Godzilla: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide

by Toho Co. Ltd, Graham Skipper

Overview

"A stunning art book... Lavish with illustrations and praise" – Library Journal

Known as the 'King of the Monsters', Godzilla is one of the most famous creatures the cinema has ever known.

Godzilla: The Ultimate illustrated Guide unites fascinating information and stunning imagery from more than 60 years of movie mayhem to show off the Earth's most enduring monster as never before.

This book is the ultimate illustrated reference work to all things Godzilla, from the early days in black and white in Japan to the biggest blockbusters of the 21st century. Never before has a work united the full gamut of Godzilla incarnations. Facts and figures, actors and locations, co-starring monsters and plenty of superb illustrated material add up to make this a rampaging beast of a book!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787398993
Publisher:	Welbeck Publishing Group Limited
Publication date:	11/08/2022
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Toho Co. is one of Japan's largest and most iconic film studios. Founded in 1932, it has grown into a worldwide leader in film production, distribution and exhibition. Its most famous creation is Godzilla, which has grown into one of the world's most successful recognisable film and media franchises.

Graham Skipper is a writer, actor, director, and producer, known for writing/directing the sci-fi/horror feature film Sequence Break, as well as his essays on horror cinema published in Fangoria and My Favourite Horror (Black Vortex Publishing, 2018). Most recently his work can be found in Simon & Schuster's Video Palace: In Search of the Eyeless Man (2020). Graham is a lifelong Godzilla fan, and was honoured work with Toho developing their Godzilla Tales series of comedic short films in 2020.

Table of Contents

Movies: Synopses, details and behind -the-scenes images from all the movies: Godzilla (1954), Godzilla Rides Again, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Invasion of Astro-Monster, Ebirah, Horror of the Deep, Son of Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters, All Monsters Attack, Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Godzilla vs. Megalon, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, Terror of Mechagodzilla, The Return of Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Biollante, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, Godzilla vs. Mothra, Godzilla vs. Mechgodzilla II, Godzilla vs. Destroyah, Godzilla 2000: Millennium, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., Godzilla: Final Wars, Shin Godzilla, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle, Godzilla: The Planet Eater, Godzilla (1998), Godzilla (2014), Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong.
A-Z: co-stars, weapons, monsters, places, and key events are included in this comprehensive roundup.
Other media: A complete listing of Godzilla television shows, videogames, manga, novels and more. illustrated with a variety of art styles from across many genres.

Editorial Reviews

"For more than 60 years, viewers have watched Godzilla surface from the ocean’s depths, disintegrate world landmarks with its atomic breath, and trample cities while wrestling with other oversized monsters. Horror film actor/director/writer Skipper traces Godzilla’s cinematic history film-by-film, organized by eras named after Japan’s ruling emperors (a convention of the Godzilla franchise). Skipper provides information about the cast and crew before writing about each film, often highlighting costume details, audience reception, and themes for each era. The Showa Era launched the franchise and led to more family-friendly fare than the later Heisei Era, where Godzilla vs. Biollante would pit Godzilla against a lab- created nightmare of teeth and tentacles. Since this is an officially licensed book, Skipper finds charitable things to say even when describing more poorly received entries. Dedicated fans will be more adept at following the plot summaries of a franchise that rejects continuity, but the gorgeous illustrations will have wider appeal. Movie posters, stills, and production photographs make for a stunning art book. Skipper also pleases completists in his coverage of Godzilla’s small-screen and video game adventures.
VERDICT Lavish with illustrations and praise, this book is geared toward fans but Skipper’s engaging writing is accessible for newcomers." – Library Journal

From the Publisher