Ever since Toho Cease and Desisted my “Written as Godzilla” Blog (RealGodzilla.com), I’ve been chomping at the bit for something Godzilla. Thank goodness G-fest has come to the rescue, and even though I couldn’t make it, one of my old Japanese students did, and we get to hear her tale of Godzilla intrigue… Read on and drool, friends…

“April in Paris” may conjure up lovely visions for some, but for daikaiju and tokusatsu aficionados it’s got nothing on “July in Chicago” – which can only mean the annual footstompin’ gathering of the Godzilla Society of North America, aka G-FEST!

G-FEST, which was just held over the July 4th weekend, turned sweet sixteen this year.  The first ‘fest was a small meeting convened in 1994 by J.D. Lees, editor and publisher of G-FAN magazine.  It’s grown a ton since then – sort of like a radiated mutant lizard – and now well over a thousand diehard devotees (and their long-suffering children, spouses, partners, parents, and friends) descend on Chicago from all over to share the G-vibe in what’s become an annual tradition.

So you may be wondering – What’s so great about G-FEST?  You might even be thinking – Isn’t it just – well – a geekfest?  Glad you asked!  There are many reasons why G-FEST is full of wonderfulness, sometimes in unexpected ways.  Here are five – and no doubt others can add many more.

1. The Dealers’ Room.

This is probably one of the biggest draws at any fan convention – this hallowed space where pilgrims wander in a hazy phantasmagoria of mercantile delights.  At G-FEST, you are bedazzled and beckoned by Godzilla and other denizens of Japanese popular culture embodied in models, toys, DVDs, T-shirts, posters, magazines, miniatures, key chains, snow globes, intimate attire….  even cute kaiju plushies for the little ones.  Start ‘em young, and bring your credit cards – because the whole “budget before you enter” strategy never seems to work (for some of us anyway).

2. Sessions!

Be schooled in kaiju history and lore!  Plus other topics too – G-FEST is Godzilla-centric, but not exclusive. This year’s sessions included such topics as…

• Godzilla: The Essentials (as Raymond Burr said – “It’s big and terrible”)
• Underrated Kaiju Classics (Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, anyone?)
• Godzilla in the Grindhouse (old-school 70s monster fandom)
• Wicked Godzilla (sounds rather saucy!)
• Japanese Superheroes (viva Ultraman!  Spectreman!  Kamen Rider!)
• The Theory of Kaiju: Can Even Godzilla Survive the Horrors of Film Analysis?

…and many others, including the now-traditional “Kaiju Konfessions” session, a film-clip singalong led by master modeler Stan Hyde.  You have not lived until you’ve been in a crowd all air-guitaring and head-banging to Blue Öyster Cult’s “Godzilla” – in a hotel ballroom.

3. Special Guests!

You won’t see Japanese monster experts and enthusiasts on Oprah or Larry King – so good thing G-FEST can fill the gap!  In addition to numerous speakers, G-FEST always hosts an extra-special VIP from Japan – a wonderful way to bring together some great performing artists and their appreciative fans.  This year it was Kenji Sahara, a longtime Toho actor who’s appeared in thirteen Godzilla films as well as other classics including Rodan and The Mysterians.  What a treat to listen to his stories – and Sahara-san was visibly touched by the fans’ sincere appreciation of his work.  Also, a regular G-FEST favorite who visits every year is Robert Scott Field, aka Android M-11 in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.  Feel the love, all!

4. Movies!

Every year there are evening feature flicks at the Pickwick theater.  Here’s a rare chance to see Godzilla and pals as they were meant to be experienced – on the big screen and with a big audience of vocal and appreciative kaiju enthusiasts, so you need feel no shame!  But that’s not all: on the hotel’s in-house TV channel there’s a handpicked selection of nonstop tokusatsu features (thank you Jeff Horne!) – Gamera flicks, Ultraman episodes, and a plethora of goodies like Daimajin, Yonggary, Gappa, and other delights.

5. Kaiju Culture and Creativity!

It’s not all about fan adulation and Dealer’s Room consumermania – there’s lots of emphasis on active creative participation too.

The best part about making Godzilla models is you don't have to spend as much time on the buildings...

There are model-building workshops, costume sessions, and contests galore for art, costumes, music videos, models, trivia, even kaiju-themed tattoos.

The climax is Saturday night’s costume parade, where costume artists of all ages get to stomp their stuff.  It’s harder than it looks to plan and construct a workable costume – those tails are always hard to get right, for one thing – and some of these creations are stunningly ingenious.

G-Fest? More like sweat-fest! Wow!

What's Godzilla doing to that kid!? Certainly not eating him. "What a disappointment to not get stepped on," he says.

It must be tough to use the bathroom during the convention...

And extra special props to the good people who organize and run Minya’s Place, a room dedicated to kids’ activities and crafts.  The family-friendly vibe of G-FEST is great to see – dads, moms, and kids all enjoying activities together.  Youth being initiated into the wisdom and savvy of the elders:  this is culture in action!

So G-FEST XVI is now history.  Congratulations to everyone whose hard work made it another success – truly a labor of love – and see you all at G-FEST XVII!

What have I missed?  Any other G-FEST attendees – or just Godzilla devotees – please share your thoughts.

This post was written by Joyce Boss. Joyce teaches literature and cultural studies at Wartburg College.  A longtime Godzilla devotee, she wishes that all academic conferences could be as edifying as G-FEST.