BY THE FANS, FOR THE FANS!

Not many conventions can make a claim like this and deliver the way G-CON does!

G-CON '98 May 23rd & 24th, 1998 Radisson Hotel, Arlington Heights, IL

P.S. Watch for our up-coming KAIJU-FAN web page. Coming to an Internet near you!

*NOTE: Mr. Tsuchiya is very active in the Japanese theatre and his attendance at G-CON depends on his schedule for May 1998. Currently, he sees no conflicting productions which would prevent him from attending the convention. If such a conflict arises, we will keep everyone informed way in advance of the convention. Thank you.

From: Todd Torres Date: 10/31/1997 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Well done, John! It's great that KAIJU-FAN brings us such excellent guests. Sign me up, John! I will be there.I do have one complaint though: Since I'm an Ultra fan, where're the Ultra Guests? Other than that minor problem, well done. What a privilege it will be to watch GODZILLA with Nakajima and Satsuma!

From: Christophe Thill Date: 11/01/1997 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

DESTROY ALL MONSTERS? Wasn't he Dr. Otani, the scientist who jumps through the window?

Christophe Thill - Paris, France

From: Ugli jim Date: 11/01/1997 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Yes, he was. He was also the pilot in GODZILLA  RAIDS AGAIN, and a crazy guy who flips out because of the heat in SON OF GODZILLA. IMO, he's Toho's best actor.

Jim Figurski

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 05/10/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

We had been informed that Mr. Tsuchiya had taken a job in which he would not be able to make the convention but our people in Japan talked him out of it! So as of today, he IS coming to the convention. We have always made it perfectly clear that Mr. Tsuchiya's appearance depended on his film schedule but unlike that "other" great convention organizer from up north, even if Mr. Tsuchiya can not make the show, WE will have Japanese guests at our convention, as well as a big surprise on opening day.

John

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/11/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

> >BTW, I heard from a reliable source that Yoshio Tsuchiya cancelled his plans to attend your show about two months ago and that you are FULLY aware of this fact. Seriously, I hope I am wrong about this. After all, I DO wish your convention the best (same for J.D.), and I apologize in advance if Tsuchiya does show up. I guess we'll know soon enough.

Once again, Dan, your reliable source is NOT so reliable.

- Jim Cirronella

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/14/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Dan Reed wrote:

>> >> Well, Jim, JRR himself said that at one point Tsuchiya did cancel owing to other plans (JRR posted: "we had been informed that Mr. Tsuchiya had taken a job in which he would not be able to make the convention, but our people in Japan talked him out of it!"). So at some point his 'cancellation' was apparently a fact, and fortunately for your convention, that fact changed.

John didn't quite relate the story as it was told to him. Apparently, Mr. Tsuchiya is able to keep both commitments.

>> >> My source wasn't wrong. She just wasn't aware of the change.

Your source *is* wrong and unreliable.

>> >> Again, sorry for the inconvenience. I DO wish attendees of G-CON (and G-FEST) to have a great time. I have nothing against the fans.

- Jim C.

From: Neurocopulator Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho

On 29 May 1998 Charles Daniels wrote:

- Dr. Gene Scott

From: Jay Johnson Date: 20 Jul 1997

Hi, all --JJ here--

Things are finally getting somewhat back to normal since the G-CON last week-- It was a blast meeting all of you news group folks who were in attendance!

My absolute favorite thing about these conventions is that we kaiju fans can meet and hang out-- I hardly met anyone who shared my love for the monster flicks before these conventions. My highest praise goes out to Mssrs Roberto, Tucker, Cirronella and Temple for making these things happen for us !!

Thanks to all of you who attended the GODZILLA BLOOD party last Saturday night-- it was a pleasure being your bartender! (Amazing that so few of you noticed that I was drinking beer, not Blood) It was also a pleasure laughing at those of you who consumed too much of my noxious potion ! Particularly GOD ERIK--I have spent the last 3 years planning on just how I was gonna kill this guy if I ever met him and what happens? I spend Saturday night slamming drinks with him and the rest of you guys and the little skinny shit goes and beats me at arm-wrestling in front of everyone. My long-awaited revenge for all his creative insults was finally realized: He was so hung over on Sunday that no amount of old fashioned Alabama ass-kicking would have even compared !

All jokes aside, Mr Zivanic turned out to be a great guy (albeit warped) and I'm proud to drink with the man anytime. A little note here, Poncho-- don't chase martinis with Godzilla Blood, OK ?? Kudos also to the grand master-basher Jim Cirronella ! Look out for Jim and me in New York...plans for a Kaiju Rock Band are underway ! Jim Flack, wotta guy--great wit and he does a mean Guy Tucker impersonation; Alan Winterrowd, slick gentleman that he is, escaped the wife and kids (I know the feeling, Alan!) just long enough to slurp down the Blood; Mark Suggs, Kikaider fan and all around good guy! Kudos to all the alt.movies.monster crew !! Now to business--GODZILLA BLOOD.

This stuff has been literally years in the making. Its first appearance was at a mundane convention in BFE Georgia sometime in 1990. It originally was green and tasted like, well, for lack of a better word, crap. Since then it has evolved into the red fruit punch search-and-destroy concoction that it is today. It is not made of antifreeze, nor is it manufactured by rednecks using their car radiators as has been widely reported. Its inert ingredient is Koolaid. Yes, Mr Cirronella was correct but he did not mention that it was NUCLEAR Koolaid. There is no PGA involved so forget it if you were thinking this was some mere hunch-punch. The alcoholic ingredients were chosen for their mixability as well as for their ability to sneak up on you. Field tested at fraternity parties, rock & roll shows and Sci-Fi CONs, this is the stuff. I've never made less than 4 gallons at one sitting so you will all have to do your own math in order to make smaller volumes of the potion. I made 8 gallons at G-CON and this was the formula for Saturday's party:

GODZILLA BLOOD--8 GALLONS

Do not alter the combination of the three spirits-- it will spoil the punch ! The whole idea behind this stuff was to create something that did NOT taste overly strong, (heck! I can't taste it at all!) yet would knock you on your butt. Enjoy, and please do not damn me for the nasty hangover you WILL get from this stuff. Have fun (but hopefully not TOO much! )

Jay Johnson

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 02/06/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Several people on this news group have said that seeing Tri-Star's new film as a single group will be like our very own MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000. Well, I say we make it so. Anyone who is interested in building a Tom Servo and Crow doll (life-size, please) so we can have them at the screening should do so and enter them in our "Let's Make The Tri-Star Film Into MST 3000 Contest". Just send a photograph of your entry to Daikaiju Productions before May 1st, 1998 and we'll pick three winners. Of course, we're not really planning to insult the film during its screening but we can at least have some fun if the winners wish to bring their creations to the show.

ONLY AT G-CON CAN YOU DO ALL THIS!

All this fun is awaiting everyone in Chicago. So don't miss out!

From: OtiGoji Date: 02/07/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

The idea of ruining a movie for everyone else before you have any idea what the movie is going to be like is, well, not something I want any part of. I want to like and enjoy this movie. When I see it, I do not want it disrupted by the actions apparently being planned for G-CON. I'll wait to see if this Godzilla/MST3K idea is another hoax post.

OtiGoji

From: TwoZbar Date: 02/08/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

- Jim C.

Hi,

I was wondering which day at G-CON '98 will the Kamen Rider History Presentation be shown?

From: TwoZbar Date: 02/25/1998 Newsgroups: alt.tv.sentai

The details are still being worked out so it's too early to tell what presentation will take place on what day and at what time. However, as soon as all the pieces are in place, John Roberto will post the G-CON '98 schedule to the Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions website at  http://www.kaijufan.com/ .

- Red (from the Two-Z-Bar)

From: Turbo1Ranger Date: 02/25/1998 Newsgroups: alt.tv.sentai

Ok! Thanks for bringing the "Kamen Rider History Presentaion at G-CON" up at a.m.m. And I'll check the Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions website soon to see if there's any update.

James, definitely going to G-CON '98 this May

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/13/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

This presentation had to be cancelled because the person presenting it has a prior commitment that is going to limit his time at the show. A full G-CON schedule will be posted here in a day or so and at the G-CON '98 ONLINE! website at  http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html .

From: James Kilbane Date: 2 Jul 1998 Newsgroups: alt.tv.sentai, alt.movies.monster

If only G-CON could get some Kamen Rider guests...

I would like to see Hiroshi Fujioka as a guest, or any other Kamen Rider actor. Hiroshi Fujioka also made Toho Sci-Fi films. And there are some Ultraman actors who went on to be in Kamen Rider, like the original Hayata himself (he plays a villian and gets killed by KR Black, muahahaha!) It's priceless to see an ex-Ultraman get killed, even as a werewolf.

James

"Dear Kaiju Fans: 1998 is the year of Godzilla (says Tri-Star ) and that means lots of news about our favorite " lizard ". The beast way to find out the most up to date news is to join the KAIJU FAN CLUB. The K.F.C. will have news on G-CON, G-FEST, the Tri-Star movie, Gamera, Mothra 3, Ultraman and much more. All from the most reliable sources available. We are still under production so meetings, fees, and locations are still in the works. If you are interested in joining, e-mail us with your name, address, city, state, phone, age and a little bit about you. What would you want us to talk about at our meetings? Please pass this letter to anyone you know who is a Fan. Thanks!

Joe Conlan

From: TwoZbar Date: 04/04/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

The same advertisement recently ran in KAIJU-FAN magazine on page 45 (issue #7).

I was under the impression that the advertisement was from Rob Moore, who is starting a Chicago area fan club. I'm not sure who Joe Conlan is, but possibly Rob had him post this info about the club. (Either that or Joe is starting his own club and decided to use this text from Rob's ad.) Anyhow, I wish them the best of luck with their club(s). If anyone else has a fan club that they are starting up, send the info over to KAIJU-FAN and we'll print it in an upcoming issue. You can send the info via the e-mail link on the Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions website at  http://www.kaijufan.com/ .

- Jim C.

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 04/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

We are very happy to announce that the first meeting of the Chicago based Kaiju Fan Club (K.F.C) will be during G-CON on May 23rd, 1998. All attendees of the convention interested in joining the club will be able to do so at the Club's registration table located next to the Main registration table in the hotel lobby. In addition to signing up new members, members will be able to meet during the convention as we have blocked out time for the club in the Chardonnay Ballroom Saturday afternoon.

For more information, you may contact the club through DE&P's offices (718) 253-8649, or write to the club directly. Their address can be found in the most recent issue of KAIJU-FAN.

John

Hello, everyone.

Rider Kick!

From: Todd Torres Date: 04/22/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Hope to see everybody there.

Todd

From: UNGCC Date: 05/13/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Mark

P.S. I'll let you know next week where you can pick your tags up!

From: Jeff Horne Date: 30 Jul 1998 11:22:33 -0700 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Wear Alt.Movies.Monster Badges at G-FEST! Just a thought. The alt.movies.monster badges made for G-CON this year were so cool I think I will wear mine at G-FEST as well. I urge other a.m.m. members to do the same. Just another way to identify each other and give these great badges more exposure.

Jeff Horne

Date: Mon, 18 May 1998 From: Gertrude Smith Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster, alt.fan.godzilla, alt.tv.sentai

Gorosaurus wrote: > > Could somebody give me the G-CON '98 schedule? I couldn't find it on Daikaiju Enterprises web page or on Aaron's site.

>>> FRIDAY (6:00am CST - 7:00pm CST???) 1:00pm CET - 2am??? EURO/G-CON

FRIDAY 6:00pm-12:00am

>>> SATURDAY (4:00am CST - 7:00pm CST???) 11:00am CET - 2am??? EURO/G-CON

>>> SUNDAY (4:00am CST - 6:00am) 11:00am - 1:00pm CET EURO/G-CON closes

From: Jim Mannan  http://www1.50megs.com/finvarra/

5-20-98: G-CON, no doubt the world's biggest Godzilla convention, is this weekend, May 23-24th in Chicago, Ill. G fans, of course, have much to celebrate this year. THE B MOVIE GUIDE wishes all who attend a great time!

From: GCON'98 Date: Saturday, May 23, 1998 10:36 PM

--"Our computers are infallible!" --Yoshio Tsuchiya (Godzilla vs. Monster Zero)

From: Anonymous Date: Saturday, May 23, 1998 11:49:40 PM

From: MOSUGOJI Date: Sunday, May 24, 1998 06:16 AM

From: Manda Date: Sunday, May 24, 1998 06:36 AM

From: GCON'98 Date: Sunday, May 24, 1998 01:14 AM

I think what we have here is the perfect example of stupidity rearing its fat little ugly head. I believe this is a common practice in the Hollywood business field which translates to our favorite heroes and monsters going to the Hollywood slaughter house. It disgusted me when Satsuma walked out on this piece of s**t of a movie. I can't say I blame him. You two hair-brain jackasses had to screw something like this up so badly and shame a great legend that has been a major factor to a lot fans' lives. Your stinking excuse of a movie had elements that are found in over a dozen past movies.

Emmerich and Devlin, there is an old saying: "If you don't know what the hell you're doing, leave it the (really bad word) alone!" Devin, Emmerich and Tri-Star, you and your (another bad word) movie all (really bad word) stink like the smelly fish that you had in this movie.

--Lenell "Ultra" Bridges

From: Chrispy1Topic: Lenell vs. Emmerich and Devin (2 of 4) Date: Sunday, May 24, 1998 04:50 AM

Really. I mean, it is okay not to like this movie but this is a discussion board. Ranting like this does nothing but incite. And this particular rant has nothing new to it. Fine - you didn't like it. I didn't either at first. But what I have to say is: get beyond your knee-jerk reaction and give this movie a chance - REALLY look at it beneath its surface and what you see is something charming, something that DOES do justice to the legend and even ADDS POSITIVELY to it. Get beyond the hype and look at the heart of this movie. I, for one, think you'll end up embracing this movie as well.

From: Devlin Topic: Lenell vs. Emmerich and Devlin (3 of 4) Date: Sunday, May 31, 1998 09:56 AM

Lennel,

We made the film we wanted to make. We actually like the film, (believe it or not). The studio, which looks like it will make a profit of over one hundred million dollars, also likes the film. We're probably going to start work on a sequel soon.

Sorry you didn't like it. Feel free to rent all the old Godzilla movies you like. They'll always be there. Our film isn't for you. That's cool. That's why Hollywood makes a lot of films.

Our movie did what it was supposed to do. We're all happy about it. If you don't like that, to hell with you.

-Dean Devlin

From: Crow T. Robot Topic: Lenell vs. Emmerich and Devlin (4 of 4) May 31, 1998

If this movie is so great, why do you keep having to defend it?

From: Lenell "Ultra" Bridges Topic: Lenell responds to Dean Devlin (6 of 7) was DEAN DEVLIN RESPONDS! Date: June 01, 1998

On May 31, 1998 09:56 AM, Devlin wrote:

Well, Dean, it certainly wasn't the type of film WE (the fans) had hoped it would be. You have disappointed me as well as many other people.

>The studio, which looks like it will make a profit of over one hundred million dollars, also likes the film.

I believe that. However, I HATE THIS FILM! Yes, you guys will make your money back. However, your "Godzilla" will never catch up to TITANIC. It sank at the dock!

>We're probably going to start work on a sequel soon.

Hoo, boy! Here we go again! Now you're going to have a sequel to it. Is it going to be written by you and directed by that stupid excuse for a director, Emmerich? It will be another "disaster" movie! Know what, Dean? I won't go see it. You all had your chance and you blew it.

>Sorry you didn't like it. Feel free to rent all the old Godzilla movies you like. They'll always be there.

I already have all the old movies in my collection. Also, I see that you all at Tri-Star didn't treat the REAL Godzilla movies any better, putting them in the inferior EP speed and having a field day hacking the films to pieces. I thought you were allergic to cheese! Simitar Video did a better job than big name Tri-Star/Sony.

>Our film isn't for you.

Apparently not. I supported this movie and wanted to give it a chance at the beginning. When I went to see it, my hopes were quickly turned into disgust and hate. You, Emmerich, Centropolis and Tri-Star could have made a film which could have been respectful to the fans and the legend of Godzilla and been a real blockbuster. Instead, we were all treated to a piece of crap of a film that has done a major, damaging disservice to us fans, this genre and to an icon's good name. You and the Hollywood hacks who helped you make this film may like it but to me and a lot of other people, IT SUCKS!!! It is the worst bastardization of a Japanese icon ever! God! I wished Toho never approved you brainless Hollywood snobs to do this movie. When it is released on video, I won't even buy it. I don't want to waste my hard-earned money on such tripe.

>Our movie did what it was supposed to do. We're all happy about it.

It figures! It came from a Hollywood wannabe boy writer who claims he is a Godzilla fan. The script was as weak as five day old coffee.

>If you don't like that, to hell with you.

>-Dean Devlin

Thanx for the "nice" compliment in your last sentence. It goes to show that you, Dean (The Dunce) Devlin, Emmerich, Centropolis and Tri-Star don't give a damn about the fans. All you people wanted is to make money using a popular icon's good name. Well, I have this to say to you, Dean: I don't give a rat's a** about you "Hollywood" snobs and I'm sure other fans agree with me! This no-good piece of crap film has me convinced that American film and TV companies can't do a Japanese genre. And one more thing: Thanks for snubbing G-CON, G-FEST and especially the two men who are the REAL Godzilla: Haruo Nakajima and Kenpachiro Satsuma. Insulting these two men was outrageous by my standards. I have more respect for them than I have for you all behind this so-called monster film. You, Dean, are no doubt younger than I am. As a writer, I think you need to go back to school. Like I said before and I'll say it again: THIS MOVIE SUCKS! There is a line from the film that can be paraphrased: "It's not 'Godzilla', you moron!" I rest my case, wise guy. 'Nuf said.

--Lenell "Ultra" Bridges

P.S. I don't blame Godzilla or the monster in the film. I blame the people who made this "movie". We waited five agonizing years for this and we (and Godzilla) get the short end of the stick. My favorite actresses, Kate Winslet and Pam Dawber would have been better choices than the bimbo you cast. And this movie was supposed to be BELIEVABLE? Maybe "Audrey" should have just filed suit the first time Caiman (what an appropriate name!) propositioned her, accepted the station as settlement and produced this film herself. She just might have done a better job than you did.

--Lenell (3 "L's", thank you!)

From: LENELL BRIDGES Subject: Re: "Ultra" Bridges vs. Wondrn2 Date: 02 Jul 1998 Organization: Ameritech.Net Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Wondrn2 wrote: > > >

> > > Dean Devlin says for me to go to hell. But Dean told ME to go to hell?

> > No, I think Dean told the gifted, articulate Lenell Bridges if he (Mr. Bridges) did not like Godzilla then "go to hell." Then, others with a vendetta against Dean told the world that Dean told everyone to go to hell when Dean was responding only to the charming comments of Mr. Lenell "Ultra" Bridges.

Hey Wondrn2, Lenell here! I saw this little post of yours. So here's something for you to straighten this out.

Yes! He told me to go to hell! Only because I chewed his sorry self out because I didn't like his sorry excuse of a film. Plus, at the same time, he was telling all fans who didn't like the film to go to hell! He didn't even care about the fans! Remember, we all tried to warn his butt but he didn't listen. All he ever wanted was to fill his pockets with our hard earned money. Then the G-Board was shut down.

I wasn't responsible for that. They were bowing down to the pressure of their G-Board being used against them by the many people who they themselves had disappointed. So they fled like the cowards they are instead of trying to cope with the situation they brought on themselves!

> Would anyone care to re-post Mr. Bridges' comments that got the G-Board shut down?

Anyone can post it if they want. I don't mind. I'm not going to deny what I said. In fact, I'm damn proud at what I said. Devlin got his a** grassed. We don't need his G-Board! We've all been around being fans to Godzilla before he and the rest of his flunkies came into the picture! (No pun intended)

> Mr. Bridges' illiterate, childish and obscenity-filled hate messages are beginning to show up here, too! Now he's posting them himself instead of having others post for him.

I post only if someone pisses me off. I understand you are only crying because the G-Board is gone. If you want to speak about illiterate, childish behavior, speak to Mr. Dean Devlin who has displayed it very well. He ignored, insulted and betrayed the fans! If you want to support him still, that's fine. Don't worry about what I've done, Wonder2. If you don't like my posts, I don't care! I say what I want to say. Just ignore it! Do your complaining to Dean (the Dunce) Devlin for deserting/betraying us fans. Now that I'm here doing my own posts, if you don't like it, that's just toooo bad. I thank the wonderful people who did my posts. Gertrude and Rob will love seeing this post. So far you haven't pissed me off, Wonder2. I'm speaking to you in a nice tone this time. However, there is an old saying: "Don't press your luck".

'Nuf said.

Lenell "Ultra" Bridges

From: Battra Topic: Godzilla Number 2 (2 of 4) Date: May 25, 1998 11:27 AM

LOL!

From: Eternal Godzilla Topic: Godzilla Number 2 (3 of 4) Date: May 25, 1998 12:16 PM

How dare you destroy that Godzilla movie poster like that! One day it may become a collector's item or something. Anyway, the new Godzilla wasn't as bad as many people had said before I saw the movie myself. It was excellent and that's all I have to say about it.

From: GCON98 Topic: Godzilla Number 2 (4 of 4) Date: May 25, 1998 12:59 PM

I agree. Something that smells brown that smells like that isn't worth saving as a collector's item. Stuff like that usually gets flushed anyway. Get my drift?

--Lenell "Ultra" Bridges --Jay Johnson --Chad Neuping II --Trevor Benedict --Gary Smith

From: Brian L.Topic: Some thoughts ... (1 of 4) Date: May 28, 1998

The new Godzilla film has spawned an interesting and, unfortunately frightening, phenomenon: The new Gfan vs. the old Gfan.

I'm utterly confused by the wave of people stating that the Toho Godzilla is awful and the new Godzilla is THE Godzilla. I'm also confused by the recent posts expressing an ethnocentric view that OUR AMERICAN Godzilla is superior to the Japanese Godzilla.

Please.

For anyone to say that the creature that appears in the new movie is the definitive Godzilla is ridiculous. The new creature bears no resemblance, in appearance or character, to the Godzilla that has been around for 44 years and starred in 22 films. Now you're telling us that the Tri-Star Godzilla is THE Godzilla? No way. Toho portrayed the character differently over the course of its 22-film career but it was always Godzilla. The Tri-Star Godzilla simply is not the same character as the Toho Godzilla. And THAT is where the argument lies.

The fact that it's a big reptilian creature isn't enough to justify calling it Godzilla. Godzilla is a character that has specific, behavioral characteristics that make it Godzilla. The Tri-Star version has none of them. Because the past Godzilla films didn't use "state-of-the-art" special effects (by the way, Gojira DID use state-of-the-art special effects), and the new film does, several people have said that the old films are terrible and the new film should be the new rule.

I simply can't understand why anyone who doesn't like the old films, or even someone who hasn't SEEN the old films, should feel it necessary to hop onto this board and start telling those of us who prefer the old films that we're idiots. WE'RE THE GODZILLA FANS! That's why we're here. Perhaps you should pay attention for a while and find out what it is that has instilled such fierce loyalty in us. I hope that whoever will be responsible for the inevitable sequels is paying attention to what we're saying and makes a good sequel.

I, like several others, had reservations about the new film being a good Godzilla film but hoped for a good monster movie at the very least. Instead, we got what I feel was a thin, unenjoyable remake of The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms with some Jurassic Park thrown in. If this is the best America has to offer to Godzilla fans, I'll stick with scouring the web and magazines for any little morsel from Japan to feed my hobby.

Brian L.

From: Big M Topic: Some thoughts ... (3 of 4) Date: May 28, 1998

I almost agree with you. The problem is, Toho G has a much longer history than the Tri-Star G. This has created a sort of 'generation gap' among G-fans. If you ask me, I would say that the BioGoji was the essential Toho G but I love the American G. However, since Tri-Star G is (should be) still evolving, it is unfair to say which G is which. Tri-Star G is the real American G while (pick your favorite Toho G movie) is the real Japanese G. It's all in how you look at it. What we really have to remember is this: Godzilla has taken on numerous appearances throughout his lifespan and some people will like certain designs better. If anything, I think Toho should be strongly criticized for constantly changing his appearance (when not related to an advance in technology)

From: tigerclaw Topic: Some thoughts ... (4 of 4) Date: May 28, 1998

I agree. Godzilla has had many different appearances, probably because of his mutation. With the new Godzilla out, I believe that in the upcoming sequels for the new Godzilla, they may have him mutate even further and have a different appearance unlike the last one. You never know. Maybe that baby Godzilla at the end of the movie will mutate even further and possess other abilities.

From: Barry's Temple of Godzilla Topic: A Message for 'Tigerclaw' and those like him.... (1 of 2)Date: May 29, 1998

Godzilla has a long history. He's appeared in 22 films over a period of over 40 years. The original movie was made with what were then state-of-the-art special effects and is generally regarded as a true classic of the genre. It was a dark, somber movie with a deep message regarding nuclear war and the personal responsibility of those who design weapons of mass destruction. Many of the later films were aimed at a younger audience and were much more light-hearted. Some were well-done while others were made on a tight budget and schedule and it shows. Starting in 1989, the Godzilla series was started up again but this time, with much improved special effects. Not every movie made after that point was perfect but some of them would truly knock your socks off.

My point? All of a sudden we have a new generation of ignorant children who have only seen a few of the older films and who think that special effects are the most important thing in a movie. I doubt they can appreciate how great some of the older movies were when they first came out. I also doubt they've even seen any of the newer ones. These children are completely unable to appreciate the value of a decent script or good acting and simply glorify special effects over all else. Thus, according to them, the new Godzilla is "the best movie ever made" and the old Godzilla movies are "crap".

Don't get me wrong. I actually like the new movie. The special effects really are pretty darn terrific [although I thought the effects in some of the later Godzilla movies were also great]. I also don't mind the fact that the new Godzilla has a different look.

But please realize that many of us fans are upset that other changes were made, other than to the big G's appearance. To us, it just isn't Godzilla without his atomic breath and invulnerability. You kids are probably too young to remember but there were a bunch of movies made years ago about giant lizards or dinosaurs attacking cities, such as "Beast from 20,000 Fathoms", "Gorgo", "Reptilicus" and "The Giant Behemoth". The main difference between Godzilla and all these other films was the fact that Godzilla had atomic breath and could not be harmed with normal weapons. If you take away these things, he's just another giant lizard. THIS is what gets us upset.

So, yes, the new movie had really great special effects. And these effects were better than most of the original Godzilla movies. The acting was generally bad and the plot was unoriginal but the special effects were really neat. No argument. But to those of us who have been fans of Godzilla for many, many years, that simply isn't enough. Many of us feel insulted that they would make a "Godzilla" movie and not give the title monster all the things that would actually make him Godzilla. Like I've said before, that's like making a Superman movie where Superman can't fly, doesn't have heat vision, and doesn't wear a cape. It might have really great special effects, with tons of nifty explosions, but it just wouldn't be Superman.

So please try and have a little respect, O.K.? You're certainly entitled to your opinion that you like the new movie better than the old ones [although I really doubt you've actually seen them all] but please understand that to most of us, this really wasn't a Godzilla film so you can't really compare them.

From: Crow T. Robot Topic: A Message for 'Tigerclaw' and those like him.... (2 of 2) Date: May 29, 1998

Darn it, Barry, I had my bags all packed and I was about to get my tickets to Japan. Then you had to go post a message that makes sense. Dam you, Barry :>.

From: Denstrick Date: 05/25/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Dennis

From: Super Goji Date: 05/25/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I noticed them when they came in and I was wondering if John knew what was going on. I was thinking about telling them to F*** off. Too bad Steve wasn't there.

From: Kaijupro Date: 05/25/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I would have never allowed Comedy Central in to G-CON... It's obvious that they would air a story that would just be a disservice to all involved -- and help to underline or perpetuate all the myths that surround this genre in the minds of the average American Joe.

Shameful.

From: GBrycki Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

The thing that galls me about the kind of "interviews" they do is that you know they don't have the balls or guts to ask these ridiculing questions to the interviewees' faces. They ask "straight" questions, then go back and edit in whatever they want, making these people look like buffoons. Face it: the entire world (or at least this country) has gone over to the mealy-mouthed, gutless punks. I know this isn't terribly PC but how I long for the days when you could put your foot up someones' a** for calling your mother a whore and everyone would understand why you hadda kick the guy's butt. Now, everybody (the courts especially) side with the punks because you're not supposed to "resort to violence." Heck....violence is all that some people understand.

BRY

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Personally, I hope they do a good job ripping us! In fact, when I inquired of the producer about when the story was to be aired, I said to him, "So when are you going to rip us?"

If we can't laugh at ourselves then we are in danger of becoming exactly like the Star Trek fandom which seems to want to elevate Gene R to God-hood. Besides, The Daily Show is a nationally broadcast (or cablecast) program which will be watched by millions of people. Any coverage that gets the existance of the convention out, whether good or bad, is only going to help the convention. Anyway, who should we invite to our conventions: companies like Tsuburaya Productions who do nothing for the fans and nothing for the conventions?

From: Denstrick Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

John--

Believe me, I've got a sense of humor and I don't mind being ribbed about my unusual hobby ("You're flying to Chicago for what????") But my bone of contention is the dishonest, mean-spirited way The Daily Show goes about its business.

Hey, they want to interview me? No problem! Yup, just paid a hunnert dollerz for this here plastic godziller, yup! But, you see, I'm in on the joke. Was Satsuma? Does he have any idea how his interview is going to be edited to make him look foolish? Does he even know who A. Whitney Brown is? I hope I'm wrong. I hope he just played along with the joke. But if he didn't, if he thought it was a sincere interview--and let's face it, that's when the show 'works'-- when the interviewee apparently isn't in on the joke--then I'm embarrassed for him.

I'll be the first to admit that I know far less about the Japanese people than others on this news group but what I have heard about them is they have a strong sense of pride and the need to 'save face'. To be made fun of on a nationwide show would seem to be a contradiction. And from the interviews I've read, Satsuma is especially proud of having been Godzilla. But again, I don't know the man and I don't know how much he knows about American cable TV.

Anyway, John, G-CON was great and we're looking forward to next year. And yes, I've got that tape in the VCR, waiting for the segment . . .

Dennis

P.S.--Anybody know the real story about why the poster dealers left the way they did? We had to leave early and a friend phoned me yesterday to tell me what happened. And I feel like a complete moron for thinking 'at those prices, they must be repros'. DOH!

From: Guy McLimore Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

THANK you, JRR! We fans take ourselves FAR too seriously sometimes (especially in this news group). We won't look any more foolish than all the OTHER people A. Whitney Brown has poked fun at in his Daily Show pieces.

Hmmm... Maybe that doesn't comfort me after all... :-)

Seriously (and why?), we can stand a little kidding. The people A. W. B. really makes look idiotic are those who seem to have no sense of humor about their pursuits. Those who smile and play along come off looking like they're hip enough to "get the joke". It's a movie (or a series of them). It's something we happen to really enjoy. It's not a little girl down a well or the search for a cure for breast cancer. That's why it gets me down when some of us have to rip some other fan apart (with unimaginative uses of profanity and cheap name calling) simply because they don't agree with some assertion or another.

Personally, I watch The Daily Show religiously (especially "God Stuff" -- talk about folks with no sense of humor at all...) and I sure can't wait to see THIS piece. Sometimes the humor seems a little mean-spirited but we all have sore spots that humorists jab at occasionally. We'll survive. Besides, if A. Whitney gets too nasty, I'll send the Big G around to stomp all over his flower beds.

From: Kaijupro Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Sorry for being concerned but to Joe Average, it all looks like Trekkies to them. My apologies about caring about "our" image.

Personally, Tsuburaya Productions has been nothing but completely generous and hospitible to me and my pals... and they have done the same for a number of other fans, such as Stuart Galbraith, Steve Ryfle and Ed Holland. Not to mention Greg Shoemaker...

Regards,

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Just so that you understand John's situation a little better and where he is coming from, it should be explained that Tsuburaya Productions used to be very supportive of KAIJU-CON, G-CON and KAIJU-FAN, at least in that they would supply promo videos or give the "okay" to screen Ultraman episodes at the conventions, etc. *Any* gesture is appreciated by the organizers and the fans, no matter how small or token. Now for some reason, Tsuburaya Prod. won't give any of these projects the time of day. TPC's Brad Warner has even gone so far as to tell John NOT to "thank" Tsuburaya Prod. in the pages of KAIJU-FAN anymore. Not that a fanzine as meager as KAIJU-FAN should warrant or expect any co-operation from a large company such as Tsuburaya Prod. but it would be helpful if they could at least come clean as to what the problem is that is causing such a reaction. It is pretty impossible to solve a problem when you don't even know what it is. John and Carol Roberto have to work with those that *want* to work with G-CON, even it means the dreaded Comedy Central. Here's a national cable show that wants to cover G-CON (and most likely poke some fun at it). I don't see why John should endeavor to keep them away, especially when the companies that *should* be involved (like Tsuburaya, Toho, etc.) want nothing to do with the convention.

As for the Daily Show lampooning G-CON, I hope they dub me terribly. Would serve me right.

And by the way, don't anyone worry about "protecting" Mr. Satsuma, Mr. Nakajima or Mr. Tsuchiya. All three gentlemen have a good sense of humor. They'd better: after all, they came all the way to America just to see us yo-yos, right?

- Jim C.

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 06/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

John

From: Dr. Derek Robb, Kaiju Hakase Date: 06/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

From: dr Date: 06/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

John Rocco Roberto wrote: > > I was totally disappointed by the Daily Show's coverage of G-CON!

What coverage?!! I didn't hear (or read) the words 'G-CON' once! How can you call that coverage? No mention at all was made of American fans attending a Godzilla convention, or American fandom period!

> > Sure they did a good job on Satsuma and Nakajima, but what about the other nuts who attended the convention?

Yes, a really good job of making two of the more beloved figures of Godzilla fandom look foolish. The reinforcement of the negative stereotypes (poorly synched and dubbed dialog) was not something positive, IMO.

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 06/04/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

It did not bother me at all that G-CON was not mentioned. We didn't start these conventions to promote ourselves. Nor do I mind if they took liberties with the dubbing. It was funny and at least people got to see what Satsuma and Nakajima look like.

From: TwoZbar Date: 06/04/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Both Godzilla guys (Mr. Nakajima and Mr. Satsuma) have great senses of humor. They don't take themselves and the fact that they've played the role of the world's most famous monster entirely seriously.

From: Dr. Derek Robb, Kaiju Hakase Date: 06/05/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

John Rocco Roberto exploded:

> I see your point here, Dr. Derek, but The Daily Show and Sci-Fi Buzz are two completely different kinds of shows. I was really disappointed that they could have had much more fun at the convention's expense but failed to capitalize on it. Oh, well. It's their loss.

From: MINJA Date: 05/26/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Hello, all.

First of all, I would like to thank the people who showed up at G-CON (it was a blast)! New Bandai figures are on their way to me so if you reserved via e-mail, do not worry. You will be the first people I contact.

C.F. Prod.

From: Kaijukong Date: 05/26/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

What happened at G-CON '98...? Any reports, other than Satsuma walking out...?

From: Destroyah Date: 05/26/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Wow! This was my first time going to one of these conventions and I'll never forget the experience. Meeting the guests was so exciting and getting to dance with Mr. Tsuchiya was great. If anyone got a picture of that, please let me know as I didn't have a camera with me that day. I'd like to get a copy. I too blew a ton of money but it was great to see all that cool stuff in the dealers room. Hearing all that familiar music brought back so many memories. The film contest was funny, too. Wouldn't mind having a copy of some of those also. Now to find room to put all my new stuff. Can't wait for the next one.

Destroyah

From: Dr. Derek Robb, Kaiju Hakase Date: 05/26/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Whelp. Just returned from G-CON and .. phew! I'm all tuckered out. A heckuva shindig, I tell you what. And I was only there on Sunday. I'd wager if I was there for the whole weekend, I'd be dead by now.

I regret missing A. Whitney Brown. Would've been fun to mess with him. Sure, sure, I could've responded to his interview in a calm, rational, well-thought out and elocuted fashion but that would never make airtime. So much better to be strange in ways they don't expect. They expect G-fans to be pretty much another batch of sci-fi geeks so give them elaborate lunacy beyond their comprehension. That'll show 'em. Oh well, no point in talking about it since I missed my chance anyway.

The merchant room...FUN! Dangerous! Yep, I blew MIGHTY wodges of cash. Finally have the entire Godzilla canon with the exception of the ever elusive Godzilla vs the Smog Monster. Bleah. Well, perhaps I'll get lucky at Comicon. But hey! I got a Godzilla full-head mask. Now all I need is to go dumpster diving at architectural schools for discarded projects and commence rampaging.

A most unexpected thing occurred in the merchant room. I was walking around, surveying various toys, kaiju housewares, and so forth when I was tapped on the shoulder. A Japanese fellow had seen the back of my jacket (a leather trenchcoat with GOJIRA painted down the back in big blocky katakana) and apparently just felt it was the keenest thing he'd seen. He took about four photographs of my back and a photo of my girlfriend standing next to me, facing the camera while I was still back to him. Weird feeling. I'm going to be in someone's scrapbook.

Incredibly neat thing: Someone had made a GORGEOUS MechaGodzilla costume out of foamcore. Until I actually got darn close and carefully examined the texture, I swore it was an actual movie prop. Massive kudos to whoever made this... if you read this news group, great job!

And just let me say Kenpachiro Satsuma is just a SWELL GUY. Got to attend a Q&A session with him. Lord, what a cornball. Really put on a great show.

From: ULTRAkid Subject: Re: G-CON: Miscellanious Anecdotes Date: 26 May 1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

That would be my good friend Paul Gavins. It *did* look like an actual movie costume. There were also other great costumes featuring a Mothra larva which was excellent, a "cyberGodzilla" (an original idea) and a Godzilla made out of latex that also looked like a movie costume! Great job to everyone who made costumes!

-Rob D.

From: Gertrude Smith Date: 05/27/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

From: Dreadstar Date: 05/27/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Dreadstar

From: Clevanator Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I just got back from my annual Memorial Day vacation yesterday. 2200 unread posts in one week!!! Yeesh!! What happened to the days of 50, 60 post per day?

As you might imagine, I marked all read. I couldn't begin to wade through that many. So, could someone please tell me how G-CON went? Who was there from AMM, etc?

Thanks.

Cleve

From: Derek Robb, Kaiju Hakase Subject: Re: How was G-CON? Date: 28 May 1998 Organization: Breakfast at Tezcat. Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Clevanator exploded:

)Who was there from AMM?

I was there, at least for part of it. Unfortunately, for some reason, they didn't have my AMM nametag. Curse them!

)Any interesting scoop from the 'con?

Well, Ken Satsuma said if TOHO makes any new godzilla movies, they'll be featuring new, original monsters. That's about the only "scoop" I can give. The rest of the time I spent hobbin' and nobbin', consuming, unloading a lot of money on fantastic things and generally getting exhausted. I must say I was mighty impressed with the MechaGodzilla costume, as well as the Gamera vs Legion miniature set in the Online Room.

In general, a lot of fun. More fun than the Animecon even. And, unlike just about every other sci-fi con out there, there was a refreshing lack of scantily clad enormous women in bustiers. I suppose it's 'cuz kaiju don't have to try to dress sexy.

All things considered, a remarkably fun weekend. Heck, I brought along a friend of mine who wasn't even that much of a kaiju fan. By the end of the weekend he was converted into our noble fandom. Of course, a big part of that was showing him Gamera2.. but I digress.

A fine, fine way to spend a weekend.

From: Clevanator Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Aww!!!! Do you think JRR will add the scantily clad enormous women in bustiers to next years show?? :)

Cleve

From: Ugli jim Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Let's see. I can sum it up as.......it was great!!!!!!! You should have been there!

Jim Figurski

"Akira Ifukube is a man fighting alone, against all odds." -Ed Godziszewski

From: TwoZbar Subject: Re: Ken Satsuma and G-CON Date: 29 May 1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Jon Russell wrote: > > I didn't attend G-CON and was wondering what exactly the story was concerning his walking out of G98.

No big deal, actually. He just got up and walked out. Most people didn't even notice it. I was only a few rows away from him and didn't notice. (Of course, I would have had to have been awake to have noticed.)

- Jim C.

From: TwoZbar Subject: Re: Image of Dancing Shi Godzilla (Monster Zero)? Date: 29 May 1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Jeff Horne wrote:

> >I picked up a copy of Dance Godzilla from Fabian at Creature Features at G-CON this past weekend. The CD does not have a cover. I thought the Dancing Shi, or whatever it's called, shot from Monster Zero would make a nice cover. Does anyone have this image scanned? If you can point me to a web site or send me the file, I would be much appreciative.

If someone has the M-1 Jumping Godzilla kit, there's a great photo on the box of Godzilla doing the "shie."

Great seeing you at the convention, btw, Jeff.

- Red (from the Two-Z-Bar)

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

> >Whelp. Just returned from G-CON, and .. phew! I'm all tuckered out.

Darn! Did I meet you, Dr. Robb? I was looking forward to it but I just didn't notice anyone who looked like Takeshi Shimura.

> >A most unexpected thing occurred in the merchant room...Weird feeling. I'm going to be in someone's scrapbook.

Actually, you are probably going to be in either a Japanese magazine or a Japanese book that is being written about Godzilla culture in the US, you lucky devil.

BTW, that reminds me of an interview that I did with one of the convention's guests (which will appear in the next KAIJU-FAN): When I asked what he thought of G-CON and American fans, he said that he was surprised to find that they know so many details about Japanese sci-fi (like the katakana on your jacket).

That was Paul Gavin's MechaGodzilla, which actually had working missile launchers in the fingers.

"Massive kudos" also to Dennis Lancaster who spent the better part of the weekend romping around in a Godzilla suit. It really helped liven the atmosphere at the convention and it totally surprised everyone at the screening. As he greeted the fans when they got off the bus at the theater, everyone had a HUGE smile on their faces. That's what "for the fans, by the fans" is all about.

Kenpachiro Satsuma is a great guy--he seems to get more out of the Q&A than anyone else!

- Red (from the Two-Z-Bar)

From: Gorosaurus Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

>"Massive kudos" also to Dennis Lancaster who spent the better part of the weekend romping around in a Godzilla suit. It really helped liven the atmosphere at the convention and it totally surprised everyone at the screening.

"And here's a message to Toho!" "Uhm, we won't be translating that."

I loved that! Wish I had to video camera with me for that part. I did get my brother getting his head eaten by the same costume the next day.

== Keith Stevens An opportunistic scavenger

From: Destroyah Subject: Re: G-CON wrap-up Was Re: How was G-CON? Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 Organization: University of South Florida Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I asked this earlier and didn't get any response, but did anyone there get a picture of Mr. Tsuchiya and me dancing in the lobby? I'd like a copy if possible. He sure is a good Flamenco dancer! And I'd like to say thanks to my baby Chris for playing the Spanish music on the guitar. Also, if anyone got pictures of the costume contest, I'd appreciate making arrangements for copies also. I missed it but I hear MechaG and Cyberzilla lost their heads to Godzilla. Wish I had seen that! Who won the model contest? Thanks! Hope to get some replies.

Destroyah

Here's some info for you, Cleve. People I met/saw from A.M.M. were Gorosaurus, Todd Torres, UNGCC, Destroyah, RGeisey, Twozbar, RadioTokyo and GSRaptor. No Steve Z.

The GODZILLA screening was a lot of fun although the movie SUCKED big time. Seeing the movie with a theater full of diehard G-fans was great. I think the previews for LETHAL WEAPON 4 and ARMAGEDDON got the crowd more excited than the whole so-called "Godzilla" did. I didn't notice it (I was probably sleeping) but Ken Satsuma walked out of the film with about a half hour to go.. The rest of us should have followed him. What a terrible movie! Although Emmerich/Devlin (hacks-r-us) couldn't write a movie to save their lives, I'm wondering just WHAT THE HECK WAS TOHO THINKING WHEN THEY APPROVED THESE *CHANGES* TO GODZILLA? The new design was TERRIBLE. Everyone I've talked to says "it didn't even look like Godzilla!" This is coming from everyday folks, not even diehard fans! No atomic breath (Hello, Toho? Please explain this to us) and terrible script/plot holes. Did you guys at Toho even bother to have input into the script? Apparently not. From my understanding, Toho has a sort of "Bible" for how Godzilla is to be handled and treated. Apparently, they didn't go by it as the Emmerich/Devlin "Shitzilla" breaks almost every rule they have. What a shame. It would have been so much better to see the Jan de Bont "Godzilla". Isn't it ironic that Tri-Star nixed his movie when the budget estimates got too high but Emmerich/Devlin ended up spending more than de Bont's proposed budget? God, it hurts. O.K., rant over.

Back to G-CON stuff: Mr. Ifukube had a video welcome presentation made especially for G-CON (and I missed it, doh!). The Dealers Room was huge and well stocked. Everything from posters, magazines, models, books, toys, videos, cd's, t-shirts, etc.

They had a showing of GAPPA: THE TRIPHIBIAN (sp?) MONSTER (courtesy of Kaiju Productions) on the big screen projection system. The Japanese Telefantasy Video Room played all sorts of cool Japanese t.v. shows. Kids had a coloring contest. There were various, well-attended panels like Keith Sewell's "Dai Maijin" files, The Tri-Star Godzilla Panel, etc. Of course, there were the appearances of Mr. Haruo Nakajima, Ken Satsuma (The men who played Godzilla) and Mr. Yoshio Tsuchiya (The Controller from Planet X). All of these gentlemen seemed to really have a great time. Mr. Nakajima jammed with Jay Johnson (Southern Rock All-Stars) in an impromptu guitar session in the lobby, Mr. Tsuchiya danced with Destroyah and accidently broke a ceiling light when he swung his coat in the air! :) It was great fun. There was a model contest, an amateur video contest, a jam session put on by The Southern Rock All-Stars and lots of new friends being made. There were numerous people from the Japanese press, along with representatives from Uchusen Magazine. When I asked the Uchusen rep what the Japanese people would think of GODZILLA, he said the Japanese people probably won't like it. I asked if they would get upset at Toho and he said most likely! There was also a costume contest that featured probably the best costumes I've ever seen at one convention. MechaGodzilla (by my friend Paul Gavins), a Mothra Larva (excellent), a "CyberGodzilla" (an original, cool costume) and a 1964 (I think) version of Godzilla done in latex. It looked like an actual prop! Actually, the MechaGodzilla, Godzilla and Mothra costumes all did. They were THAT GOOD. It was a really fun weekend. You should try to go in the future!

Later,

Rob D.

From: G-DAY Topic: I'M BACK and I've got a story to tell! (7 of 7)Date: Saturday, May 30, 1998

On 5/26/98 RJS wrote:

>>Thanks. Lke I said, the only bad thing about it was that I didn't see you or any of the other G-Boarders there. If only I would've taken a camcorder... Anyway, we had a very difficult time moving the guy in the Mecha G suit after G decapitated him. Heavy suit! AND THATS THE BOTTOM LINE........

And how! LOL

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

(drum roll....)

10. Everyone got high on the strong vinyl fumes in the Dealer's Room.

9. John Roberto actually showered *before* the convention started this year.

8. Gadzooki was nowhere to be found.

7. Tri-Star's Godzilla stunk but the toys are really, really cool.

6. Akira Ifukube sent a greeting to the fans via video tape which was immediately bootlegged by all the dealers and is now selling in Japan for ¥35,000.

5. Godzilla Blood...yeah, Godzilla Blood!

4. Jim C. only slept through *half* of the Future of G-CON discussion.

3. Haruo Nakajima took out a squad of G-FEST terrorists by dancing the "Gojira shie."

2. Yoshio Tsuchiya actually showed up!

And the Number One reason why G-CON was a BLAST:

1. G-CON '98 -- 100% Zivanic Free!

- Red (from the Two-Z-Bar)

From: TwoZbar Date: 06/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

KAIJU-CON '98 You could pay more for a fan convention but why would you want to?!

- Jim C.

Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 From: LENELL BRIDGES Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

John!

Thanks for the information about the latest on KAIJU-FAN, KAIJU-CON, G-FEST and G-FAN. I'm sure fans will be pleased with what's taking place throughout the summer. Also, I want the fans to know I think it is nice of John to continue promoting J.D.'s show and magazine despite the split up. John has proven once again that he is a responsible publisher who thinks "The fans should come first before anything else." It would make me a little happier if J.D. would do the same thing and promote John's shows and be a responsible publisher as well. By not doing so, J.D. doesn't hurt John. It's the fans who read his magazine who suffer the most. There is room for two conventions with the letter "G" as well as room in the pool for everyone! My new magazine, T.V. AND MOVIE-FAN, will have complete coverage of all the Japanese sci-fi conventions. Even if we are not going to cover the Japanese sci-fi genre (we don't want to compete with the other 'zines covering the subject), the fans who don't know about them should be told because it's news! Here is an update of what issue #1 of T.V. AND MOVIE-FAN will include:

Interview with Kathy Coleman (who played Holly Marshall) from the '70's Saturday morning series "The Land of the Lost"

Sea Hunt: A tribute to the late Lloyd Bridges: by Lenell Bridges

The Dukes of Hazzard: Series epoisode guide by Annesh Seghal and Micheal Striet

Space Ghost: The Hero and Legend by Allen E. Miller Jr.

The Forgotten Star Trek: (Looking at the animated series) by Sherry Johnson

TITANIC, INFRAMAN, STARSHIP TROOPERS, GODZILLA, REUNION IN HAZZARD, BATMAN: THE MOVIE (1960's), UNION PACIFIC BELLES, MAGICAL WORLD, STAR WARS, THE X FILES, PLANET OF THE APES, ARMAGEDDON, MULIN, DEADLY ENCOUNTER, THE LOST WORLD (JURASSIC PARK 2)

PLUS: Classifieds, Artwork, Magazine plug section and a special section of full coverage of G-CON '98, G-FEST '98 and KAIJU-CON '98 and more!

All of ya keep yer eyes open because T.V.& MOVIE-FAN is coming!!! (Release month is October '98)

Anyhow: John, congratulations on a job well done by keeping the fans informed! The fan should come first! See you all at KAIJU-CON '98.

P/S J.D.: If you read this, I'm asking you very nicely for the sake of the fans to promote John's shows because it's news! And for the interest of the fans!

From: TwoZbar Date: 06/07/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

> >Are these Japanese living in Japan or America?. I lived there and like I said, he is huge. When a new film comes out, he is everywhere.

You are partially correct, Ronin, my man. Godzilla *is* a huge icon in Japan but the extent of his popularity depends on whom you talk to. The character would have to be popular in order for the huge amount of merchandise that is released every time something even remotely having to do with Godzilla is shown in the theaters or on television. However, there are many other popular genre characters, too, especially with younger teenage fans to whom Godzilla is probably "unhip."

Have you ever gone to a fan convention like Jaf-Con or Super Festival (or even a small toy show) while in Japan? A majority of the items for sale are based on American characters like Spawn, Batman or Star Wars. Likewise, a Japanese friend who attended G-CON commented on the fact that there was more Godzilla merchandise available at the show than he has ever seen at a comparable show in Japan. His buddy even found some Japanese items that he wanted but could never find in Japan--he just had to come to the US to find them!

- Red (from the Two-Z-Bar)

Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 From: gcon98 To: Jay Johnson

Thanks for being a fan!

From: John Rocco Roberto Date: 06/07/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Now that G-CON is over and things have settled down (more or less) here at Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions, both Carol and I would like to personally thank everyone who worked hard and pulled together to make G-CON '98 the best Japanese Sci/Fi convention of the year.

Special thanks especially goes out to Robert Moore, who acted as go-between for DE&P and just about every Chicago-based company associated with the convention. Rob spent several hours of his personal time to set up the Randlhurst Mall signing with the guests, track down a video projection system, a bus service for the Friday night screening, the theater for that same screening, as well as taking Carol and the guests around just about every place. Thanks, Rob, for putting up with me constantly saying, "Could you find out if..."

The same goes for Larry Wauchop who also acted as our legman, checked out several theaters for us and also tracked down the computer system used for the Thursday night Sci/Fi Channel chat.

Then there's the people who came to the convention as attendees but wound up working just as hard as the "staffers". -Todd Torres, Kevin McHenry and Larry Wauchop who helped out and covered the Registration Desk, giving Carol and I much-needed freedom to insure the rest of the CON was going smoothly. -Rob Smith who, as always, provided the security for the convention. -John Newman, who filled in as guest host for several of the panel discussions. -Gertrude Smith, who missed half the convention running the Internet Room and insuring that the convention was fully covered on the Internet.

-Aaron Smith, who set up and handled the Internet hookup from his end. -John Woodard, KAIJU-FAN cover artist who allowed us to display his always wonderful art work, -Sue Victors, for monitoring the Kaiju Kids Coloring Contest for us Saturday. -Jay Johnson and the Southern Rock All Stars, for providing the entertainment during the Costume Party.

I would also like to thank our sponsors: -Jim and Cheryl at Club Daikaiju. -Barry Kaufman of Monsters Among Us. -Edwin at Kaiju Productions/Media Blasters for allowing us to screen GAPPA and providing GAPPA video tapes as prizes. -Pat Walen at Simitar for providing two sets of their Godzilla tape series as prizes. -Alice Alfonsi at Random House for providing the GODZILLA COMPENDIUM for the Kaiju Kids Coloring Contest. -A.D. Vision Films for providing the DESTROY ALL MONSTERS posters as give aways. -Rick at Expressions In Animation for providing Ultraman videos and Press Books as prizes. -Suncoast Motion Picture Company for hosting the Randlhurst signing.

And of course Lenell Bridges, Keith Sewell, Brian Culver, Robert Biondi, Mark Suggs, Dennis Lancaster, David Milner, all the contest entrants, everyone at EURO/G-CON for making this the first truly international convention, and all the people I've forgotten to mention here. Without your constant support there would never have been a G-CON to begin with! Thanks for proving the true meaning of the ideal "For the fans, by the fans".

To check out G-CON and EURO/G-CON, visit Aaron's web site  http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html , or the Daikaiju Enterprises' web site http://www.kaijufan.com/ .

KAIJU-FAN, KAIJU-CON, EURO/G-CON, Kaiju Kids and "For the fans, by the fans" are trademarks of Daikaiju Publishing. G-CON is a registered trademark of Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions. All rights reserved.

From: Aaron Smith Date: 06/08/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

No problem, John. Hopefully, next time I can be there in person!

I don't have the main link up yet as I'm working a new section to the website.

Aaron

From: Gertrude Smith Date: 16 Apr 1998

Greetings, fellow G-fans! Gertrude Smith here. You've probably seen posts around the Web by "Raptor" also. We are one and the same.

Arkansas has been my home for 25 years now. In public service in the Mississippi Delta, I really like the area and its people. My favorite G films are GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS and GODZILLA VS DESTROYAH. The first made an impression on me with its giant, almost unstoppable creature, somber narration and stirring music. Tokyo was in serious trouble and we could relate to the real (and perceived) horrors of that time. The latter is (to me) a well executed and logical addition to the series. You might say Gojira has come full cycle and passes the crown to his heir. I prefer the BioGoji incarnation used in the later films. The feline muzzle, double rows of teeth and fiercer appearance define the creature better than previous G-suits. Another favorite kaiju of mine is King Ghidorah. I find him a truly fantastic creature in concept and presentation! One artifact I wouldn't part with is my Bandai Godzilla Junior. I've admired him since his first appearance in DESTROYAH. I think this figure best defines the dinosaurian characteristics of the species.

I've been a G-fan since 1956 when I saw KING OF THE MONSTERS at the local movie house. The setting and film may have been primitive by today's standards but to a 9 year-old monster fan it was science-fiction heaven! I guess I was attracted to the kaiju genre by Godzilla not being a "one shot" monster. He has come back many times in the last 40+ years with new and exciting movies, stories and merchandise. Now we have the Internet, conventions, fanzines and books to share our interest with other fans as never before. Long live the King! Science fiction in all mediums has always been a hobby of mine, from listening to the broadcast of WAR OF THE WORLDS to writing and costume making. I also enjoy keeping my website Kaiju-DIRECT! at http://www2.arkansas.net/~gsraptor/godzilla.html current while seeing what other fans have on the Web. I would love to have the time to pursue model railroading and paleontology as these are other interests I've acquired over a period of time. The kaiju event I will never forget is having had the opportunity (and honor!) of being able to meet Haruo Nakajima and Ken Satsuma, the actors who ARE Godzilla in all those fabulous films we enjoy so much. As for making the kaiju experience complete, I want to make a Godzilla movie!

From: Jim Walsh Date: 20 Apr 1998

Hi, Gertrude.

I'm working late tonight on restoring computer backups and such. I have the tape running so I'll just type a bit while I let the machines do their work...

I'll tack my bio on to the bottom of this letter. I've had lots of interesting jobs - I graduated as a mechanical engineer but I've done just about everything but that! After I got out of college, I trained really hard to try to make the Olympic track team in the marathon. Every few years I got a new "career". About 4 years ago I went into computers and decided to stay. (That was after working as a teacher, and then at a residential home for some problem teens. Probably not as exciting as what you do but it was plenty for me!...) I figured that even if nothing else gets manufactured in this country and we get bought out by foreign interests, they will still need computers. Besides, the work is really flexible. Like now - I am in here working from like 10 to 3 am and do that a couple nights a week. I can blast my tunes (DANCE GODZILLA!) and best of all, I don't have to work 9 to 5. My son has never had to go to day care and between my wife's schedule and mine, someone is always home...

I've made some progress with my website...On the last couple of visits that I made to the local library, I dug up some old '70's books about space flight and some modern submarine books (with lots of pictures). The sub books I got for some sonar details. The space books I got for pics of mecha and diagrams. That's for backgound images and trying to "detail" the website.

I was thinking about your suggestion that someone should do a G-FORCE page. I agree that it would be cool. Originally, my site combined both G series but I reconsidered after a few months. I couldn't get into kaiju size details with that approach and there is such a big difference between the 2 series in the matter of tone. The newer monsters are just too powerful and the G-FORCE is too heartless in their attacks on the monsters. I can't see G-FORCE trying to capture the monsters, only kill them...Interestingly, in GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA '93, they plan to take Baby by helicopter to lure Godzilla out to an island and ambush him with the MG. But even though my video doesn't translate it, they are talking about setting this trap on Ogasawara!)

Anyways, I have tons of photos and material from both series. If anyone ever wants to make such a page, I'd be glad to contribute any scans. Likewise, if you ever need any sort of image, let me know and I can e-mail it to you...

Jim

BIO: I'm a 35 year old computer consultant, formerly from Oregon but now living in New Jersey. I'm married, with a 6 year old son who also likes Godzilla (of course!) and my wife is a fan of Godzilla, too. I've also been training in the Japanese Shito-ryo karate, which happens to be the same style that suitmation actor Ken Satsuma teaches, for 12 years. I've been a Godzilla fan ever since I was 13 and saw my first G film: GODZILLA'S REVENGE, (if you can believe it!). What first attracted me to the Toho kaiju movies was the colorful world of monsters that they created. My favorite Godzilla film is GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA '64, but like so many others, I also  enjoy G '54, DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, GODZILLA VS BIOLLANTE and GVMG '93 a great deal. My favorite G suit is the G '89 "biogoji". Probably my favorite other kaiju is Angilas because, like Godzilla, he has a fierce fighting spirit.

From: Eric & Barbara Davidson Date: Fri, 22 May 1998 To: Brian Eldridge

I'm not hard-core. You need to meet Gertrude. She goes to all the conventions and last year she met the 2 men who played Godzilla in all the TOHO movies. And she built a G costume that looked real :)

From: OtiGoji Why am I a Godzilla Fan-Geek Date: 22 Aug 1998 Newsgroups: alt.fan.godzilla

I have a reputation as "The Godzilla Guy" because I'm too old to be called a fan-boy, geek, dweeb, whatever. I'll spare you the litany of my other interests and activities and, yes, I took a real live girl to see "Destroy All Monsters" on the big screen last month.

The recent Erik C. posts and Guitar Daddy's sudden critique have put me in a reflective mood. I too thought it ironic that this news group was full of Toho bashers until the G'98 came out and it filled up with "Only Toho" can make a Godzilla movie. I think most people think Godziulla, KOTM, with Raymond Burr was a very good '50s monster movie. Over the years, it became the greatest example of the '50s H-Bomb-spawned giant monster as the series became family (kiddie) movies not to be taken seriously. For me, the original Godzilla was such a classic (my preference) that all the rest of the silly movies carried some of its legitimacy. Some of them are actually good. The point that most critics miss is they are adventure-comedy fantasies that exist in their own universe not to be judged by any outside standards. I was very disappointed by KKvG to the extent that I didn't see GvThe Thing or G, TT-HM in the theaters. Eventually I saw Mothra on TV and it all became clear: These movies are fantasies that are not subject to any external standards. Once you accept the silly campiness, you can enjoy Frankenstein Conquers the World in all it delirious dementia. Once you accept the "artifice" of Japanese performance (in the positive sense of "skillful device"), you can overlook the quickie production values and enjoy the whimsical goings-on. Personally, I love the G '54 --> Monster Zero era. (Even DAM seems a little forced... they were trying too hard to have fun.) But I like the Heisei series too. They just don't match the Honda, Tsuburaya, Ifukube series.

I digress, but what I'm trying to say is, a sense of humor is a prerequisite to enjoying Godzilla movies. "(T)his isn't the Fine Arts department, we're talking about a Baroque Japanese Giant Critter Picture."

OtiGoji "Look at the size of those footprints!"

From: JWV262 Date: 23 Aug 1998 Newsgroups: alt.fan.godzilla

Yeah, no one can really understand why I like them either. But I've always watched them as big, overblown, Technicolor extravaganzas. Quite a bit of them are extremely entertaining, and you just realize that it seems only the Japanese can pull them off. Of course, "suspension of disbelief" plays a really big part in Kaiju movies, and I think alot of people can't get over the absurd premises of the movies in order to enjoy them. And as for special effects, they aren't any better or worse than the majority of films coming from the UK or US from '50 to '68. (I think 2001 was a SFX catalyst in '68). If Erik Christensen wants to declare them kiddie movies, well, that's his opinion but as an adult, I'm enjoying those movie more than ever.

John

-Wolf http://www.parrett.net/~wolf
http://www.parrett.net/~wolf/ttm.htm

From: LENELL BRIDGES Date: 05 Jul 1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Dave! Lenell here! Thanks for the nice words. I try to do what I can for the fans. The fans should come first before anything else. That's why I help out with G-CON! I don't want to be a god to be worshipped by anyone. I'm just a fan who volunteers his services to please the fans. Along with the other staff of G-CON, we all are fans! We who go to the show should be Family. That's the only way G-CON can stay alive. Everyone working together!!! Even G-FEST, too! There is room in the pool for everyone!

Thanks again for the nice compliments! Hope to see you at G-CON '99 next year!

From: TwoZbar Date: 23 Aug 1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

LENELL BRIDGES wrote:

> > This is to let everyone know that Super-Fan Paul Gavins' wife had a baby boy yesteday. Paul Gavins is the fan who did the realistic 1970's MECHAGODZILLA costume which was in the costume contest at G-CON '98 in Chicago in May. Paul has the incredile talent of making very realistic costumes. He was also the Baltan Alien for G-CON '97. Paul's great talent and love for the genre proves he's a Super-Fan!!!

> > Congratulations to you and your Family, Paul!

> > Shoowat! Lenell B.

Hmmm...might the baby then have an idenitity crisis when he gets older? He won't know whether he is really from Baltan or the third planet from the Black Hole!

Congrats to Paul and family!

- Jim C.

From: ULTRAkid Date: 23 Aug 1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I second that, Lenell! Congratulations to Paul and his family! Paul, remember to give your new son lots of love, hugs and ULTRAMAN with some GODZILLA mixed in! :)

-Rob D.

G-CON is a registered trademark of Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions. KAIJU-FAN and EURO G-CON are trademarks of Daikaiju Publishing. All rights reserved.