"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

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

RAGONE STOMPS INTO CHI-TOWN FOR G-FEST!
22nd Annual Chicago Kaiju Con July 10th-12th

大怪獣ラゴーニ、シカゴの「Gフェス」に現わる! 


This year's incredible G-Fest Charity print by Chris Scalf!

Yes, it's time to return to the the Windy City, Chicago (it's really in Rosemont at the Crown Plaza O'Hare) for the annual event known as "G-Fest", the longest-running all-kaiju event in North America. I've been asked to return as a convention guest, but this year, I've been given the moniker of "Special Guest Presenter" (sure, I'll take that, thank you).

For the 22nd show, I'll be stationed at my booth in the Dealer's Room (between my pals, Bob Eggleton and Michael Cherkowski's "Vampire Robots"), and will be signing copies of the paperback edition of "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" while supplies last — and yes, you can bring your pre-purchased copies (I'll deface those for free, too).

There's going to be a lot happening, especially with the guests from Japan, autograph signings, fan sessions, presentations, panels, a costume contest, vendors and more (see the convention links for details). Here's a list of my whereabouts for the weekend:


—FRIDAY JULY 10, 2015—

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)

4:30 PM - 5:45 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM • Opening Ceremonies (Ballroom 2)

6:45 PM - 7:00 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)


—SATURDAY JULY 11, 2015—

10:00 AM - 11:45 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM • “50 Years of Gamera” (Ballroom 2)

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM • “Monster Zero” Live!” (Ballroom 2)

5:15 PM - 7:00 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)


—SUNDAY JULY 12, 2015—

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM • Awards Luncheon (Ballroom 1)

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM • Book Signing (Dealer’s Room)


Hope to see some of you in Chicago for this year's crazy kaiju convention!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi August, I can't find any way to contact you so I will ask your here. Do you know of any place where I can buy the original Kamen Rider series DVD? That's the 1971-1973 production with Shocker and Gel Shocker as the enemy. I've looked on Amazon and other places but without success. I'm in Australia so perhaps that doesn't exactly help matters.....I'm fortunate enough to own Kamen Rider V3 on VCD that I bought here ten years ago but have always wanted to see the original series. If you could offer your expertise here that would be much appreciated. Thanks