Kind of got myself tagged into this, but hey, OC (original character) exposure is a good thing for everyone, right? RIGHT!?!?

RULES

1. I'll make a feature choosing my favorite OC of yours (only the first 14 people to comment, then no more). And will try to add comments on why I favored particular characters of their's in turn.

2. If you comment, please do the same in your journal, putting the tagger on in the first slot. The idea of this is not to get a free feature, it is to spread art and original characters around for everyone!

3. Might be a good idea to add a link your own OC folder / sub-gallery in the comments, to make things way easier for me. And preferably OC art done by you and you alone.

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1. =

Although a commissions, the voracious purple-pink slime girl and her devoured lady victims are for the most part his original designs. The Purple-Pink Slime Girl I think is way sexier in her dark-skinned human form, regardless of the inflated bust in the later, more risque animations. Her equally shapely human victims are quite the lookers too (especially the first blond one), though I feel kind of bad for starting this journal tag off on a freakish note.

2. =

Not much into elastic girls myself, but this gal named Natsu Kigoyami is also the looker when in a stable shape. And again the large bust and dark-skin won me over...OH GOD(zilla), I'm doing it again! Quick, somebody offer some more dignified, or fully non-human Kaiju OC's for me to class this joint up! Humor aside, I really do like the fun look of this one.

3. =

4. =

Ralph has done a lot of funny, likeable, and oddly attractive original characters, but if you had to force me to pick one and only one, I'd always pick sweet and gorgeous Rita Fox; the more level headed and gentler sister to the comedically crazy Ryan Fox. And I almost went for their far more seductive, yet identical (to Rita) mother Scarlet Fox, but the stronger personality of Rita won out in the end.

5. =

Although this artist continues to improve with each attempt (along with better looking female figures and designs), I still can't help myself from being lured by his very sexy, yet equally monstrous and murderous, pure white vampire queen, the appropriately named Cream. I hope to see new art featuring Cream in the future, but until than, I still believe this is the best illustration to feature her: [link]

6. =

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FROM

Before we begin with our top story, some (hopefully) quick notes about The Kaijuden Monthly Art Challenge (KMAC)

We will be doing full reviews of the Gudis entries from last month soon, but until than, you can view them both below. Be sure to leave comments and favorites for the two artists in question.

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Our current art jam based on Gorgo is still going on, and will end June 3rd (a Monday night). You can read more about it (as well as find some YouTube links to watch the film itself) here: [link]

And here's the Gorgo submissions we've received thus far.

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Now as you know, special effects legend and monster creator Ray Harryhausen passed away earlier this month ([link]. And we're going to pay tribute to him by making the June 2013 KMAC a Ray Harryhausen Free-For-All. As the title states, draw any monster from any of Ray's many films, and they don't even have to be a giant-sized ones either.

We do not expect multiple illustrations either, just whatever you feel like, just as long as it's Ray Harryhausen related. And hence the head's up here, to give you all an early head start.

Also, our own did his own tribute to the legendary Harryhausen at the following link: [link]

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Meanwhile, our previously planned art jam for June 2013, which was to be based on The Seaweed Monster ([link] from the 1978 Hanna-Barbera "Godzilla" cartoon series, has been moved to July 2013. And August 2013 will be based around the title horror of "Q: The Winged Serpent" ([link].

Again, heads up and head starts all around, friends!

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Classic Kaiju Series "Ultra Q" Comes To American DVD

Shout! Factory has done it again! The classic giant monster series that started the Ultraman franchise, "Ultra Q", will be released on Region 1 DVD, August 13th!

Unlike the Ultra Series to follow, "Ultra Q" was a full-blown monster series, with almost every episode featuring a giant-sized menace, of whom a ragtag team of investigators, lead by cult kaiju actor Kenji Sahara, had to deal with, help, or defeat. The series also had many behind the scenes ties to the 1960's Godzilla films, including many famous monster props being refurbished as new monsters. Most notably Godzilla '64 as the burrowing mammalian beast Gomess; Maguma, the giant walrus from "Gorath" as the inter-dimensional Todora; Oodako the Giant Devilfish as the tropical terror Sudar; and Toho's 1963 version of King Kong as the giant monkey Goroh.

Unfortunately, the acquisition of "Ultra Q" is being done under the same circumstances as the recent "Ultra Seven" DVD set. Meaning that despite it being (currently) all legal thanks to recent rulings in the Asian courts, Tsuburaya Productions itself will not be involved here. The upcoming box set will include all 28 black-and-white episodes of the original series, with subtitles, but the recently colorize Blu-Rey versions, along with the recently unearthed English dubbed tracks for the series, will not be included.

Still though, far better than no "Ultra Q" in America at all. But one still hopes the situation changes for the better in the future, or Shout! Factory or some other US distributor gets their hands on any of the Ultra Series made from 1980 and onward.

And you can read more about Shout! Factory's "Ultra Q" box-set at August Ragone's blog-site:

[link]
[link]

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And here's a whole bunch of YouTube links, giving you an idea what to expect from this classic tokusatsu (Japanese effects series).

"Ultra Q: The Beginning" (6-minute long overview / montage of the series): [link]

"The Gift from Space": [link] -or- [link]

"Defeat Gomess!": [link]

"The Mammoth Flower": [link] -or- [link]

"Goroh and GOROH": [link] -or- [link]

"Peguila Is Here!": [link]

EVERYONE! Tonight Is Hans Conried Night!

I only discovered this like minutes ago, but TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is having late-night double feature staring one of my favorite old school comedians and character actors Hans Conried, starting at 11:15 PM Pacific Time (please check YOUR local listings)!

You may have never herd of his name before, but you've certainly heard Mister Conried's voice in classic animation fair, or seen him in guest spots on various older sitcoms. Most notably as the voice of Captain Hook in Disney's "Peter Pan" (1953), and as Snidely Whiplash on "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".

Because of his pitch perfect theatrical voice, impeccable diction, and 'highly intelligent eccentricities', Hans Conried had a really good knack for portraying comedic villains on film and television. As well as an equally active career on radio and the stage.

In fact, Hans Conried himself was one of the main influences behind the character of The Robot Devil from "Futurama", and you do see that in some of the villains own personality quirks and love of ridiculously overacting.

And Hans is also the inspiration for two original characters of my own...but more on those two, when the time comes.

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1953 was a very busy year for Hans; in addition to Captain Hook, he also appeared and virtually started in the low-budget sci-fi comedy "The Twonky, and the Dr. Suess produced fantasy musical "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T". And both of which will be in the double feature playing tonight on TCM

These two films, despite they're respective flaws ("The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" was actually a box office failure on its first theatrical run), I grew up with both of them, during multiple airings on TNT. And I still love them both dearly to this day. And would very much like to share and / or recommend said films with you guys, if you have the time and TCM cannel of course.

And if you don't have TCM, than thankfully "The Twonky is currently available on YouTube. And is the slightly more charming of the two, despite a painfully obviously low budget, when compared to the colorful and lavish "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T".

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Han Conried plays Kerry West - a philosophy teacher at a small-town college, whom during one fateful weekend, becomes the unlucky owner of the titular television-robot, that's time traveled here from the future.

And I do mean unlucky, as The Twonky hails from a future so overbearingly 'perfect' (read; pleasant tyranny), that poor Kerry West finds himself a virtual slave under the robot's constant supervision, and forceful acts of controlling his life.

"The Twonky" was certainly not the only science fiction comedy from fifties, but it was among the few to be played with a straight face, instead of obvious, cartoon-style turns that you'd see in something like Abbott and Costello Goes To Mars" (1953). Or the admittedly more fun "Have Rocket, Will Travel" (The Three Stooges, 1959).

This might have to do with the fact that "The Twonky" was based on a short story of the same name, written by authors and married duo Henry Kuttner and C.L. Moore. The movie follows the original short fairly closely, though the live action film proceedings were lighten up quite a bit, as the original, yet still offbeat tale, was much darker by comparison.

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As for the title robot itself, The Twonky is one of those movie monsters who has a great back-story and related origins, but often gets overlooked or outright ignored, by the monster-doubting public at large. You know, those same sort of people who'd kill the insectoid peacemaker Mothra, just because she's an easier target, and don't want to admit that more monstrously evil Godzilla, secretly scares the weenie pants off them.

Yeah, I'm bitter towards these types...what of it?!?!

The Twonky is a highly advance, possibly even living machine from the distant future, where the freewill of humanity has been disregarded, both purposely by a passive aggressive one-world government, and by the equally passive, technology loving masses. And as such, The Twonky is less enforcer robot, and more of a very strict super nanny. Complete with an unlimited ability to fix all 'bad things' through matter-altering laser.

In addition to that, The Twonky, once accidentally transported to 1950's America, finds itself in a television manufacturing plant. And in order to keep up the pre-programmed status quo, uses the available parts to give itself into an acceptable television set form / body. And later, gets itself sold to an unsuspecting Kerry West (Hans Conried).

Unfortunately, this scene is never presented in the film itself (and only hinted upon in the original short story). And because of which, most film critics assume that the producers couldn't afford a proper robot prop, and turned a television set into a marionette instead.

Again, the monster-doubting public...they'd hatefully persecute Hellboy for saving their behinds from a killer plant giant, if they could!

That said, The Twonky is one of those fictional monsters whose dangerous and antagonistic not because it is evil, but because it really can't help itself. And you do feel somewhat sorry for the time displaced robot, even if you're still totally on Hans Conried's side, as he tries to free himself from the little Twonky's 'extreme care taking'.

Hmmm...The Twonky and Songbird would make very good friends, now thinking about it!

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Again, "The Twonky" isn't a great film, but an entertaining watch, largely thanks to the offbeat yet charming premise, some funny characters (the surprisingly scientific minded Coach Trout), and of course Hans Conried, as our hapless protagonist. And at just a little over an hour in length, you're time isn't going to be wasted too badly, so please check it out in the following link below.

"The Twonky" Feature Presentation: [link]

Alternative YouTube Link: [link]

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Some other Hans Conried related videos, and sadly the only ones I was able to find easily on YouTube:

Rod Serling Interviewed by Hans Conried: [link]

Two Tidbits from "I Love Lucy": [link] and [link]

Two Musical Tidbits from "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" (in order): [link] and [link]

UPDATE: More articles and tributes worth mentioning.

"Master of Monsters" by MovieBob: [link]

"Stop-Motion Pioneer Ray Harryhausen Is Gone" by Adam Gauntlett: [link]

"Ray Harryhausen: Magic, Monsters & Mythology Part 1
" by Coola$s Cinema: [link] AND [link]

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Yesterday came word that stop-motion effects maestro, and pioneer in movie creature characterization, Ray Harryhausen, passed away at the ripe old age of 92.

Despite not making a major motion picture since 1981's "Clash of the Titans", Ray Harryhausen was still very much the active artist. Even up to last year, where he participated and virtually starred in the feature length documentary (and the third one to be centered around him) "Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan" (2011).

I knew Mister Harryhausen was quite old, and wouldn't be with us for very much longer, but the news of his death was still quite demoralizing for me. And sadly, one of the reasons I didn't report the news here sooner, along with other unwanted distractions in my own personal life.

I wanted to write an extensive article in honor of the man, but couldn't fully go through with it emotionally.

However, many of our fellow giant monster fans, and friends to this group, have all chimed in with there own thoughts on the matter. And I prefer to share those more coherent, completed tributes here instead.

= The Passing of Ray Harryhausen: [link]

= An End: Bless You Harryhausen, For Your Gifts To Us:  [link]

John Kenneth Muir's Remembering Ray (Movie Review Series): [link]

In addition to all this, my friend and video reviewer plans do a Ray Harryhausen tribute in the coming future. And when that's completed, I'll be sure to share said video short here as well.

And in addition to that, I've decided to change the June 2013 art jam into a Ray Harryhausen free-for-all, which will take place after the current Gorgo based jam ([link] is over and done with.

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The movies of Ray Harryhausen are among the best fantasy films in the history of cinema. Mainly for their imaginative scenarios, personality-filled monsters, and of course, those amazing stop-motion effects, along with just being fun and well paced pictures outside the aforementioned.

If you've never seen a Ray Harryhausen film before, do yourself a favor and track some down this week.

Here are my own personal favorites and related recommendations, though by all means, please share all of yours in the comment section below:

"Mighty Joe Young" (1949)
"20 Million Miles to Earth" (1957)
"The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" (1958)
"Mysterious Island" (1961)
"Jason and the Argonauts" (1963)
"First Men in the Moon" (1964)
"Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977)

Me and Talos will miss you, dear sir.

From

Today, we're combining The Kaijuden Monthly Art Jam (KMAC) with Kaijuden Theater, in order to bring you arguably the most famous Kaiju (giant monster) that The United Kingdom has ever given to the world!

Yes, it's the title prehistoric sea monster of the 1961 film "Gorgo"!

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The third entry in director's Eugene Lourie's unofficial trilogy of dinosaurs-running-amok films, "Gorgo" was different for both being in color, having a relatively bigger budget, and featuring more sympathetic (and even victorious) title beasts.

Whereas the previous two entries, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" (1953) and The Giant Behemoth" (1959) were filmed in black-and-white, and showcased considerably much more villainous, giant-sized leads.

Not to say that Gorgo, and his far larger, identical mother, who is sometime referred to as Ogra, were total angels themselves, as the former manages to kills quite a few people during his attempted capture. And of course, Ogra / 'Mommy Gorgo' going on one Hell of a destructive, mass murdering rampage across London, in a spectacular attempt to rescue her imprisoned child.

And like all popular movie monsters, mother and son Gorgo returned in a successful series of comic books from 1961-1965, published by the IDW of its day, Charlton Comics. These comics also loosely connected with the films "Reptilicus" (1961) and "Konga" (also 1961), through those two monsters' own Charlton Comics spin-offs.

Thus creating a sort of 'Euro-Kaiju' universe of sorts, complete with an extended roster of new enemy monsters for Gorgo, Ogra, Konga, and Reptilicus (later renamed Reptilisuarus) to battle against!

But again, this art jam is fairly simple, focusing only on Gorgo and Ogra.

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Here is an extensive image gallery based on "Gorgo", just in case the following film uploads get taken down in the very near future (hopefully not): [link]

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Now despite "Gorgo" recently getting the Blu-Rey treatment, the original film itself is thankfully still readily available for viewing on YouTube. Granted, it's from the lesser looking, pre-restoration versions, but the point of Kaijuden Theater is to share these films whenever their available online, and preferably free, so that non-fans can too give these giant monster movies a chance.

And as awesome as the monster effects and action sequences are in "Gorgo", the human drama is admittedly rather bland by comparison. Complete with one of the weakest child characters seen in the genre. Criticisms aside, the full movie is still worth a watch, and can be viewed in the following links:

[link] -OR- [link]

And if the human scenes are a little to wearing on your nerves, here's the slightly improved 'comical riffing' version, preformed by two, highly trained robotic experts...Oh, and a big, slow moving human thing named Mike Nelson: [link]

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The Gorgo art jam ends June 3rd (a Monday), and be sure to mark your entries as such in the submission descriptions.

Until then, have fun with either the art jam, or the previous stated full-length features. And by all means, share your reviews (for better or for ill) of "Gorgo" in the comment section below.

From

Welcome to another exciting edition of Kaijuden Theater, where we find free giant monster movies and episodes online, and share them with you!

And we have something very offbeat for you to view today!

Now it's not every day a Japanese production company goes out of its way to subtitle, English dub, and upload some of their works online for American viewers. But IDA (short for International Digital Artists) has done so with their recent series "Jumbo Monster Gomera", which is a spot-on live action spoof of the Kaiju Eiga genre, mixed with a sardonic anime-style sense of humor.

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Not to confused with the far more famous Gomora of the Ultraman franchise, Gom-E-ra is an aspiring giant monster who hopes to one day make it as big as more legendary Kaiju like Godzilla and Gamera. Unfortunately, Gomera is kind of a cowardly buffoon, who is a way too nice to cause the citywide destruction on purpose, and often times by sheer luck, or by accident.

The series, which combines suit and puppet effects with live action and additional computer animation, was created for Japanese children. But being a Japanese production, there's quite a bit of notable adult humor and crude sight gags going on here as well.

Most notable Gomera's always present...hmm...nards and a weewee...Small ones admittedly, but still!

Despite this, the series never goes into the same nasty extremes as America's own Adult Swim lineup, and "Jumbo Monster Gomera" could be consider a safe TV-PG rating at most. But as a Kaiju fans, it's a real treat worth watching, especially with each episode being no more then six minutes in length.

Enjoy the following episodes, and please share any of your own reviews and questions in the comments below.

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EP 1: "Gomera Emerges!": [link]

EP 2: "Gomera Anatomy": [link]

EP 3: "Flower and Gomera": [link]

EP 4: "Gomera vs. Jose": [link]

EP 5: "Gomera In Space": [link]

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And here's the original pilot for "Gomera", if not test footage: [link]

Unfortunately, I don't know what the real story is behind this one, or if "Gomera" was originally meant to be a far more darker, serious project than what we ultimately got. My own personally theory is that they couldn't secure outside investors for a full-length movie, and reshuffled the concept into the comedy shorts seen above.

Either way, the more giant monsters the merrier...right?

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UPDATE: The full story on the demo test, and final comedy series can be read here, at the blog-site Undead Backbrain: [link]

And this Sunday...we got "Gorgo" for you all to watch!

Fellow DA member and drawer of ridiculously top-heavy anime-style cheesecake (The English Gent) is starting up something called Demon Girl Appreciation Day, which will commence on this coming May 4th.

And since I obviously support devilish ladies in both my own works, favorites and my group

I might as well share this with all of you, who should also spread word if possible.

You can read more about Demon Girl Appreciation Day at The English Gent's original journal posting here: [link]

I plan to participate to this thing, beyond just making note of it here, but if I can't...I'll just make note of it here.

From

Quick heads up that our current art jam based on Gudis, from "Ultraman: Towards the Future" will be ending this Saturday night. So if you have any lingering submissions, now's the time to do something with them. More information on this art jam can be found here: [link]

Also, for you early birds, the art jam for May 2013 will be based on Gorgo and his much larger mother Ogra, from the 1961 film "Gorgo. Here's an extensive gallery littered with images of the two: [link]

And lastly, don't forget to vote in a poll deciding June and July's art jam subjects, found here: [link]

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Now that we've gotten all that out of the way...NEW PACIFIC RIM TRAILER!!!

Featuring brand new footage of the giant Jeager robots and their Kaiju enemies, including a brief glimpse of a giant pterodactyl one, which looks not unlike our old friend (and murderer of jet pilots and newlyweds alike) Rodan!

Although before you get too excited an jump to conclusions, remember, it only looks like Rodan...only looks like.

Enjoy it at the following YouTube link: [link]

And here's the first trailer: [link]

UPDATE: Godzilla, along the rest of the inhabitants of Monster Island, have also just watched the new "Pacific Rim". Their very enthusiastic reactions have been documented on film, and can be viewed here: [link]

From

Welcome to another edition of Kaijuden Theater, where we find free, full-length movies online, and share them here with you!

But before we begin with today's feature, I'm giving you all a heads up that our current art jam based on the character Gudis ([link]) ends May 4th (a Saturday).

And the proceeding May 2013 art jam will be based on Gorgo and his larger mother Ogra, from the 1961 British film "Gorgo" ([link]).

We have nothing planned for June 2013, so I set up a poll asking you, the artists, which fairly obscure subject you'd like to tackle for that month. And the runner-up in the poll will also be the art jam subject for July 2013.

You can view and vote for said candidates here: [link]

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Kaijuden Theater Presets: "Godzilla vs. Destroyah" (1995)

I've recently fell in love with Crackle, a movies-on-demand service on YouTube, which has a mix of free videos and paying ones. Unfortunately, the free ones rotate quite frequently, and as such, if you've never seen today's feature, now's the time to do it here, or through more reliable, if not better digital services like Netflix.

Now I'm (Enshohma) not the biggest fan of the Heisei Series of the Godzilla franchise, which were the movies made from 1984-to-1995. And there were admittedly more fun entries to choose for today's article, like the relatively bonkers "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah", which is also currently free on Crackle: [link]

But despite being the final entry in the Heisei series, and Godzilla's second-of-three supposed swan-songs, "Godzilla vs. Destroyah" is a pretty strong film, with a story that works well on its own, even if you don't have any knowledge on the Heisei Series and its convoluted continuity. And one of the big conceits behind Kaijuden Theater, was to share giant monster movies with people outside the fandom, along with giving the already converted some good topics to revisit and discuss.

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In today's movie, Godzilla, the atomic mutation that breaths thermonuclear fire, finally meets his greatest match - his own mortality!

Godzilla's mutant heart, which acts like a biological nuclear reactor, is finally going critical, threatening a meltdown that could take the rest of the world with him. The event also causes the destruction of his island home (seen in the film's opening scenes), the possible death of his adopted son Godzilla Junior, and has further transformed him into a semi-berserk creature dubbed Burning Godzilla.

To make matters worse, a new monster appears named Destroyah, who openly threatens regular humans and mutant dinosaurs alike. Destroyah is a Precambrian life-form, mutated from a delayed reaction to The Oxygen Destroyer - the original super weapon used to kill off the very first Godzilla, way back in 1954. And continually transforms between different forms, sizes, and even separate numbers, which ultimately cumulates into its final, devilish gestalt body.

Can Godzilla win one last battle against such an ironic foe?

And can the Japan's G-Force military organization find a way to lessen Godzilla's unavoidable meltdown, in order to keep it from going Apocalyptic?

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Although a superior entry in the franchise, "Godzilla vs. Destroyah" is not a perfect movie.

One of the biggest problems is that Godzilla feels like a cipher, or guest character in his own terminal adventure, while the otherwise awesome villain beast Destroyah takes most of the screen time. And although a lot of the special effects and direction is quite good, you still get some shoddy elements. Including a borderline "Aliens" rip-off sequence, which is actually well made all things considering.

Sill though, it's still very much worth a watch, and the final battle between Godzilla and Destroyah is exciting, brutal, and capped off by the bittersweet end to The King of the Monsters.

Our Feature Presentation: [link]

From

A long time coming, but here's the reviews for each of last month's art jam submissions, based on that permanently smiling robotic superhero Jet Jaguar.

My fellow administrator did most of the work here, and most his opinions echo my own, so I'm only going to chime in if I have something slightly different to add on. But first, a brief round of The Kaiju News Round-Up:

Tsuburaya Pro Announces "Ultraman Ginga"

Outside of the recently aired "Neo Ultra Q", not to mention yearly movies and various spin-off shorts, it has been ages since we've had a proper Ultra Series from 'The House That Eiji Built', Tsuburaya Productions. But now the time of metallic heroes from Nebula M78 comes to television once again, with the new series and its title hero "Ultraman Ginga".

The complete story can be found in the following link: [link]

History of Power Rangers: "Power Rangers Mystic Force"

Internet personality Linkara has finally finished and uploaded the next installment of his ongoing retrospective of the "Power Rangers" franchise. And this time around, the spotlight is placed upon the fantasy and magic centric series "Power Rangers Mystic Force". You can watch all three parts (almost 90-minutes in full length) in the following links:

[link]
[link]

Even if you can't stand this franchise, this is still an entertaining and fascinating web-series that Linkara has produced. And one hopes it doesn't take too long with the next episode, which he openly notes as being the under-whelming, if not abysmal "Power Rangers Operation Overdrive".

"Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth" Official Facebook Page!

Our dear friend and associates have created an Facebook account with IDW Publishing's full blessing. And will serve as a direct gage for the company to see what future Godzilla projects for them to pursue. And just how many people really do support our friend's flagship comic series, which as previously stated, needs all the support it can get.

If that wasn't enough, there's votes going on for a possible mini-series staring Jet Jagaur himself!

Check it out, join up, and give your support here: [link]

And while we're at it, here's the official Facebook page for "Kaiju Combat": [link]


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Jet Jaguar Art Jam Reviews


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says: As always you have an interesting way of revamping a particular subject. Sometimes the design is much different, while others are more homage-like. This would be in the 'homage' group I would say. The basic shape of 'JJ' is there, but it's a much more modern style. This is logical, cause technology has come a long way since the early 70's. In the 50's a box shaped gray thing would be considered high-tech looking. In the 60's and 70's it was more smoothed out and made to resemble more simplified and rounded human like figures. Nowadays you got the Iron Man syndrome. And this would be a prime example of that. And I appreciate that. I like the added lights and the detail in the body is really great. Same goes for the ropes of cables that act in his joints. All in all it is a great line work, coupled with nicely executed shadows and highlights. Great job.

says: the modernization of Jet Jaguar here is very well done, with tons of added details that could still work in a physical suit form, if Toho ever chooses to allow the funky robot to rise again. Also, as stated in your own description (which I do read sometimes and beforehand), robots ARE hard to render, even simplistic ones like JJ here! We'll try to stick to organic Kaiju characters in future art jams, and if we do robots, we'll try to focus on Androids and Cyborgs instead - quite a bit of those in both categorizes, by-the-way.


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says: Great use of bright colors. Which is not something I always see from your work. Usually it is very downplayed and more earthly tones. So this is a really nice treat to see. The fighting stance is a real treat as well. Usually I am not one for text in a piece but here it fit's the subjects description. Often times when I think of JJ, I just think of it as a big goofy looking robot. Not something that is along the lines of say an Ultraman warrior. But when I see this, I think different. Just frame this a border and you would have a character poster haha. It's still an awesome piece though. Great work as always my friend.


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says: GAIAAAAAA! Yep. That was pretty much the first thing that popped in my head when I saw this. Its not a pose I think of when I think of old JJ. Though you got to wonder how in the world the robot can fly at all. Never the less, it is an awesome pose. Colors are great. And the blurriness of the ground and sand really give a more foreshortening look to the piece. It flat out tells you to look at the giant robot and nothing else! Pretty awesome job though. You always seem to give an unique feel and energy to subjects of Japanese culture. Superb work as always my co-nerd friend.

says: I was going to make the "Ultraman Gaia" comparison myself, which obviously was intentional on your behalf, considered what a huge Ultra Series fan that you are. Not to mention the only DeviantART member to draws them regularly. And with that said, I probably have a slight bias in favor for this image, as "Ultraman Gaia" is one of my favorites from the franchise. And the title hero's spectacular entrance in most episodes, which your image is aping, is among the best in all of Kaiju and Tokusatsu history, in-my-opinion.


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says: The added short story to this really helps with the art piece. It put me in a really good mood and gave me a big goofy grin. Almost as big as JJ's perpetual smile haha. Reading the story though made me notice the gun, hand, and knife. If I didn't read that I might have not noticed it cause of their diminutive presence in the picture. I wish they were a bit bigger or you could see more of them. Still, that is a just a personal qualm. Not really a critical strike against the picture. It is still neat, with interesting highlights on his armor. The stance is a bit odd….kind of reminds of a Kabuki play I had seen one time when I was in Okinawa. It's a quirky piece, but it makes me smile. It is a nice and an amusing take on the superhero robot from the Godzilla franchise.

says: my initial reaction to your illustrations; 'well...this is needlessly grim'. My secondary reaction however was way more appreciative, as I finally caught the joke and thought to myself - 'And this is why Jet Jaguar isn't allowed on the Toho Studio lots anymore!'


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says: Very, very solid black line work. Though this is really the only piece in the art jam, that JJ is not in a glory like pose. He is rather the rag doll in this one haha. Still it is a breathtaking point of perspective. Godzilla's position is a great foreshortening element. And adding the humans with their arms flapping about is a neat little size comparison for the viewer. I hope that one day when you get more time that this will see some sort of color. I mean you did all the shading with all your inks so colors would not be all that time consuming. Not to mention anything with Megalon automatically makes it a kick-ass picture to me. It really is a fantastic piece that celebrates the entire film of Godzilla vs. Megalon.

says: I use to have a rule concerning Kaijuden art jam submissions, about the month's subject always to be the main focus of any image. And unfortunately he really isn't in this piece. Instead being given over as the centered victim to Megalon and Gigan. But it's my own fault for dropping these basic art jam rules, for article length. And the line work, character renderings, and perspective is so expertly handled, that this oversight is all quite forgivable. As much as I would like to see this illustration colored one day, if you ever decide to do a more triumphant JJ picture, and it too is only in the line work phase, I'll be more than happy to color that for you, dear sir!


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says: Even though this is just a sketch, it does have some defining things that show some solid designs. The JJ head looks much more modernized and certainly has a more sinister look. It's almost like the scary Joker smile. Kind of an exact opposite look as apposed to your more muscled Spectreman sketch on the right. Honestly if you put them side to side, Jet Jaguar would really look even more evil. And that in itself is an interesting concept that would be really cool to explore. Neat sketch. I hope you finish it one day.

says: It's sketch work like this, even done on a mailing envelope, that I'm lovingly envious of, as I'm rarely proud of my own attempts at such, and even a little embarrassed when I do share them on DeviantART. I too would like to see completed versions, and the addition of Spectreman and Ultraman were most appreciated!

From

Hey everybody! Who wants to look at rocks with me for the next hour and eighteen minutes?

But before we do, a quick note that our in-depth reviews for the previous month's Jet Jaguar art jam will be posted this coming Friday.

And until then, another entry in our ongoing series "Kaijuden Theater", where giant monster movies come to you, whenever we can find them for free online.

Last time, we subjected all of your sorry behinds to the infamous live action dinosaurs vs anime people cheese feast that was "Attack of the Super Monsters" ([link].

No idea how most of you felt about that bizarre choice for an opening show, but obviously we couldn't follow-up one weird kaiju flick with another. Although since we're dealing with space rocks that grow like mad plants, we probably shot ourselves in the proverbial foot here!

(A more normal kaiju film next time, we promise)

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"The Monolith Monsters" (1957) often gets an unfair reputation for being one of the worst monster movies to come out of the fifties, mainly because of its unorthodox premise and title creatures. Though the majority of these unjust opinions tended to come from film critics of the 1980's...The same sort of biased cads who were nasty even to films that they liked!

Thank goodness we of the modern Internet have grown pass such overbearing, constant negativity with our motion pictures! Oh...wait a minute...never mind.

Honesty, I believe that "The Monolith Monsters" is a highly underrated film, which attempted to put a very cleaver, purely science fiction slant on the giant monster genre. And for the most part succeeds, with a strong cast, decent story, and an above average production for an already high end 'B-Plus Movie' from Universal Pictures.

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A meteorite housing a strange alien mineral, crashes in the desert region outside of San Angelo, California.

This wouldn't seem like a big deal, but the mineral in question is truly alien and possibly even alive, as it behaves like an unfathomably fast growing weed, when in contact with water. And sucks the chemical elements of silicone out of living creatures over prolonged exposure, resulting in them being fatally turned to organic stone.

And soon these 'Monoliths' start to grow to gigantic proportions, break apart at a certain height, fall crashing back to the ground, and repeating the process over, and over again. The citizens and authorities of San Angelo have to find a way to halt the Monoliths growth, before they spreads beyond their isolated community, and destroy the rest of the world.

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Original Theatrical Trailer: [link]

Our Feature Presentation: [link]

As always, we welcome all of you to watch, and then share your reviews of "The Monolith Monsters" in the comments below.

From (and it's for real this time)

For April 2013, we focus the art jam on the main antagonist of the first six episode arch of the 1991 Japanese / Australian co-production "Ultraman: Towards the Future" (also known as "Ultraman Great").

Gudis is a grotesque, yet highly intelligent alien virus with dreams of galactic domination and related Godhood. And can assume a giant slug-like form of his own when need be, or infect other life-forms and mutate them into his monstrous minions.

The Gudis art jam ends May 4th (a Saturday).

For more character information and tons of references images of Gudis' two giant forms, check out this specially made online gallery: [link]

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And of course, here's all the submissions for last March's art jam based on the robot superhero Jet Jaguar from "Godzilla vs. Megalon" (1973). Comment and favor these artists and their entries if at all possible.

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We'll try to do our own reviews on all the Jet Jaguar submissions before too long, and if you care to contribute to such an article, send your reviews our way through private messaging, or in the comments below.

UPDATE: Wow...this April Fool's gag succeeded way better than I originally hoped it would.

Yes, I know I've mentioned plenty of times before on both my personal journal, and here at Kaijuden that I am not at all a fan of mandated rituals and events like holidays, including April Fool's.

Especially when it gets in the way of regular life and daily business, as was the case with last year's April art jam based around the obscure British television monster Kitten Kong ([link], which nobody submitted artwork for because they all thought it was a late April 1st gag, and nothing more.

The Kaijuden art jam for April 2013 is indeed real, featuring Gudis from "Ultraman: Towards the Future" (see here: [link]. But I really needed to 'clear the pallet' so-to-speak, and rescue this month's art jam from suffering the same fate that had befallen Kitten Kong.

And in addition to that, I was equally inspired by own April Fool's gag, about the return of Godzooky in the upcoming comic "Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth"...which I must admit had me fooled, considering the comic will already be showcasing Zilla (The American Godzilla of 1998) in the first two issues. Along with other oddballs like Varan and Kiryu (the third incarnation of Mechagodzilla).

So yeah...me closing down Kaijuden for a woman, because she hates all giant monsters was a realistic joke on my half, which actually got quite a bit of people upset. And many more members just appreciating the well-done, yet equally obvious gag.

It's especially hilarious (to me at least) is that almost nobody did their research, and discovered the even bigger gag of who my would-be lover of Silvia Sabil actually is. Which is the human alter ego of the totally fictional, cult favorite from across DeviantART, Chromiah, the Techno-Slime Girl:




So yeah, a villainous slime giantess was trying to get me to quit my Kaiju hobby...not the best example of cleaver irony, but it worked out alright.

If Kaijuden was ever to close down, it would be under better reasons than me being an alpha-male 'clown-bag' and dumping it for a woman - even one as ridiculously sexy as the aforementioned, if Miss Sabil was a real person of course.

And I think the site would have many other supporters to keep it going even after I'm forced to leave it. And Kaiju / Giant Monsters are such a niche sub-genre, I doubt maintaining this site would become too taxing for anyone...

Something that has unfortunately befallen our sister group

So yeah, Kaijuden is okay, and this was a rather successful April Fool's prank - Love You All SUCKERS!

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From

Sorry everyone, but over the past weekend at WonderCon Anaheim, I meet a beautiful young woman named Silvia Sabil, who works in nano-tech research for a big name company that I am not at liberty to reveal at this time. And we both hit it off so well that we're now officially going out together as an item.

However, she cannot stand giant monsters (largely because again, she's into nano-technology), and will only agree to take our new relationship to the next level and physically be with me if I give up my hobby ASAP (that's As-Soon-As-Possible to all you stupid people).

In fact, I appeased her by spending some time last Sunday beating the snot out of an adult nerd dressed up as Starro the Conqueror and a toddler dressed up as Voltron, but that's a story for another time,

Now Enshohma is no stranger to the touch of a good woman, thanks to various flings and past relationships. But it's been such a long while, and being your typical example of a human male descended from prehistoric chimpanzees, I've decided to go down the 'hotties over kaiju' route...

...Which is ironic considering my love for "Attack of the Fifty-Foot Woman" and a lot of the sexy lady monsters from the "Power Ranger" franchise (Itassis, Beevil, Icy Angel, Madame Woe, Scorpina, Katastrophe, Archerina, Shelinda, multiple others), but that's besides the point.

Enshohma loves Silvia, and this group has got to go starting first thing tomorrow morning, so save as many images as you can while its still up and running.

SEE YA SUCKERS!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE: So excited for tomorrow, and I'll even be selling an exclusive print of my own custom version of a Cyberman, from "Doctor Who". I was going to post said illustration here tonight, but on the advice of my brothers, I'll be saving that for later upload, possibly next week.

I'll also be doing on-the-spot commissions of pencil sketches with limited inks. $5 for basic single character / figure portraits, $10 for single character full bodies, and $25 for full inks of either of the aforementioned.

I've learned my lesson from AM2Con not to take bigger works, especially from multiple clients whose only attending the convention for one day.

Hope to see any of you there!

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Me (Raf) and my dearest friend (Mark R.) will be attending WonderCon Anaheim 2013, this coming March 29th-31st!

More information on the convention and location can be found at the official page: [link]

We will be selling prints, self published comics, original inks, and ancient Cthulhu scrolls at Artist Ally table AA-228, under the collective name of Dirty Kitchen Press. So come on down and meet us in person, if you can!

Here are some of the images I'll have available for sale soon:







BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!!

Two other friends and equally awesome acquaintances of mine and will be at WonderCon's Artist Ally as well!

(Melody), who does beautiful photo prints and illustrations by-the-way, will be at table AA-235, and here's her journal post on the matter: [link]

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(Louis) will be at table AA-108. And don't let his low-brow, intimating avatar fool you, as he's a really sweet guy, and one of the few TRUE optimists I've ever known.

Please support both of them as well, and again, hope to see any of your guys there!

From

Well...might as well torture - huh, I mean 'share' this oddity with you all, while it's still readily available.

But first off, some MAJOR business concerning 'Godzilla 2014' from Legendary Pictures!

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This promising motion picture is going full-steam ahead, with shooting already commencing. And Warner Brothers fully dedicated to the May 16th 2014 release date.

Now we won't be able to keep on top of all the latest news concerning both the new "Godzilla", as well as the upcoming "Pacific Rim" (and one of the reasons why the Kaiju News Round-Up has been absent of late).

But dear friends like comic artist (AKA Matt Frank) will be doing such updates on their own journals - the first of which can be found in the following link: [link]

Among the news is that distinguish Japanese actor and international star Ken Watanabe joining the cast - way too cool, I must say!

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Now from the sublime, to the ridiculous!

One thing that I've wanted to do for a while is share full-length Kaiju films here, for both fans of the genre, and for our watchers who just dig the giant monsters art, but never really seen these type of films before. And there are many good ones I'd wholeheartedly recommend, like "THEM!", "Godzilla vs. The Thing", "Mothra", "Rodan", "GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack", and of course the original  "King Kong".

Or as my friends like to call that 1933 classic "The One That Knew How To NOT Waste Its Sweet Time On That Freaking Boat!"

But for the first entry in Kaijuden Theater, let us watch an obscure, yet equally infamous 1982 feature entitled "Attack of the Super-Monsters, which is actually a direct-to-video compilation, created from the first four episodes of the even more obscure, 1977 Japanese series "Dinosaur War Izenbog". And was produced by Tsuburaya Productions, who are the same folks behind the more well-known, and still ongoing, Ultraman franchise.

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I'd usually go into extreme depth on this odd little film (because I ramble on like that), but I'm going to let professional Internet reviewer MovieBob give you an seven-minute overview of the proceeding film, from his fantastic web-series "The Big Picture".

Schlocktober 2012: "Attack of the Super Monsters": [link]

Now that you know what you're getting your sorry hinders in for, here's the actual film itself. Enjoy (or suffer) while it's still up on YouTube!

Main Feature: [link]

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I don't know how many of you will be able to tolerate the insane cheese-feast that is "Attack of the Super-Monsters, but if you do, you're more than welcome to share your reviews and general impressions here...negative and less-negative alike.

Personally? It's a minor guilty pleasure, but does wear on your patients after a while, as MovieBob accurately stated of it being the same story repeated four times, with little variation. And as such, I wouldn't recommend this fully beyond this current video upload.

Although I'll happily say that Ashtoreth the Evil Stegosaur and his crimson colored rat army was pretty neat.

UPDATE: has gotten himself a new tumbler page, which will also feature artwork from the upcoming comic series. Check it out here: [link]

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"Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth" is Coming!

IDW Publishing has recently announced a new ongoing series to replace their current, and coming-to-an-end comic "Godzilla", and the unconnected mini-series "Godzilla: Half-Century War".



The new series, entitled "Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth", will feature a wide variety of returning monsters from the Godzilla film series (Varan and Kiryu have already been confirmed), along with the surviving human characters from the previous IDW comic series.

And the first two issues featuring the battle (rematch?) between Godzilla and Zilla - the American Godzilla of the 1998 film!

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Now as exciting as this all sounds, there's some really GOOD news...and some realistically BAD news about "Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth".

The good news is that our dear friend and talented artist (Matt Frank) will be doing the interior art for the series, as well as co-writing with fellow fan-turned-professional Chris Mowry. And obviously, this Godzilla series will be on par, if not surpass "Godzilla: Half-Century War".

In addition, Matt and Chris will be incorporating many previous unused monsters for the series, such as the aforementioned Varan, Kiryu, and Zilla, along with some possible 'surprise monsters' if things go smoothly...which brings us to the next part, unfortunately.

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Now here comes the realistically bad news that a lot of people will probably not get, let alone contemplate.

Despite being well known to us Kaiju fans, Matt Frank and Chris Mowry ARE NOT well known to the comic industry at large.

And just like that one unfortunate subplot from the Marx Brothers classic "A Night At The Opera" (1935); just because they're both fantastic talents, doesn't mean anyone will give them their rightful due, because neither are big named or established creators, in the comics community at large.

Again, I know there's a lot of 'giddy', or even 'cynical' fans who might disagree, but this is FACT. And both Matt and Chris are fully aware of this, while IDW Publishing are taking a big risk on this otherwise virtual dream team.

We fans have to support this book like never before, or it might get canceled even if the sales are better than the previous Godzilla ongoing comics, which despite not being very successful, were manned by known artists and writers. And hence why those series were allowed to continue, despite low sales.

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What truly sucks is that I recently cut ties with my local comic store The Comic Bug (based on some recent screw ups, and mistreatment of yours truly), and as such, I really can't do much on my immediate end, outside sharing the information on DeviantART.

And with all that out of the way, here's (Matt Frank) own posts on "Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth", which goes into far better detail than I can. Please read, and support this awesome series, which like never before, will be made by two major Kaiju fans, for all the Kaiju fans!

Initial Announcement: [link]

The Important Message and Facts: [link]

Sorry everyone, but with WonderCon 2013 - Anaheim coming right around the corner, lingering commissions, and the horrible bad luck of me being born human with a HUMAN LIFE (*spit*), I won't be doing any significant updates until well into April.

This includes a block to all new commission work until I have most of my lingering ones done.

And beyond the WonderCon prints that I might upload and share here, and of course the promised Hedorah Kaiju Portrait, I really have nothing close to completion, let alone the time to spare upon them.

BUT the good news is that there will be a lot to continuously share when mid-April does comes around, and I'll still be doing journal entries, and talking with all you good people if you have any direct questions for me.

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I have nothing else to really say here, but wanted to give all my fans and friends the update here, instead of leaving all of you in the dark. And just for the Heck of it, here's some YouTube play lists of mine, to keep you entertained on long, lonely, boring nights. Enjoy!

Enshohma's Music Video Picks: [link]

Eclectic variety of otherwise energetic music?

Or just chaotic weirdness that only a young Doctor Demento would barely tolerate?

You be the judge!

And if you have any particular tracks you'd think I'd enjoy, based on the fearsome play list posted above, by all means share them with me!

Enshohma's Giant Monsters All-Out Attack: [link]

Gathered collection of (what else) giant monster related shorts, episodes, and what not. And unlike the most extreme Godzilla purists, I too have a eclectic taste in monsters here.

Enshohma's Orchestra and Instrumental Musical Choices: [link]

Hate lyrics? So do I sometimes!

And admittedly, this is a classier collection of music than my main music video play-list above.

Enshohma's Siblings Shorts: [link]

Almost every short film produced by my younger brothers and including the ongoing series "Understanding the Cosmos".

Originally poster over at

The February 2013 art jam based on Gorosaurus is officially over.

And here's the four awesome entries that were submitted for that month. Please give each of these submissions and their respective artists some comments and related fan love!

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says: Fantastic re-design of Gorosaurus, which adds some large Velociraptor feet to the traditional Gorosaurus body, and thus giving the giant animal a greater sense of physical power, when it comes to his famous kangaroo jump kick. And you also manage to make him far more fearsome overall, which is saying a lot for a character whose only truly unique ability was being a very large theropod dinosaur.

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says: Speaking of the dreaded kick - I love the perspective on this piece...which is something that you'd really wouldn't want to be on, if Gorosaurus was real, and you just so happened to be his opponent of the moment. Seriously, that kangaroo style jump attack of his must really smart, especially if it was strong enough to knock the three-headed space monster King Ghidorah onto the ground!

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says: I like how you portrayed Gorosaurus in this illustration as an almost real prehistoric predator, such as his body shape and extended claws. The atmospheric fog is also a nice touch, even if the blue skies in the background kind of clashes against it. But than again, it is a primordial swamp setting, so it still works. And seeing how big Gorosaurus is supposed to be...that's an equally big swamp!

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says: Gorgeous use of colored pencils, and a very good, accurate recreation of the original Gorosaurus suit to boot.

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The Kaijuden Monthly Art Jam for March 2013: Jet Jaguar

Once considered a low point of the whole Godzilla franchise, the robot super hero Jet Jaguar, from 1973's "Godzilla vs. Megalon", has over the years gained a strong cult following with Japanese monster movie fans. And although he has yet to return officially in films, we're honoring the goofy orange android with a permanent smile as the subject for our March 2013 art jam.

But its not just the original Jet Jaguar we're celebrating...but also his Medical and Fire-Fighting off shoots from the 1997-1998 television series "Godzilla Island".

Now don't worry about the extra work load in trying to do ALL three versions of the robot. This is just an optional suggestion, in case you guys want to do something unorthodox for this already unlikely art jam.

You can view tons of reference images, and read extensive character information at this specially created gallery:

[link]

There's also TohoKingdom's profile for Jet Jaguar here:

[link]

And lastly, some YouTube videos for additional inspiration:

[link]
[link]
[link]

The Jet Jaguar art jam end April 2nd (a Monday).

Hello everybody! How you all doing?

My friend Brandon Tenold has just uploaded a new comedy video reviewing the 1970 monster movie "Bigfoot". Check it out and leave feedback if at all possible!

It's funny, but I swear knew about all the Yeti and Sasquatch films made before SyFy maliciously forced its way onto the band wagon. And than this film came out of no where, catching me off guard - kudos for out-obscuring me, Mister Tenold!

Unfortunately, there's no giant monsters in this review, but what we do get are two busty actresses in neon-colored bikini wear for the majority of the film...not that it really help matters, as you'll see...

BlipTV Version: [link]

YouTube Version: [link]

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Related Images and Links:

Yes, that's right everybody! The dreaded Professor Gonzo has return to YouTube!

After a six month break, the (fake) educational program "Understanding The Cosmos" is back with a second season, with new episodes premiering every two weeks, as stated in the commercial shown here: [link]

Noted scientist and television host Professor Gonzo takes you on a journey through the space, as only he can...ineffectively, moronic, and rage filled.

Episode 14 - The New Set"

Professor Gonzo returns from his self-imposed exile, and builds a new set for his show's return to YouTube: [link]

Episode 15 - "The Universe and You, Episode 367"

Last year, Professor Gonzo's arch rival, Professor Zoso, attempted to steal his thunder, as seen in this early entry: [link]

Now, it's time for some much needed, and equally as poorly executed payback from Gonzo's end: [link]

Episode 16 - "Special Effects"

Professor Gonzo decides to add a new cast member to the series - the computer generated character known as Spacy McSpace Boy. With special off-screen guest appearance from yours truly: [link]

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Professor Gonzo is desperate for feedback on his series, so by all means leave comments here, or in the previously shared YouTube videos.