"All Monsters Attack" released 1969

Released two years later in the US as Godzilla's Revenge, this piece of crap doesn't even belong with the other Godzilla movies.  All Monsters Attack released December 20, 1969 in Japan follows the exploits as he tries to fit in with the "cool kids" (i.e. hoodlums).  He imagines himself as Godzilla fighting other monsters such as Ebirah, Anguirus and more.  The film contains clips from previous Godzilla movies so his appearance keeps changing throughout.  There are no original Godzilla scenes at all.  The main character is annoying and the movie was obviously geared toward children. 

"Godzilla Raids Again" released in 1955

Only 6 months after the original Godzilla aired, Toho Company released its sequel Godzilla Raids Again April 24, 1955.  Riding on the wave of success of the first, Toho rushed the production of the second movie to capitalize on the popularity.

It was originally released in the U.S. as Gigantis: The Fire Monster to give American audiences the illusion they were seeing another monster, but that antic failed.  Still, Godzilla Raids Again was another success.  It pitted the G-Man against Anguirus and destroyed Osaka.

It was also George Takei's first film as he provided voice-over work for the American release.  He also did work for Toho's Rodan.

"Godzilla: Final Wars" released 2004

December 4, 2004, Godzilla: Final Wars was released in Japan.  Due to the poor performances of the previous three movies, Toho announced this would be the last Godzilla movie for at least ten years.  The American version Godzilla was released in 2014.

This film brought back past enemies of the G-man, such as Gigan, Anguirus and Hedorah.  Mothra appears as an ally of Godzilla, the first time since Destroy All Monsters!.

"Godzilla Raids Again" released 1955

Following on the heels of the success of "Godzilla", Toho managed to film and release "Godzilla Raids Again" in less than six months after the original release. It would be May 1955 before American audiences would get to see it as "Gigantis, the Fire Monster". WTF?

It is the only film in which Godzilla's spines do not glow while he is releasing his radioactive breath.  It is also the only Godzilla film in which George Takei (Lt. Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek) appears.

"Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla" released 1974

"Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla" was released March 17, 1974, but American audiences would have to wait another 3 years to see it in the U.S.  It was the last appearance of Anguirus until "Godzilla: The Final Wars".

Godzilla vs Gigan

This month celebrates the thirty-eighth anniversary of the U.S. release of Godzilla vs. Gigan, the last film featuring Haruo Nakajima as the G-man.  (It seems a lot of stuff happened in August 1977!) Its original title, “Earth Attack Command: Godzilla vs. Gigan”, could just as well been named “Invasion of the Giant Cockroaches” since those are the aliens hell-bent on destroying Earth. Their plan:  summon and control King Ghidorah and Gigan.  However, the big bugs don’t count on Godzilla who becomes aware of the aliens and their plans. 

In a unique turn of events, Anguirus fights side by side with Godzilla to defeat the monsters.  The movie also contains dialogue between Godzilla and Anguirus.  The original Japanese version had speech bubbles during their conversation but were removed for the American release. 

Among the several titles this movie was released, “Godzilla on Monster Island” was used for the U.S. distribution although only about one minute of the film takes place on Monster Island. 

As with most G-man movies, "Godzilla vs Gigan" has a hokey plot, cheesy effects and bad acting. However, it is head and shoulders above its predecessor "Godzilla vs. Hedorah, the Smog Monster". OMG, what a train wreck that was.

Despite the recycled plot, which is getting a bit rank, "Godzilla vs Gigan" is fun and true to the spirit of the movies.

Godzilla vs. Gigan

Released in Japan in 1972, American audiences didn't get to see Godzilla vs. Gigan until August 1977. Giant cockroaches have come to Earth and have taken over human bodies. Of course, they need Godzilla out of the way so they summon Gigan to get rid of the pesky monster.  Unfortunately, G-Man had to face King Ghidorah as well, but Anguirus (sometimes foe) comes to his aid.  The Godzilla Tower is destroyed and the bug creatures as well.

Check out Anguirus' unique fighting style:  http://youtu.be/-GxHA94_BMs