LIFE has reissued its 2019, Godzilla, tribute issue as a tie-in for the box-office smash, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
As it stands (or rather, stomps), Godzilla: The King of the Monsters, written/edited by J.I. Baker, may not cover all that is should, but it still packs a punch, gleaning a significant portion of Gojira's history, accentuated by pleasing black-and-white and color pics.
The primary (early) sequels are featured, including Godzilla Raids Again (aka Gigantis, the Fire Monster), King Kong vs Godzilla, Godzilla vs the Thing (Mothra vs Godzilla) and Son of Godzilla. Later frivolous, 1970s fodder is also mentioned, with kiddie-fied sequels like Godzilla vs Gigan and Godzilla vs Megalon getting nods. Each entry, no matter how big or small, is presented with international flair, demonstrating Godzilla's global appeal, often vitalized by the behemoth's longtime director, Ishiro Honda.
Kong, who in a roundabout way inspired Godzilla, gets substantial respect (thus tying further to the current, crossover hit). In addition to Kong, Godzilla's major allies and adversaries are celebrated throughout, including Rodan, Ghidorah and Mothra. Movies like Gorgo and Them! are referenced, as well, for their larger-than-life comparability.
On the downside, there's no tribute chapter on Ray Bradbury's "The Foghorn" and its classic, film adaptation, The Beast from 20,000 Fathom, a shame since Godzilla is an unofficial Beast remake. And gosh, why no tasty tangents on Gamera or Ultraman? As must know, a modified Godzilla did battle the latter, and his encounter with that affable, titanic turtle is a hope that many hold close to their hearts.
On the further downside, the periodical editorializes with speculated, socio-political causes behind Godzilla's manifestation, which curbs the factual fun. On the other hand, Baker's Kong vs Godzilla 1962 assessment, albeit condensed, is on target. This is favorable since that particular clash of the titans (even more than Godzilla's initial entry) catapulted the big, green guy toward his perennial status.
Despite the evident shortcomings, fans should appreciate this (re)release edition for its overviews and graphic gloss. Some would be wise to share it with their children, so that they, too, might gain a perspective of Toho's iconic antagonist/protagonist. After all, it's never too early to become a fan.
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