In case you missed the most recent installment of The Hour Cosmic, your favorite comics game show podcast (Episode 72: Go-go-at with Tim Daniel), we spent a good amount of time, inspired by Tim’s book, “Enormous,” talking about kaiju. Brian and Matt took some time to share their personal favorite giant monsters, as well as some other tidbits from the show.
If you haven’t listened to it yet, you can grab it here, or listen to it below:
[audio: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thehourcosmic/~5/i-1Vo_bgisQ/72%20Episode%2072_%20Go-Go-At%20with%20Tim%20Dan.mp3]Matt’s Pick: Mechagodzilla
Growing up I always had a fascination with science fiction, particularly with robots. Not to get too subjective, but in that “anyone who knows me knows” fashion I’ll make a nod to the fact that I just really like robots. So when it comes to talk about some of my favorite things, that I find the robotized version of the most famous monster of all time shouldn’t really be a surprise to anyone.
But it’s true: I think Mechagodzilla kicks the most ass out of all the kaiju, and I’m hesitant to classify a giant robot lizard as an actual kaiju (but lets roll with it). What I always found endearing about Mechagodzilla, though, is that he’s pretty much the epitome of the anti-hero; sometimes he is the villain of the film and you want to see Godzilla take him down, whereas others you’re rooting for Mechagodzilla to actually beat Godzilla (particularly in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla III). That always struck me as interesting — surely all monsters get their time to shine as the hero and the villain, particularly Big G himself, but the context through which Mechagodzilla exists is so different than any other creature specifically because he’s a man made monster. The implications of that alone are pretty staggering.
Brian’s Pick: Mothra
While there are more powerful monsters, more elegant designs, and names that aren’t quite so on the nose, I have always had an affinity for Mothra. There are many reasons why, but to me, it comes down to three reasons:
1) The heart
Mothra, even when battling other kaiju, always seemed to be doing so reluctantly. A true champion of humanity, Mothra always had a sadness and regret in her eyes.
2) The song
No joke: I’ve used this song as a ringtone before, and it pops in my head at least once a week.
3) And Twiiiiiiiins!
Although “Enormous” #1 doesn’t come out until next Wednesday, did you know you can read the entire original one shot serialized on Multiversity? You should check it out!
Next Monday, we are presenting a very special show – The Hour Cosmic Live from Heroescon, with your special hosts Chad Bowers and Robots From Tomorrow co-host Greg Matiasevich!
The live show featured Tom Scioli, Ming Doyle, and Jim Rugg, and is an absolute blast – check back on Monday to hear it!
