G-FEST XVII Dealers Room Merchants Confirmed

The Dealers Room at G-FEST is a giant monster fan's dream come true. Last year I spent an inordinate amount of time in the ultimate kaiju toystore--even outlasting my then-six-year-old son--and if history should repeat itself this year, so be it!

By the way, the list of dealers participating in G-FEST XVII has been posted at http://g-fan.com/. It includes our buddy Matt E. (Kaiju Modeler) and other top-notch purveyors of G-goodies. No online shopping experience can compare to the G-FEST Dealers Room. Come see for yourself!

Andy (with Hobby Japan magazine) and Matt E. (Kaiju Modeler)

More Great G-FEST Guests Announced

The G-FAN website is reporting the addition of two well-respected guests to the G-FEST XVII lineup. Bob Eggleton, whose work appears above, is quite possibly the most influential and successful North American kaiju artist, having contributed to both Dark Horse Comics and Random House Godzilla titles. His amazing renderings of giant monsters have also graced many pages of G-FAN. Bob's work is not limited to the kaiju realm, however, and the curious will want to click on http://bobeggleton.com/

Also announced as guest presenter is David Kalat, whose book "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series" is an excellent survey of the genre. It is able to consider the series in a serious manner--yet it also receives the films in the spirit in which they were created--not always an easy balance to maintain--call it "intelligent enjoyment."At any rate, Kalat's writing has increased my appreciation of Godzilla movies and I look forward to hearing his presentation. If you want to hear it, too, you've gotta go to G-FEST XVII--Return to Monster Island!

The Secret Life of Gamera

"Gamera: Master of the Monster Dunk"

...from Andy's gallery...

G-FAN Magazine # 87 "Anticipating G-FEST XVII--A Year In Advance"

A relatively recent back issue of G-FAN (Spring 2009) turns out to be a prescient preview of this July's G-FEST.

Akira Takarada's promised presence at this year's G-gathering is the source of great excitement (G-FAN.com is reporting that some types of hotel rooms are already sold out). totorom's interview with Mr. Takarada in this issue allows the reader to gain a sense of the man who is the face of classic Japanese scifi cinema. If the interview is any indication, G-FEST attendees will enjoy Mr. Takarada's classy, good-humored demeanor.

Issue 87 also includes a wonderful, comprehensive retrospective of "Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster" by John LeMay, which also happens to be the featured film on G-FEST's Friday night. LeMay convincingly argues that the South Sea Battle balances monster action and human drama in exceptional (if somewhat (unfairly) overlooked) fashion. The cast, which includes Akira Takarada, Kumi Mizuno, and Akhiko Hirata, is a "who's who" of the genre, and the colorful island setting is a cool change of pace, even if it was originally intended for King Kong. "Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster" ought to look fantastic on the Pickwick's silver screen!

Reading (or re-reading) G-FAN # 87 is a great way to get geared up for G-FEST XVII. Get your mitts, paws, or claws on a copy at http://www.g-fan.com/

Birthday Wishes to Big Stars

May 14th marks the birthday of Kenji Sahara, the quintessential kaiju/tokasatsu actor and stellar Guest of Honor of last year's G-FEST. We will never forget the smile and the special handshake he gave to Andy after being introduced the first evening. Happy Birthday to you, Mr. Sahara!

May 14th is also the birthday of an even bigger star in my world. Happy Birthday, Mom!

G-FEST XVII Excitement Builds

Brett Homenick at http://www.sidelongglancesofapigeonkicker.blogspot.com has posted a great summary of the G-FESTivities coming up in July, none the least of which is the opportunity to greet Akira Takarada, pictured above. It is going to be a great time. If you've never been to a G-FEST, consider coming this year!

G-FEST XVII Update--Special Presenter Dr. William Tsutsui

According to the newly redesigned G-FAN website, Dr. William Tsutsui has been added to the guest list of G-FEST XVII.

Dr. Tsutsui is the author of "Godzilla On My Mind" and co-editor of "In Godzilla's Footsteps," among other scholarly works.

(Readers with long memories may remember Tsutsui's description of G-FEST in "Godzilla On My Mind," which included a needlessly disparaging remark directed at Gamera actor Carl Craig. Unfortunately, that turned off some fans who might otherwise have enjoyed the book, which is a fun-yet-philosophical read.) At any rate, kudos to the G-FEST team for attracting such a thought-provoking guest!

G-Mazing "Son of Godzilla" Diorama

Thanks to Matt E. for including this in the display. Check out the scratch-built humans near Kamacurus/Gimantis' claw. Scroll down the page for an enlarged image.

"Fake Monsters" May

http://g-fan.com