Turner Classic Movies' "Mutant Marathon"

This Friday, March 12th, Turner Classic Movies presents "Mutants," a mini-marathon of classic American giant monster films. At 8:00 p.m. "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms" will air--a film that had a somewhat surprising influence on the original "Godzilla." That will be followed by "It Came From Beneath the Sea" at 9:30 p.m., "The Monster that Challenged the World" at 11:00 p.m., and "Them!" at 12:30 a.m. Turn down the lights, pop some corn, (set your DVRs if you get drowsy) and get ready for a fun--and increasingly rare--evening of monster cinema!

Building the Big G (Part One)

Work has begun in earnest on a Polar Lights Godzilla that just might end up being entered in G-FEST's model contest. It is tons of fun, yet not without some drama, which I will highlight in a later post. Cue up the Godzilla soundtracks and let's get going!

"Fake Monsters" March

YetiBull vs. Gfantis

http://www.g-fan.com

Cuyahoga Kaiju Club Lives On

At an "undisclosed location" in Northeast Ohio, the Cuyahoga Kaiju Club continues to celebrate all things Godzilla. Andy and I were fortunate enough to be invited to a meeting recently and had a great time, thanks to the hospitality of "Don Kaiju" and his family and friends.

The CKC has been around for over fifteen years, and these days their meetings take on the atmosphere of a family reunion. Father and son kaiju fans know they're in the right place when (1) within a minute or two of making introductions with folks, you're playing Godzilla Unleashed on Wii; (2) someone asks you if you have seen "Orochi: the Eight-Headed Dragon" (3) everyone gathers around to watch GMK while making MST3K-like commentary (without, mind you, making a "ha ha...their lips don't match their voices"-type crack).

It was also enjoyable to meet Tom, a founding member of CKC and the artist behind the American Greetings Godzilla ornament collection, Far East Monsters products, and tons of kaiju artwork and models seen in the pages of G-FAN. He kindly allowed me to page through his CKC archival material, which included a photograph of the CKC on the set of "Big Chuck and Little John," a longtime Cleveland television staple. I would've loved to have pored over the material in that binder, but not wanting to look like a total geek, I flipped through the pages rather quickly. That material, though, is a really cool document of an exciting time in American G-fandom, by someone who has made things happen within it. Tom is so down-to-earth, he'd probably downplay that statement, but I think it's true.

As for the afternoon's activities, we ended up watching a Monster Movie clip show, an episode of the BBC sci-fi show "Primeval" and GMK (Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah) before Andy and I had to head home. There's talk of a summertime "kaiju campout," and some of the other G-fans I met are planning to be at this year's G-FEST, so I am looking forward to our paths crossing again. It has been said many times in the pages of G-FAN, by J.D. Lees and others, that Godzilla fans are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and I was pleased to discover that is certainly true of the Cuyahoga Kaiju Club.

Photos from "The Coop"

Our local "Craft and Antique Co-op" (AKA "The Coop") has yielded a surprising variety of Godzilla items over the past several years. Someday I will post pictures of the Godzilla lamp I found here.

G-FAN Magazine # 38 "Gamera Takeover"

It took us years to get our hands on a copy of Gamera 3 (The Revenge of Irys/Incomplete Struggle), but the online marketplace that is ebay provided the opportunity at the right price (given the film's "out-of-print" status), so at long last we were finally able to view the movie that some have called "the greatest kaiju film ever made."

In light of such effusive praise, it is somewhat intimidating to render a personal verdict--but here it is anyway. Gamera 3 is an incredible work, highlighted by jaw-dropping, utterly convincing special effects. It is a rare monster movie in which the plot is more than just filler between creature scenes--for in truth, the kaiju are used sparingly. It puts a memorable exclamation point on the modern Gamera trilogy and withstands (or is it "invites"?) repeated views. Having said all that, I cannot bring myself to christen it the "Greatest Kaiju Film Ever." There are at least five films I would rate ahead of G3 on that list. The bottom line for me is that G3 suffers for the brevity of monster action. The kaiju sequences in the film are brilliant. A preliminary bout between Gamera and Irys--or a more kinetic final battle--would have made a "best of all time" rating harder to argue against. As it is, G3 is a classic, and is the kind of movie you are compelled to talk about after watching (provided you can find someone who would like to talk to you about an awesome giant turtle movie). With its mythic underpinnings, one can definitely see how the "Kaneko touch" transferred to GMK a few years later.

G-FAN #38 is the perfect companion piece to G3, with no less than 25 pages of thoughtful and wonderfully illustrated coverage of the film. Ed Godziszewski and Norman England provide definitive commentary and reaction to the 1999 release, and England explores the promotion of the film's Japanese debut in a thoroughly intriguing article. (An exhibition took place in the very Kyoto train station "demolished" in the film.)

There is an abundance of fan artwork in this issue, as well as engaging fiction by Skip Peel and J. Christian Grymyr (the latter of which is a concept spun off of an MST3K sketch about Gamera!). Factor in a J.D. Lees review of Gamera on VHS and a Gamera-themed merchandise report, and you have what might be the most Gamera-centric G-FAN ever published. Issue 38 is required reading for those who wish to fully enhance their G3 viewing experience.


In a bit of happy Gamera serendipity, the word is out that Shout! Factory will be releasing the original Gamera films on DVD beginning with Gamera the Giant Monster Special Edition in May of this year. What's more, August Ragone (author of Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters) will be preparing booklet material and audio commentary for the film. For more info check out his blog at http://augustragone.blogspot.com

Discovered Under the Christmas Tree Pt. Three

Amercian Greetings did it again this Christmas with a tribute to 1954's Godzilla. The trainyard explodes with a flash at Godzilla's feet and the iconic roar (sounding much like the King Kong vs. Godzilla version) is sounded at the push of a button. The Heirloom Ornament Collection provides the annual thrill of walking into an American retailer and purchasing original, authentic Godzilla goods--a rare treat, and one that has become highly anticipated each year.

G-Fest Location Announced; Double-Double Feature Confirmed

G-Fest XVII will take place at the Rosemont Hotel at O'Hare, just a few blocks from its previous location, according to information recently posted at http://g-fan.com/. Room rates and parking look to be very reasonable, and, in fact, are scaled back slightly from last year, if memory serves.

Equally as exciting is the news that a "double-double feature" has been planned for Thursday, July 8th, at the Pickwick Theater. Two kaiju ficks in the afternoon and two in the evening will make for a rip-roaring prelude to the main festivities, which will feature actor Akira Takarada, whose distinguished career includes both the first and last Godzilla films (and many more in between).

G-Fest will take place July 8--11 (counting the "double-double"), 2010, in Rosemont, Illinois. For more information, click on the above "G-Fan" link. For a first-person account the "G-Fest experience," check out the earliest posts right here at Monsterland Ohio.

Hello Zoffy

Big Fun toy shop near Lakewood, OH came through for us again in the form of this cool Zoffy (Ultraman) figure. I can't decipher the imprint on the back, but that does not hamper our enjoyment of this unexpected find.

Zoffy made his first appearance in the shocking final episode of Ultraman. He comes to Earth to escort his fallen "brother" home to Nebula M78, and at first is somewhat dismissive of Ultraman's bond with humanity. The affection that Ultraman has for the people of earth ultimately changes his mind, and he confers upon Hayata the power to live again apart from Ultraman's life force.

The final episode of Ultraman is noteworthy for a number of reasons. Akhiko Hirata returns in his role as Dr. Iwomura, and he gets to play the villain when the Z-ton alien takes over his body. The plot sets the template for all Ultraman series finales to follow--typically centering on an overwhelming invasion force dealing out near defeat to planet Earth. It is remarkable that Ultraman actually suffers defeat and must return home a wounded warrior, while human ingenuity (in the form of Dr. Iwomura's newly invented weapon) saves the day. Finally, there is surprisingly no "reveal"--Hayata manages to keep his alter ego a secret for the duration of the series, even after Ultraman's departure. "Farewell Ultraman" is a fitting conclusion to a groundbreaking series which excelled in taking chances and circumventing conventional storytelling.

"Fake Monsters" February

It's not too late to get your own "Fake Monsters of Japan" Parody Calendar by going to www.g-fan.com

Loaded with facts, humor, and clever visuals, this is a calendar that you'll actually want to hang on to even after 2010 is gone. Pick up a copy today!

Monsters Inc. & The Big G

Pixar's Monsters Inc. (2001) is not only a great piece of storytelling, but also sports an unrealized link to Godzilla.

At about nine minutes into the film, Sulley (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal) greet a large, green, bipedal monster named "Ted" while walking to work. The audio commentary reveals that Ted was meant to respond to Sulley's salutation with the recognizable roar of Godzilla himself. But (surprise, surprise) they were not able to secure permission from Toho, so Ted ends up clucking like a chicken instead (a choice the Pixar guys admit was "bizarre").

Kaiju fans will also be interested in the Blu-ray disc special feature that takes viewers behind the scenes at Tokyo Disneyland, where a Monsters Inc. ride continues the story. Evidently, many Japanese fans dress up as their favorite Disney character to come to the park, both children and adults alike. And, yes, Ted makes an appearance too. In the movie, you only see him from the shins down, but on the Monsters Inc. ride, he is fully visible. While he bears a strong resemblance to Pete's Dragon (another Disney character), the homage to Godzilla is fairly obvious--and where better for him to dwell than Japan's own Disneyland?

G-FAN Magazine # 90 "Mechagodzilla Mania"

One look at the dazzling Chris Scalf cover conveys that J.D. Lees and company have come up with something special for G-FAN issue 90. As the artwork suggests, the spotlight is on "Terror of Mechagodzilla" (hereafter referred to as TOM) in honor of the film's 35th anniversary.

Issue 90's big news (which had broken online some weeks earlier) is that Akira Takarada will be the guest of honor at G-FEST XVII. This is a major victory for the festival. It will mark the first Stateside convention appearance of the most recognizable actor associated with the Big G. There was also much rejoicing in the revelation that the Thursday of G-FEST will bring a day-long film fest at the Pickwick Theater.

Getting into the articles, Abel Alfsonso does an admirable job tying together the known facts about the latest Ultraman feature film, "Mega Monster Battle." Here's hoping for a theatrical release in the U.S.--which may not be out of the realm of possibility with the involvement of Warner Brothers.

totorom's interview with TOM's Tomoko Ai is great reading. "Katsura" impresses with her humility, charm, and detailed memory. Her recollections regarding the infamous "operation scene" are especially amusing. It was somewhat shocking to learn that following the release of TOM, Ms. Ai was "not at all" recognized in public!

That sets the stage for the centerpiece of the issue, the only-half-kiddingly titled "Ultimate Commentary" on TOM by J.D. Lees, with supporting information provided by August Ragone, Brett Homenick and totorom. The article is a loving tribute to a unique, often overlooked entry in the Godzilla series. Highlights include the reflections of Yukiko Takayama, TOM's screenwriter (the only woman to have written a Godzilla script) and Teruyoshi Nakano, TOM's director of special effects. Twenty-two pages are devoted to the 1975 film (not counting the full Tomoko Ai interview), and they are loaded with illustrations, photos, detailed actor profiles, and comments from such luminaries as Kenji Sahara. After reading the "Ultimate Commentary," I couldn't help but watch the film again with renewed appreciation, and I must say that the Classic Media DVD looks fantastic when viewed on Blu-ray.

In the middle of the issue are incredible pictures of new Godzilla footage being shot for a video game, featuring a spectacular showdown between Godzilla 2000 and Final Wars Gigan. G2K is also seen facing off against Anguirus, as well. This is great, exclusive stuff, courtesy of Koichi Kawakita, renowned Godzilla special effects director.

Daisuke Ishizuka shares cool pics of the Final Wars Godzilla suit he stumbled upon while shopping in his native Japan, in addition to a two-meter-tall Gigantor model he saw the same day.

Next up is Brett Homenick's G-FEST XVI interview of Kenji Sahara, and what shines through is the graciousness and goodwill that Mr. Sahara brought to the festival's proceedings. His commitment to his craft cannot be questioned--not after reading that he had his front tooth pulled to play Senzo Koyama in "Matango" (which Mr. Sahara names as his favorite role).

Homenick also checks in with photos from the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention's "Green Slime" 40th anniversary reunion and an entertaining conversation with Joan van Ark of "Dallas" and "Knot's Landing" fame. Of course, for the purposes of G-FAN, the focus of the interview is on Ms. van Ark's appearance in the Rankin & Bass/Tsuburaya production "The Last Dinosaur," and the actress comes across as fun-loving and professional. Homenick also speaks with writer-director John Fasano, whose memories of being a true kaiju kid make his involvement with the current "Kamen Rider" series all the more sweet. Fasano also shares a really cool tidbit of Godzilla/Star Wars crossover trivia (you'll have to read the article to discover the connection).

The legend of G-Fantis is extended in the latest installment of " G-Fantis: Heart of the Beast part III."

Rounding out the issue are essays by collectible purveyors James Bond and Steve Agin, both of which provide sufficient inspiration to keep saving one's allowance for the G-FEST Dealer's Room.

G-FAN # 90 is a Titanosaurus-sized antidote to the winter blahs. The idea to concentrate on TOM was smart and was well-executed. With the arrival of this issue, the countdown to G-FEST XVII, Return to Monster Island, is now officially on!

Now Playing: Ultraman vs. Woo

Last week, two (count 'em, two) snow days were all the excuse that we needed to enjoy Ultraman episode 30, "The Phantom Snow Mountain." This entry in the original series features wonderful and arresting visuals--the wintry slopes of the ski resort area are a huge shift from the often urban settings of the series. There is just something cool about Hayata, Ito, and Arashi swerving down the snow-white hillside in their orange jumpsuits and Science Patrol helmets! There are also some awesomely detailed miniatures in this episode, such as tiny skis stuck into a snowbank outside the chalet.

I have always enjoyed stories about Bigfoot/Yeti/Sasquatch, making "The Phantom Snow Mountain" a natural favorite. The subtitles propose that Woo, the great white Yeti-like creature at the heart of the story, could be a Yukionna, which I am assuming is a Japanese type of "wildman." Interesting, then, that the "Snow Girl" of the English dub is named Yukinko, which would appear to be a play on words. The tale revolves around the connection that exists between the Snow Girl and Woo. Woo (the Yukionna) watches over the Snow Girl (Yukinko), especially when she runs afoul of the mean-spirited locals. Towards the end of the episode, Ito theorizes that Woo may be a substitute for the girl's mother, who died at an early age. (The Snow Girl's upbringing as an orphan also leads to the revelation that Ito lost his mother at an early age as well.)

What really stands out is the fact that by episode 30, Ultraman was already toying with its own formula. That, I believe, is significant, because here you have the first truly grand-scale Japanese superhero show establishing the formula, but also experimenting and subverting the formula. What I mean is this: Ultraman is often criticized for being "formulaic," but in truth, all television programming follows some sort of formula or ritual. Here, in the mid-late 60's, you had a show for children which was not afraid to take side trips into self-parody and occasional sophistication.

"The Phantom Snow Mountain" subverts the formula in one very striking way: Ultraman does not win his final fight. True, Woo gets pelted with bombs and then half-heartedly wrestles Ultraman in the snow, but in the end, the giant Yeti simply fades into the mist. Ultraman, with no foe to battle, takes to the skies, and that's it. It is a bit jarring, because everyone knows that the formula dictates an Ultraman victory, yet there is none, in a traditional sense. It was an interesting choice on the part of the writers, and one that hits precisely the right note. Woo remains a mystery--a bit of folklore come to life--but in the end he cannot be apprehended. Anyone who has studied wildman folklore from around the world knows that this outcome is absolutely appropriate.

The existence of Woo also allows the members of the Science Patrol--Ito, in particular--to consider the ongoing theme, "Why do we destroy monsters?" In this episode, Arashi seems to have no patience for this line of questioning, but Ito is troubled by the fact that he is tasked with eliminating a being that is simply too large for the world that he inhabits. This is coupled with the fact that Ito seems to sense that Woo is a guardian of the Snow Girl, and actually has a noble quality. Ito seems relieved when he learns that Woo was not captured or killed and that the Snow Girl has evidently disappeared as well. (Although the imagery we are presented with would seem to suggest that Woo disappeared because Yukinko died.) The bottom line is, Ito is not at peace with his core assignment as a Science Patrol member, which is to dispatch with monsters, and that gives his character a depth you might not expect from a "formulaic" kid's show. Ultraman would return to this theme quite often, with unexpectedly poignant results. Subsequent Ultra-series would do the same.

"The Phantom Snow Mountain" is a visual treat with the unique resonance of a folktale. We're left to consider who is the bigger monster: A giant, protective Yeti--or human beings who would chase down a teenage girl with shovels and clubs?

G-FAN Magazine # 90 On Its Way

Brett Homenick reports on his blog (see link to the right) that G-FAN #90 has shipped and features a section devoted to Terror of Mechagodzilla (which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year). Look for a full review here in the near future.

Happy New Year

Enjoy the new year in kaiju style with a "Fake Monsters..." calendar available at http://g-fan.com/