Building the Big G (Part Three)

After a couple months' hiatus, work has resumed in earnest on Andy's Godzilla model, which he plans to show at G-FEST in July. Almost everything has been painted, so assembly should begin shortly. Andy's decision to paint Godzilla in flat black (about which I was initially skeptical) turned out to be a great one, giving the suit a "realistic" look. Can't wait to see the finished product!

G-FEST XVII Update: "G-Fans Helping G-Fans Fund" Merchandise Unveiled

One great element of the G-FEST experience is the opportunity to contribute to the "G-Fans Helping G-Fans Fund" in a variety of creative ways. The Fund assists families with autistic children that have strong connections to G-fandom. David Nunes spearheads the effort every year, and has provided these photos of new fundraising items that will be available for purchase at G-FEST XVII. This should prove to be record-breaking year for "G-Fans Helping G-Fans." Great job, Dave!

G-FEST XVII Update--Godzilla is Approaching the Convention Center!

Andy meets the Big G at G-FEST XVI

According to G-FAN's website, demand for this year's event is so high that it has necessitated a change in venue. Fortunately, that new venue is right across the street! Read more about it at http://g-fan.com/

Toybox Treasure: Banpresto Godzilla

Thanks to the unexpected generosity of a kaiju-loving friend of ours, we now have added to our collection the Godzilla figure you see on the right. It was made by Banpresto in 2002, and is a very faithful representation of the original 1954 suit. Here he is being welcomed by Medicom's Gamera (complete with suitmation actor "Combat Joe" inside(!)).

By the way, it is exactly one month until the "double-double feature" that kicks off G-FEST XVII!

Shout! Factory's "The Giant Monster Gamera"

If you have any interest in giant monster movies at all, you will want to get your hands on this new release. If you have seen "Gamera" in other formats before, prepare to be astounded. That's right, I said "astounded." The picture quality, presented in widescreen, breathes new life into the film, making it almost seem brand new. Every detail is now clearly visible. Every framing shot of the main characters can be appreciated. It is eye candy for the kaiju connoisseur.

Chances are, if you're reading this blog, you know the plot of this movie, which does not depart in a significant way from the conventions of the genre. (Monster appears; military is powerless; worldwide team of scientists (led by Japan) works on various solutions; through perseverance the scientists are ultimately successful; the world is saved.) However, the whole enterprise is undertaken with such heart that it works. Gamera's ability to fly is just audacious enough to make him extra memorable--and his ambiguous rescue of Toshio from the crumbling lighthouse sows the seeds of his later "friend of children" status.

August Ragone's commentary track is immaculately researched--so much so that, at times, one's brain is numbed by the sheer amount of information being laid on the listener. Thankfully, Ragone leavens the mix with other anecdotes and flashes of observational humor that border on MST3K-style "riffing." Towards the end of the film he also is candid about his affection for the Gamera movies, encouraging the listener to "give them a chance."

The other bonus material is pretty incredible stuff. Best of the lot is a Japanese language interview-style program in which the creators of Gamera share their memories and experiences. Included in the documentary is a handcrafted pre-viz treatment of an unmade sequel, "Gamera vs. Garasharp" which must be seen to be believed. What a treat!

Word is that "Gamera vs. Barugon" is coming down the pipe this summer. Do yourself a favor and support these releases. They really are treasures for the monster fan.

"Fake Monsters" June

www.g-fan.com

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