Godzilla For Dummies

So there's a new Godzilla movie coming out and you know your have that one acquaintance, friend or family member that is just gaga over that big green rubber suite lizard. In my house , my husband Tom has many happy childhood memory attached to the giant green monsters. He got his first Godzilla's from his grandmother for being a good boy while attending a doll conventions as a kid with his grandmother and mother. He has loved the King of Monsters ever since. As for me I have seen some Godzilla stuff growing up but never quite got the story line. I always found it corny but I did like watching the monsters fight. Too much fun. Now that I'm married to a collector who knows about Godzilla he has been explaining things for me here and there and some of it makes more sense now.... Sort off. Lol

My husband Tom Khayos showing off his Giant Godzilla Collection.

Check out my husbands growing Godzilla collection at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ragingnerdgasm/collections/72157630057007551/ .

Basic stuff to know:

Now if you are related or acquainted with a Godzilla fan here are few facts to know before you speak about the King: 1) Godzilla is a Giant Kaiju (Monster) 2) First appearance was in 1954 which makes Godzilla 60 years old as of 2014. 3) He was created by Tomoyuki Tanaka, Ishiro Honda, and Eiji Tsubaraya, and appeared for the first time in Ishiro Honda’s movie title “Godzilla” back in 1954. He was designed by Akira Watanabe and Teizo Toshimitsu. 4) Godzilla is also known for his other title as “King of the Monsters”, but he also goes by other names as Gojira, Gigantis, Monster of Justice, Big G, G Man, God of Destruction, Big Gray Gecko, Kaiju Alpha, Goji, and Nautilus. 5) Godzilla's origins are a little different depending what story line you are currently watching but there are a few facts that always remain the same. He’s a giant sea monsters that rises from the deep waters, he’s big, violent, kind of looks like a giant dinosaur lost in time, and is powered by nuclear radiation. 6) Godzilla's size has increased through the years. His height has gone from around 50 meters back in the 1950’s (around 165 feet) to most recent 100 to 150 meters (around 500 feet tall). 7) Since 1954 he’s been in 28 films by Toho Co. LTd. and as best of my knowledge these movies are:

• 1954 - Godzilla King of the Monsters
• 1955 - Godzilla Raids Again
• 1962 - King King vs. Godzilla
• 1964 - Ghidorah, The Three Headed Monster
• 1965 - Invasion of Astro-Monster (Godzilla vs. Monster Zero)
• 1966 - Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster)
• 1967 - Son of Godzilla
• 1968 - Destroy All Monsters
• 1969 - All Monsters Attack (Godzilla’s Revege)
• 1971 - Godzilla vs. Hedorah (Godzilla vs Smog Monster)
• 1972 - Godzilla vs. Gigan
• 1973 - Godzilla vs. Megalon
• 1974 - Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
• 1975 - Terror of Mechagodzilla
• 1984 - The Return of Godzilla
• 1989 - Godzilla vs.Biollante
• 1991 - Godzilla vs.King Ghidorah
• 1992 - Godzilla vs.Mothra (Godzilla and Mothra : The Battle for Earth)
• 1993 - Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2
• 1994 - Godzilla vs.Space Godzilla
• 1995 - Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
• 1999 - 2000: Millenium (Godzilla 2000)
• 2000 - Godzilla vs.Megaguirus
• 2001 - Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monster All-Out Attack
• 2002 - Against Mechagodzilla
• 2003 - Tokyo S.O.S
• 2004 - Final Wars
• 2007 - Always : Sunset on Third Street 2

8) WARNING: Whatever you do, DO NOT compare the original Godzilla with the 1998 American version of Godzilla, also been referred as the large Iguana. Hard cored Godzilla lovers will deny the existence of this movie, give you a nasty glares and chances are they will be horribly offended that you compared that horrible abomination to the one and only true King of the Monsters.

9) The King has been seen not only in movies but also in video games, animated series, comic books, and television series.

10) Godzilla is such a popular icon is one of the most recognizable icons in Japanese culture and here in the US was granted a MTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 and in 2004 was awarded a Star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

11) Unlike the Godzilla animated series released by Warner Brothers in the 1990’s the regular Godzilla doesn't really care much for humans. He will fight along side some humans when there’s a threat but he doesn't go out of his way to protect human’s property or their lives. In fact in a few occasions he has actually turn against his allies in a second. He doesn't eat people, but he does sustain himself on radiation and destroys everything on his path. Since he’s a monster he doesn't go by human values of good and evil. He’s just doing his own thing. 

About the Toys

Now it seems more and more common that with each movie there seem to be a giant frenzy of people buying toys related to that movie thinking they are going to be worth a fortune and Godzilla is no exception. So here are few thing I have picked up from my husband when it comes to his Godzilla Collection.

1) Godzilla toys use to mainly come in vinyls or as vinyl model kit (assembly required). These figures vary in size from a few inches to a few feet. I seen godzilla toys as small as around one inch to about 3 feet tall and six feet tall which is the Kaiyodo 3 foot by 6 foot Vinyl Model Kit (1/80th scale). INSANE!!! In recent years new Godzilla figures are starting to get more action figure type articulation.

This is the Kaiyodo 1/80th scale Godzilla and it's worth several thousands of dollars. 

2) Beware of bootlegs. If you are a Godzilla purist beware of buying bootlegs Godzillas and paying a steep price like a licensed product. This is very common since there’s such as fandome for the Big G for 60 years now. Unless you are into bootleg figures then go nuts. The easy way to find out if the big guy is genuine is the check out for markings. Almost all licensed Godzilla figures have markings that let you know about the figure and a year.

3) There are figures released in the US and there are the once released in Japan. If you are buying for a hard core collector they will be able to tell which one is which by the markings, materials and colors they have use on the figure. Yes believe it or not there is noticeable difference between them. So if you are looking for a Godzilla gift chances are you are better off asking them which one they want or even easier just give them cash.

4) Well sought out Godzilla figures are not cheap. They range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. So if you are a picky upscale collector I hope you have the deep pockets to satisfy your appetite. If not you can go the local toy store and pick up a pretty decent 6 inch to 8 inch figure for about $15 -$20 dollars.


I hope this helps out some new Godzilla fans, and family, friends or confused spouses. LOL Cheers. 

This is me holding the new 2014 US released Godzilla movie Giant figure.  If you can find it retails for $50 at the stores.