"There is so much writing in English on Japanese cinema that can't be accepted at face value — not because the writers are careless, but because the differences in culture and language are just too intricate. When I see August Ragone's name on a piece of writing, it gives me permission to place my faith in it completely. Among Japanese fantasy film historians, he's the best working in English." —Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog

Saturday, November 28, 2009

MOBILE SUIT ULTRAMAN: THE MOVIE
Where Gundam Meets The Hero From M78!

『劇場版 機動戦士ウルトラマン』!


"Visual Effects Fantasy: Ultraman". ©Tsuburaya Productions


MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE MOVIE. ©Sunrise/Shochiku

The above faux Ultraman poster (the artist and execution date are unknown at this time), is a play on the original poster for the first MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE MOVIE feature from 1981. The original artwork was created by renown artist Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, who was the character designer on the 1979 television series. The mock poster features Science Patrol officer Hayata, Ultraman's alter-ego, subbing for Gundam pilot Amuro Ray, and puts the superhero from Nebula M78 in the place of the Mobile Suit RX-78. See the connection? Now, to paraphrase the opening theme song "Fly On! Gundam": Blazing higher, blazing higher, Ultraman!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
May All Your Turkeys Be Little(r) Ones!

火山怪鳥バードン 『ウルトラマンタロウ』より


Birdon from ULTRAMAN TARO (1973). ©Tsuburaya Productions

I wonder... How long would it take to cook a 33,000-ton, 200-foot tall carnivorous, volcanic turkey monster? How much stuffing would we need? How many people would it feed? What about the gravy? While we try to figure that out over here at Kaiju Productions HQ, I wish you all (whatever you are) a most wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with friends, family and plenty! Now, did anyone see where I left the Birdon Baster?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!
November 3, 1954

ゴジラよ、誕生日おめでとう!

With Yukiko Kobayashi from DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968) ©Toho