G is for Godzilla and Ghidorah

Moving back to existing fandoms in the April 2017 AtoZ Challenge, I found another classic fandom to feature.  Let me tell you about the archenemy of Godzilla, a dragon called King Ghidorah.

Here is the Polish version of the poster from the 1991 version of the movie Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah — what an epic dragon!

According to Wikipedia:

King Ghidorah (キングギドラ Kingu Gidora) is a kaiju film monster that first appeared in Toho‘s 1964 film Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster [the fifth Godzilla film.]

Although King Ghidorah’s design has remained largely consistent throughout its appearances (an armless, golden-scaled winged dragon with three heads and two tails), its origin story has varied from being an extraterrestrial planet-killing dragon, a genetically engineered monster from the future, or a guardian of ancient Japan.  

The character is usually portrayed as an archenemy of Godzilla and Mothra, though it has had one appearance as an ally of the latter. Despite rumors that Ghidorah was meant to represent the threat posed by China, which had at the time of the character’s creation just developed nuclear weapons, director Ishiro Honda denied the connection and stated that Ghidorah was simply a modern take on the dragon Yamata no Orochi.

I guess I would have to put Ghidorah in the wyvern category, although multiple heads is a trait of the hydra (and Ghidorah is partly based on a hydra, according to the Wiki).  Here’s an image of King Ghidorah fighting Godzilla (with Rodan flying above) from the original 1964 movie, Ghidora, the Three Headed Monster, found in the King Ghidorah (Showa)/Gallery at Wikizilla:

But getting back to the 1991 movie, check out this adorable scene from the IMDB gallery for Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.  Below is actress Anna Nakagawa, and according to the plot storyline, she is playing one member of a group of time travelers that arrive in 1994, called the Futurians.

In this scene in the middle of the movie, according to the Wikipedia plot summary, the Futurians have traveled further back to 1944.  They have moved the dinosaur that would become Godzilla off Lagos Island, where he is supposed to be irradiated, supposedly to “save” future Japan.  But then…

Before returning to 1992, the Futurians leave three small creatures called Dorats on Lagos Island, which are exposed to [the same radiation that should create Godzilla]. The creatures merge to become King Ghidorah, which then appears in present day [1992] Japan.  [The Futurians actually plan to use King Ghidorah to destroy Japan, with no Godzilla there to stop their monster.]

Those little cuties turn into that monster, who goes on to terrorize Japan?  Say it ain’t so!  But never fear, Godzilla is irradiated another way, and comes to save the day (although I recommend you check out the full plot summary, because they put some crazy plot twists in there!).

All right, time to check out the fanart of this very popular Kaiju — I was surprised to find as much as I did!  This first is an awesomely cute version of the 1991 poster above – this is Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah by Japanese professional artist Yuji Kaida, and can be found in his art book Yuji Kaida: Godzilla Illustrations by Idea Books.  I found the digital version at the tumblr Giant Monster Party.

Then we have this amazing sculpture of King Ghidorah called Hi There! by American deviantartist Jon LeGrand, posting as Legrandzilla.  This has such amazing detail!  Check out more amazing sculptures and other art in Jon’s gallery.

Here’s a more traditional take on Godzilla vs King Ghidorah by American professional artist Larry, posting as NoBackstreetboys (lol).  Larry has a lot of Kaiju art in his gallery as well.

Here’s a demonically cuter version of Hi There! above, called Ghidorah by American deviantartist Stephanie, posting as PlagueDogs123.  Her gallery is filled with lots more wonderful creatures (and dragons!), so take a look!

And finally, here is Godzilla – ‘Rematch’ by U.K. deviantartist Alex, posting as OrbitalWings.  This is a recreation of the final battle scene from the 1991 movie, because in one of those twists I mentioned, Godzilla defeats King Ghidorah, but then goes rampaging himself, so the surviving Futurian creates Mecha-Ghidorah, and they battle again!  See more of Alex’s gallery here.

In order to tell you about Ghidorah, I had to first learn a few things about Godzilla.  The main Wikipedia page, and the article 9 Misconceptions People Have About Godzilla by Jason F.C. Clarke at The Robot’s Voice, were great reads.

Okay, the first week of AtoZ is complete!  And I only had one minor freak out, when I realized my original “G” post actually needed to go as my “S” post (and internet points to anyone who might guess what forehead-slapping mistake I made, lol!).  But I think this Godzilla/Ghidorah post turned out pretty great to take it’s place, don’t you?

Thank you as always for following, liking, and commenting, and be sure to come back on Monday for the next post for “H” — it’s a franchise I’ve posted about before, but featuring dragons I’ve often overlooked!  Take care, stay creative, and have a great rest of your weekend!

Image credits:
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) Polish movie poster from the Polish Poster Gallery
Movie still from Ghidora, the Three Headed Monster, found in the King Ghidorah (Showa)/Gallery at Wikizilla
Anna Nakagawa from Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) from the IMDB gallery
King Ghidorah from Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) from the IMDB gallery
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah by Yuji Kaida, found at Giant Monster Party
Hi There! by Jon LeGrand, posting as Legrandzilla
Godzilla vs King Ghidorah by NoBackstreetboys
Ghidorah by PlagueDogs123
Godzilla – ‘Rematch’ by OrbitalWings