!

I also visited the HMV video and record store in Shibuya to see the Godzilla and Baragon filming suits from GMK on display.

One thing that was not planned was a 24-hour flu bug I caught. Thank goodness it only affected roughtly one day of the trip. Since then, I make sure I take Vitamin C tablets every day for about two weeks before a trip and continue taking them during the trip. (I have been back to Japan five more times and have not gotten sick since I started the Vitamin C regimen. This is a word to the wise!)

Above, with Shogo Tomiyama (far left) and Koichi Kawakita (far right) at Toho Studios. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Besides the jaunts around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Atami, I attended an after-premiere dinner party at a Chinese restaurant in Nakano that included Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hiroko Sakurai. It was interesting riding shotgun in a taxi on a rainy night as the driver zig-zagged through traffic (Japanese cars have the driver on the right, just as in England) on Tokyo's side streets to get to the dinner party.

Above, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This was the trip that started me on the kaiju location article series for G-FAN and, eventually, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

For me, it was a memorable trip and a highly enjoyable one. I decided then that I would re-visit Japan as often as time (and the ol' wallet) will allow. It is hard to believe that ten years has already passed since this trip. The next time I traveled to Japan was with the first G-TOUR in August 2004. I've returned there four more times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010).

Autumn Discount Of Monster Japan Travel Guide Begins Today

2011-09-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The special autumn 20% discount of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan starts today.

From today to October 10 (which is Japan's Sports and Fitness Day), the travel guide tailored to Japanese monster movie fans is available at 20% off the cover price. That's a $3.00 savings per copy!

Autumn is a great time of the year to visit Japan.

For details on getting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, go here.

A Movie That Never Was - GODZILLA 1980

2011-09-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Wilmington Morning Star (Saturday August 25, 1979) / Associated Press

An archived newspaper article from 1979 has just become available through Google that reveals some information about a proposed Godzilla movie that was to be released in conjunction with the monsters 25th birthday. If you know your G history you probably already know that Toho played around with two different ideas for a Godzilla movie to be released in 1980, one being "Godzilla vs Bagan" and the other entitled "The Resurrection of Godzilla." It is the second film for which I believe this article is referring to.

Check this out:

Godzilla Returning As Nuclear Hero
Associated Press

TOKYO - Godzilla, the Japanese movie monster who first stomped across movie screens 25 years ago as a film argument against the A-bomb will make a comeback next year as the hero of a nuclear power plant accident.

Born in the south seas as a result of U.S. atomic-bomb testing, and a veteran in the fight against the powers of evil, the prehistoric monster will reappear after a six-year absence, apparently a confirmed good guy.

"It will be a serious film, just like the first movie, which was a reaction to uncontrolled atomic bomb testing in the atmosphere," Tomoyuki Tanaka, president of the Toho Motion Picture Co. said in an interview Friday.

"We are in the middle of script writing. The Japanese are now fearful of the future much as at the time of the 1954 film," said Tanaka, creator of the series of 15 movies starring a giant flying prehistoric monster that tore up commuter trains and kicked its way through oil refineries.

The monster's 25th birthday was celebrated in July in New York and this month in Tokyo with a screening of all 15 films. Tanaka said the new film is a response to renewed popular interest in Godzilla. About 60,000 people saw the film revival in Tokyo.

Godzilla toys brought in $4.5 million for makers in the past four years and books and other memorabilia are also said to be selling well after a lapse.

Ishiro Honda, director of 10 of the 15 movies said, "We went downhill in the last five or six pictures. The First film was pacifistic in intent."

Tanaka said European critics saw Godzilla as a Japanese reaction to the atom bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States during World War II. "I think that appraisal is correct. Godzilla shows the Japanese attitude toward the atom," he said. The monster turned friendly in later films, and in one epic warded off monsters from outer space.

In the first film, a monster emerges from the depths of the South Pacific after U.S. atom bomb testing in the Bikini atoll.

In the American version, Raymond Burr, later to be known as Perry Mason and Ironside, played the part of an American reporter investigating the appearance of a monster in Japan. Burr's investigating activities were shot in Hollywood and spliced into the Japanese film.

The first film featured major Japanese actors but the later, cheaper films used mostly lesser-known younger talent. "Godzilla is hard act to follow," said director Honda.

There was even a Godzilla film that dealt with the dangers of industrial pollution, which are very serious in Japan. Another monster called Hedora, from the Japanese word "hedoro" meaning industrial sludge, rose from polluted Japanese seas and engulfed everything in its path.

San Antonio GODZILLA x MECHAGODZILLA Screening To Feature Matt Frank

2011-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Written By: René A. Guzman
Source: My San Antonio

San Antonio-based Comic Break goes kaiju crazy with a free screening of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and an appearance by S.A.’s own Matt Frank, the artist behind stomping good variant covers for IDW’s Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters. The Fanboy Flix event kicks off Sunday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Stone Oak Drafthouse.

In the 2002 monster flick, a turn-of-the-century Godzilla throws down against a giant robot version of himself made from the bones of the original Gojira who first terrorized Japan in 1954. That means plenty of cyborg-v-dinosaur action, plus a cameo by former New York Yankees great Hideki “Godzilla” Matsui. You know, just because.

The movie screens at 7 p.m. for free, but get there an hour early and bring cash anyway. That’s because Frank will meet and greet fans at 6 p.m. and sell a $20 limited edition Godzilla print he created just special for the event.

Limited to 100 copies, the Frank print features Godzilla and Mechagodzilla stomping around some very familiar local landmarks. (Oh no! There goes the Alamo!) The print measures around 11×17 inches and, as you can see in this post, looks ridiculously gorgeous. Frank will also sign copies of the new Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters trade paperback that features his covers, which sells at the event for $18.99. You can get both the trade paperback and the print for $30.

PRESERVING GODZILLA

2011-09-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, I wrote the following article on Toho's efforts to preserve their film library of kaiju movies for G-FAN magazine (issue no. 48). I thought now would be a good time for a revisit.

by Armand Vaquer

Do you wonder if Godzilla will be around for future generations to enjoy? This thought occurred to me when I set out to check on the state of Toho’s classic Godzilla films and what efforts are being made to ensure that the “King of the Monsters” will be around for generations to come.

I recently checked on the subject of film preservation and restoration with the American Film Institute (AFI) and found that our film heritage is in pretty good shape, at least for now. The thought also occurred to me, “ What is being done in Japan by Toho Co., Ltd. in preventing film deterioration?” I will state my findings herein.

Background.

As many of you motion picture fans know, film deterioration has been a major concern during the past several years. Many studios and the American Film Institute have in place programs to restore, preserve and protect films of varying ages and film types.

Several years ago, concern was raised over the loss of films before 1951 that were on nitrate-based film stock. Nitrate film stock turned out to be unstable, flammable and deteriorates after several years. When it was realized that we were losing our old films, efforts began to transfer these films from nitrate stock to modern safety film. Thanks to these efforts, older nitrate films were saved and not lost to the ages as some had already been.

Another concern was that color films were deteriorating (even though they were on safety film) because of the single strip film emulsion also proved to be unstable. It has been learned from bitter experience that unlike the earlier three-strip Technicolor film process, today’s color film can fade irretrievably in as little as five years (note that Lucasfilm had to restore the earlier “Star Wars” films before they could be re-released just prior to the release of “The Phantom Menace”).

According to the AFI, “There is no practical solution for preserving the color in single-strip emulsion safety film.”

Then there’s also “The Vinegar Syndrome.” Modern safety film bases are composed of either acetyl cellulose (triacetate) or polyester (product names “Estar” or “Cronar”). When exposed to flame, modern safety film will only curl and extinguish itself. When modern safety film is properly stored, it should not decompose over time and is estimated to have a shelf life about as long as that of good quality paper, approximately 200 to 300 years. Shrinkage and brittleness will also be minimized in films that are properly stored.

However, during the past several years, archivists and technical experts have learned that triacetate film is not always as stable as was originally thought. Acetate degradation has been identified as a new and potentially serious problem for preservationists. Commonly referred to as “the vinegar syndrome” (because of a vinegar-like odor is given off by deteriorating acetate), acetate degradation proceeds in a way not dissimilar to nitrate deterioration, but without the flammability factor. This problem has proven to be especially serious in films improperly stored in high temperature and humidity environments. It is also believed to be contagious, that degrading acetate can infect other films stored in the same area.

Toho’s film library.

Fortunately for us kaijulogists, although there had been kaiju eiga films ("Godzilla", 1954 and "Godzilla Raids Again", 1955) made with nitrate-based film stock, Toho had transferred all original nitrate films to non-flammable safety film. Therefore, no Toho Co., Ltd. kaiju films have been lost due to nitrate deterioration. Like the United States film industry, the Japanese film industry ceased using nitrate-based film stock and started using safety film in the late 1950s.

What of the Godzilla color films? Toho reports that they have the original negatives/master materials of their kaiju eiga films in their best possible conditions. Toho has been aware of the “vinegar syndrome” and has been paying due attention to temperature/humidity control of their film vaults. This has been perfected by Toho’s introduction of their new storage facility for original negatives with a more advanced temperature and humidity control system, called PPM Centre, three years ago.

According to Stuart Galbraith’s book, “Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo!,” Toho primarily used Eastman Color for their color kaiju eiga films. So it appears that the three-strip Technicolor process was never used for their films. U.S. releases of some films ("King Kong vs. Godzilla" (1963) for example) were printed in Technicolor.

On the video and DVD road.

The advent of home video (originally in Beta and VHS formats) in the 1980s allowed Godzilla fans to collect their favorite kaiju films. Often these mass-produced videos had picture qualities that varied as much as the designs of Toho’s monsters. Everyone is pretty much in agreement that the video quality depended upon the original source material.

For example, some companies (Simitar, for one) released video tapes of the classic (or Showa) Godzilla films and often the film prints used left much to be desired. It was through either indifference or economy that this is the case. Many of the video tapes that I have purchased had faded images, choppy editing or horrible sound. Then there are other video distributors who had an excellent print to work with and therefore produced a fine video. Some companies issued videos in EP (extended play) speed that would accentuate an already bad print.

With the introduction of digital DVD in the 1990s, kaiju collectors are able to enjoy superior video and sound on their players. Most, if not all, Heisei series Godzilla films are starting to be released in DVD. This allows for a superior product to be produced before film deterioration to sets in. [Note: Godzilla movies are now starting to be released on Blu-ray. - A.]

At present, there are no programs at Toho to restore their older kaiju films a la Lucasfilm and others. This may be due to the costs involved (in the U.S., AFI reports that the cost to preserve color images can easily be $40,000 per feature-length film), the quality of negatives and storage facilities involved. I have a copy of “Godzilla vs. Ebirah” that has excellent color images, and that film is around 35 years old. I have also seen different prints of “King Kong vs. Godzilla” (1962) and each one had color images that looked as though the film was made this year or pretty close to it.

At present, according to AFI, the only cost-effective means of dealing with color fading is to slow it down by storing color films in vaults designed to maintain below-freezing temperatures and low humidity. This is a stopgap measure. While cold storage may prolong the life of color films, it cannot ensure their survival until the time when it may be possible to transfer the images to an archivally stable medium. It was hoped that digital archiving would accomplish this, but it appears that digital images may not be as perpetually stable as was originally thought or hoped for. The jury is still out on this aspect and it depends upon whom you talk to.

But for the short term at least, we can still enjoy vibrant images of Godzilla in his nearly five decade long adventures.

Sources: American Film Institute, Toho Co., Ltd. (L.A.) and “Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo!” by Stuart Galbraith IV.

©2000 Armand Vaquer

IDW's GODZILLA Comic Books For November!

2011-08-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Source: IDW Publishing

In November IDW will add yet another title to their hugely popular Godzilla line with "Godzilla Legends"!

Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #9

Jason Ciaramella (w) • Victor Santos (a) • David Messina (c)

As the dust settles on last issue's epic monster battle, humanity finds a silver lining among all the destruction, and things quiet down. But just because some of the monsters have retreated doesn't mean the rampage has ended… after all, there may be more gargantuan threats right around the corner. Whatever may be next, mankind may finally be ready to put up a fight!

*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

*Variant covers:
Matt Frank Gigan cover!

Bullet points:
Ask you retailer how to get a different character cover for each issue. In this issue: GIGAN!

Godzilla Legends #1 (of 5)

Matt Frank & Jeff Prezenkowski (w) • Matt Frank (a) • Bob Eggelton, Art Adams (c)

The Legends begin here! Presenting the first of five spotlight issues, each of which explore a self-contained story centering on one of Godzilla's fearsome foes! In this tale, drawn and co-written by Godzilla superstar artist Matt Frank, Anguirus, the armadillo-esque perpetual underdog, goes toe-to-toe with one of the most devastating monsters of all time—Destroyah! It's a classic tale of David vs. Goliath... monster style!

*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

*Variant covers:
Variant Matt Frank cover!
Unique hand-sketched cover by Matt Frank!

Bullet points:
Matt Frank is the artist behind the blockbuster 'Destroy Your Store' Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #1 promotion and other white-hot Godzilla covers!
First-ever story centering on fan favorite Toho monster Anguirus!

Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths

John Layman (w) Alberto Ponticelli (a) Geof Darrow (c)

Detective Makoto Sato is on a quest to bring down the Takahashi crime syndicate. Sato's efforts earn him a one-way trip to a tropical getaway, courtesy of the Tokyo criminal underworld. The exotic locale? MONSTER ISLAND! Alone and facing death at the hands of both gangsters and goliaths, Sato must use his wits to survive—and enlist the aid of some most unusual friends. Join superstar creators John Layman (Chew) and Alberto Ponticelli (Unknown Soldier) for this unusual and exciting miniseries of monster mayhem!

HC FC $19.99 120 pages 6.625” x 10.187” ISBN: 978-1-61377-033-7

Bullet points:
“Layman does a great job filling in a little character and giving us the whole set-up… art work by Ponticelli is fantastic and his pencils fit right at home capturing the feeling of Monster Island.” — ComicAttack.net

“This comic feels like a newly-discovered 1960s Godzilla movie that was buried and somehow lost between classics like “Destroy All Monsters,” “Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster,” and “All Monsters Attack.” — ComicBookResources.com

See Also: Godzilla & Mechagodzilla SH Monster Arts Action Figures / GODZILLA vs HEDORAH 40th Anniversary Poster, Lobby Card And Photo Bonanza! / Godzilla Vs Hedorah (aka Godzilla Vs The Smog Monster)(1971)(Toho) / Godzilla Kingdom of Monsters #4 / New Japanese GODZILLA Video And Manga Bonanza! / Godzilla 2012 Poster: Real or Fake? /Dean Devlin Finally Takes Credit For GODZILLA (GINO) Failure / Godzilla Gangsters and Goliaths #1 San Diego Comic Con Varient / Godzilla - Kreeeang Silver T-Shirt /Loathing "King Kong vs. Godzilla"? / GODZILLA To Get Spoofed In NOTZILLA: DUKE OF THE MONSTERS / "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" 55 Years Ago /IDW Releases Info On GODZILLA Comics For July / IDW Launches GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS eBay Auction To Aide Japan / GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS #4 And GODZILLA: GANGSTERS AND GOLIATHS Coming In June / Is Legendary Pictures About To Hand GODZILLA Over To Del Toro / Godzilla To Stomp On 70 Comic Book Stores This March /What Was It Like To Play Godzilla, King Kong, Rodan, Mothra ......? / Godzilla: Kaiju World Wars Board Game / The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #10 - #1 /Godzilla Stomp Card Game / Gareth Edwards Talks About GODZILLA To The Press / Is There Going To Be A New "Japanese" Godzilla Movie In 2012? / Reflections On The Hiring Of Gareth Edwards As The Director of Godzilla / Gareth Edwards To Direct Legendary's Godzilla/More Info On GODZILLA MONSTER WORLD From IDW / Godzilla vs The Gryphon - Exclusive Art From Todd Tennant/ Godzilla - 13-Inch Plush - Doll / Chinese Entertainment Co. Buys Share In Legendary Pictures

Godzilla & Mechagodzilla SH Monster Arts Action Figures

2011-08-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

YSource: Entertainment Earth

Godzilla SH Monster Arts Action Figure:

All hail this amazingly detailed S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla Action Figure!
Superb detail, from his eyes down to every scale on Godzilla's body.
Superior articulation, for a never-before-seen range of movement!
Rendered by the renowned Yuji Sakai.

All hail the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla Action Figure! Measuring slightlyhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif over 6-inches tall, the figure is constructed of high-quality plastic materials for enhanced detail. Rendered by the renowned Yuji Sakai, it features unprecedented detail. Godzilla has 29 points of articulation. The superior articulation allows for depiction of Godzilla as seen swimming underwater! All the figures in this series will achieve a never-before-seen range of movement, as well as unprecedented levels of detail and coloring. That includes capturing fine points like the eye pupils and back plates!

Note: Bonus effect parts and special display stand for the effect parts are included in the first production wave only!

Order From Entertainment Earth For Only $69.99 Here!

Mechagodzilla SH Monster Arts Action Figure:

All hail this S.H. MonsterArts Mechagodzilla Action Figure!
Die-cast parts for faithful mechanical portrayal.
Parts and accessories to swap.
Enhanced detail, durability, and articulation. Display him in flight mode!

UX-02-93 Mechagodzilla features die-cast parts for additional weight and faithful mechanical portrayal, as well as high-quality plastic materials for enhanced detail, durability, and articulation. The superior articulation allows for portrayal of Mechagodzilla in flight mode! This high-end figure set also includes interchangeable hand, neck, tail parts, and mid-section parts (plasma grenade launcher!), as well as effect parts and a special display stand for the effect parts (first-edition bonus only).

As part of the SH MonsterArts line, all sculpts are rendered by renowned Yuji Sakai and feature unprecedented detail. The figures in this series will achieve a never-before-seen range of movement, and feature unprecedented levels of detail and coloring.

Order From Entertainment Earth For Only $80.99 Here!

See Also: GODZILLA vs HEDORAH 40th Anniversary Poster, Lobby Card And Photo Bonanza! / Godzilla Vs Hedorah (aka Godzilla Vs The Smog Monster)(1971)(Toho) / Godzilla Kingdom of Monsters #4 / New Japanese GODZILLA Video And Manga Bonanza! / Godzilla 2012 Poster: Real or Fake? /Dean Devlin Finally Takes Credit For GODZILLA (GINO) Failure / Godzilla Gangsters and Goliaths #1 San Diego Comic Con Varient / Godzilla - Kreeeang Silver T-Shirt /Loathing "King Kong vs. Godzilla"? / GODZILLA To Get Spoofed In NOTZILLA: DUKE OF THE MONSTERS / "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" 55 Years Ago /IDW Releases Info On GODZILLA Comics For July / IDW Launches GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS eBay Auction To Aide Japan / GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS #4 And GODZILLA: GANGSTERS AND GOLIATHS Coming In June / Is Legendary Pictures About To Hand GODZILLA Over To Del Toro / Godzilla To Stomp On 70 Comic Book Stores This March /What Was It Like To Play Godzilla, King Kong, Rodan, Mothra ......? / Godzilla: Kaiju World Wars Board Game / The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #10 - #1 /Godzilla Stomp Card Game / Gareth Edwards Talks About GODZILLA To The Press / Is There Going To Be A New "Japanese" Godzilla Movie In 2012? / Reflections On The Hiring Of Gareth Edwards As The Director of Godzilla / Gareth Edwards To Direct Legendary's Godzilla/More Info On GODZILLA MONSTER WORLD From IDW / Godzilla vs The Gryphon - Exclusive Art From Todd Tennant/ Godzilla - 13-Inch Plush - Doll / Chinese Entertainment Co. Buys Share In Legendary Pictures / Godzilla Goes Prime-Time! - Godzilla vs Megalon On NBC In 1977

GODZILLA vs HEDORAH 40th Anniversary Poster, Lobby Card And Photo Bonanza!

2011-08-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

This past weekend I posted an article that was very well received about classic monster movie posters so I have decided to turn the subject into a series of features here at Monster Island News. The only problem is .... where do I start? There are so many awesome sci fi, horror and monster movie posters out there it is hard to pinpoint just where to begin.

That's when it hit me.

As our very own Armand Vaquer noted in a couple of great pieces a few of weeks back this month marks the 40th anniversary of the release of "Godzilla vs Hedorah" in Japan so I figured this was as good a place to start as any.

To the left is one of the original Japanese adds for the film. As you probably have noticed the poster is rather tall and narrow. These "skinny" posters were displayed in Japanese theaters alongside standard sized ones to promote the film. As is typical of these posters this one contains giant sized lettering and a small graphic of the monsters at the bottom.

Here is a collection of "Godzilla vs Hedorah" posters, lobby cards, and promotional photos from around the globe:

Japan

Where better to start off this gallery than in the film's country of origin. Here is the original artwork for "Godzilla vs Hedorah" circa 1971.

Above are four Japanese promotional photos that would have been released to magazines and newspapers.

United States

Here in America the film was released under the title "Godzilla vs The Smog Monster". This is the poster that was featured in theaters during that release.

A promotional photo for American magazines and newspapers.

An "add slick" for "Godzilla vs The Smog Monster" for newspapers.

Italy

You really have to love this Italian poster. Strangely Godzilla has been replaced by a T-Rex.

Likewise in this companion poster Godzilla has been replaced by not just one dinosaur but two.

This lobby card features not only Godzilla and Hedorah but the Korean movie monster Yongary as well. Many foreign movie posters and lobby cards for Godzilla films often times feature monsters not in the movies themselves. Most often times it's Gamera who appears in these adds.

Poland

Most Polish Godzilla posters look like they are adds for The Beatles "Yellow Submarine". This one features Hedorah inside Godzilla's silhouette.

Germany

A German variation on the original Japanese poster art. The most obvious thing that stands out about this poster is the name "Frankenstein". Oddly all such German promotional materials for the films in the Godzilla movie series feature the names "Frankenstein" and "King Kong".I

Criterion's Godzilla: New Developments

2011-08-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

The kaiju world is abuzz at the prospect that Gojira (i.e., Godzilla) (1954) will receive a DVD/Blu-ray restoration treatment from Criterion.

Classic Media released a subtitled Japanese version along with the Americanized Godzilla, King of the Monsters! DVD set a few years ago that received a lot of kudos from fans. Having both movies released and restored by Criterion would be the icing on the cake.

Now, there's word that a fine-grain 35mm print of Godzilla, King of the Monsters! has been found. August Ragone has details on this at his blog.

The last version of Godzilla, King of the Monsters! was the closest thing to a restored print released (by Classic Media) to date, but it was pieced together from several sources and some items were edited in out of original order.

Having a fine-grain print available (provided it is still in good shape) on DVD would be tremendous! (August Ragone explains why.)

Above, the "Godzilla King of the Monsters! plaque at Frank del Olmo Elementary School in Los Angeles.

Godzilla, King of the Monsters! was the edited version by Terry Morse that featured Raymond Burr and was filmed at Visual Drama Studios in Los Angeles in 1956. A commemorative plaque has been placed at the location (now an elementary school).

It'll be interesting to see what transpires!

Facts and Details Godzilla Page

2011-08-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is prominently mentioned in Facts and Details's page on Godzilla. My interview with The Daily Yomiuri is extensively quoted.

Also included is a photo of the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack (2001) that I took.

It is interesting that Godzilla is referred to as "her."

Facts and Details is run by Jeff Hays, who describes himself:

I am a teacher and writer currently living in Saga, Japan. I was born in the Mojave Desert in California and brought up mostly in Reston Virginia, in the Washington D.C. suburbs. I graduated from Wesleyan University in 1979 and later took courses to be a high school teacher. Over the years I wrote about rock music and had some pieces published in the Washington Post, the NME, The Face and other publications, wrote a guide about sports in the Washington D.C. area, worked construction, did a stint as bike messenger in D.C. but mostly I have worked overseas as an English teacher—at an elementary school in Istanbul, language institutes and a university in South Korea, as a freelancer in Barcelona and for the last 10 years or so running my own little informal school in Japan. Being an English teacher is not a very high status job but it does allow one to travel around and has given me ample free time to pursue the website project that you see here.

There is a misquote. It was posted: "One place he didn’t visit, Vaquer told The Daily Yomiuri, was New York City, dismissing the monster in the 1998 U.S. film as GINO ("Godzilla In Name Only")." During The Daily Yomiuri interview, it was discussed that New York City wasn't included in the travel guide since it was only for locations in Japan. Fans are aware that the real (Japanese) Godzilla did pay a visit to New York City in Destroy All Monsters.

To view the site, go here.

The Time Is Now To Save SPACE WARRIORS 2000 And Bring It To DVD!

2011-07-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Richard Gladman

Do you love Ultraman? Do you love giant Japanese monster movies? Do you love really weird obscure movies?

Well odds are if you are reading Monster Island News the answer is pretty obvious isn't it!

Let me tell you about a a very cool little film that you probably have never heard of called "Space Warriors 2000" which is a mish-mash of clips from old "Ultraman" episodes, and from the looks of it other Japanese monster movies, combined with new footage to create a stand alone movie.

Think of it like "Power Rangers", "Gamera Super Monster" or how Turkish sci fi films are made.

Anyway the film was produced in the mid 1980s and released to TV here in the United States. After the movie aired it disappeared into obscurity never to be seen again.

That is, until now. It seems that a distributor called Spectrum Ventures has gotten a hold of a print of "Space Warriors 2000" and has plans to possibly release it to DVD. Only one problem, the print has deteriorated to a point where it is no longer of any quality for such a release. Being that there would be both time and money issues in restoring SW2000 Spectrum is wavering on their plans.

This is where you come in.

Richard Gladman of the Cyberschizoid blog has engineered a campaign via email and Facebook to let Spectrum see just how much fan support there is for a "Space Warriors 2000" DVD release.

Here are the links:

Space Warriors 2000 on Facebook
Spectrum Ventures
Cyberschizoid
Spectrum Ventures Email

Plot summary/info:

Apparently cobbled together in the mid-eighties from footage taken from two Ultraman movies (one in fact a TV special called Ultraman Zoffy:The Ultra Warriors vs The Great Monster Army!!!) and released to American television, this is an immensely entertaining giant monster fest which is perfect for lovers of bad movies and trash cinema!

Here is a clip:

As Ultraman fans we all have a duty to persuade Spectrum Ventures to release "Space Warriors 2000" on DVD! Remember .... you have the power!

Opinion: David Goyer On Godzilla Is Excellent News

2011-07-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Even before the final reel of TriStar's Godzilla (1998) was even finished, it was my opinion that the movie was a big dog. I left the now-gone Mann's Tarzana Theaters very disappointed.

Although the special effects were pretty decent (except for a few things like the baby Godzilla chase in Madison Square Garden) and the marketing campaign was fantastic, the movie did not live up to its expectations.

What killed Godzilla (known by G-fandom as GINO, Godzilla In Name Only) was the story and script. It was basically a first-draft script and it showed. I could've forgiven the design of the monster had it been a good movie. But it wasn't. Besides not looking like Godzilla, it didn't act like Godzilla. To this day, that fiasco of a movie still leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of G-fandom.

It has been announced this week that David S. Goyer is the new writer for Legendary Pictures/Warner Brothers' Godzilla movie, now slated for a 2014 release. 2014 will also be the 60th anniversary of Toho's first Godzilla. It has been reported that Goyer will write the screenplay from a draft written by David Callaham.

Goyer wrote the screenplays for the upcoming Ghost Rider sequel, Zack Snyder's Superman: Man of Steel and Chris Nolan's Batman scripts, including the forthcoming The Dark Knight Rises. The Godzilla movie will be directed by Gareth Edwards.

Given Goyer's track record and the fact that his scripts successfully re-booted the Batman franchise, I find the news of his assignment to Godzilla to be excellent news. Hopefully, Goyer will do for Godzilla what he did for Batman.

It appears we'll have to wait a little longer for Godzilla (it was originally targeted for 2012). But if it turns out to be an excellent movie, the wait will be worth it.

I guess we'll have to start calling it Godzilla 2014.

David Goyer Brought In For Godzilla Screenplay

2011-07-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Just in from Reuters:

David Goyer is moving from Superman to a super ... lizard.

The "Man of Steel" and "Batman Begins" screenwriter is tackling the screenplay for Legendary Pictures' upcoming "Godzilla," TheWrap has confirmed.

David Callaham, who wrote "The Expendables" and "Doom" had previously written a draft.

Now, if only the 2008 "Godzilla" had a re-write or two...

For the full article, go here.

Japan Recognizing Mothra's 50th Anniversary

2011-07-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Above, studio workers walk past a mural of 1961's Mothra down the driveway from the main entrance of Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another kaiju in Toho's stable is seeing an anniversary in July: Mothra!

July 30th will mark the winged wonder's 50th anniversary.

According to Evan Brehany's Tokusatsu Eiga Times blog, the anniversary will be noted in Japan with special movie screenings and a new book.

To see Evan's write-up on Mothra's 50th anniversary, go here.

Godzilla Kingdom of Monsters #4

2011-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Source: IDW Publishing

Eric Powell & Tracy Marsh (w) • Phil Hester (a) • Eric Powell, Jeff Zornow (c)

France is in danger when the mysterious egg that washes ashore begins to hatch, but should the military be worried about what's inside the egg or those creepy kids who found it? Also, a community of monks has a religious experience of the 3-headed variety. And all the while, Godzilla seems hell-bent on coming to America...but hasn't Anguirus already claimed it as his turf? Fight! Fight! Fight!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 4-to-1 ratio (4 Eric Powell, 1 Jeff Zornow cover)

*Variant covers:
Matt Frank “Mothra” cover

Open publication - Free publishing - More eric powell

This Comic Is Available At My Comic Shop.com Along With Other Issues From Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters - GO HERE!

40 Years of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah": The Men Who Played Godzilla and Hedorah

2011-06-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Kenpachiro Satsuma (Hedorah) and Haruo Nakajima (Godzilla) take a break during the filming of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah." This still was signed by both actors. From the personal collection of Armand Vaquer.

As posted previously, July marks 40 years since the release of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) in Japan.

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the two men who gave it their all in their portrayals of Godzilla and his foe, Hedorah.

Above, Kenpachiro Satsuma (left) and Haruo Nakajima share a laugh in Hollywood 29 years after making "Godzilla vs. Hedorah." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I had the good fortune to first meet Kenpachiro Satsuma (Hedorah) and Haruo Nakajima (Godzilla) at G-FEST 2000 in Hollywood. Since then, I have gotten to know Mr. Nakajima well and attended a dinner party in the Nakano section of Tokyo with Mr. Satsuma in 2001, following the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Both men are some of the nicest people I've ever met in show business.

Satsuma played Hedorah and other monsters before he took over the Godzilla role in 1984 in Return of Godzilla (a.k.a. Godzilla 1985). His stint as Godzilla ended with Godzilla vs. Destoroyah in 1995.

Above, the Bandai Hedorah toy I bought during my 2007 Japan vacation.

Nakajima's appearance of Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Hedorah was second to the last before his retirement from the role. He began his run as Godzilla in the original 1954 feature. His last appearance as Godzilla was in the following year's Godzilla vs. Gigan. Nakajima published an autobiography of his life and career in Japan last year. He is now a spry 82-year-old.

A tip of the cap to both men and domo arigato gozaimasu!

40 Years of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah"

2011-06-28T22:06:00.001-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Seven years ago, the 50th anniversary of Godzilla (1954) was celebrated.

Part of that celebration included the DVD release by Columbia-TriStar Home Entertainment of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), along with several other Godzilla movies.

Suddenly, next month marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Godzilla vs. Hedorah in Japan on July 24, 1971. It was released the following year in the United States as Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster.

This is the famous (or infamous, depending upon one's point-of-view) movie in which Godzilla curls up his tail and uses his atomic breath as a rocket engine to fly (!) after Hedorah. Director Yoshimitsu Bannai added the flying scenes to "lighten up" an otherwise dark movie. This was Banno's message movie on pollution.

Right, Yoshimitsu Banno at a dinner party in Roppongi, Tokyo in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The movie is quirky in other ways besides the flying sequences. It also contains animated sequences whose intent was to drive home the dangers of pollution along with strange music motifs and bizarre editing.

Tomoyuki Tanaka, the producer of the Godzilla series, was in the hospital at the time Hedorah was made. When he finally saw the finished movie, he reportedly said that Banno ruined the Godzilla series and was determined to never allow Banno to direct another Godzilla movie. This may or may not be a true story. Banno refuted this at G-FEST a few years ago.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah has risen in G-fandom's esteem over the years. The U.S. version (Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster) was featured in the 1978 book The Fifty Worst Films of All Time.

To this day, Godzilla vs. Hedorah remains an odd entry in the entire series of Godzilla movies. At least one can't say it's dull.

Happy 40th anniversary!

About That Poster...

2011-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Avery Guerra, who has been a good source for "inside" information on the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla movie project, has this to say about the Godzilla 2012 poster:

I'll squash this before it get's any further. The poster and website are fake. They're just some elaborate prank, fan made, and nothing more. I've checked with a source close to the production and have now had this debunked. I'm sure we'll probably be seeing more such hoaxes up until the time L.P. decides to start releasing materials.

I had my doubts on the poster, but I figured I'd put it out there for everyone to see. At least it got the message boards buzzing for a little while.

Looks like we'll have to wait for the real thing.

New Japanese GODZILLA Video And Manga Bonanza!

2011-06-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Source: Youtube / Godzilla Gao

You really have to give these (unknown) Japanese Godzilla fans alot of credit. Not only have they built an exact replica of the Godzilla suit from "Mothra vs Godzilla" (Godzilla vs The Thing) but they also run a very cool G site called "Godzilla Gao" and ink a very cool G themed manga (comic) called "Monster's Territory".

Wew! That's some real devotion to the "King of Monsters" there.

Now their website is all in Japanese so I really couldn't find out very much about them, but from what English text the group posted along with their latest video, which is great by the way, I gather that they have been working on their Godzilla suit for 11 years.

11 years!

Well from the video it looks like it's completed and it looks really spot on to the one worn by Haruo Nakajima in the film. The group has also created a really cool King Ghidorah puppet for Big G to interact with.

My advice. Legendary Pictures outta give these guys a look up.

I'm just saying.

Here is the video, plus some older ones of the Godzilla suit being worked on:

Here are a couple of pages from "Monster's Territory":

Here is the link to their site:

http://godzillagao.ninja-web.net/

Godzilla 2012 Poster: Real or Fake?

2011-06-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Things have been quiet on the Legendary Pictures/Warner Brothers Godzilla project lately.

I received this in an email today. This is the first I've seen of it, so I can't say if this is authentic or not.

Get All 100 GODZILLA KINGDOM OF MONSTERS Variant Covers In One Special Issue

2011-06-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Source: IDW Publishing

This August, you will be able to own all 100 covers from IDW’s unprecedented promotion. All proceeds will be donated to the International Medical Corps for tsunami relief in Japan.

Pre-order your copy today! Diamond order code: JUN11 0450.

Godzilla Charity Book

Godzilla: 100 Cover Charity Spectacular

Alex Ross, Eric Powell, Various (a) • Matt Frank (c)

This March, IDW unleashed an unprecedented promotion in the direct comics market. A chance for retailers to have their stores smashed by Godzilla! When count was done, there 100 covers of this landmark issue. Now, it’s a chance to own all the covers, and for a good cause! IDW will be donating all proceeds from this one-of-a-kind one-shot to the International Medical Corps for tsunami relief in Japan.

*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.

FC • 100 pages • $7.99

Godzilla Gangsters and Goliaths #1 San Diego Comic Con Variant

2011-06-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Source: Entertainment Earth

Order Your Copy Of Godzilla Gangsters and Goliaths #1 Here For Only $3.99!

Godzilla Gangsters and Goliaths #1 SDCC 2011 Exclusive:

Godzilla should have gotten his 4-day passes earlier before they sold out!
Godzilla crashes the SDCC party!
Limited edition!

Exclusive original cover with Godzilla attacking the San Diego Convention Center! Join Detective Makoto Sato as he travels to Monster Island and faces extinction from both gangsters and goliaths. His survival depends on his wit and the help of some unusual friends. Limited edition of only 5,000 copies.

Tokyo-Edo Radio Project Interview

2011-06-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

A 45-minute interview with Hans Karlsson of the Tokyo-Edo Radio Project has been completed. The interview tonight was intended as a preliminary "warm-up" interview, subject to approval by the heads of the project (with the broadcast interview to be done later). However, Karlsson did indicate that tonight's interview may be edited/condensed for broadcast. They will let me know what they decide to do in any case, and I will pass the word.

The interview focused on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, the locations/landmarks used in various movies as well as a discussion on how Godzilla, Gamera and other Japanese monsters became popular in Western countries.

We went into detail on the Americanized Godzilla, King of the Monsters! and its importance in making the Godzilla character popular in countries outside of Japan. We also discussed how Raymond Burr was directed by Terry Morse at Visual Drama studios in Los Angeles and that a plaque now marks the site's historical significance.

I had fun with the interview.

Will Japan's Travel Industry Get The Hint?

2011-05-30T01:13:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima. Could he and his alter ego be the ones who revives Japan's tourism industry?

It is amazing how things can go viral over the Internet.

A few days ago, I posted a blog "Can Godzilla Save The Japanese Tourism Industry?" at Monster Island News, Godzilla 2012 and Armand's Rancho Del Cielo blogs. I posed the question in this way:

Getting up this evening from much-needed sleep (I have to work the graveyard shift in Burbank again tonight), I found an email about a Twitter Tweet from Tom Baker of The Daily Yomiuri:

Can Godzilla help save Japan's tourism industry? Monster expert @ArmandV comments on an editorial from @DailyYomiuri.

I think Godzilla would be a great help in saving Japan's tourism industry. He's as internationally recognizable as Mickey Mouse. Of course, the tourism industry would need the cooperation from Godzilla's owner, Toho Co., Ltd., but ads featuring the King of the Monsters promoting Japan tourism could do the trick. Also, taking on Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, as a goodwill ambassador in a advertising campaign for Japan tourism would be a plus. Given his age (he's 82), his participation would have to be limited a bit. But seeing the crowds gather around him on Hollywood Blvd. (see photo below from his daughter Sonoe) convinced me that he could be useful. And, I think he'd have a ball!

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. last month. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

As I said before, the Japanese tourism industry needs to think "outside of the box" to get travelers over to Japan. It's worth a try!

Checking Google, I found that a number of websites have picked up on the posts. They range from other bloggers to travel websites. Maybe the Japanese travel professionals and tourism bureaus (especially the Japan National Tourism Organization) will get the hint?

Wouldn't be cool to see Godzilla and Haruo Nakajima featured in promotions for Japan travel? They would certainly catch a lot of attention!

Both Godzilla and Haruo Nakajima are valuable resources that could and should be tapped. We'll see what develops.

It's Official: Media Blasters To Release "Godzilla vs. Megalon" and "Destroy All Monsters"

2011-05-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the U.S. poster of "Godzilla vs. Megalon."

After weeks of speculation and rumors, it is now official: Media Blasters has Godzilla vs. Megalon and, also, Destroy All Monsters.

According to their Facebook page:

Talking about Godzilla we can make it official now, we have DAM and Godzilla vs. Megalon. DAM is scheduled for October and will be both Blu-Ray and DVD releases. Do not know all the details about the extras yet. We will post with it later as they become available. Now for the funny part, we were not looking at Godzilla vs. Megalon till everyone said we have it so we asked they said ok so we picked it up.

There is no word as yet on the release date of Godzilla vs. Megalon, but it will likely be in 2012.

The last sentence from Media Blasters' announcement is interesting:

Now for the funny part, we were not looking at Godzilla vs. Megalon till everyone said we have it so we asked they said ok so we picked it up.

As mentioned previously, Robert Dunham's daughter Emiko Jade Frost said she was approached by someone working on the extra features for the DVD some months ago. Then, the word about it was announced by August Ragone. I posted the news as Ragone has been a reliable source for news in the world of kaiju. Then Media Blasters said they don't have Megalon. After this, all hell broke loose and Ragone found himself on the receiving end of attacks by irate fanboys.

Perhaps the hullabaloo surrounding the Ragone announcement was a good thing in the end as Media Blasters acquired Megalon and it'll finally receive an official release.

As far as Destroy All Monsters is concerned, I have the ADV VHS and DVD releases. Unfortunately, both have Toho's international dub instead of the original A.I.P. dub. It is hoped that Media Blasters can release Destroy All Monsters with the A.I.P. dub or, at least, the Japanese language, but subtitled version. The international dub is atrocious.

Nevertheless, this is good news! (Now if we can only get Return of Godzilla (Godzilla 1985) and Godzilla vs. Biollante released on DVD.)

Can Godzilla Save The Japanese Tourism Industry?

2011-05-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima (right) during his Godzilla days. Can Godzilla and Nakajima help save the Japanese tourism industry?

Getting up this evening from much-needed sleep (I have to work the graveyard shift in Burbank again tonight), I found an email about a Twitter Tweet from Tom Baker of The Daily Yomiuri:

Can Godzilla help save Japan's tourism industry? Monster expert @ArmandV comments on an editorial from @DailyYomiuri.

I think Godzilla would be a great help in saving Japan's tourism industry. He's as internationally recognizable as Mickey Mouse. Of course, the tourism industry would need the cooperation from Godzilla's owner, Toho Co., Ltd., but ads featuring the King of the Monsters promoting Japan tourism could do the trick. Also, taking on Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor, as a goodwill ambassador in a advertising campaign for Japan tourism would be a plus. Given his age (he's 82), his participation would have to be limited a bit. But seeing the crowds gather around him on Hollywood Blvd. (see photo below from his daughter Sonoe) convinced me that he could be useful. And, I think he'd have a ball!

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. last month. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

As I said before, the Japanese tourism industry needs to think "outside of the box" to get travelers over to Japan. It's worth a try!

Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) Takes Hollywood! Take 2

2011-05-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe pose at the Godzilla star on Hollywood Blvd. Mr. Nakajima played a major role in the popularity of the Godzilla character which led to the Walk of Fame honor. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, conquered Hollywood while he was in Southern California as a special guest at this year's Monsterpalooza in Burbank.

Above, ever the performer, Haruo Nakajima poses with the Godzilla star for the tourists. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

While he was here, and during some free time, he was taken to Hollywood Blvd. and posed with the Godzilla star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Sonoe sent several of their personal photos of their visit and these are some of them.

Above, back home in Japan, Mr. Nakajima poses with his Certificate of Welcome from the Mayor of Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

Godzilla (Haruo Nakajima) Takes Hollywood!

2011-05-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Haruo Nakajima gives his famous "Godzilla attack" pose at Godzilla's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

After getting home from work tonight, I found an email from Sonoe Nakajima in Japan with photographs of her and her dad's visit to Hollywood. The photos accompanying this blog post are just part of what she sent of their personal collection.

Above, Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima pose at the Hollywood Sign. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

Back in early April, the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe, attended Monsterpalooza at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Mr. Nakajima was a special guest of Monsterpalooza.

Mr. Nakajima was a big hit at the show, and that's an understatement!

While in Los Angeles, the Nakajimas were taken around Los Angeles by August Ragone, David Chapple and others. Their stops included the Hollywood Sign up Beachwood Canyon and Godzilla's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

Above, Haruo Nakajima drew a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. Photo courtesy of Sonoe Nakajima.

The Nakajima's visit to the Godzilla star on Hollywood Blvd. was originally going to be a nice, quiet visit. However, once word got around to the tourists on the boulevard that Godzilla himself was in their midst, they gathered around to have their pictures taken with him (photo above).

One can tell from these photographs that the Nakajimas had a great time while visiting Hollywood!

The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) ought to hire Mr. Nakajima. He'd make a great "goodwill ambassador!"

Toho Nichigeki Theater

2011-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the original Toho Nichigeki Theater circa 1961. Note the movie marquee on the right and what movie is playing there. (Kudos to John "Dutch" DeSentis for finding this shot!) The Yurakucho Mullion Building (featured in "Return of Godzilla" (1984)) now occupies this site.

In 1954, Godzilla rampaged through Tokyo, including the exclusive shopping district of Ginza.

Oooh, it tickles!

There is a scene in the movie where Godzilla steps on some train tracks. The electrical current courses through his body, causing his tail to wildly whip about until it hits a birthday cake-shaped building. This building was Toho's Nichigeki Theater.

Above, Godzilla approaches the Nichigeki Theater (left).

Above, as Godzilla steps on the train tracks, his tail whips about as the electricity from the tracks course through his body. The Nichigeki Theater is in the background.

Above, the Nichigeki Theater is smashed by Godzilla's tail.

The scene was intended as an "inside joke" for the patrons screening Godzilla (1954) in the very theater that gets smashed in the movie.

The Site Today

Today, the Nichigeki Theater has been replaced by the Yurakucho Mullion Building. There is a Toho Nichigeki Theater inside the the complex, but the current Nichigeki Theater is a multi-screen theater similar to what is found in shopping malls in the U.S. I saw Space Battleship Yamato at the Nichigeki last December.

Also within the complex, is the Picadilly Theaters where Gamera The Brave (2006) was premiered.

Above, the Yurakucho Mullion Building today. The Toho Cinemas Nichigeki multi-plex is housed within.

For more on the Yurakucho Mullion Building and how to get there to see it, see page 28 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Japan Tourism: Tapping Into The Monster Fan Market

2011-05-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Wako Department store in Ginza was seen by westerners for the first time in "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" in 1956.

The March 11 earthquake, tsunami and fears over radiation leakage from the Fukushima nuclear power plant hit the Japan tourism industry hard.

Only a small portion of Japan was affected by the disaster, but cancellations in unaffected areas of Japan are up. Japan's tourism industry leaders are working hard to to reassure people that Japan is safe to visit. Their efforts seem to be paying off as tourist numbers have been inching upward.

Although these efforts are helping to entice travelers to Japan, travel industry leaders have to also "think outside the box" and come up with new, innovative tour ideas get more inbound travelers from other countries.

Many people's first exposure to Japan (in the post-World War II years) have been through Japanese science-fiction movies. This started in 1956 when the westernized version of Godzilla, King of the Monsters! was released in America and in other western countries. This was followed by more movies including Rodan (1956), Mothra (1961) and others.

Above, the Saikai Bridge that crosses the Hario Straits in Kyushu was featured in "Rodan" a year after completion.

In a way, these movies served as travel advertisements for Japan. People became curious about seeing modern Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and other landmarks in Japan that were shown in the movies. Quite often, people began to look into other aspects of Japanese culture because of these films.

One way to "think outside the box" in enticing people to come to Japan is to market tours to these locations and landmarks that people saw in their youth (and later, since Toho Studios produced Godzilla movies until 2004).

When I wrote The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, I wanted it to accomplish two things: 1.) Provide a guide to fans of Japanese giant monster movies (daikaiju eiga) so they can travel to Japan and see these locations and, 2.) Make the guide a useful tool for Japan travel agents and tour companies for use in planning tours to these locations and landmarks. Many in the Japan tourism industry have no idea what locations and landmarks in Japan were shown in these movies around the world.

Above, the Yokohama waterfront was a monster battlefield in two movies in the past 20 years.

I have spoken to Japanese travel industry professionals over the years and quite often they are surprised at the reach and popularity of Godzilla (and other monsters) in other countries.

Another fact, most of the locations and landmarks shown in the movies are outside of the earthquake-affected area. Generally, they are mostly from Tokyo to the south, with some in Hokkaido and Kyushu.

The Japanese tourism industry would be doing itself a big favor in marketing tours with the focus on Japanese monster movies to potential tourists to Japan. Monster fans would be a great tourist market to tap into.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan would be a big help in tapping into that market!

The Toho Studios Godzilla Statue

2011-05-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Last October, I posted a blog on Hibiya's Godzilla Statue. This is a companion blog on the Godzilla statue that now stands at the entrance to Toho Studios.

Back in 2004, Godzilla Final Wars was announced as the last Toho-produced Godzilla movie for at least a decade due to dwindling boxoffice receipts.

After Godzilla Final Wars was released, Toho made some major changes to their studios in the Setaygaya ward of Tokyo in the ensuing years.

Out were some old soundstages, administrative buildings (including a 1950s era snack bar) and the famous big pool, where Godzilla's water scenes were shot.

New and modern soundstages were erected along with new administrative facilities. Part of the modernization of Toho Studios was a new front gate with a giant mural of one of Toho's most revered movies, Seven Samurai.

Along with the Seven Samurai mural, the new main gate now has a man-sized statue of Toho's biggest star, Godzilla.

I visited the main gate at Toho Studios last December during my trip to Japan for promoting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

The statue is taller than me (I'm 5'11") and its design is of the Heisei series Godzilla. I'd hazard a guess that it stands about seven feet tall.

Above, Godzilla's tail gouges a wall behind him. The main gate and the bottom portion of the "Seven Samurai" mural are in the background.

Toho Studios does not provide tours of their facilities, but fans can go to Setagaya to view the statue, the Seven Samurai mural and the studios on the outside.

Information on how to reach Toho Studios is provided in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Godzilla To Invade Washburn University This Weekend!

2011-05-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Washburn University

I just got tipped off to a great Godzilla movie festival at Washburn University (Kansas) this weekend. It's actually a Godzilla film festival with a touch of Frankenstein thrown in for good measure. Now I don't expect all of you to start packing for Topeka immediately after reading this, but if you are close by you should check it out.

Here is the press release:

The big green guy is stomping back to Washburn University for the sixth annual Godzilla and Friends Festival on May 6 and 7. No admission is charged and the public is invited to this event that celebrates the cultural history behind the giant creature in all of its bizarre diversity.

Events are planned 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 6, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 7, with film and trailer screenings, various commentaries, contests and giveaways in room 112 of the Henderson Learning Resources Center.

A contest to see who can put forth the best imitation of the monster Japanese film star will be Saturday afternoon. All films will be shown in English.
The new edition of the festival includes the theme of “Monster Mash,” in which numerous giant monsters compete for screen time and challenge one another.

The schedule is:

May 6 (Friday)

7 p.m.: “Destroy All Monsters,” (1969), features monsters from the earlier series plus creatures who warranted their own feature films, such as “Varan, the Unbelieveable.” Previews of other monster films will be shown.

May 7 (Saturday)

“Ghidorah, The Three Headed Monster,” (1964). Created by Toho Studios, this giant creature is an unusual adversary who was resurrected many times to Battle Godzilla. Here he meets Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra in what would be the fifth entry in the initial Godzilla (Gojira) series.

“Monster Mash” entry I: “House of Frankenstein,” (1944), starring Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr. and includes the Wolf Man, Count Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster, the mad doctor and the hunchback.

“Monster Mash” entry II: “How to Make a Monster,” (1958). Teenage Frankenstein and Werewolf are at the mercy of a studio make-up artist gone mad. A cheapie black and white movie that ends in a firey color climax.

Bill Tsutsui, author and University of Kansas professor, will share his experiences during the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

A surprise feature film will conclude event.

The Godzilla and Friends Film Festival VI is hosted by KTWU TV and is made possible with support from the Washburn University office of international programs, office of multicultural affairs and Center for Diversity Studies, the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Kansas and donations from audience members.

In conjunction with the festival, KTWU will show their own giant monster movie, “The Giant Gila Monster,” at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7. This oddball offering from 1959 is a “Godzilla” knock-off in which a giant gila monster roams the desert and attacks trains and people before finally being stopped by a band of industrious teenagers. The special effects are of the low-tech variety with miniature trains being burned with match-size flames.

For information, call Bill Shaffer at 785-670-1111.

Godzilla, Frankenstein and The Giant Gila Monster? Kansas is the hip place to be this weekend monster maniacs!

"Godzilla, Frankenstein and Gila Monsters! Oh, My! Now I... I know we're not in Kansas!"

"King Kong vs. Godzilla" Loathed?

2011-04-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Godzilla and King Kong go after each other while demolishing Atami Castle in the process.

Over at the Classic Horror Film Board (CHFB), there is currently a topic in the Japanese Giants section titled, "Was KING KONG VS GODZILLA especially loathed in monster fandom?"

One thing about G-fans (or fanatics of any genre), there's always disagreements (some heatedly) amongst them. The subject of King Kong vs. Godzilla is one of those that brings up the passion level.

King Kong vs. Godzilla was released in the U.S. by Universal Pictures in June 1963. It as a heavily-edited version that inserted American actors to "help" with the narrative. Unfortunately, those edited-in scenes actually marred the movie. The original Japanese version plays out better as the satire it was intended to be.

I first saw King Kong vs. Godzilla at the Balboa Theater in Los Angeles in the Manchester-Vermont shopping area with my parents and friends. We sat in the balcony (photo left). I was nine-years-old at the time. It was paired with John Wayne's Donovan's Reef. (This was the subject of my first G-FAN article, by the way.)

While my parents and us kids laughed at the mangy King Kong suit, we were still greatly entertained by the movie. It was my first Godzilla movie to be seen on the big screen.

The premise of the thread, "Was KING KONG VS GODZILLA especially loathed in monster fandom?" really doesn't have any legs as there was no "fandom" back in 1963. Maybe a few monster elites didn't much care for it (Forrest J. Ackerman was one, so maybe that's why he came up with the phony "two-endings" tale), but to younger teens and pre-teens (and some adults), King Kong vs. Godzilla was good, mindless entertainment. If anyone "loathes" the movie, it is mainly by revisionist fans of today. King Kong vs. Godzilla still remains the boxoffice champ (by number of tickets sold) of all the Toho-produced Godzilla movies.

As an adult, I still find it fun and entertaining, but I now prefer the Japanese version.

A few side notes:

Back in 1972, I was perusing the now-defunct Los Angeles Herald-Examiner's sports section and on page two, there was a doctored photo of King Kong and Godzilla in a boxing ring wearing boxing gloves. It was to hype KABC-TV Channel 7's airing of the movie. That got me wanting to see it again.

Some of the locations in King Kong vs. Godzilla are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. They include Atami Castle, Diet Building, Mt. Fuji and Ginza (interestingly, the overhead tracking shots of Ginza are only in the American version).

The Balboa Theater still stands, but it had been converted into a mosque and is now up for sale. The theater opened in April 1926. It was once part of the Fox-West Coast Theater chain.

GODZILLA To Get Spoofed In NOTZILLA: DUKE OF THE MONSTERS

2011-04-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Avery Guerra / Robert Hood

Ohio based Mitch Teemley and the folks over at Moriah Media are about to lampoon one of the largest movie franchises ever, a iconic movie series that the great Mel Brooks never had the stones to take on himself. I am, of course, talking about the "King of Monsters" ...... Godzilla.

Okay, I know what your thinking. "Wow! Hold on lawyer alert! Legal team ready......ATTACK!!!!

Over the past several years Toho has shown that they are more than happy, and willing, to sue anyone that produces anything that remotely resembles their beloved monster. This time, surprisingly, the famed Japanese movie company has given their blessing at having "Big G" parodied by an American film company ..... more on that in a moment.

Teemly has a script at the ready for "Notzilla: Duke of the Monsters" a script that has already gained a lot of attention when it made it into the final round of the Worldfest Contest, one of the largest screenplay competitions in the world.

After the screenplay was so widely praised Teemly actually stuck it under the nose of Toho to see if they had any interest in developing it into a film.

The film maker explains, "Actually I offered the project to Toho not long after I wrote it. They weren’t interested in spoofing their own films, but wished us well. Parodies are not plagiarism; if they were, Saturday Night Live would have been shut down 35 years ago! Notzilla will not feature any footage from Toho films, nor will the monster be a visual copy of Godzilla."

Understanding why Toho may not want to lampoon their own monster Teemly then set his sights on making the film here in America with a big budget and with any luck a major studio behind him.

He adds, "Notzilla is intended for mainstream release (we have serious interest from both the majors and large indie distributors), and Moriah Media is for-profit company, by the way. A Fox Searchlight analyst estimated a $40 million North American box office gross; international box office is expected to exceed that. We are actively seeking completion funding!"

That's a lot of greenbacks!

Teemly knew that if he wanted to get a studio to take him seriously he would have to produce something visual to go along with his beloved screenplay. A teaser trailer was in order!

Check out the great clip that Moriah Media produced!

But wait .... that's not all!

Teemly then set out to get some "star power" for his "Notzilla" film and landed Patrick Warburton, who you may remember from the spoof superhero series, "The Tick". Just like when Franklin J. Schaffner landed Charlton Heston for a "talking monkey movie" no one was interested in called "Planet of the Apes"Teemly hopes the presence of Warburton will add credibility to his production and ultimately aide in getting the backing he needs.

The film maker notes, "Patrick Warburton is attached to star. I wrote the lead role of the “brilliant young American scientist”, Dr Dick Harvard (who’s actually not very brilliant nor very young) for him. All of the other leads are Japanese.

"Notzilla" has not yet been filmed. We are in the midst of capitalization and are using the teaser to generate investor interest. I appeared as a guest at G-Fest in Chicago last year and read segments of the screenplay to a very enthusiastic crowd. We’ve lined up some crack crew heads: Production Designer Robert Harbour designed sets for Heroes and X-Files; multi-Emmy winning Director of Photography Jeff Barklage shot the teaser; Oscar-nominated producer Melissa Godoy is also attached to oversee production."

Here is the story:

In the future (1975), “brilliant young American scientist” Dr Dick Harvard (played by not-so-brilliant and not-so-young Raymond L. Suave) leads a team of crack scientists in atomic testing (no one knows why) near Yomama Bay. The unexpected result (these scientists don’t watch enough B-pictures): a prehistoric egg is shaken loose, after being exposed to massive amounts of radiation. Of course.

Dick’s mentor, “brilliant old Japanese scientist”, Dr Nissan Toyota, succeeds in hatching a dinosaur! But then it escapes, and begins growing at an alarming rate. Of course.

Dr Toyota wants to save the creature. But Dick is certain it will attack Tokyo. “Because that’s what always happens”. The two split up. Dick goes off to build his atomic molecule blaster, which he admits will leave a radioactive cloud over Tokyo for fifty years (“but after that you’ll never even know it was there”), while Toyota seeks a gentler alternative that will keep the monster alive.

Notzilla attacks Tokyo. Sort of. Actually he’s on a lark, playing with the miniature city, reversing toy trains, eating plastic soldiers, running a touchdown with a blimp under his arm. He parties hard while thousands of people run screaming in the streets (actually a couple dozen of the same people run screaming over and over again).

The army, led by General Buzz Kurosawa (George Takei—Star Trek, Heroes), is powerless to stop the monster (though Kurosawa, an amateur filmmaker, does get some great footage). Dick completes his controversial molecule blaster. He’s about to use it when Dr. Toyota shows up with his alternative device. In a rage, Dick accidentally turns the blaster on himself, resulting in his own over-the-top death scene—which schlock actor Raymond L. Suave had hoped would result in an Oscar nomination. It didn’t.

Toyota’s device stops Notzilla, but does not kill him, leaving the creature free to defend Tokyo from other latex monsters in the future!

- also -

"Notzilla" purports to be a restored print of a 1966 Japanese film, a long-lost classic of the genre. It begins with a special “anniversary release” prologue in which Rudy McBernstein, president of Great Big Impressive Pictures International, introduces viewers to the 1966 masterpiece, "Notzilla, the Duke of Monsters", the last film ever to feature American TV star Raymond L. Suave (Patrick Warburton).

How can you not love that?!

Teemly adds, "Notzilla is a classic monster movie spoof with heart—it makes a gently teasing statement about cultural arrogance. Also … reversing the trend toward raunchy, R-rated parodies, Notzilla is a family-friendly PG film with positive values. It’s clean enough for grandparents to take their grandkids to … and hip enough for college guys to drag their girlfriends to. Everyone will love Notzilla!"

Everyone should .... and if they don't they should be taken out in the desert and ...... wait ..... I got a little worked up there .... sorry.

Here are some bullet points that Teemly wants everyone to know:

The expected budget is $1.5 million. There’s a complete package (Investors Memorandum and Business Plan) available for any potential investors out there. It’s a great opportunity; they expect return on investment in the 1,000 to 2,000% range.
They’re looking at a 2012 shoot and a 2013 release.
No, there are no other daikaiju, aliens, or creatures. Notzilla is basically a spoof of the original one-monster flicks (Godzilla/Gojira, Mothra, Rodan, Gamera, etc.), rather than the “versus” films. It’s in colour, of course, widescreen, and utilizes a single Anglo-American actor in a lead role as did a number of the Toho films.
All f/x will be suitmation and miniatures, since Notzilla purports to be a film made in the pre-CGI era. Other vintage f/x will include rear-screen projection, robotics, and cheezy practicals—shaking the camera, for example, to indicate an explosion.

Here some stills from the promo trailer and a couple of sketches of the monster:

"Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" 55 Years Ago

2011-04-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

This is Tokyo. Once a city of six million people. What has happened here was caused by a force which up until a few days ago was entirely beyond the scope of Man's imagination. Tokyo, a smoldering memorial to the unknown, an unknown which at this very moment still prevails and could at any time lash out with its terrible destruction anywhere else in the world. There were once many people here who could've told of what they saw... now there are only a few. My name is Steve Martin. I am a foreign correspondent for United World News.

55 years ago today, Godzilla, King of the Monsters! was released to theaters in the United States.

This was the Americanized version directed by Terry Morse that inserted actor Raymond Burr, into the movie. The original was produced by Toho Co., Ltd. in 1954 and released in Japan in November 1954.

It was this version that was released around the world that made Godzilla an international star. A new American Godzilla movie is now in pre-production by Legendary Pictures.

Burr's scenes were filmed at tiny Visual Drama studios in Los Angeles on Vermont Avenue near First Street. The Frank del Olmo Elementary School now occupies the site and a commemorative plaque honoring Godzilla, King of the Monsters! is mounted at the school's entrance (above photo). The plaque was funded by fan contributions and co-sponsored by The Godzilla Society of North America and Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus. Terry Morse Jr. attended the plaque dedication.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Pre-Vacation Season Sale

2011-04-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Summertime is approaching and before you know it, it'll be here! That means VACATION time!

Starting now through May 31, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available from me at 20% off the $15.00 cover price. Saving you $3.00 per copy!

Right, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Orders postmarked from now through May 31 are only $12.00 plus $2.00 shipping & handling per copy.

Go to the "About The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" page for ordering information. The above sale price supercedes the listed price on the page from now to May 31. The pre-vacation sale only applies to direct orders from me and not through ComiXpress.

Now's the time to take advantage of this offer!

What Was It Like To Play Godzilla, King Kong, Rodan, Mothra ......?

2011-04-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

When monster movie fans think of the names Godzilla, King Kong, Rodan, Mothra and Varan they most often times have fond memories of 200-foot-tall creatures stepping on buildings while terrified townspeople flee for their lives in terror. Though these monsters may be household names to just about everyone, the man who actually climbed into the hot and cumbersome costumes to make them come to life has been an unsung hero who has very rarely received any credit.

That man is Haruo Nakajima, a Japanese actor who from 1954 to 1972 put on the heavy rubber costumes to play Toho's most famous movie monsters.

Nakajima started out in the Japanese movie industry as a bit player in the early 1950's. The eager young actor was mostly cast as a background extra and often times found himself on the wrong end of a sword, that is, until one day Eiji Tsuburaya (known as the father of Japanese special effects) approached him about volunteering for a risky stunt. The film that would ultimately bring both Nakajima and Tsuburaya together was the WWII action film "Operation Kamikaze" in which a pilot was to emerge from a crashed aircraft completely engulfed in flames. A stunt where an actor was to be set on fire had never been attempted in Japan before and Tsuburaya was looking for someone brave enough to be the guinea pig. Nakajima was the only actor to step forward when called.

As fate would have it, a year later Tsuburaya would be looking for someone to once again do something never before attempted in a Japanese movie, this time however he needed an actor to wear a heavy monster costume made of melted car tires for a film called "Gojira" (Godzilla). As Nakajima explains Tsuburaya, and the film's director Ishiro Honda (who also directed Operation Kamikaze) knew exactly who to call, "The film makers were scratching their heads wondering who they could get to put on the suit, then the remembered my stunt. They thought, hey let's get that guy we set on fire last year."

Though Nakajima didn't know what he was about to get himself into, he accepted the job, if for nothing else, to keep himself employed.

Nakajima endured wearing that 200-pound costume for the entire filming of "Gojira". Though other actors were cast to play the monster, only Nakajima could tolerate the costume, long working hours and awful filming conditions.

The filming for "Gojira" took place in the summer of 1954, which would be one of the hottest on record in Japan. Since the stages at Toho had no air conditioning and because Nakajima had to wear that heavy costume, the production was moved from a normal shooting during the day to a 5pm to 5am schedule. According to the actor "The crew often times said that the shooting schedule was the real Gojira (Monster)."

The success of "Gojira" spawned numerous sequels and other special effects driven films. Every time one of those films needed a monster Nakajima was called upon to do the dirty work. In the sequel to Gojira/Godzilla, entitled "Godzilla Raids Again" Nakajima's character was pitted against another monster, Anguirus, who was played by fellow actor Katsumi Tezuka. Nakajima took Tezuka under his wing to teach him how to act in the monster's cumbersome costume. Though the actor did his best, Nakajima knew that his understudy didn't have what it took, "He had a hard time in the costume and he could only move around in it for short periods of time."

As the years kept coming so did the monster roles for Nakajima. Next came "Rodan" then "Varan" and then "Mothra". The filming was long, hard and very dangerous. Nakajima admits that he was injured in some way or another on every single production. On the set of "Varan" the actor was hurt very seriously when a miniature building blew up underneath him. Despite being in severe pain he never let anyone know about it, "I felt like I could have gone to the hospital, but I knew if I had to go then the crew would have to go home, and not get payed for the time, so I stuck it out."

Likewise on the set of "Rodan" a cable snapped while Nakajima was inside the monster's costume suspended some 10-meters above the sound stage, "The cable broke and I began to spin wildly before the whole thing gave way and I came crashing to the ground. Luckily the costume had wings and I landed in the water which protected me."

Tsuburaya was very pleased to see that Nakajima was okay stating, "I'm glad that you didn't die."

Nakajima notes that not all of the parts he played were difficult, in fact the role of Moguera in "The Mysterians" was literally a walk in the park, "The role was easy, all the robot did was walk around and the suit was light."

Nakajima's hardest role came in 1967 when he was called upon to play another world-famous monster, King Kong, in "King Kong Escapes". The actor recalls, "The monster was very hard to play because the suit was so different. The arms were long, longer than my own, and I had to use sticks to control the hands, also the legs were short so I had to walk all hunched over."

On the set of "Frankenstein Conquers the World" Nakajima had the pleasure of showcasing his martial arts skills against fellow actor Koji Furuhata (as Frankenstein). Likewise he would also get to showcase his fighting skills three years later, this time against Yû Sekida in "War of the Gargantuas".

Nakajima remembers sparing against Furuhata and giving the young man a few tips on acting, "The guy that they got to play opposite me wasn't an actor so I had to take some time to teach him how to work in front of the camera. I did enjoy working with him though, we got to match our martial arts skills. He was a black belt and I used my judo."

As Baragon, however, the actor had yet another unique experience on set, "The monster didn't fly as such, but had to leap great distances. There were four or so crew members with wires that had to pull as hard as they could to get me to launch forward."

Though playing monsters was hard, Nakajima never complained, thinking that he would be a fool to pass up such work, a fact that Tsuburaya playfully reminded him of on several occasions, "He would say to me 'even a fool could do this', so I never complained or said no."

Though Nakajima has played a vast number of monsters, it was revealed at this years Monsterpalooza that two of the monsters he has been credited as playing were not actually him at all. One being the insect-like Meganeuron from "Rodan" and the other being the giant walrus from "Gorath". When asked about these two monsters Nakajima stated that he never played them, though several pieces of documentation state that he did.

Haruo Nakajima is not the only actor to ever play Godzilla, there were two others, but his ground-breaking work in the early days of Toho monster movies set a standard for which every other suit actor would be measured. He gave the "King of the Monsters" and his brethren life and helped establish the monster as a world-wide cinema icon. His hours of hard work has brought such joy to movie fans around the world. It is only fitting that this unsung hero of the silver screen get the kudos that he much deserves.

Haruo Nakajima we take off our monster heads to salute you!

Godzilla Takes Burbank: NBC Interviews Haruo Nakajima At Monsterpalooza

2011-04-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Above, Haruo Nakajima with Miki Hayashi at Monsterpalooza Friday night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Veteran Godzilla suit-actor Haruo Nakajima was interviewed by the Los Angeles affiliate of NBC News at Monsterpalooza.

To view the interview video, go here.

Monsterpalooza: Day One Report

2011-04-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Carla Laemmle, 101 (born October 20, 1909), the last surviving actress of the 1931 "Dracula" and the niece of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle, enjoyed talking with fans.

Here's my report on the first day at Monsterpalooza.

The convention itself was loaded to the Gill Man's gills with things to see and people to meet. I was able to meet Bela Lugosi, Jr. and we talked about how I came upon his Inglewood telephone book listing when I lived in nearby Hawthorne.

Above, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello meet Frankenstein again in Monsterpalooza's museum.

Miki Hayashi discussed Japan with actress Julie Adams (Creature From The Black Lagoon). Adams said she was in Japan once for a USO show in the 1950s when the Korean War broke out.

Miki got Haruo Nakajima's autograph and posed for a photo with him. Earlier, she said that he is very famous in Japan. She is from Kyoto, Japan.

Above, the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima with Miki Hayashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Later, I introduced Miki to kaiju suitmaker Shinichi Wakasa (below). Wakasa was the primary Godzilla suit maker for the Millennium Series of G-films.

Monsterpalooza's museum again was loaded with some great wax figures that didn't disappoint attendees.

Above, Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Wolf Man prowled Monsterpalooza's museum.

At 7:00, I headed over to catch Peter H. Brothers's talk (below) on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda and prepared the table for sales of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. At 8:00, my presentation on Japanese monster locations began. Pete and I shared the table out side of the ballroom for book sales.

Although both of our presentations were well-received, unfortunately, the room for the presentations was away from the convention center and in the main hotel. (This was to make room for more vendors.) This resulted in a sparse attendance for our presentations. We each had about 35-45 attendees. Additionally, the people of the next presentation, "Zombies From The Supermarket" (John Naulin) sabotaged our book sales by grabbing the table immediately following my presentation. We were promised a table before and after our presentations. What gave them the right to grab our table?

Above, Miki in the Monsterpalooza museum.

The Monsterpalooza staff tried to get people over for the presentations by making announcements over a p.a. system, but we were told that the noise in the convention center drowned out the announcements. At past Monsterpaloozas, the presentations took place in the convention center, which was easily accessed. Having the room for presentations away from the convention center is like being out in the boonies. The Monsterpalooza planners need to address this problem for future shows.

Above, my "Scene To Seen" presentation in progress. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

Following my presentation (and table fiasco), Miki and I left for dinner at Fuddrucker's in the media center area of Burbank. We were both starved. We both enjoyed our meals.

Above, following my "Scene To Seen" presentation. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

Despite the aforementioned glitches, Monsterpalooza was fun. I'll be heading back today to take more of it in.

MONSTERPALOOZA THIS WEEKEND!

2011-04-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Monsterpalooza is only two days away in "beautiful downtown Burbank!" Actually, it is at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, just across the street from Bob Hope Airport at 2500 Hollywood Way.

Monsterpalooza will be held April 8-10.

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will be making his first appearance in Southern California since 2000 and it will likely be his last appearance in North America. So don't miss this chance to meet the original Godzilla!

He will be signing books and posters and will gladly pose with fans for photographs. Nakajima will also be taking part in the following panels (click on images to view larger):

Along with Haruo Nakajima, there's plenty more for Japanese science-fiction fans!

Peter H. Brothers will kick-off opening day at Monsterpalooza with his presentation of Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda, which is based on his book of the same name.

Following Brothers Friday night, I will be presenting "Scene To Seen," a look at locations and landmarks used in your favorite giant Japanese monster movies based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda and The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available for purchase before and after the sessions.

Additionally, there will be dealers with Japanese monster toys including Clawmark Toys and Toyfreak.

Don't miss out on a great weekend of monsters!

For additional information, go here.

Rondo Awards Voting Extended

2011-03-26T17:27:00.001-07:00

The voting for the 9th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards has been extended one more day.

David Colton has extended the voting to midnight tomorrow night (wherever you are).

To vote, go here.

Rondo Awards Voting Ends Saturday Night!

2011-03-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

A reminder from the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards' David Colton just came in:

A reminder to all CHFB* members that voting in the 9th Annual Rondo Hatton Awards ends Saturday** night. A ballot can be found at the Classic Horror Film Board, or at rondoaward.com. Thanks for all your support of the CHFB over the years.

So, if you haven't voted yet for the Rondo Awards, go to www.rondoaward.com and vote! Make sure you follow the posted directions so that your vote will be counted.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and Monster Island News blog received nominations for Best Book and Best Blog respectively.

To vote, go to www.rondoaward.com

*Classic Horror Film Board
**It was originally reported that voting ends Sunday night.

Tohoku Earthquake: Minimal Effects For Kaiju Tourists

2011-03-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

The full effects of the Tohoku Earthquake of March 11, 2011 on the Japanese tourism industry won't be known for some time. Fortunately, its effects on monster fan tourists will be minimal.

Left, "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" will show tourists the way to monster locations.

The damage from the quake and the resulting tsunami was mainly confined to the northeastern section of Honshu (Japan's main island) where very few monster movie locations could be found. In the Tohuku region, the biggest city is Sendai, which was the location for Gamera 2 and briefly, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. Both of those movies primarily featured Sendai Station, which still stands.

The main locale for daikaiju eiga movies was primarily Tokyo, which suffered minimal damage. The subways and trains are still running and life is rebounding back to normalcy, with the exception of possible rolling blackouts due to the hits two nuclear power plants took.

According to Breaking Travel News.com:

While painstaking rescue and recovery efforts continue in the severely struck Tohoku region, the capital city Tokyo has been recovering from a strong shock, and western Japan is unharmed.

Both Narita and Haneda airports have been reopened, although public transportation in and around Tokyo is not running at full capacity due to power shortages. Other popular destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Kanazawa and Hiroshima, didn’t receive any impact from the earthquake.

They also add:

Hokkaido, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu are unharmed, and tourism facilities and transportation service are operating as usual.

Some potential Japan travelers may be frightened by the hysterical fear-mongering of the U.S. media over the nuclear power plants. But those, too, are far north of Tokyo and won't present a problem for tourists. Just don't go into those affected areas and you'll be fine.

Persons wanting to visit Japan in the upcoming months can feel free to do so without fear. As stated above, Tokyo came out of this okay (as did neighboring Yokohama) and such locations as Mt. Fuji-Hakone, Atami, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sasebo, Mt. Aso and Nagasaki were untouched by the quake and tsunami.

Whether you're planning a trip to Japan on your own or with a tour, the Tohoku Earthquake won't mar your enjoyment of the country. Go in confidence!

Monsterpalooza's Kaiju Kick-Off

2011-03-18T17:07:00.001-07:00

Left, Peter H. Brothers. Right, below, Armand Vaquer.

Monsterpalooza's official website now has the events of the show arranged by date and time.

Monsterpalooza will be held April 8-10, 2011 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center (across from Bob Hope Airport).

Monsterpalooza kicks off with Peter H. Brothers' presentation (above) on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda at 7:00 PM Friday, April 8. My presentation on Japanese monster movie locations immediately follows at 8:00 PM.

Pete's book, Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fanstastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda and my Japan travel guide, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available before and after our presentations. We both will be happy to autograph them for you!

Remember, also, "Mr. Godzilla" himself, Haruo Nakajima will be at Monsterpalooza!

Above, Haruo Nakajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To view the events page, go here.

Is Legendary Pictures About To Hand GODZILLA Over To Del Toro?

2011-03-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Bloody Disgusting

The recent tragedy in Japan has forced Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures to rethink two of their upcoming films that deal with both radiation and giant mutant monsters ..... that were spawned by said radiation. Namely "Pacific Rim" and "Godzilla" which now may be facing script rewrites and even possibly sharing the same director ..... that is if one of the films gets scrapped entirely.

It has been leaked by a source close to both projects that the two studios have asked film maker Guillermo del Toro who has just signed on to helm the giant monster film "Pacific Rim" to rewrite the script so that the film no longer takes place in Japan. According to that source, who spilled the beans to the Bloody Disgusting website, del Toro was not too keen on the idea and may tell the suits to pound sand.

The fun doesn't stop there however. Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures are also considering putting "Rim" on the shelf, maybe permanently, in favor of having del Toro take over "Godzilla 3D" instead. Again, the film maker has apparently turned his nose up at that idea as well. Probably due in large part to the fact that "Godzilla 3D" already has a director, Gareth Edwards, who took over the project in January.

This doesn't sound like very good news to all the legions of fans out there who have been waiting patiently for over a year for this new American Godzilla movie to get rolling.

It looks like there may be stormy seas ahead if the studios shun Edwards and del Toro walks.

Of course there is no need to panic yet, "Godzilla 3D" is still moving forward ..... slowly.

As an extra bonus for all you Godzilla nuts out there I have included three of the upcoming covers for IDW's "Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters". I really love the artwork for both issues #3 and #4 with Godzilla, Rodan and the often misunderstood Anguirus.

Japanese Red Cross Society

2011-03-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

Friday's devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that originated in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan has left thousands homeless and injured.

Unfortunately, as it so often happens following major disasters, scammers pose as benevolent organizations to prey on well-meaning donors. It will most likely happen now, if it already hasn't.

Fortunately, one organization you can trust is the Japanese Red Cross Society.

If you wish to make a donation that you can be sure of reaching those in need in the aftermath of the earthquake, go to the Japan Red Cross Society's website at http://www.jrc.or.jp/. They also have an English page if you are unable to read Japanese.

Monsterpalooza Presentation Change

2011-03-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

(Click on image to view larger.)

This morning, I received word from Eliot Brodsky, the head honcho of Monsterpalooza, that he's re-titled my presentation and he also sent me the new promo artwork with the change (above).

He expects to have the change posted on the official Monsterpalooza website on Monday.

The presentation is based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Japanese Science-Fiction At Monsterpalooza

2011-03-01T15:22:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

(Click on images to view larger.)

The upcoming Monsterpalooza on April 8-10 is the third show.

The inaugural show came in 2009 at the Burbank Marriott and Convention Center (across the street from Bob Hope Airport) and it was very impressive. The show was loaded with guests, exhibits, actors, vendors, directors, producers, screenwriters, authors, make-up artists and many other frightful things for the monster fan.

As good as the previous shows were, Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movies were not well represented. There was one kaiju toy dealer and not much else.

This year's show will greatly rectify this. Presentations include:

Haruo Nakajima, who was the man-in-the-suit for Godzilla and many other Japanese monsters, will be attending along with his daughter Sonoe. He will take part in the Men In Suits Presentation. Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 PM.

and...

Haruo Nakajima will also have his own presentation at Monsterpalooza that will be moderated by August Ragone and Jason Varney. The session will include rare photos and film clips. Saturday, April 9 at 3:00 PM.

Peter H. Brothers, author of Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda, will give a presentation on the greatest Japanese monster director. Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM.

Following Brothers, I will give a presentation on kaiju movie locations based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM.

There will also be kaiju toy dealers present, including Clawmark Toys from Japan and Anime Jungle and Toyfreak from California.

As you can see, fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films have several reasons to attend this year's Monsterpalooza.

Monsterpalooza will be held again at the Burbank Marriott and Convention Center.

For additional information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

Hope to see you there!

Monsterpalooza Presentation Promo

2011-02-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

The Events page over at the official Monsterpalooza website now includes this promo for my presentation at the show in April (click the image to see it full size):

The images are of the Wako Department Store in the Ginza section of Tokyo. The image on the left is from Godzilla (1954) and the one on the right was taken during my trip to Japan last December. The building was formerly known as the K. Hattori Building.

This and other locations are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Kudos to Eliot Brodsky for an excellent job!

To see the full Events page, go here.

Kaiju Location Presentation At Monsterpalooza

2011-02-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand Vaquer at the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

My presentation at Monsterpalooza will be Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM, following Peter H. Brothers. If there are any changes, they will be posted at this blog.

My presentation will consist of:

Ever wanted to travel to Japan to see the landmarks Godzilla and friends demolished? Armand Vaquer, author of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan," will give a one-hour presentation on giant monster (kaiju) locations fans can visit in Japan. He will discuss what movie(s) the locations appeared in and what attractions are nearby. A slide show of the locations will be shown during his presentation. Attendees of the presentation will be given the opportunity to ask questions.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available for sale before and after the presentation.

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go to www.rubberroom101.com.

Ultraman Attractions In Monster Japan Travel Guide

2011-02-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Fans of Japanese giant monster movies (daikaiju eiga) aren't the only beneficiaries of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. There's also places of interest for fans of Ultraman contained in the travel guide.

Ultraman, produced by special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya's Tsuburaya Productions, is a popular character (in various incarnations) in Japan. Featured in several television shows and movies, Ultraman battled giant monsters to the delight of audiences over the past five decades.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has information on:

Fukushima Airport, where a statue of Ultraman stands in the terminal building.

Ultraman Shopping District in the Setagaya section of Tokyo where characters of the Ultraman Universe adorn storefronts and streetlamp posts.

Kumamoto's Ultramanland, a small amusement park on the island of Kyushu.

So if you are also an Ultraman fan, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has a little something for you too!

Happy Birthday Robert Scott Field!

2011-02-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Rina and Megumi Odaka with Robert Scott Field at Los Angeles International Airport, July 2000. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's Robert Scott Field's birthday (although it is now February 21 in Japan, where Scott lives).

Above, Scott translating for Haruo Nakajima at G-Fest in 2008 during the awarding of Nakajima's "Mangled Skyscraper Award." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

He is best known amongst G-fans as android M-11 in 1991's Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah. He also has served ably as a celebrity guest as well as translator for G-Fest's Japanese guests over the years.

Happy Birthday, Scott!

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Garners Rondo Nomination

2011-02-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's that time of year again!

The Ninth Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards ballot is now up and ready for your votes!

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan has been nominated in the Best Book of The Year category. (Note: It was on last year's ballot, but since it didn't get published (or "go live") until January 2010, I requested that it be removed from the ballot so that people can fairly judge it a year later.) It is an honor just to have it nominated!

Also, Monster Island News has been nominated in the "Best Blog" category!

What is the Rondo Award? According to the official Rondo Awards website:

The Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards were created by David Colton and Kerry Gammill at the Classic Horror Film Boards in 2002. The awards are fan-based, and have no connection to any commercial sponsor. Anyone in fandom can vote or propose nominees.

The 'Rondo' award itself, shown at right, features a bust sculpted by illustrator Kerry Gammill, and cast by modeler Tim Lindsey.

The statuette is a miniature version of the bust of Hatton seen in the Universal film, HOUSE OF HORRORS (1946). The Rondos have been praised by recipients for their quiet beauty and evocation of classic horror.

Nominees for the Rondo are selected from suggestions by horror fans, pros and enthusiasts offered all year at the CHFB. Each year's nominees are finalized by classic horror fan David Colton (taraco@aol.com), with the help of more than 20 classic horror fans from around the world, and with expertise in all parts of fandom.

Your votes for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and Monster Island News are very much appreciated, of course. But the most important thing for Japanese (and all) monster fans is to vote!

Just go here and copy and paste the ballot onto an email to taraco@aol.com with your votes.

After you've voted, then you can say...

Gareth Edwards Talks About GODZILLA To The Press

2011-02-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: London Evening Standard / Shock Til You Drop

In a recent article I posed the question whether "Godzilla 3D" director Gareth Edwards was the right man to take on "The King of the Monsters" due to the fact that he had only one major film under his belt? I also pondered on whether or not the film maker was a Godzilla fan and if he knew the source material from the monsters 50-plus year movie career?

In a group of online interviews Edwards was asked about these very subjects and I want to let his own words speak for themselves:

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Edwards from the London Evening Standard

And then there'll be that attempt to reboot the Godzilla franchise after the disastrous 1998 offering.
"I am attached and we are just starting the process," he says.
Will his Godzilla be battling Mothra or another monster, as rumoured?
"Everyone involved knows what the film has to be," he says judiciously.
"What's important to me is that, as well as spectacle, you have to give a shit about what's happening and why."
Godzilla, like the Bekmambetov project, will have a big budget.
So what about the digital revolution? Edwards is sceptical about its imminence.
True, he says, anyone can pick up a camera and make a film tomorrow, and computers are gradually picking up speed to match the sophistication of the CGI software around.
But Avatar remains the most expensive and the most successful film ever, and therefore the paradigm for the movie business.
"But the gap between the $100 million movie and the hundred-grand movie is getting smaller," he concedes.
"What we need is a hundred-grand movie that looks like a $100 million movie and makes the kind of money that a $100 million movie makes. When that happens there will be a lot of head-scratching. Obviously Monsters isn't in that category. But I think it probably will come."

Edwards also had this to say to a writer for the Shock Til You Drop Website:

"I'm a big fan, I guess I will say I'm highly aware - and everyone involved is incredibly aware - of everyone's opinions on what this film has to do and what it has to be. And no one will do anything but the right thing. Without addressing anything specific, everyone knows how important is to get it right."
"My earliest memories was channel 4, they showed them (Godzilla movies) every Friday night. As a kid I wasn't quite sure about the dubbing, the English-dubbed versions. They threw me for a bit. I love science fiction and, well I call them B movies but they're not, but I love '60s and '70s sci-fi. But these would come on and be dubbed and it would take my kid brain to adjust to the dubbing. It took me some time to get through that."

Edwards also revealed to Shock that he will not be writing the script for "Godzilla 3D" as many people, including myself had speculated.

Okay, so Edwards is a fan of the Godzilla movie franchise and he seems to well aware of what all of us fans have been saying about what we expect from this film. That, at least on the outset, is very encouraging news. Now lets see how all of that translates into a movie.

Two Godzillas? Rubbish!

2011-01-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

There's an article that appeared in the Pittsburgh Film Industry Examiner website alleging that there may be two Godzilla movies in 2012, one from Toho and the other from Legendary Pictures/Warner Brothers.

This article came to me last night courtesy of Google.

It was written by Fiore Mastracci and it contains so many factual errors that I was just going to ignore it and not post anything here about it. I did post the link to a couple of Godzilla fan forums and the reaction was predictable: universally panned.

The article claimed that Toho "announced" their plan to end Godzilla's "forced retirement" early (i.e., 2012). There's been no such announcement, otherwise we'd have been discussing it for months. Believe me, if there were such an announcement, fans would have been on top of it immediately.

Toho and Legendary Pictures came to an agreement on a new American Godzilla film last year (they had been in negotiations at least since 2009), so Toho wouldn't even consider undercutting the American production with a movie of their own. It doesn't make any business or logical sense.

I am pretty close to some of the Toho executives, and none have given any indication of such a planned Japanese return of the Big G. A fan posted a comment on Mastracci's article asking for the source of this. It will be interesting to see Mastracci's reply.

He even got the good and bad guys wrong in Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001).

Mastracci seems to be a nice guy, but, unfortunately, his article is just erroneous.

Sorry, folks, there's nothing to see here. But if you insist, to read the article, go here.

Is There Going To Be A New "Japanese" Godzilla Movie In 2012?

2011-01-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: The Examiner (Pittsburgh)

Is Toho planning to release a brand-new "Godzilla" movie in Japan at the same time that the new Legendary Pictures "Godzilla 3D" is released here in America?

Well, according to a Pittsburgh film industry reporter ........ yes, that is exactly what Toho is planning to do and actually has been planning to do for some time.

According to Fiore Mastracci of Examiner.com Toho had originally wanted to produce a new "Godzilla" movie for a 2012 release, but due to issues with the script and other aspects of the film the studio was having trouble getting things moving. When the Japanese movie company was approached by Legendary Pictures about making another "American" Godzilla movie they viewed it as a way to get the monster back into theaters without having to produce a film themselves.

Now, however, the studio may be looking to go forward with their own Godzilla movie after all.

According to the report, Toho may still be aiming for a December 2012 release date for their film, which may mean that the Japanese movie and Legendary's "Godzilla 3D" may be released within months, or weeks, of each other creating an international Godzilla vs Godzilla cinema battle.

Here is an excerpt from the original article:

Toho may scrub its planned 2012 release and attempt to satisfy fans with the new American version. This will allow them to keep to their original decade of retirement. The American version will satisfy clamoring fans and give the parent company the needed time to work out its difficulties. But, as of now, both movies could be released within months of each other, creating an on-screen battle of epic proportions.

The article also states that Toho may plan to make a new Godzilla movie, then put its release on hold to see how the American film does. If the Gareth Edwards helmed 3D "G" film does well, then Toho would release the Japanese movie, if not, then they may opt to scrap it or release it only in Japan.

Another excerpt:

No official word from Toho yet if it will still release its project in December 2012 or add the two remaining years to Godzilla’s forced retirement. Speculation is that Toho may release its new version of Godzilla, but only in Japan, allowing them to gauge reaction to Edward's treatment first and providing the opportunity to compare fan reaction and acceptance.

I want to point out that this is the first time that I have heard anything about this. Could it be that somehow with all the excitement surrounding Lengendary's "Godzilla 3D" Toho was able to slip this one under the radar?

Maybe.

Then again Maybe not. It is hard to gauge whether Fiore Mastracci may have gotten a scoop that has eluded just about everyone in the monster movie media, or that he may have simply gotten his facts wrong, confusing the ill-fated "Godzilla 3D To The Max" with a new Toho Godzilla movie.

Hopefully, this is all legit and we can all look forward to possibly two new Godzilla films in the next couple of years.

Here is the original article - Battle of Godzillas may be newest screen battle.

Reflections On The Hiring Of Gareth Edwards As The Director of Godzilla

2011-01-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

By now your probably aware that Legendary Pictures has hired the British film maker Gareth Edwards to helm their upcoming 3D "Godzilla" film. As the news broke on Tuesday I was caught off guard by the hire.

As I’m sure many of you out probably felt, the news was sort of a disappointment. Not to knock Edwards too much, but I had hoped for a more prominent director to take on "the king of monsters". Though, I had high hopes, things transpired much as I knew deep down in my heart as the would, Legendary Pictures would opt to go with somebody ‘trendy’ instead of somebody with a long pedigree.

Again, I really don’t want to take this time to bash on Edwards, for all we know he may indeed be the right man for the job and after all is said and done all of us "G" fans may be singing his praises for producing an excellent monster film. Only time will tell on that one.
In preparing this little piece I took some time to do some research on Edwards to gather some background info to try and put together a kind of feeling for what he may have in store for "Godzilla 2012." As many of you already know Edwards has only one major film title to his credit, "Monsters" which was released in 2010 besides that he has only two other projects under his belt, two short films, "Factory Farmed" and "Attila the Hun", both produced in 2008.

Granted, that isn’t a very long resume for someone who is about to take on the world’s most popular monster and his legions of fans around the world.

Now in regards to "Monsters" I have to admit that I haven’t seen the film, though I will undoubtedly seek it out now that Edwards has signed on for "Godzilla". I did, however, do quite a bit of searching online to see just what other "arm-chair" movie critics thought of the film. To be honest, those reviews that I happened to find were all over the place. Some critics loved it, some didn't, and yet others were on the fence. Granted, I’m certain that if I looked up reviews on just about any film I would find the same type of results. Regardless of all that Legendary Pictures must have seem something in "Monsters" that they really liked to hand a film like "Godzilla" over to Edwards.

On the plus side:

Edwards is a film maker who understands both special effects and cinematography, due to the fact that he handled both for "Monsters", and undoubtedly "Godzilla" is going to be a film heavy in both of those elements.

On the negative side:

Like with any film like this one can only hope that Edwards has a good working knowledge of the "Godzilla" movie series. If a survey of the film makers DVD library includes several Godzilla, and other giant monster genre, films then we can all rest a little easier, if not, then this good be just another crappy film in a growing list that has been churned out by Hollywood over the past decade.

Again, only time will tell.

First order of business for Edwards, find a replacement writer for the script to replace the ousted David Callaham. Then again, maybe that is why Legendary brought him on board, to write the story for the film as well? That seems like a stretch, but besides handling the directing duties, cinematography and effects for "Monsters" Edwards also wrote the darn thing.

Understandably the burning question is whether Legendary Pictures "reached" with the hire of Edwards or not? Was the director one of their fall-back choices? If you recall way back in March of last year when the studio initially announced that they were going forward with "Godzilla" they had stated that news on a director was coming shortly. Monster movie fans around the globe waited, and waited, and waited some more, but that news took almost a year. It would be safe to assume that the studio was actively pursuing a selected director, or group of directors at that time that either opted out of the running or had other projects that they had committed to.

So here we are, Legendary Pictures has locked on to Gareth Edwards to launch a new American Godzilla franchise. With any luck the film maker will soon begin to look for a creative team to aid him in making a monster film that lives up to vision that the studio talked about last year. My advice? Find out what the fan base wants to see in a new "G" film". Remember, despite what Michael Bay may think, they are your bread and butter. I know the idea is to make a Godzilla film that will appeal to the masses, but just don’t forget the core fans. It’s a razor thin line, I know, but if Abrams can make it work for "Star Trek" it can be done. Just for Gods sake do your homework on this one!

Gareth Edwards To Helm Legendary's Godzilla

2011-01-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

Legendary's "Godzilla" now has a director, according to The Hollywood Reporter:

Godzilla has a director.

Gareth Edwards, the British filmmaker who wrote and directed indie sci-fi movie Monsters, is closing a deal to develop and direct the creature feature for Legendary Pictures, the company that co-produced blockbusters such as Inception and The Dark Knight.

Warner Bros. will co-produce, co-finance and distribute per its deal with Legendary. Legendary's Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni are producing along with Dan Lin, Roy Lee, and Brian Rogers.

To read the full story, go here.

A Look Around Godzilla's Old Stomping Ground

2010-12-31T19:40:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

The print edition of The Daily Yomiuri article, "A Look Around Godzilla's Old Stomping Ground" showed up (faster than I expected) in the mailbox today.

I scanned the article and here it is below (click on image to view larger):

The interview for the article and photo were done on December 7th in Hibiya and published in the December 24 edition.

In case you haven't read the article or the image isn't clear enough, here's the full text:

A look around Godzilla's old stomping ground

Tom Baker / Daily Yomiuri Staff Writer

Godzilla was the embodiment of war in his eponymous 1954 debut film, but he saved the Earth from ecological doom in Godzilla vs the Smog Monster in 1971. The giant reptilian monster has meant many things to many people.

But did you ever imagine him as a tourist? According to The Monster Movie Fan's Guide to Japan (51 pp, 15 dollars, available via www.comixpress.com), Godzilla has ranged as far north as Sapporo, where he destroyed the TV Tower in one of his many films, and as far south as the Sakurajima volcano in Kyushu, near which he came ashore in another.

One place he hasn't visited is New York. Or perhaps that point is arguable. Armand Vaquer, the guidebook's author, told The Daily Yomiuri in a recent interview that devoted fans refer to the 1998 U.S. film in which Godzilla took a bite of the Big Apple as GINO ("Godzilla In Name Only").

For fans devoted enough to make a pilgrimage to Japan, Vaquer's book will tell them where to find landmarks associated not only with Godzilla, but also with his titanic terrapin counterpart, Gamera.

Some of the practical information in the book is a bit dated. For instance, it has been a few years since a plane-to-terminal bus ride was a routine part of arriving at Narita Airport.

However, most travelers are likely to rely on more conventional guidebooks for such details, using this one for it specialized insights. Those begin at the airport, too, about which Vaquer writes: "Interestingly, a video of the procedures at the Immigration desk features G-FEST XIV [monster fan convention] guest and Godzilla actress Shelley Sweeney. So at least you will be able to see a familiar, friendly face."

Vaquer's devotion to his subject shines through in his book and also in person, but it is not uncritical devotion. In the entry on the Seto Ohashi bridge, which connects Okayama and Kagawa prefectures, he writes, "In Godzilla vs King Ghidora (1991) King Ghidora blasts the bridge (in a not-too-convincing effect) during a fly-by."

A more positively memorable scene involved what Vaquer described in the interview as a cake-shaped cinema that stood on the site of the present-day Yurakucho Mullion building in Tokyo.

"That was in the 1954 Godzilla, where Godzilla steps on the train tracks, and the power surging through him causes his tail to whip about, and it smashes into the building. The inside joke there is that the patrons that were seeing the movie in that actual theater got to see the tail just hit the building they're sitting in watching it," he said.

In another part of town, the Diet Building has suffered abuse in several films, by Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, Mothra and King Kong, which must have been a cathartic experience for at least some members of the audience each time.

The book includes a page about the Daigo Fukuryu Maru Exhibition Hall in Koto Ward, Tokyo, which houses the Japanese fishing boat whose 1954 irradiation by fallout from a U.S. hydrogen bomb test was a real-life reference point for the original Godzilla film.

For monster movie fans, a stop at this spot will mark a solemn pause in an otherwise lighthearted journey.

Wako Dept. Store Spotlight

2010-12-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

Above, the Wako Dept. Store in November 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

by Armand Vaquer

The Wako Department Store building in the Ginza district of Tokyo is one of the most iconic locations used in Godzilla movies.

It first appeared in Godzilla (1954) when Godzilla (above), during his nighttime rampage through Tokyo, is angered by the gonging clock on top of the building. Godzilla then proceeds to demolish the clock along with the rest of the building.

Later, the Wako Dept. Store building appears in the U.S. version of King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) via inserted stock footage.

Once again, the building appears in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995) during the exploding Godzilla scenario sequence.

Above, the Wako Dept. Store in December 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to Wikipedia:

From 1894 to 1921, the Hattori Clock Tower stood on the site that Wako occupies today. In 1921, the Hattori Clock Tower was demolished to rebuild a new one. The reconstruction was delayed due to the Great Kanto Earthquake of September 1, 1923. The new tower was completed in 1932 as the K. Hattori Building. In homage to its predecessor, the new store was also fitted with a clock.

Its 1932 Neo-Renaissance style building, designed by Jin Watanabe, with its curved granite façade, is the central landmark for the district and one of the few buildings in the area left standing after World War II. The building functioned as the Tokyo PX store during the Allied Occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1952. The clock tower plays the famous Westminster Chimes.

Above, the Wako Dept. Store clock in December 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are photographs of the Wako Dept. Store standing almost untouched while the rest of Ginza is in rubble due to Allied bombing raids. It is not too difficult to locate them on the Internet.

During my recent trip to Japan, the building was adorned in Christmas lighting (above).

The Wako Dept. Store is one of the must-see locations for G-fans visiting Japan. The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan covers the Wako Dept. Store building.

"Japan Today" Interview On Monster Japan Travel Guide

2010-12-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

My interview with Japan Today on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan that was started last week while I was in Tokyo, Japan, and finished up a few nights ago, has been posted.

The interview begins with these introductory paragraphs:

TOKYO — Written by American Armand Vaquer, “The Monster Movie Fan’s Guide To Japan” is the world’s first and only Japan travel guide especially tailored to tourists who are also fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movies. Most of the locations covered in the book are primarily from Toho’s Godzilla series of movies, but other studios’ monster movies are also covered.

Toho started the giant monster movie genre in 1954 with “Godzilla.” Locations used include the Wako Department Store in Ginza, Kachidoki Bridge on the Sumida River and the Diet building. These and other Tokyo locations are covered in the guide. Also included are Ultraman-related places of interest.

The guide starts north with Hokkaido and makes its way down the main island of Honshu and finishes off in Kyushu.

Japan Today, catches up with Vaquer to hear more.

To read the interview, go here.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Shipment In!

2010-12-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

Above, Ai. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A day after returning from my trip to Japan, I received a new shipment of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

There's plenty of copies available for Christmas gift-giving for those of you who are kaiju fans, or those of you who know a kaiju fan, who wants to visit Japan and see those locations from the movies.

A reminder: orders postmarked on or before December 24 can receive a copy at $12.00 each, and that includes shipping! How's that for helping out Santa?

Besides kaiju locations, the Guide will tell you how to get to:

The Godzilla Statue in Hibiya, Tokyo...

...and the Godzilla Statue at Toho Studios!

To order, send a check or money order to:

Armand Vaquer
18618 Collins Street, #105
Tarzana, CA 91356

Kaiju Life

2010-12-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

When I finalized my plans for a trip to Japan to promote The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, I contacted Sonoe Nakajima, the daughter of the original Godzilla suit-actor Haruo Nakajima, and invited them to lunch or dinner while I was in Tokyo.

Sonoe Nakajima wrote back and said that they were going on a vacation trip at the time of my vacation in Japan and wouldn't be available. She did say that she would have a copy of her father's book, Kaiju Life (Kaiju Jinsei) that was published by Yosensha Co., Ltd. for me at my hotel, Hotel Asia Center of Japan.

I arrived late in the afternoon on Sunday, December 5 at the hotel. When I checked in, the clerk went to the back room and brought out a package saying it was from "Nakajima." I knew immediately that it was the book Sonoe said she'd leave for me. After I got settled in my room, I opened the package and there was the book and autographed "To Armand" with his signature and the date "2010.12.3" (December 3, 2010).

The book itself is an attractive softcover edition with a jacket. The book is in Japanese, but it contains many rare photographs of Mr. Nakajima in action as Godzilla and other monsters in Toho's stable as well as his private life and history. Some are in color on slick paper, the rest are in black & white and on non-slick paper. They are all well reproduced regardless. The number of photos Mr. Nakajima included in his book rivals the number contained in August Ragone's book on special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya. There's that many of them!

Although the book is in Japanese, and I don't read Japanese, I would have bought a copy anyway just for the photographs. Fans of Godzilla and Mr. Nakajima would find this book essential to their collections.

In return, I left copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for the Nakajimas.

Haruo Nakajima At 2011 Monsterpalooza

2010-11-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Left, Haruo Nakajima (right) taking a break during the filming of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" with Kenpachiro Satsuma

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will appear at next year's Monsterpalooza in Burbank, California.

Nakajima was "the man in the rubber suit" from the first Godzilla movie in 1954 to 1972's Godzilla vs. Gigan. He will turn 82 on January 1.

Monsterpalooza will be held at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center April 8-10. I've attended the first two Monsterpaloozas and they were very enjoyable.

Monsterpalooza has many celebrities from the world of science-fiction and horror in attendance and exhibits featuring everyone's favorite monsters.

Above, Armand with Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima in 2008.

Nakajima's daughter Sonoe told me a few nights ago that they will be attending Monsterpalooza next year.

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

Godzilla vs The Gryphon - Exclusive Art From Todd Tennant

2010-11-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Todd Tennant

It has been quite some time since Todd Tennant has blessed us with some of his exceptional artwork from his "Godzilla 94" online comic based on the unused Sony movie script by Rossio and Elliott.

Though we had to wait quite some time, it was well worth it! Tennant has produced what can certainly be called on of his best pieces, an exclusive image of Godzilla taking on The Gryphon, in what will undoubtedly be a battle for the ages.

Look for more monster action in the upcoming pages of "Godzilla 94"!

Fans can also check out more of Todd's artistic skills in the pages of several titles published by Blue Water Comics, who publish a wide variety of books based on classic horror and sci fi franchises.

Sendai Station Spotlight

2010-11-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Sendai, Japan is located in the Tōhoku region in Japan and is northern Honshu's largest city.

Sendai was demolished by Allied bombing during World War II. Following the war, the city was rebuilt with wide boulevards and they are now tree-lined, which is something one won't find in Tokyo.

The main station is Sendai Station. Outside of Tokyo, Sendai Station serves more passengers than any other station. Sendai Station was first opened in 1887. It is a major stop for Akita and Tōhoku Shinkansen trains. The present station opened in 1977.

In kaiju history, Sendai Station was first featured in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla II (1993) during a fly-over by Rodan. Then, in Gamera 2: Advent of Legion (1996), Sendai Station was featured first in the background while Asagi (Ayako Fujitani) made a pay-phone call to her father. Then, in the same movie, Sendai City was destroyed by an exploding Legion flower pod, with Sendai Station the detonation point.

I visited Sendai during my Japan vacation in April 2006 (my dad was briefly stationed in Sendai during the Korean War) and took the photo of the station at top. This is the same view of the station as seen in Gamera 2.

Details on Sendai Station are featured in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Holiday Sale!

2010-11-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

The holiday season is now upon us. As soon as Halloween ended (maybe even before), the department stores became decked out in Christmas decorations.

Since we are now in the holiday season, I am discounting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan 20% off the cover price, making the cost of the book $12.00. This special offer is direct from me, not from ComiXpress. So if you want the discount, you'll need to order directly from me.

It is the world's only Japan travel guide tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films.

Additionally, to even make your holiday dollars go even further, the $12.00 price includes shipping & handling! How's that for getting into the Santa spirit?

From November 8 to December 24 (Christmas Eve), you can get The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for $12.00 total! Orders postmarked within (and including) those dates will get the discount!

The mailing address can be found here (ignore the price listed on the page).

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan makes the perfect stocking stuffer for that kaiju fan in your life or for yourself!

None of that "politically correct" "Happy Holidays" stuff around here! Here, we say Merry Christmas!

Godzilla-Obsessed College Professor

2010-10-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

An article appeared at The Dallas Morning News online website on a college professor who has a "monstrous obsession with Godzilla":

Along his torn-up trail, the menacing brute also has created some major Godzilla geeks. One of them is Dr. William Tsutsui, the recently appointed dean of SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, whose obsession with Godzilla goes beyond campy special effects.

As he was growing up, his childhood fascination gave way to scholarly interpretation – and Tsutsui came to see the globally recognized monster as cultural ambassador, the therapeutic creation of a postwar Japan.

"I realized there was something more there than just a guy in a rubber suit," said Tsutsui, 47.

Tsutsui wrote the book, Godzilla On My Mind several years ago and appeared last summer at G-FEST.

To read the full article, go here.

Godzilla 2012 To Have "Latin Flavor"?

2010-10-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

by Armand Vaquer

This morning, I came across an article from Latino Review.com that speculates that Legendary Pictures merged a film project called Pacific Rim with their Godzilla project.

Their website claims:

Back in May Mike Fleming over at Deadline broke that Legendary Pictures picked up the sci fi pitch "Pacific Rim" from "Clash of the Titans" writer Travis Beacham. The deal was made based on Beacham's 25 page treatment.

"Pacific Rim" is pictured as a tentpole event film, set in a future in which malevolent creatures threaten the earth, the planet must band together and use highly advanced technology to eradicate the growing menace.

Well guess what?

We know who those "malevolent creatures" are because the folks at Legendary want to make "Pacific Rim" the basis for the "GODZILLA" REBOOT!

Apparently, according to sources, the current "Godzilla" draft they did get was not good and they wanted a writer/director to do a lot of work on it. Merging “Pacific Rim” with the Godzilla reboot solves that problem. That’s one of the options on the table.

We have also exclusively learned that Legendary just offered “Pacific Rim” to Guillermo Del Toro!

Now at press time, it's just an offer, doesn't mean that Guillermo will take it. With Guillermo doing "Mountains of Madness," I don't know if he will be able to fit Godzilla into the pipeline for Legendary's anticipated release date of 2012.

Sounds a little far-fetched to me. Also, Beacham's Clash of The Titans remake was received with mixed reviews. Some said it was better than the original, while others did not like it at all. How would he approach Godzilla if given the assignment?

To read the full article, go here.

UPDATE: HitFix.com has posted an article on the rumor(s) by Drew McWeeny (these are the main points):

Speaking with agency sources close to the process today, HitFix has been able to further clarify the situation regarding "Pacific Rim," an original screenplay by Travis Beacham, and "Godzilla," currently being scripted by Dave Callaham.

Contrary to the report yesterday, there are no conversations underway regarding the merging of these two projects.

Dave Callaham is in the middle of his process right now, and his work has Legendary happy enough that they're talking to directors and eyeballing a release date. He's still on the film, and suggestions that they're dumping him or taking the script away simply aren't fair or accurate.

"I am not involved in 'Godzilla' at all," Guillermo replied once I'd explained the rumor to him. "I haven't read it or plan to read it. Nor have I been approached to direct it."

To read the full HitFix article, go here.

Godzilla To Return To Comics Thanks To IDW

2010-10-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sources: IDW Press Release / Avery Guerra / Mark Torchia

The biggest star in motion pictures prepares to wreak havoc once again! IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce a partnership with Toho Co., Ltd. to create all-new GODZILLA comics. Starting in 2011, Godzilla will smash his way back onto the scene with a cast of characters from his films never before seen in comics.

"This new series will be monsters and mayhem, but most importantly, it's going to be a lot of fun," said Yukio Kotaki of Toho. "Godzilla has been gone from comics for too long and we feel that IDW is the perfect company to welcome him back in 2011."

In addition to the King of the Monsters himself, the new comics from IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd. will feature many of Godzilla's friends and foes, including MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH, RODAN and more that have never before been featured in an American comic book series alongside Godzilla. With an impressive cast of monsters both old and new, IDW's series will treat fans to both familiar themes and original takes on the pop culture legends that have stomped, smashed, and fought their way across movie screens for over five decades.

"Not only is Godzilla known worldwide, he's loved worldwide, too. Having a film career with more than 25 movies and going on a 56-year span pretty much solidifies you as a legend, and IDW is really looking forward to contributing to that legacy," said Chris Ryall, Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in Chief for IDW Publishing. "We wanted Godzilla to return to comics, but this time we wanted him to have some company. I think fans will be pleased with the monster guest appearances, which will really offer something for every fan of these films. There are the classic characters, but there are also a few surprises, too."

Debuting in February 2011, fans can expect to see a number of unique storylines from some of the industry's top creators.