Akira Takarada on G-FEST

Above, Takarada (left) with Linda Miller and Rhodes Reason in "King Kong Escapes."

My copy of G-FAN #87 arrived the other day and I've been perusing though it.

The issue has this amusing exchange in an interview by totorom with actor Akira Takarada on the subject of G-FEST:

Takarada: So you have the event every year with someone like Rhodes [Reason] as guest? How many fans to you have for the event? Thirty or forty? [Italics mine.]

tororom: No, no. We have about 1,500 fans getting together.

Takarada: 1,500 people? Are you kidding? (laughs) Then, if I were there, thousands of fans would throng the event. (laughs)

Apparently, Akira Takarada must've confused G-FEST with the last few Hollywood Godzilla film festivals. He definitely has a good sense of humor.

On attending a future G-FEST, Takarada said, "I'd love to if I have a chance."

Chasing Famous Monsters #30

In reading the G-FAN #87 summary by Ryan Clark that I posted today, this item caught my eye: Chasing FM #30 by Mike Bogue. Why would Godzilla fans want an issue with a Bela Lugosi Dracula cover?

It contains an article on the making of Godzilla and its sequels, so that is why this issue is sought after by Godzilla fans. Checking around, I noticed several copies of Famous Monsters of Filmand #30 are up for auction at eBay.

Another issue of Famous Monsters that Godzilla fans seek is issue #114. Fortunately, I have this issue (I have it packed away somewhere, but I do have it.) It is an issue devoted to the Japanese giant monster genre. It may be more sought after than #30. And, no, mine isn't for sale, sorry.

Above, FM #114.

I bought this issue when it came out on the newsstand. Note the $1.25 cover price!

Nevertheless, both issues of Famous Monsters are collectors items that serious Godzilla fans seek to complete their collections.

Do you have either issue? If so, feel free to post on how you obtained it, when and how much you paid for it.

G-FAN #87

Since I haven't received the current issue of G-FAN (#87) as of yet, I haven't been able to do my usual summary. However, Ryan Clark received his issue and he sent me his summary. I am happy to post it here. Thanks, Ryan!

Son of Ackermonster? intro by J.D. Lees

Godzilla: My Old Friend Akira Takarada Interview by totorom

Mystery Photo (Famous Monsters tribute)

Godzilla Takes A Holiday: Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster Retrospective by John LeMay

Adapting Godzilla 1985: Easier Said Than Done, Interview with Lisa Tomei by Brett Homenick

Tales of King Komodo: Episode 5 by Mike Rogue & Todd Tennant

Dracula vs. Godzilla: A Tale of Two Studios by John LeMay

Chasing FM #30 by Mike Bogue

Master Monster Maker by James Babbo

Ichiro's Mom's Fond Memories, interiew with Machiko Naka by Brett Homenick

Gfantis: Heart of the Beast! by Matt Frank and Daniel Arias-Maduro

G-Fan Retro Review: The Monolith Monsters by Mike Bogue

Steve Agin's Toy Report: Kaiju Cavalcade

Curtain Call For Far East Monsters: Bad Economy Claims Company by Tom Tvrdik

Kaiju Treats!

G-Fest Registration Info

Gamera The Brave DVD Review by Ryan Clark

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Note: J. D. completely forgot to include the photos of Haruo Nakajima at the new Godzilla statue at Toho Studios with his Mangled Skyscraper Award (hey, it happens). He promised that they will be included in issue 88 (summer issue) along with an interview and a DVD review Brett Homenick completed and an interview that I completed. There just wasn't enough room due to the Famous Monsters (the format didn't allow for much text) salute and other goodies.

Additional Note: On G-FEST XVI, I was able to negotiate a special arrangement for the movie screenings with Toho (sometimes having friends in high places comes in handy!). J. D. will make an announcement when everything is finalized. Fans will be very pleased as this will make Kenji Sahara's G-FEST appearance much more memorable!