These monster movies, called kaijuu (怪獣) movies in Japan, are some of the most iconic in Japanese history. Besides the most famous kaijuu, Godzilla (who I have a poster of above my desk), there have been countless giant monsters that have terrorized Japanese cinema for decades.

Other places have tried to replicate the formula of success, but no country has been able to harness and combine all of the elements that make kaijuu movies great. No country, that is, except North Korea.

Former ruler of North Korea Kim Jong-il fancied himself a master film maker and critic, which meant that at one point or another, making movies was PRIORITY NUMBER ONE for all of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Among the many movies that Kim Jong-il produce, directed, and guided, was a kaijuu movie that brought together the Japanese and the North Koreans (and, unwillingly, a South Korean). The movie was called Pulgasari (불가사리 in Korean and プルガサリ in Japanese), and had all of the trademarks of a good kaijuu movie; giant monster, lots of destruction, people fleeing for their lives.

RAAAAWWWWRRR COMMUNISMMMMMM

Obviously, the storyline was a little different from your average kaijuu movie so it could fit in with North Korea’s communist agenda, but at its core, Pulgasari is a movie about a reptilian monster that destroys things.

Along with Pulgasari’s director (who was kidnapped from South Korea), the North Korean film crew worked closely with Japanese filmmakers to make Pulgasari as close to the real McCoy as possible. While North Koreans normally wouldn’t be so welcoming of Japanese people into their country, Kim Jong-il made an exception for Pulgasari.

The crew who did the special effects on the 1984 Godzilla movie lent their skills to Pulgasari, and Kenpachiro Satsuma, the man in the suit in a lot of the later Godzilla movies played the monster itself.

The result? Well, watch the trailer and see for yourself:

In 1985 Pulgasari was released in North Korea which, as you might imagine, doesn’t have a huge movie-going population. The director escaped from North Korean captivity the following year, causing embarrassment to Kim Jong-il and the movie to be shelved.

For those reasons, it wasn’t until 1998 that Pulgasari was released to the outside world. First place it was screened outside of Korea? Japan, where Pulgasari has gained a cult following.

Ironically that same year, the American Godzilla movie came out. Satsuma, the guy in the rubber suit, reportedly said that he liked Pulgasari better than the American movie. Ouch. When you’ve made something worse than the North Koreans, you know you’ve messed up.

Pulgasari is an inspirational movie. Not because it’s well-made, original, or has any sort of compelling message; but because it’s probably the only movie in recorded history that had North Koreans and Japanese working side-by-side.

The end result wasn’t great, and the process was a little troubling, but when it comes to North Korea and Japan, you take what you can get.

Read more: The producer from hell, Bulgasari (1985) – IMDb

Who is Ultraman?

Ultraman towers over all who would dare oppose him.

• Name: Shin Hayata/Ultraman
• Species: Human/Alien Hybrid
• Occupation: Agent of the Science Patrol/Defender of the Free World
• Known Relatives: None
• Base of Operations: Japan/The Land of Light
• Reputation: Certified Bad Ass

Hailing from the M-78 Nebula, the original Ultraman (ウルトラマン) came to Earth fervently pursuing the space monster known as Bemular. While flying over Japan hot in pursuit, Ultraman accidentally crashed into one of the Science Patrol‘s planes flown by pilot Shin Hayata. As Hayata would have died without Ultraman’s benevolent intervention, Ultraman merged with Hayata in order to save his life. This allowed Hayata to continue on as a member of the Science Patrol as well as transform into Ultraman with the press of a button from a special capsule he obtained during the merge.

Together with the help of Ultraman, the Science Patrol valiantly defended Earth from alien attacks (which occurred about once per episode on average). The Science Patrol was armed with high-tech vehicles, equipment, and weaponry. They also wore nifty orange suits! Lookin’ good.

Ultraman’s Reign

“Pew pew pew!”

The epic saga of Ultraman started on July 17th, 1966. Ultraman, the first and best-known of the Ultra-Crusaders, made his debut in Ultraman: A Special Effects Fantasy Series (and by special effects they mean lots of miniatures and people in monster suits). The show was produced by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and Tsuburaya Productions. Ultraman continued on for 39 fun filled episodes (40 if you count the pre-premiere special that aired on July 10th, 1966) and came to an end on April 9th, 1967.

The show has an undeniable charm that cannot be ignored even today. Even though the special effects are quite obvious and the fight scene choreography is wretched, the show is an absolute joy to behold. I can’t imagine how much fun it must have been to make these episodes. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see any of the original Ultraman episodes, there are plenty of clips available for viewing on YouTube. Seriously, just watch a few minutes of Ultraman footage – it’ll make the rest of this article all the more enjoyable.

As strong as he was though, Ultraman was ultimately defeated by the evil monster known as Zetton (Z-Ton). Zetton managed to destroy Ultraman’s Color Timer but luckily the rest of the Science Patrol was able to take down the creature. Ultimately Ultraman was forced to return to his home world in order to treat his grievous wounds, thus ending his time on Earth as well as the series.

Although Ultraman was the first series to feature an Ultra-Crusader, Ultraman’s run was actually the second in the Ultra Series. Ultra Q was the first. But being the phenomenon that he is, Ultraman has of course spawned tons of imitations as well as numerous legitimate sequels and remakes. Out of the more modern renditions I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, I’d have to say that Ultraman Max is my favorite (I still have many others to check out though). There’s also tons of Ultraman merchandise to be found including action figures, clothing, costume accessories, and themed bento boxes.

Ultraman and His Enemies

Ultraman’s central characters were created by Eiji Tsuburaya of Tsuburaya Productions. Tsuburaya was a pioneer of special effects work and was also responsible for bringing Godzilla to life in 1954. As a result, many old costumes from the Godzilla productions were recycled for use in the Ultraman shows. They were modified, of course, but more often than not the change was nothing more than a bit of spray paint here and there to alter the look of the costume.

Reportedly the spray painting was often done with the actor still inside the suit. Apparently one of the actors once said that the stumbling done by some of the monsters he portrayed on the show wasn’t so much due to his acting style but due to all the fumes he’d been inhaling. Sure, it’s funny now – but this was definitely not safe practice. Shame shame, Tsuburaya Productions – shame shame!

And for those of you interested, a full list of all the Ultraman monsters can be found here.

“Shuwatch!”

To defeat these monsters, Ultraman had an insane amount of special powers to choose from. Seriously, the guy could do anything. Some of my favorite Ultraman powers include the Specium Ray, Ultra Air Catch, High Spin, and the Ultra Slash, but a list detailing all of Ultraman’s many powers can be found here.

Despite all these amazing powers, Ultraman had one profound weakness. For some reason Earth’s atmosphere leeched away the solar energy he needed to function. Therefore Ultraman could only manifest himself on Earth for about three to five minutes. To signal this, a warning light on Ultraman’s chest called the Color Timer was activated.

Ultraman’s Color Timer started out blue, started to blink at the one minute mark, then turned red and started to blink faster at the two minute mark. If the Color Timer stopped blinking, it was said that Ultraman would never rise again (according to the show’s narrator anyway). On occasion Ultraman had been able to extend his operating time by flying towards the Sun to recharge his energy. Sounds like cheating if you ask me.

But regardless of Ultraman’s alien tricks, he was a true hero. Out of all the shows in the kaiju genre (monster related shows) Ultraman stands out as one of the most well recognized and respected. Ultraman is a classic superhero role-model and has given Japanese children a hero to look up to for generations – a role which I’m sure he will continue to fill for many more.

Ultraman Saga

Ultraman Saga (ウルトラマンサーガ) is the next film in the Ultra Series and it also celebrates the franchise’s 45th anniversary. Additionally it serves as a sequel to Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial which was an okay movie – if you’re already an Ultraman fan though there’s no way you won’t enjoy it. The catchphrase for the new Ultraman movie is “We Still Have Glittering Hope!!” Pretty catchy, dontcha think?

The new film will feature Ultraman Cosmos, Ultraman Dyna, and Ultraman Zero as well as the five Ultra Brothers facing a new ultimate threat, Hyper Zetton (oh no!) and a monster army created by the notorious Alien Bat. The film will also feature 7 AKB48 members. Bet you weren’t expecting that, were you?

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpBZbcQSI7s']

^ – Trailer above, AKB48 below – v

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTTvU07PJdc']

Ultraman Saga is set to be released on March 24th, 2012. Are you going to see it?

So tell me, who’s your favorite Ultraman?

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Anyways, seriously cool artist. We definitely enjoyed reading this comic! You can check out what Aerin is doing now by saying hello to her on Twitter (@Inverce), or checking her latest updates on her blog, as well!

If you’ve been reading Tofugu for a while, you’ll know that I can’t pass up a good Godzilla story, especially one that contains haikus as well. GodzillaHaiku is a Tumbler Blog that simply contains images from Godzilla films and overlays them with haikus. Kind of feels like a cross between LOLcats and UnhappyHipster, but a lot more radioactive, if you catch my drift.

Of course, there are a good number more of these over at GodzillaHaiku, so if you’re intrigued, be sure to go and check them out. Here’s to hoping TOho doesn’t send them a cease and desist, like they did with my 1st person Godzilla blog a while back. Also, thanks as always to my favorite Godzilla expert Joyce (literally a Godzilla expert, no joke!) for the tip!

P.S. If your radioactive heart was touched by these haiku, you should follow me on Twitter.

While I get my act together and write a few more interesting blog posts, I thought I’d share with you some pictures from a wedding I went to a few weeks back. Beautiful wedding, but unfortunately it looks like my camera came from the Meiji Era. Wait, what’s that in the shot? Do you see it? Is that who I think it is? Is his best man…Ultraman!?

This one was taken a few minutes later. I heard a rustling in the bushes, much to my surprise it wasn’t a flock of white doves. Godzilla just has to ruin everything, doesn’t he? Unfortunately, my camera melted (Godzilla’s radiation, etc) before I could photograph the battle that ensued.

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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.