Monster Discussion #30: Godzilla (1955-1975)

[gigan72]

This is the main discussion thread for the second Godzilla who first appeared in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and appeared in every other film in the Showa Godzilla universe with followed.

[Dannybeane]

This is the Godzilla I grew up on!. He's muh boy! Whenever I think of an iconic Godzilla the suits that come to mind are the 68-72 and the 73-75 suits. I'd love to one day see Toho make a retro-styled hero Godzilla film and bring back one of the late showa designs.

[Godzillian]

When most people think Godzilla it's this guy and the original that comes to mind

[Giga Kaiju]

One of my favorites Godzillas of the franchise. Despite being the 2nd one I knew of (The original taking 1st place...) it is one of the best to me even to this day. A memorable hero.

[Rodan]

#1 greatest accidental character arc.

I love how much personality this Godzilla has when the films go full camp, and vs. Hedorah showed that it was still possible to do something thoughtful and bold with a fully heroic Godzilla as the star.

[Coobzilla03]

This is what I see when I think of Godzilla. I grew up on this fellow. From villain to hero, I followed this guy through it all.

[Ivo-goji]

My favorite incarnation of the character, the Monster of Justice.

[Mr_Goji_and_Watch]

My favorite monster of all time. He kicks ass, and is pretty funny!

[BlacktimusPrime]

Grew up on this one. My favorite version of the character.

[MechaGoji Bro7503]

Definitely the Godzilla with the most personality to me. If only we can completely follow another Godzilla with like 14 films.

[Billzilla1974]

This one is the entire reason I became a Godzilla fan in the first place, the former villain turned hero. I especially like his appearance in 1974, he looked badass!

[Dr. Professor]

This is my all-time favorite incarnation of the character. He's truly an unstoppable badass. He's pretty good at volleyball and dancing, too.

[godzillafan1954]

What do you guys think about Godzilla's magnetic ability?

[GodzillaFan1990's]

Ah Showa Godzilla. The Silver Age Superman of Kaijus making up powers on the fly. For the most part, I love this incarnation for nostalgia value and entertainment in the movies. This incarnation is the reason I ended up believing Godzilla was always a hero when I was younger regardless of incarnations and not the actual Nuclear Menace he's always meant to be.

[Zarm]

Ah Showa Godzilla. The Silver Age Superman of Kaijus making up powers on the fly. For the most part, I love this incarnation for nostalgia value and entertainment in the movies. This incarnation is the reason I ended up believing Godzilla was always a hero when I was younger regardless of incarnations and not the actual Nuclear Menace he's always meant to be.

Ha! There's been so much talk of Godzilla vs. Superman lately, now I have the mental image of Superman (onscreen, Christopher Reeve would be perfect; his movies always did this) and Showa Godzilla, just standing there on the field of battle inventing new and increasingly-more-outlandish powers at one another. (Bonus- Christopher Reeve Superman is quite adept at fighting nuclear menaces! )

[KaijuCanuck]

What do you guys think about Godzilla's magnetic ability?

In context, skreeonking amazing.

I mean what can you say? This is the G-Man, right here. Heisei Godzilla is to me is the definitive characterization of the character, but Showa Godzilla had the most development of a character, the longest history, the most fights and victories... I could go on. I love everything about him.

[Billzilla1974]

What do you guys think about Godzilla's magnetic ability?

In context, skreeonking amazing.

I mean what can you say? This is the G-Man, right here. Heisei Godzilla is to me is the definitive characterization of the character, but Showa Godzilla had the most development of a character, the longest history, the most fights and victories... I could go on. I love everything about him.

The Magnetic ability is great, especially since it makes sense, Showa Godzilla became immune to electricity from the constant exposure to it in KKvsG, MvsG and Ebirah.

Although, for me the Showa Godzilla is the definitive characterization, especially the 1964 and 1974 designs since both show the good things from each half of the era:

1964 has what I think is the most recognizable spine pattern in the franchise, as well as the suit itself looking fantastic, while 74 is the perfect blend of a hero who is beyond pissed off, but still fights for what is good in the world.
He may not be the most realistic, but, again, Showa Godzilla will always be my favorite of the Godzilla incarnations.

[KaijuCanuck]

What do you guys think about Godzilla's magnetic ability?

In context, skreeonking amazing.

I mean what can you say? This is the G-Man, right here. Heisei Godzilla is to me is the definitive characterization of the character, but Showa Godzilla had the most development of a character, the longest history, the most fights and victories... I could go on. I love everything about him.

The Magnetic ability is great, especially since it makes sense, Showa Godzilla became immune to electricity from the constant exposure to it in KKvsG, MvsG and Ebirah.

Although, for me the Showa Godzilla is the definitive characterization, especially the 1964 and 1974 designs since both show the good things from each half of the era:

1964 has what I think is the most recognizable spine pattern in the franchise, as well as the suit itself looking fantastic, while 74 is the perfect blend of a hero who is beyond pissed off, but still fights for what is good in the world.
He may not be the most realistic, but, again, Showa Godzilla will always be my favorite of the Godzilla incarnations.

I totally agree with you that design-wise, Showa Godzilla is the definition of Godzilla (even without the four toes and ears). I was never a fan of the triple row of dorsal fins. Just in terms of character portrayal though, I think Heisei is the best because he's animalistic (I'm not a fan of human-intelligence Godzilla outside of the context of cheesy goodness) and goes from villain to anti-hero, which feels a more natural fit.

[Billzilla1974]

I understand, Godzilla is meant to be a walking nuclear disaster, and barely a temporary ally at best.

Personally i think the human-like intelligence gives the Showa monsters more sympathetic qualities, that and the horrifying thought of sentient daikaiju wanting revenge for being nuked seems interesting.

But I agree that when it comes to portraying what the original intent for Godzilla is, the Heisei Godzilla's animalistic intellect is more proper for the Character as a whole.

[KaijuCanuck]

I understand, Godzilla is meant to be a walking nuclear disaster, and barely a temporary ally at best.

Personally i think the human-like intelligence gives the Showa monsters more sympathetic qualities, that and the horrifying thought of sentient daikaiju wanting revenge for being nuked seems interesting.

But I agree that when it comes to portraying what the original intent for Godzilla is, the Heisei Godzilla's animalistic intellect is more proper for the Character as a whole.

It's cool we can find common ground while also disagreeing - and I'd like to clarify that I do love superhero Showa Goji. I love that arc from villain to saviour of the world, and actually the showa era is my favourite in terms of the actual movies. I just think Godzilla in the heisei series does a good job of getting at the core of the character.