TIME/LIFE keeps pumping out commemorate periodicals, some better than others and all pricey.
In that I possess LIFE's 200th Anniversary Frankenstein issue, I thought it might be neat to own the recent Godzilla salute, but again, it was the price that kept me distanced. My wife, Donna, however, seized one on sale, leaving me better late than never for review.
Godzilla: The King of the Monsters (Alive and Well in 2019), written/edited by J.I. Baker, is a decent trip down memory lane. It doesn't cover all that it should or could, but for a mere magazine, it offers much, including some great black-and-white and color photos culled from Godzilla's vast history.
Intended as a tie-in for the recent Legendary Films/WB "Godzilla: The King of the Monsters", which alas, proved a box-office under-performer, the LIFE tribute places most emphasis on the original 1954 Toho "Gojira" and its '56, Raymond Burr re-edit.
The primary (early) sequels are also featured, such as "Godzilla Raids Again" (aka, "Gigantis, the Fire Monster"), "King Kong vs Godzilla", "Godzilla vs the Thing" and "Son of Godzilla". However, even the kiddie-ish '70s fodder gets a pat on the back, with quickie sequels like "Godzilla vs the Smog Monster", and "Godzilla vs Gigan" getting nods. Each entry, no matter how big or small, is presented with international flair, demonstrating Godzilla's global appeal, often brought to life by longtime director, Ishiro Honda.
King Kong, who in a roundabout way inspired Godzilla, gets substantial respect, as he darn well should. In addition, Godzilla's major companions are spotlighted throughout, including Mothra, Rodan, Ghidorah (Ghidrah) and Minya (Minilla), the adorable Son of... Movies like "Gorgo" and "Them!" are also referenced for their related, genre-fringing influences. (A detailed chapter on Ray Bradbury's "The Foghorn" and its film version, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" could've/should've been inserted, since "Gojira" is an unofficial "Beast" remake. And come on, why bury Gamera, not to mention those nifty, Ultraman opponents, of whom Godzilla was one?)
Recent entries, like "Shin Godzilla"; "Godzilla '14" and the aforementioned, "King of the Monsters '19" cap the publication, bringing the content up to date.
In that this is a TIME/LIFE release, the periodical editorializes socio-political and environmental content, blunting the fun. On the other hand, Baker's "Kong vs Godzilla" assessment, albeit condensed, is on target. This is good since that particular clash of the titans, much more than the '54/'56 releases, pushed the big, green guy into iconic status.
Despite its shortcomings, fans will appreciate this release for its basic, historic overview and graphic gloss. Some might even share it with their children, so that they, too, can gain a surface-value perspective on the Toho titan and his many allies and aggressors.
Godzilla was a huge part in my childhood. His battles stood as inspiring allegories for life's conflicts: some of which I had already faced by the time I saw my first Godzilla flick and many of which were yet itchin' to stomp. As such, Godzilla still crosses my mind on a daily basis. It would be nice if this release prompted kids to take the same, appreciative path. Beyond a doubt, there are worse ways to enhance one's childhood
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