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/
Thanks for the reminder. I found that that issue and G-Fan 90, on Terror of Mechagodzilla, were both outstanding. I will definitely be looking over #87 again before July.
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I appreciate the comment! Issue 90 was exceptionally good. Here's hoping that future issues will take a similar approach with our favorite kaiju flicks.
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