In 2010, when the news released at San Diego ComicCon of a Godzilla reboot in the works, kaiju fans around the world rejoiced. The news was made even sweeter when the new film was to be produced by Legendary Pictures, the minds behind some of the greatest films to come out of Warner Brothers such as 300, Watchmen, and The Dark Knight. And most recently in January, we received news that director Gareth Edwards, the mind behind the fantastic and surreal Monsters, was attached to direct. Things couldn't look brighter for the franchise built on the ruins of Monster-Stomped Japan.
So in honor of the Atomic Lizard, we at THEMOVIEPOOL.COM went on a rampage through our personal collections and decided who, of the cavalcade of creatures who collectively found their asses kicked by The King of the Monsters, was the best of the best, deserving of a possible 2012 rematch with the original Scourge of Tokyo.
5) Orga
First Appearance: Godzilla 2000, 2000
Few here in the USA remember exactly who Orga was since his only film outing came in the form of Godzilla 2000, where he took on the King in one of his most brutal fights. Able to absorb DNA and mutate himself, Orga began life as a UFO, mutated into a giant-squid like creature, then into his final form;an immensely powerful but physically unstable clone of Godzilla himself. While Orga put up a hell of a fight, he was delivered his crushing defeat when, after attempting to swallow Godzilla whole and absorb him, Godzilla thrust his head down his throat and unleashed his devatstating Atomic Breath attack, decapitating the monster and securing his victory.
Though seemingly basic in premise, Orga gets significant mention due to the fact that he appeared extremely similar in design to a giant lizard from across the Pacific. Toho, the studio behind nearly every Godzilla film, created Orga as their "artistic" response to the CGI American version who got his royal can kicked by Matthew Broderick back in 1998, a subtle reminder of just where Ol' Nuke Breath really calls home. Point made, it is extremely doubtful we'll ever see Orga again.
4) Biollante
First Appearance: Godzilla vs. Biollante, 1989
Biollante was also a single-film badass, a mutant plant with multiple forms that very nearly proved capable of sending Godzilla to an early grave. An original concept, Biollante was the first kaiju monster not designed after an animal or robot. Initially, sensing an organism that shared his genetic structure, Godzilla sought out the source and found a rooted Biollante. An eventual brawl ensued that ended badly for Biollante as Godzilla wiped the landscape with the plant. After ascending into space as pollen, Biollante returned for revenge.
With three heads full of devastating jaws, nigh-indestructible entangling vines, and the ability to emit an Anti-Nuclear Energy Bacterium that sapped the energy right out of Godzilla, the two eventually clashed to a standstill with Biollante mortally wounded and Godzilla lethargically collapsing into the healing waters of the Pacific Ocean. However, Biollante once again ascended into space in his pollen form, leaving the possibility of his actual demise in question. Could Biollante return in the reboot? The odds are extremely doubtful, but to see this incredible visual spectacle of a monster arrive would really be something to witness.
Nothing says Going Green like a caterpillar eating a broadcast tower.
3) Mothra
First Appearance: Mothra vs. Godzilla, 1964
One of the first monsters to take on Godzilla, Mothra is one of the few creatures in the Godzilla Universe that is actually not a villain. The God of Infant Island, Mothra is a benevolent and caring God, unleashing her devastating wrath only on those who threaten her, her eggs, or her worshippers. Naturally Godzilla and Mothra would come to blows, but the outcome was rarely in Godzilla's favor. Currently, Mothra holds the title for most victories against Godzilla; having mopped the floor with him over a dozen times.
She used her various abilities to entrap, deter, or sometimes even aid Godzilla in his battles. Mothra, being the most unusual kaiju, is unique in that she is the only monster who actually defends the Earth and battles for the betterment of the planet. As Godzilla's most determined and aggressively powerful foe, unhindered by even death, Mothra could see action in the reboot and that's a rematch decades in the making.
2) Monster Zero a.k.a. King Ghidorah
First Appearance: Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster, 1964
No fan will ever forget the first time that golden, bat-winged, three-headed monster descended onto Earth begging for a throwdown with the King of Monsters. Ghidorah has gone by many names, but who really needs them when you're a Space Dragon who plans to destroy Earth after erradicating the civilization on Venus. After hatching out of his cosmic egg, Ghidorah starts to raze the countryside. After menacing much of the country and proving too much for even Mothra, it finally takes Godzilla and Rodan (putting their own battle on hold) to subdue the Space Dragon. Even then, he is not killed, but battered into submission, where he then flies off into space to lick his wounds.
The King of Terror would return on several occasions (once even in a Mechanized form), and each time requiring Godzilla to team up with various other monsters to take him down. Arguably Godzilla's most powerful opponent, King Ghidorah would prove an awesome match up for the upcoming 2012 film. Having racked up the most appearances in Godzilla films and always as Godzilla's arch-nemsis, the odds of him being the declared antagonist would prove fruitful for fans as it would most assuredly mean the appearances of several other big names.
1) MechaGodzilla
First Appearance: Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla, 1974
Of all the monsters Godzilla has faced, none have proved more devasting in their fury than the infamous robotic clone created by the Simians. Originally, MechaGodzilla arrived in the form of Godzilla, wreaking havoc on Tokyo, and attracting the attention of the old Godzilla ally, Anguirus. Easily seeing through the ruse, Anguirus attacked but was easily bested by the doppelganger. After the defeat of Anguirus, Godzilla himself appeared, ready to avenge his sworn ally. In one of the most climactic scenes in Godzilla history, the King of the Monsters blasted MechaGodzilla with his Atomic Breath, burning away the fake skin of the imposter to reveal a gleaming, red-eyed, robot, armed to the teeth and still going strong.
After a lengthy battle that nearly resulted in Godzilla's permanent demise, it eventually took the combined efforts of Godzilla and the solar-powered cyborg King Caesar to remove MechaGodzilla's head and end the threat. But that would only prove an obstacle for MechaGodzilla as he was soon fully repaired, refitted with more powerful weaponry and upgraded with human intelligence. While MechaGodzilla has appeared in several forms over the years, including one designed from the bones of the original Godzilla killed in 1954, he retains the title as the only monster to successfully bring Godzilla to the brink of death in nearly every battle, the King requiring the aid of other monsters, humans, or both to survive. Like a kaiju Terminator, MechaGodzilla would prove an awesome force to be reckoned with in the reboot, though his complex backstory may hinder that realization.
Legendary? Damn right!
Each these monsters holds a special place in the Godzilla Hall of Fame and for many different reasons. Each proved nearly capable of toppling the throne of the King of the Monsters, some on numerous occasions. On the selections, many will disagree and have their own thoughts as to who was most remarkable. Maybe Rodan, Giga, Destoroyah, or possibly even Mechani-Kong were more memorable in their appearances. Either way, from the Showa Series to the Millenium Series, Godzilla and his infamous Rogue's Gallery of aliens, mutants, and deities, have entertained us for nearly 60 years. Be sure to stay logged on to THEMOVIEPOOL.COM for the latest info as it drops on Legendary Pictures' Godzilla reboot.
-Jarod
