HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!

Released to general audiences in Japan on November 3, 1954, 71 years ago today!

GODZILLA! GHIDRA!

Giant Japanese monsters, dubbed Kaiju in their native language have had a following of devoted fans every since Haruo Nakjimi squeezed himself into the first Godzilla costume in 1954 which has grown internationally into -- well -- Kaiju proportions. Since Gojira spewed his first blast of atomic breath, the genre has become densely populated with every manner of monster, from mythological to cosmic.

Thankfully, we have a number of excellent fanzines to refer to so we can keep track of them all. One in particular was called THE JAPANESE FANTASY FILM JOURNAL. Editor and publisher Greg Shoemaker is acknowledged as the person who jump-started the fan base in the United States.

Shown today is issue #12, and is just one example of his attention to the importance of monster, sci-fi and fantasy films from other countries.

With almost 150 issues, G-FAN is another Kaiju fanzine that's still being published, Look for the link button under The Magazine Rack listings on the left sidebar of this page.

Read an interview with editor Greg Shoemaker HERE.

BOOKS I WANT ON MY SHELF

My book collection has long ago made it from stuffed shelves to stacks on the floor and in boxes, forcing me to occasionally pause and ask: "Do I really need any more?" The answer is of course a resounding "Yes!", although I have become increasingly more discriminating over recent years.

I am a Godzilla fan, but I'd have to say that out of these latest offerings, I'll definitely be going for the MAD history. If you've read Mark Arnold's volumes on CRACKED magazine, you'll know it will be worth it.

Unconditionally Mad The First Unauthorized History of Mad Magazine

472 pages

Hardcover: $44.99

Softcover: $34.99

Is he MAD? Mark Arnold, author of If You’re Cracked, You’re Happy, Volumes Won and Too, has done it again with the very first COMPLETE MAD history since the 1990s. He’s UNCONDITIONALLY MAD!!!

This two-volume set (Part 1 and Part B) covers the entire 70+ year history of MAD magazine. Part 1 covers from when Max C. Gaines ventured into comic book publishing in the 1930s and eventually founded E.C. Comics. E.C. started out publishing titles for small children and Bible stories, but after an unfortunate accident, son William M. Gaines took over and created legendary comic book titles such as Tales from the Crypt and Weird Science. Bill Gaines hired Harvey Kurtzman who created Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat. Kurtzman wanted to increase his income, Gaines suggested adding a humor title and in 1952, MAD was born. In 1956, Kurtzman left and was replaced by former Crypt Editor, Al Feldstein. The story carries on through Feldstein’s 30-year tenure as the Editor of MAD. 

The lawsuits, the hirings, the firings, the ghosts, the flatbugs, the spies, the FBI, the plants, the gooney birds and the celebrities are all contained here, along with many new and archival interviews with The Usual Gang of Idiots. It’s a story that’s UNCONDITIONALLY MAD!

Godzilla: The Official Coloring Book

64 pages

$15.99

Pencils in hand, join the unstoppable force of nature that is Godzilla and wreak destruction around the world in this official coloring book.

Originally debuting in 1954, Godzilla has become an international icon and one of the most instantly recognizable characters in the world. In this official coloring book you will rampage through cities and battle rival kaiju, such as Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla. Godzilla: The Official Coloring Book showcases exciting artwork and never-before-seen illustrations, ready for you to put your spin on. Perfect for fans of monsters and Japanese culture, Godzilla: The Official Coloring Book will allow you to stretch your creative fingers and enjoy the King of the Monsters like never seen before.

Godzilla: The Official Cookbook Hardcover

160 pages

Hardcover: $32.99

Get ready to unleash the culinary power of monstrous flavors with Godzilla: The Official Cookbook! This officially licensed hardback cookbook features over 60 jaw-dropping recipes inspired by the iconic Godzilla and other kaiju creatures such as Mothra, Mechagodzilla and King Ghidorah. Embark on a gastronomic journey like never before, exploring a menu as vast as the Pacific Ocean. From fiery drinks that erupt with flavor to starters that capture the essence of destruction, every recipe is crafted to unleash your inner food monster. Whether you crave meaty creations or prefer vegetarian and vegan options that still pack a punch, this cookbook has something for every kaiju-loving palate—and stunning photography showcases the finished dishes in all their towering glory.

Each page will transport you to the heart of epic culinary battles that will leave you craving more, so put on your chef’s hat and prepare to embrace some unique creativity in the kitchen. Godzilla: The Official Cookbook is a must-have for fans of all ages, perfect for themed parties, family gatherings, or just indulging your monstrous cravings!

Godzilla: The Encyclopedia of Godzilla

216 pages

Softcover: $34.99

Celebrate Godzilla's 70th anniversary with this illustrated encyclopedia from kaiju designer Shinji Nishikawa. Revisit the most monstrous Godzilla incarnations of the past 70 years in this comprehensive guide.

This illustrated book features the many versions of Godzilla and his monstrous foes from the original 1954 movie to Shin Godzilla in 2016, and even the 2021 animation. With in-depth explanations accompanied by illustrations from renowned manga artist and monster designer Shinji Nishikawa, this 216-page book explores the powers and anatomy of over 100 kaiju, including Mechagodzilla, Shin Godzilla and Mothra! Nishikawa worked on the monster designs for many Godzilla movies from 1989 to 2004, and here he unravels the live-action special effects and theatrical CG animations of the Godzilla franchise in this essential enyclopedia. This comprehensive guide covers the Godzilla Showa Era (1954-1975), Godzilla Heisei Era (1984-1995), Godzilla Millenium (1999-2004), Shin Godzilla (2016), Toho’s animated trilogy (2017-2018), and the animated Godzilla series (2021).

HAPPY GODZILLA DAY!

Godzilla is 69 years-old today!

HAPPY GODZILLA DAY!