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Godzilla 68th / Godzilla vs. Gigan shorts

Today, being November 3rd, it is officially Godzilla Day. The 1954 film was first released 68 years ago this day in Japan. For fans of the long running franchise, we got several nice announcements. The first being that Toho will be releasing a new feature film in 2023. All that's known about is that it's set in 1940's post war Japan. I am excited about that. Can't wait to see what Godzilla's new design will look like. We'll have to stay tuned for whatever news comes our way within the next several months.


Next up is the premier of Godzilla vs. Gigan Rex, a computer animated short film.







It begins with (a newly designed) Gigan being attacked by some fighter jets. Soon enough, it's revealed that there is an army of these Gigan creatures attacking the city. Godzilla suddenly appears and gets into a battle with them, until an alpha leader (Gigan Rex) with even more abilities appears for a final showdown with the big G.













The new design of Gigan looks a bit Evangelion in appearance, with his small head and mouth. His forehead laser beam is there, as is a newly designed chest buzzsaw that looks quite biomechanical and striking. Gigan Rex is a burgundy color, and sports some sweet new abilities, including firing a laser from his chest, and his claws transforming into buzzsaw whips. The film looks great and with a run time of a little over 6 minutes, we get plenty of cool monster action. Not to mention that being CGI, it allows the filmmakers to really get creative with some of those action sequences, something that the boring anime trilogy and Netflix series were sadly missing. It's a nice tribute to the 50th anniversary of Godzilla vs. Gigan.















Next up is another live action short, called Godzilla vs. Gigan (2022). Like last year's live action Hedorah short, they again utilized the Final Wars Goji suit.









It begins with footage of Godzilla fighting Hedorah from the last short. Then it shows a news report broadcasting that Godzilla is rampaging in the city. Suddenly from the sky, the monster Gigan appears and lands in the city, ready to rumble with the King of the Monsters.











The newly designed Gigan suit looks fantastic, and the fight between the 2 is both awesome, fun and sports a few surprises (and one funny moment). It captures the spirit of the goofy original, while also updating it with modern special fx and action.








Godzilla vs. Gigan 2022 short is an absolute blast, even more entertaining than last year's smog monster short. I love that the fight took place at night, and that the 2 monsters really have quite a rumble. There is also some cool camera work. This movie is a treat for fans of the big G and Gigan.






And lastly, on the subject of Gigan's 50th, Tamashii Nations finally revealed that upcoming S.H. MonsterArts Gigan. Photos have been circulating online, and damn, does it look good. Fans have been wondering for the past several months if we were going to get an announcement for this much loved space cyborg chicken, since Hedorah was announced for his 50th last year, and we now have confirmation. 





The prototype photos look amazing. I hope that the actual product is as great as Hedorah turned out, and that he comes with a good amount of accessories, perhaps a flying head/wings combo, and it would be extra cool if his buzzsaw was a soft plastic that can rotate fully around, like the buzzsaws on the Final Wars Gigan. I will absolutely be getting him, as Gigan is one of my favorites. 




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