The Beast's Godzilla Now Has A Companion

When Jay Grymyr and I went to Anime Jungle yesterday in Little Tokyo, I wasn't initially planning on buying anything.

But, as it usually does, temptation got the better of me and I decided to get a "companion" for the Godzilla figure in The Beast.

I decided on a 6" Bandai King Ghidorah figure, and the choice was between the Japanese version or the American version. The figures are almost identical, but the necks of the Japanese Ghidorah are straight, while the necks on the American version are slightly bent (I also know a guy who is called "Slightly Bent").

I decided that the American version looked better. So I bought it.

It is now standing next to Godzilla in The Beast. That should be the last kaiju item for The Beast. 

Little Tokyo Visit: Sushi and Godzilla Toys

Above, Jay Grymyr and Armand at Sushi Go 55 in Little Tokyo.

Today was spent down in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles where a reunion (of sorts) with Mr. Jay "Today In G-History" Grymyr and I met up at Sushi Go 55 for lunch.

Above, my lunch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jay is in town for a Bruce Springsteen concert and contacted me last week.

We had a pleasant talk over sushi lunch. It seems he hasn't been to a G-FEST since 2010 (my last was in 2009) where he won some G-Pardy games.

Above, the Anime Jungle store was dominated by this Godzilla figure. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another view of the giant Godzilla figure. You
can have it for $3,299.00. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following lunch, We headed over to Anime Jungle for some shopping of some Godzilla toys. In looking over the Godzilla merchandise Anime Jungle had on display, it occurred to me that I can afford all that stuff, but just don't have to the space for it all.

Above, a Godzilla diorama. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Godzilla goodies for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Anime Jungle, we then headed over to Books Kinokuniya for more browsing.

It was an enjoyable day and we should get more area G-fans together for more lunch/dinner gatherings.

Eight Years Since Hollywood

Above, Godzilla "sanitizing" his Hollywood Walk of Fame star with his atomic breath.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jay Grymyr, who posts his "Today In G-History" goodies here and there, noted today's highlight:

2004: Godzilla receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and "Godzilla: Final Wars" has its world premiere at Mann's Chinese Theater.

Actually, the name of the theater was reverted back to Grauman's Chinese Theater some time before.  But that's just a minor quibble.

It is hard to believe how fast eight years has passed since the events of that weekend in Hollywood.  They were set up to celebrate Godzilla's 50th anniversary and to promote Godzilla Final Wars.

The night before, the Hollywood Christmas Parade was held and Toho Co., Ltd. entered the Godzilla Final Wars float.  They asked me to write up the announcer's commentary as it passed by the reviewing stand.  The announcer: D.J. Rick Dees and it was broadcast worldwide.

Above, the late Johnny Grant officiates the Walk of Fame ceremony.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Toho had also asked me to pen the History of Godzilla for the Walk of Fame ceremony for the late Johnny Grant.  I threw in several names of various kaiju that Godzilla fought over his then-fifty-year history.  Grant botched the pronunciation of most of them, much to the amusement of the crowd of Godzilla fans in attendance (the numbers of fans there appeared to have been matched by the number of the Japanese media present).

Fan esteem of Godzilla Final Wars is still mixed.  Either they like the movie or detest it.  There doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground and the debate over the movie persists to this day.  (I happen to enjoy the movie.  It is flawed and a bit wacky, but I still was entertained by it.)

Above, Godzilla blasts the press at the Walk of Fame ceremony.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The premiere of Godzilla Final Wars was capped by an after-party hosted by Toho at the Hollywood Blvd. & Highland Ave. complex that housed the Kodak Theater.

At that time, I must point out, Toho announced that Godzilla would be put on a ten-year hiatus as box office receipts plummeted.  We're nearing ten years and the only Godzilla project in progress is the Legendary Pictures/Warner Brothers Godzilla, due to be released in 2014, Godzilla's 60th anniversary.

Thus far, Toho has not announced any plans to produce a Godzilla project of their own.