Godzilla Movie

Building a Bridge in the Godzilla Fandom

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Imagine a world where you didn’t know anything about Godzilla. A friend of yours says you should check out some of the films but doesn’t really give you much more info than that. Intrigued, you decide to jump online to learn more. Before you know it, you’re overwhelmed by a lot: 30+ movies, all of these different “eras,” and what’s this nonsense about a “fake” Godzilla named Zilla? 

More than anything, though, you notice a debate consistently crop up regarding the right way to watch a Godzilla movie. It doesn’t make sense to you, since you haven’t watched any of the films yet, but it’s interesting at first. A few comments in, however, and slurs and insults are being thrown around a high school food fight. It gets to the point where you wonder if this is how everyone talks. You then decide to press pause on watching the films. “I’ve already been a part of one toxic fandom,” you think. “I don’t need to be in another.”

While this is a hypothetical situation (as you most likely are already a Godzilla fan if you’re reading an article on a site like this), it’s really not that far-fetched. The debate has existed as long as Godzilla fans have been able to share their opinions on the internet (at least), but with the advent of social media and more fans being turned onto the franchise thanks to Legendary’s Monsterverse, it seems to be widespread and rampant. Instead of debating with civility and compassion, though, it’s not uncommon to find people labeled as “retard” or “fake fan” because of their opinion, and this mentality isn’t confined to one view. Ridicule and insults abound on both sides of the war, and plenty of us feel like we’re stuck in the middle, wondering why we can’t listen to each other.

I’ll confess: I advocate wholeheartedly and unapologetically for a “humans first” approach to monster and kaiju films. Whether it’s the Universal monster films of old or the Godzilla films in the 50s, 60s, and 70s (sort of), the monsters play a pivotal role. Without the human drama, however, there wouldn’t be a movie worth watching. The best Godzilla films, in my opinion, are the ones where the monsters invade the already-existing plot line, not ones where the plot solely centers around battling creatures. While the 60s and 70s didn’t always have the best constructed narratives, we see the “monster first” approach truly kick into high gear in the 80s/90s with the Heisei-era. Apart from a few films here and there, that’s been the method ever since. (This is where I feel like we lost a lot of the heart Ishiro Honda and Company injected into the films, so it’s no surprise, when asked about his views of the Heisei films, Honda didn’t have a whole lot to say positively.)

However, just because I feel this way doesn’t mean this is the only way to approach, let alone enjoy, the films. As a kid, I didn’t give two rips about pacifism, the “brotherhood of man,” or even the ethics and moral implications of nuclear warfare. I only cared about Godzilla and Jet Jaguar teaming up to defeat Megalon and Gigan; about how awesome the explosions and set pieces were in Godzilla 1985. I also saw the monsters as characters, as my mother lovingly reminds me: apparently I cried whenever Godzilla was disintegrated by the Oxygen Destroyer. (To be consistent, I also cried when Jaws died as well.) Does this mean I didn’t deserve to be a Godzilla fan? Not at all. It just meant I didn’t know any differently.

As teenagers and adults with widespread access to the internet, however, it’s hard to claim ignorance when it comes to the deeper meanings. Whether it’s our favorite Youtube channels or the surplus of interviews and articles discussing what the directors and writers were trying to accomplish, the stigma regarding Godzilla films being solely men in rubber suits beating each other up is disintegrating, and for that, I’m thankful! I think the films deserve to be viewed and considered as legitimate pieces of art, even if they aren’t always “high art” like Ingmar Bergman or even Honda’s friend and contemporary, Akira Kurosawa.

What I’m realizing, though, is even if the stigma is going away, some people don’t really care about King Kong vs. Godzilla critiquing exploitation and greed found in the entertainment industry. They just care about the match of a lifetime, even if it means watching an inarguably inferior dubbed version. (I mean, corns? Really?) To them, it’s all about the enjoyment aspect, and it’s hard to argue against that: these are fun films.

So my question,
as someone who has a podcast devoted to discussing these deeper and ethical themes present in kaiju films, is: is there a wrong way to watch a Godzilla film? On the one hand, I want to say there is. But the more and more I talk to fans worldwide, the more I’m seeing it’s not as black and white as I once thought. And after a lot of thought and consideration, I think I’ve come up with a way to look at this to help foster helpful conversation and reflection. 

I think.

For those of you familiar with American sports, there’s a past-time within the past-time called tailgating. For those of you who aren’t familiar because you don’t live in the States, or you’re an American who doesn’t worship at the altar of professional sports (GASP!), this typically consists of showing up to the “sportsball” game several hours before the doors even open and consuming copious amounts of food and drinks (typically of the alcoholic flavor). From there, most people make their way into the stadium once the game begins, and prayers are offered up to respective sports deities in an attempt to sway the score one way or another.

Now here’s the thing: you may have had a blast tailgating, but once the game starts, the experience can go so many different ways. Your team may be playing poorly (or it might be those corrupt referees/umpires), but chances are, you’re still choosing to have a fun time. Or maybe you don’t even care about the game, you just want to be with your friends. Ultimately, no matter why you’re there, the game still exists and does not change one way or another because of your presence. (Unless you jump down to the field and begin to streak, of course.)

Now, there are going to be some games where your favorite team will play better than others; that’s inevitable. And maybe you’re at the game to actually watch, or maybe it’s to celebrate a birthday or enjoy some good food in the parking lot. No matter why you’re there, you’re still present and finding some form of satisfaction and enjoyment. There might even be times when you go to the game for one reason, but come back next month for another.

Back to Godzilla, we’re all coming to the same films (for the most part) for the same reason: we want to be entertained. Now, some of us like to think while we watch a film. Some of us just want to turn our brains off for 90-120 minutes. The difference here, however, is that both approaches are valid. Godzilla films were created as a vehicle for something more meaningful (at least that’s how it was initially), but if they weren’t enjoyable, then no one would watch them.

It’s a both/and, not an either/or.

Here’s where I believe the problem lies, and I hope, if you’re still reading at this point, I’ve proven myself to not be unnecessarily inflammatory. If someone shows up to watch a sportsball game but they don’t show up for tailgating, they’re within their rights to do so. Same with showing up for tailgating but not going to the game. But it does make more sense to show up for the sportsball game over tailgating, because that’s why the stadium exists. The “sportsball first” advocate isn’t justified to ridicule those who only come for “tailgating only”, even if they’re correct, but the tailgating wouldn’t even exist without the sportsball game happening. To see someone tell the “sportsball first” person the event has never been about sportsball, only tailgating? And showing up for tailgating without watching the main event?

Hopefully you see the dissonance here.

Godzilla films exist, first and foremost, as a vehicle to share a message, just like the rest of cinema. Even if the message is solely “hedonism is a viable worldview,” as is the case with the majority of Hollywood comedies, these films still exist to present something. To deny this message or deeper meaning in a film, or to say the films have never been about the human narratives, runs the risk of sheer ignorance, especially with how well-informed the majority of us are regarding our fandom. There shouldn’t be a fear to admit, “I understand these films have something to say, but I only care about the action,” because you’re within your rights to do so. 

But to say the story lines are dumb, the acting is bad, and it’s always been about the monster fights? I’d encourage you to 

1) watch the original versions, not the dubs, so you see what was actually being said; 

2) familiarize yourself with Japanese cinema to see this isn’t the case by any means; 

3) ...well, just open your eyes and see this isn’t the truth at all.

Admitting these points doesn’t mean you need to change your preference. It just means you’re being honest and humble, and we need more of that in our fandom!

However, there is a sense of elitism that exists within the fandom, and I am 100% guilty of this. My immersion into the deeper side of Toho’s “giant pool” isn’t like most. It took recognizing some, I believe, unintentional Christian imagery in Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. Before that I was, for the most part, watching Godzilla movies just for the entertainment value.

In all transparency, it’s easy for me to forget this in the midst of everything I’ve learned. For the times I’ve been uncharitable and unwilling to remember my own journey, I am truly sorry for being a jerk. Plain and simple. Just because we have “seen the light” doesn’t mean we need to blind others with it.

At the end of the day, this debate will never be fully settled. There will always be some form of arguing or infighting in our fandom, because we are human beings who tend to be selfish, inconsiderate, and dead-set on being right. However, if we take the time to remember we are a part of a community, as fractured as it might be at times, that the usernames and handles we are chatting with are real people with real feelings, we might be slower to throw out those insults and passive-aggressive tweets and barbs. When we slow our roll and extend compassion, that’s when real change happens. That’s when people listen, and even if we disagree? We’ll do it with respect, without dehumanizing each other.

And that’s what I’d call a homedown to win the match at the bottom of the 9th quarter.

Discuss this news and other Godzilla & Monsterverse topics in our Godzilla Forums- a dedicated community of Godzilla fans built by fans for fans!

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Browse images from the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong sequel here as well as images from Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Toho’s Godzilla Minus One.

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Written by David MarshallPublished on 2019-11-15 20:02:04

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111 Comments

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-16-2019 12:31 PM

Wow. This is deep. Good luck telling this to current fans.

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-16-2019 7:03 PM

See, MinecraftDinoKaiju, I'm fairly certain that was specifically the kind of thing he was advocating we avoid in discussions. However, that was a really obvious jab, so I see the appeal in making it.

Anyways, I think it would be worth mentioning that once you've "seen the light," you aren't somehow obligated to view movies solely from that perspective going forward. Yes the complexities and deeper meanings can make the experience that much more insightful or frustrating, but it doesn't mean you have to ignore or forget the less sophisticated things that you enjoyed before. While true that a more experienced outlook can tarnish older favorites, it's not always the case, nor should it be. Media can just be plain, unsophisticated fun, and it's okay to consume it as such. I'm not saying everything gets a free pass from criticism, just that you are allowed to slow down the mental gears for a bit if you want.

I feel this is the main force behind the divide between critics and the general populace, or more specifically in this case the old guard G-fans and the newer crop. I think sometimes critics spend so much time looking for a new revelation or insight that they can't see the forest for the trees, or refuse to enjoy something because they think it's beneath them to just have fun. An expertly prepared dish with dozens of flavors blended to perfection is superior to a bowl of cereal, absolutely, and more power to the people who are skilled and experienced enough to truly enjoy those meals. But sometimes, all you really want is that bowl of cereal, and it's okay to have it.

I hope that conveyed what I wanted to say properly.

David Marshall

Mothra LarvaeMember22 XPNov-16-2019 7:14 PM

I don't know how to reply to specific people, but Gomi, you aren't wrong. Take Parasite for example. It was an incredibly meaningful and powerful film, but it was a lot of fun as well. Godzilla movies, with the monster/human elements, again, it's a both/and, not either/or. Which means it is possible to watch them for the enjoyment elements. But for me, I think it's impossible (at least for me) to watch them without that deeper meaning in the back of my mind. Does that make sense?

Ultimately, it's frustrating, because you have people who simply deny these films have depth when the evidence is stacked against them. Admitting this doesn't mean you have to watch them for these reasons alone. And I wouldn't be watching the films, "depth be damned," if they weren't enjoyable in the first place! 

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-16-2019 7:38 PM

Heh, neither do I. Oh yeah, I saw the trailer for that. It seemed intriguing, I'll have to check it out someday. I think I get what you're saying, it's like how I can't watch the Jurassic Park movies without at some point mentally going "yeah, these things aren't scientifically accurate." I still enjoy them immensely, and I understand the multitude of story and practical reasons for why the Dinos are what they are, but that inaccuracy doesn't go away, I just learned to accept it.

Agreed, though I will admit that due to my limited experience actually in the fandom most of my clashes about Godzilla come from non-fans, so I'm not the best position to relate with you on that point.

David Marshall

Mothra LarvaeMember22 XPNov-16-2019 8:38 PM

Gomi,

If you don't mind my asking, where do most of your interactions within the fandom occur?

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-17-2019 5:47 AM

David Marshall:

Oh, sorry, I don't mind, I just forgot to check back. Pretty much just here, it's the only place I've made an account for. I'm an observer first and a joiner last, so I've been lurking around here, Wikizilla and Toho Kingdom for a little over a year now.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-17-2019 1:50 PM

Yeah, I relate to this so much. I'm constantly on all 3 sides (not seeing the light, the "WTF IS GOING ON ANYMORE" side, and the "gatekeeper" side). I'm trying to center into a combination nowadays... but if I can't do that, I'm just going to try the confused side to avoid being disrespectful lol.

Im Durp

BaragonMember478 XPNov-17-2019 4:52 PM

Tbh I don't really dive that hard into the godzilla fandom but this seems like one of the more tame fan communities. Maybe that's because it's so niche but just seems like outside extreme instances this one is pretty easy going.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-17-2019 7:07 PM

Yeah, in the Dinosaurs community, there's these Jurassic World Wars I've heard about... but I've never been able to find. I spent two months when I first signed up going through the Dinosaurs forums almost through its entirety, but no luck. I did find a few minor flame wars, but not the Jurassic World Wars... hopefully one day I can find them. What were we talking about again? Oh yeah, this fandom is kinda tame. Some fandoms have significant instances where they've been given actual names, and much worse, some fandoms across the internet that have such large scale battles on such an often basis that there is no point to naming any of the conflicts. This place, besides the occasional passive aggressive remark, is pretty tame. Hell, it's more tame than real life usually.

Im Durp

BaragonMember478 XPNov-18-2019 4:24 AM

I wasn't an active participant in the jw forum but trex vs spino matches were banned for a time o  it. I would say that's moreso due to 2 or 3 individuals than the community as a whole.

 

Overall I feel like a lot of people overeact to discourse meaning the fandom is toxic. As a star wars fan arguably the most "toxic" fandom I don't think it's that bad as long as someone isn't easily offended by comments concerning a fictional world. Of course there have been horrible things said but I don't find that an indication as the fandom as a whole.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 8:38 AM

Yeah, the JW community seemed (and still is) to be incredibly nice, from what I read. Still some very minor spats here and there, as with any fandom. 

 

Also, the Star Wars fandom is toxic?

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 8:40 AM

 Or at least seems toxic?

Kattozilla

AnguirusMember1447 XPNov-18-2019 9:22 AM

I've never really even seen any Star Wars movies, or anything in the fandom.

 

 

Speaking of toxic fandoms....

 

 

U  n  d  e  r  t  a  l  e

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-18-2019 9:39 AM

Oh, yeah. I've heard the Star Wars fandom is toxic, but let's not get started with the infamous Sonic fandom, shall we?

Oh, wait. Yes we shall.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 9:44 AM

Gotta go fast.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 9:48 AM

@TheLazyFish I've never been really entrenched into the JP/JW fandom, but hoo-wee did I see some nasty stuff over in the Jurassic Outpost comments pages...

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 9:51 AM

And by the way, this is a really great message. Not just for the Godzilla fandom, but for any fanbase. We need more people willing to take a rational approach to debates and discussions like this.

Well said, Mr. Marshall.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 9:54 AMThe Dead Souls fanbase is extremely toxic

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 9:58 AM

You want toxic? Try political fandoms (that's just what I call them. I can't remember the actual names. But at least most fandoms are self contained! Seriously! With the political areas of the internet, they basically expand to every corner of the internet. They even made a creepypasta video political!)

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 10:00 AM

In my experience the Jurassic Park fandom there are three types of Jurassic Park fans

Book Loyalists: Only the books matter to these guys and will hate on any fan who enjoyed the movies including the original Jurassic Park.

First Movie Loyalists: Only the original Jurassic Park movie matters to these guys and will hate anyone who enjoyed the sequels

General Jurassic Park/Jurassic World fans (I am part of this group): Love all of Jurassic Park/World from the books, movies, comics, video games, and game boards.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 10:02 AM

 I forgot to mention Jurassic Park/World toys

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 10:05 AM

@Xenotarsis I think I fall into the General JP/JW fan category. But believe me, I've seen my far share of First Movie Loyalists.

Never seen any Book Loyalists, though.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 10:22 AM

 Book Loyalist are rare but they do exist, most Book Loyalists from experience were former First Movie Loyalists. They tend to talk about reboot the entire movie continuity not to just be more faithful to the books but be an exact copy of the books. 

I feel should they ever re-do the original Jurassic Park novel to any screens, they should make into a TV series rather than a movie due to how content is in the original books.

On a different note: The Transformer community is very toxic, its usually the G1 fans that are the most toxic. They hate Bayformers, they hate Beast Wars, and the rest of the non-G1 transformers

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 10:28 AM

"I feel should they ever re-do the original Jurassic Park novel to any screens, they should make into a TV series rather than a movie due to how content is in the original books."

Same here. I'd totally be down for a mini-series adaptation of at least the first book.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 10:34 AM

Yes the first book is great. The second book was more or less a Marketing Tie-in for Spielberg next movie. I haven't read the second book yet, I'm re-reading the first book.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 10:47 AM

The Second book is probably my favorite book of all time, sometimes I like it more than the original book. It would have made such a good movie man! With the Carnotaurus, and the morphine addictions, and the everything else!

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 11:42 AM

How did this turn into a Jurassic park discussion?

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 11:44 AM

@Gmkgoji I have no idea. It just sorta...happened, I guess.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 12:02 PM

sorry about that, but yeah Transformers has a very toxic community. They invented the term "Ruined Forever" 

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 12:05 PM

Life finds a way

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 12:09 PM

Jurassic world Fallen kingdom.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 12:13 PM

Life didn't find a way to make that movie good, though.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 12:16 PM

@TheLazyFish I thought it was okay. Definitely see the problems, but I find it impossible to outright dislike it. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that seeing it was the last thing I did with my high school friends before we all went off to college...

Oh well. At least the music and effects were great. And I absolutely love the Indoraptor.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 12:17 PM

The indoraptor is amazing.

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-18-2019 12:19 PM

The Indoraptor was cool, but it was just more like wasted potential with plot armor. So disappointing.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 12:23 PM

I really felt bad for the Indoraptor. 

Also, I liked Fallen kingdom, but at the same time, it really didn't have the ending or plot points that I would like to have seen.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 12:28 PM

Oops I accidentally called Dark Souls, Dead Souls, Dark Souls has one of the most toxic community for a Video Game

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 1:55 PM

Indoraptor had immense potential, but most of its kills were comical, it blimmin smiled, and it lost to a Velociraptor. They really messed up that movie. For a Dinosaur movie, it's really good. For a Jurassic Park movie... yeah, just no. Just... no...

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 1:58 PM

But isn't the Jurassic Park movies just a huge homage to Dinosaurs movies in general?

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 1:59 PM

@TheLazyFish Honestly, the smile is one of those things that may look goofy at first but then gets creepier when you really think about it.

This isn't a troubled, abused, isolated creature like the I-rex. This is an animal that kills for sport and loves doing it.

But whatever. I love the Indoraptor, smile and all.

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-18-2019 2:02 PM

"This is an animal that kills for sport and loves doing it."

But this is essentially the same sort of thinking as the I-rex.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 2:09 PM

Back to Godzilla, I don't think its a toxic community but like every fandom some elitist fans can make being a new fan really hard. Say you got into Godzilla fandom by watching Godzilla 1998, a lot of Godzilla fans will try to "correct" them. 

I am guilty of this elitism when it comes to Alien, Resident Evil, and recently Star Wars

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 2:19 PM

Speaking of the 1998 film, I rewatched it.

THE ACTING IS BAD.

I still think the design is RAD tho

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:28 PM

Hey Jurassic!

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 2:29 PM

Titan come back nooooooooo

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:30 PM

Why the noooo?

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 2:30 PM

"Honestly, the smile is one of those things that may look goofy at first but then gets creepier when you really think about it." 

 

I WOULD agree, but I don't because of the comical way they did it. It was absolutely ridiculous. It friggin wagged its tail too! That scene could have been MUCH more intimidating. Say it plays asleep and the hunter comes over, as its about to open the gate, the Indoraptor reaches through and rips off his arm! While the hunter staggers around in pain, the Indoraptor slowly works the arm holding the key to unlock the door. Then it slowly pushes it open and walks towards the hunter, and then kills him like how the Dilophosaurus killed Nedry in the novel, except this time he blinds him by clawing his eyes out. Would it be an R-rated scene? Sure. Would it have been awesome as hell and a great homage? OF COURSE!!! Hell, they might have been able to make the smile creepy, by having the Indoraptor begin to **** a creepy, toothy grin as he watches the hunter try to frantically hold his spilling guts out. The elevator scene could have been done better as well. 

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 2:31 PM

Titan lives!!!!!

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:31 PM

Yes I live. The puppy has taken over my life for a week. Things are getting easier, but still got a long way to go.

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:32 PM

But I love her very much even if she stresses me out a lot of the time. Her ahem is Lia and she’s as cute as a baby angel.

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:33 PM

*name

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:35 PM

How are you guys doing. I voted for Lazy’s idea on the doc btw.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 2:36 PM

We doin good. Hope ur enjoying the company of a new puppy!

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:37 PM

Jurassic Kaiju is a friend from Wikizilla btw.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 2:38 PM

Aw, that's great man! Have fun with your new puppers!

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:41 PM

I will. Funny story today. I played with her a whole half hour and she was barely tired lol.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-18-2019 2:41 PM

Yeah, puppers are like that lol

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 2:42 PM

That sounds really cute and fun. 

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:43 PM

Her nickname is princess Lia since it sounds like Leia.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 2:45 PM

Aww, thats so cute!

Titan of Water

BaragonMember458 XPNov-18-2019 2:46 PM

I apologize for keep going on about her, it’s just so new for me I’ve never had a dog before.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-18-2019 2:49 PM

Oh no, this is very nice and all. I've never had a dog before either, and this sounds REALLY fun for you.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-18-2019 4:18 PM

Hey, Titan! Glad to finally be here. :)

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-18-2019 5:03 PM

Welcome outlander (in a Dunmer voice)

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-19-2019 8:23 AM

Dogs are cool. :)

But back to Godzilla. Unless it is something like Final Wars, 2014, or even KOTM 2019, there isn't one other fanbase where the majority of fans, old and new, are calm enough to respect the opinions of other fans, regardless of favorites.

KaijuBuildz

TitanosaurusMember567 XPNov-19-2019 9:23 AM

I am surprised that our fanbase didn't become toxic after the Anime trilogy. A lot of franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Terminator or DC became toxic after their Directors, writers or producers turned on the fanbase and the Anime trilogy certainly fits that bill.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-19-2019 9:57 AM

my guess is that we aren't as stoopid as the other fanbases.

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-19-2019 11:14 AM

It was because everyone realized that it was bad, even the actual fans of the Anime trilogy. But I believe that KOTM 2019 and GvK will be the movies to make the fanbase toxic, seeing as KOTM 2019 already started to split the fanbase.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-19-2019 11:15 AM

Pfft... KOTM definitely didn't split us.... yeah... definitely didn't split us a little... (chuckles nervously)

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-19-2019 11:21 AM

wait Godzilla 2014 and Shin Godzilla already splited the fanbase

G. H. (Gman)

GodzillaAdmin5344 XPNov-19-2019 11:35 AM

Godzilla '98 pissed off the fanbase. Godzilla 2000 split the fanbase about as much as Godzilla '14, Shin Godzilla, etc. The Kiryu Saga split the fanbase. Final Wars enraged and split the fanbase...

This is nothing new guys. In some cases it's tame in comparison to the death threats sent to a certain producer over Godzilla 2000 for being the new "GINO".

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-19-2019 11:38 AM

Just about any movie can split a fan base. Got in a pretty toxic debate with somebody over a video game about the movies. He literally started disliking people for liking anime for no reason than the Godzilla anime was bad. Hell, he even "accused" me of being an anime fan since I said the first one was ok (not really too much of an anime fan tbh. I like some, but definitely nowhere near like anime as I do Godzilla or JP and the such. Death Note and DBZ are awesome though). He literally just insta signed off after accusing me of not being a Godzilla fan at all after calling out his mistake of saying that there are 28 Heisei movies (he probably thought Showa and Millenium were part of Heisei lol). Point is, we literally got into a toxic argument of why I ranked each era a certain way, anime fans, and why I don't consider GVK as a good measurement of quality for the Monsterverse because, you know, IT ISN'T OUT YET. Honestly, sometimes I feel like this is one of the last non-toxic places on Earth.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-19-2019 11:41 AM

Hedorah earth.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-19-2019 1:08 PM

Elder Scrolls is probably (or at least when talking about the lore and not the game mechanics) is one of the few non-toxic communities

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-19-2019 1:52 PM

You know, I would actually say that one of the least toxic fanbases that I've seen (from what I have seen) is the God of War fanbase. Anybody concur or object? If so, please state it, as I have no qualms with your criticism whatsoever, negative or positive.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-19-2019 2:26 PM

I barely played the first God of War game, so I can't say yay or nay on its community united

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-19-2019 4:40 PM

Backtrack a second, what was so wrong with Godzilla 2000? It's on the slow side at times and the CGI's not great, but how was that movie on the level of '14 and Shin?

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-19-2019 4:43 PM

probably due to Godzilla 2000 having purple crystaline jagged spikes instead of the white-black maple-leaf spikes?

dk

GodzillaMember8212 XPNov-19-2019 4:54 PM

Godzilla 98 was a fantastic movie! Admit it- we all love a good food fight every once in a while! 

If you don't like '98, then maybe you just have a closed mind and that says more about you than the franchise.

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-19-2019 5:10 PM

Hm, I guess the suit is a big departure from the Heisei era's designs, but after '98? I don't think I'd be complaining too much. Of course I was one of the faster ones to warm up to Shin's design, so it might just be me.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-19-2019 5:15 PM

I actually love just about every Godzilla design I've seen, except for maybe Hanna Barbara, but that's different. My main problem was that I had too high expectations for it so the majority of the movie was kinda disappointing until the very end. From when the spaceship became Orga to the end, it was fantastic.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-19-2019 5:24 PM

@dk I personally don't like '98 as a whole, but I'd be lying if I said there weren't parts that I really liked. The helicopter and sub chases are some of my favorite moments in the franchise's history.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-19-2019 5:25 PM

Oh, and the music is great too.

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-19-2019 5:32 PM

I honestly have trouble choosing favorites with Godzilla designs, though the MV versions did just about everything right in my opinion for a pseudo-realistic Godzilla, so I guess that makes them my favorite? Ah, that's probably it, I already knew a lot about the movie before I actually got to watching it, so the pace and lack of fighting was expected. I imagine in theaters that would have been a letdown. Actually, my experience with G'14 would probably be similar to yours with G'2000, except the final battle was so hype I kinda forgave the rest of the movie.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-19-2019 5:46 PM

Monsterverse Godzilla is my favorite design, Godzilla 1998 is my second favorite design, then its Heisei, then shodai goji (1954), then its most of Millennium (2000, Vs Megaguirus, Kiryu Saga), Final Goji, GMK goji, Showa Goji, Anime Goji, Hanna Barabara, then Shin Goji

dk

GodzillaMember8212 XPNov-19-2019 5:53 PM

I have not seen every film, but I have always liked the creature design considering the era it was from. For action, I like the creature to be a bit more limber instead of the slow lumbering creature, but that was more due to an actual person trying to navigate in a costume. I like them all.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-19-2019 5:59 PM

I do too I was just listing all my preferred godzilla 

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-19-2019 6:15 PM

1998 sucked in my opinion, but as Godzilla The Series proved, the design was awesome and could have made an honorable Godzilla.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-19-2019 7:03 PM

@Xenotaris I think if I had to pick my top 5 favorite Godzilla designs, they would be:

1. 2019

2. 2002

3. 1989

4. 2001

5. 1964

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-19-2019 7:10 PM

My favorite designs are as follows:

1. 2019

2. 2002/2003

3. 2014

4. 1998

5. 1995

G. H. (Gman)

GodzillaAdmin5344 XPNov-19-2019 8:41 PM

Godzilla 2000 perpetuated argument after argument and threats to Toho from fans demanding they bring back Godzilla's skin and ray color. Some fans called the design another "GINO" and the term "Frogzilla" was birthed by unflattering screenshots of the suit.

Many fans also felt it perpetuated a false, western stereotype of Godzilla: He's green and simply breathes fire. This was the first officially green suit and the ray color was the same as flames--Giving the impression that Toho had given in to the stereotype. It didn't help that the purple and green color combination sparked the rare Barney comparison. (Which was a reach.)

It didn't help that it came out the same year as Gamera 3 which was universally praised by fans of the genre. When Godzilla 2000 fell short of that, there was a lot of disappointment. It was panned by both Japanese critics and most American fans who saw it upon release. Additionally, people felt Toho was trying to copy the the Gamera trilogy, ala Godzilla's ray color/power up. Others felt Orga looked a little like Gamera as well. It didn't help that producer Shogo Tomiyama had also pitched Godzilla 2000 as the first of a trilogy, like Gamera.

Clearly, a lot of these criticisms didn't stick. The fanbase was very hypersensitive after the 1998 abortion and any minor deviation in the series was considered "GINO". Many fans seem to like it in hindsight and obviously the new fans aren't old enough to remember the drama.

dk

GodzillaMember8212 XPNov-19-2019 9:18 PM

I don't see a reason to hate on the creature design at all. If it looked like the original version these days, people would likely complain that it looked outdated. Yet, some complain that new designs don't hold up to the original. 

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-20-2019 12:22 AM

I think the godzilla design that resembled the original Godzilla would probably be Godzilla 1984, it was given back its large fangs and ears.

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-20-2019 5:04 AM

@G.H. (Gman) I do remember reading about the "Frogzilla" moniker somewhere. Can't remember where though.

Gomi: Ninja Monster

BaragonMember251 XPNov-20-2019 6:00 AM

Interesting, thanks for the history lesson. Destroy All Monsters Melee was my first exposure to the 2000 design, along with a good portion of Godzilla's rogues gallery, so I never had a problem with it because at that point I had seen two? Three? Three Godzilla movies from the Showa era and most of '98, so all the major designs existed in harmony far as I was concerned. Boy was that initial belief wrong, but as a relatively recent fan I've no problem with any Godzilla designs. It's all Godzilla to me.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-20-2019 8:05 AM

Admittedly, i'm surprised that older G-fans back in the day were fine with the Hanna-barbera Godzilla.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-20-2019 8:26 AM

Same. But I think it gets some leeway due to being a kids cartoon.

G. H. (Gman)

GodzillaAdmin5344 XPNov-20-2019 8:49 AM

Gmkgoji,
We were more baffled by the roar.

MinecraftDinoKaiju

TitanosaurusMember968 XPNov-20-2019 8:57 AM

Were you really? Or were you more baffled at how something could look more uglier and more mutated than Minilla and still be called Godzilla's son (Godzooky)? Now that's the real question.

G. H. (Gman)

GodzillaAdmin5344 XPNov-20-2019 9:01 AM

*Nephew.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-20-2019 9:15 AM

MinecraftDinoKaiju

I'm more baffled that he had a nephew in the first place, because that implies that not only does he have a sibling, but his sibling has a mate. First of all, where are all these Godzillas coming from? Second of all, what are the odds that two sibling creatures were among a few creatures to have mutated into Godzillas? And third of all, probably most importantly, WHY AREN'T THEY TAKING CARE OF THEIR CHILD AND GODZILLA IS?!!!!

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-20-2019 9:20 AM

@TheLazyFish I think the real question we should be asking is this: if Godzooky is Godzilla's "nephew", then what's up with the Varan-like wings?

G. H. (Gman)

GodzillaAdmin5344 XPNov-20-2019 9:21 AM

To be fair, they only mention Godzilla's his uncle once and it's never elaborated on again. Was probably just a figure of speech and there's no real relation between the two--Though it does beg the question where he came from.

As for Godzilla 2000, it was a lot more than just the design that set people off. (One person made a massive stink to note that Godzilla not retaliating against the military while being fired on was very un-Godzilla, and thus, GINO.) The entire project, the way it was received, especially in the aftermath of both Gamera and 1998, really blew the top off in the fandom--**** show.

TheLazyFish

RodanMember1630 XPNov-20-2019 9:33 AM

JurassicKaiju14

Perhaps something the juveniles of the species have but lose as they get older? Perhaps a mutation Godzilla didn't gain, but his hypothetical sibling and/or their mate did get and passed on to Godzooky? We can only really guess...

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-20-2019 9:41 AM

How does Godzooky have wings?

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-20-2019 9:54 AM

@Gmkgoji Observe.

Gmkgoji

RodanMember1789 XPNov-20-2019 9:55 AM

I mean, they are vestigial-looking. But still, HOW?

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-20-2019 10:16 AM

I liked Godzooky when I was a kid

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-25-2019 6:48 PM

@Xenotarsis We all like the Godzilla offspring when we're kids. Then we grow up and all of a sudden we end up thinking they're ugly.

Except for Godzilla Junior, of course.

Xenotaris

GiganMember4274 XPNov-25-2019 6:54 PM

I don't think Godzooky is ugly nor Godzilla Junior, now Minilla was ugly as **** when I first saw him

JurassicKaiju14

TitanosaurusMember616 XPNov-25-2019 7:13 PM

@Xenotaris 'Zooky isn't ugly. He's just not what I usually look for in a Godzilla monster.

Junior had a great design in 1995. He actually looked like a juvenile Godzilla, and he was able to fend for himself quite well against Destoroyah for at least that one round.

Minilla...well...yeah, that.

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