The design of Shin Gojira revealed

@Huge-Ben:

This design, what we have of it, is great. I can't stop looking at it. Really looking forward to pictures of the entire suit. And we are saying, "suit." This is great in itself. It's as if the Series and the genre have come full circle, to their origins. Now, if the VFX/SPX and writing are on point, and Anno, Higuchi and the cast and crew do what they are capable of, we'll have a Godzilla film not seen in a long, long time, God willing.

I know that a lot of love and care is going into the film to make ot meaningful, entertaining and visually magnificant at the same time. I have a really good feeling about Shin Gojira.

If, the drawing by Jeff Zornow is close to the actual design, it would seem that a pronounced degree of angularity is going to be part of this Godzilla. It has seen suggested that this could be expected in a design for a film directed Hideaki Anno. And the hiring of Mahiro Maeda to do the design would also indicate this. To this fan, it would also be indicative of an edginess to the film, its design, look and feel, if the look of Godzilla is to be congruent with the atmosphere of the film and its story.

Sometimes I want to pinch myself. Here we are, discussing a new, Toho-produced Godzilla film! A film co-directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, with the former writing the screenplay and the latter helming the Special Effects. This, is bigger than any disagreements among fans about designs and characterizations.

However, I am a fan of, and very pleased with, how things are looking so far. Everything on my list has been checked up to now.

I am anticipating a film with a modern, sleek look that will be contrasted by (but complemented with) the stylistic flare of tokusatsu effects, judiciously augmented by CGI.

I look forward to discussing the film with all of you here as things progress, God willing.

While I love the teaser photo I hope he doesn't look like the Zombie-zilla artwork. At least not through the entire film. If they have a prologue or flash back to the original explosion and show Godzilla afterwards covered in the fresh burns, then sure. But I do really like that second piece, as it still looks like the '54 suit, with all of the bulk and still keeping some of the scars.

"It's as if the series and genre have come full circle."

And that right there is something that hasn't been done since the passing of the late, great Eiji Tsuburaya, Akira Ifukube, Ishiro Honda, and Tomoyuki Tanaka.  Everything flowed together with the score, the directing, and special effects because these men were on the same page. Stay ahead of the competition. 

To know that Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno are fans of tokusatsu, the style of filmmaking that Godzilla revolutionized is what makes this movie so special. These two men know exactly what they are doing. When Shinji Higuchi directed the special effects for the Gamera heisei trilogy, three of the greatest of all time, we wanted him to handle the special effects for Godzilla. Now, that wait is over. 

His assistant, Katsura, his handling the visual effects who mind you did the Attack on Titan live action films 1 and 2 which should really stand out for the most part.

This is actually a blessing to consider that Godzilla has returned home in tokusatsu. I'm really looking forward to what comes next with this Godzilla film. It's very obvious we haven't seen anything yet. We, hopefully, will see something that just blows our minds away and leaves us breathless. 

"To know that Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno are fans of tokusatsu, the style of filmmaking that Godzilla revolutionized is what makes this movie so special. These two men know exactly what they are doing. When Shinji Higuchi directed the special effects for the Gamera heisei trilogy, three of the greatest of all time, we wanted him to handle the special effects for Godzilla. Now, that wait is over. "

It's been a long time coming. I cannot think of two people I'd rather have helming this film. When I first saw Gamera: Guardian of the Universe, I thought, "I wish the SPX director could get his hands on Godzilla." Now, he does. Co-directing with Hideaki Anno! That the two directors are fans of tokusatsu, who revere it, is tremendous. That they are gifted artists is evident. Now, this respect for tradition and artistry and vision are being applied to Godzilla, with whom it all started.

This is just so right.

    My greatest hope, in general, is that Shin-Gojira evokes and take us back to the original 1954 Gojira. When I sit before the screen in anticipation, I will not be hoping for state-of-the-art special effects. No; I will be waiting for a piece of actual, tangible art that my mind tells me is real. I will be waiting to see something that was fashioned primarily by the hands and imaginations of those who strove to bring this new vision of our most beloved monster to us. In so doing, we will, with a tad of luck, once again have a few moments of our lives dedicated to something not so lifeless as the 1s and 0s utilized in the creation of CGI. We'll have the pleasure, and honor, of viewing Godzilla in the same light as the men and women of 1954 - mostly unchanged by advancement in theatrical computer technology; unadulterated. Pure.

"Now this tradition and artistry and vision are being applied to Godzilla,with whom it started."

Beautifully said Jamaal. 

" My greatest hope, in general, is that Shin-Gojira evokes and take us back to the original 1954 Gojira. When I sit before the screen in anticipation, I will not be hoping for state-of-the-art special effects. No; I will be waiting for a piece of actual, tangible art that my mind tells me is real. I will be waiting to see something that was fashioned primarily by the hands and imaginations of those who strove to bring this new vision of our most beloved monster to us. In so doing, we will, with a tad of luck, once again have a few moments of our lives dedicated to something not so lifeless as the 1s and 0s utilized in the creation of CGI. We'll have the pleasure, and honor, of viewing Godzilla in the same light as the men and women of 1954 - mostly unchanged by advancement in theatrical computer technology; unadulterated. Pure."

This encapsulates my hopes for Shin Gojira.

Thank you, SOMETHING REAL.

And thank you, HUGE-BEN, for the kind words. I feel like we're all kind of living a dream here, with this new Godzilla film. And it's unfolding right in front of our eyes. And this part in the process is really fun: looking to see, each day, if something new has revealed or released. For me, it's imagining, for example, what the full suit will look like. Then, actually seeing it. I never cease to marvel at the craftsmanship and care that go into the making of these wonderful suits and miniatures. I have nothing but respect and admiration for these artists. Any insight into their world is most appreciated. So, I hope the journey that is the making of this most anticipated kaiju eiga is being recorded and documented in great detail and with much care.

JAMAAL - You are most welcome! However, you need not thank me; we are all in this together as Godzilla's ardent fans! Like you said: it is like living a dream. However, the best part about this dream is that we all get to share it and amplify one-another's speculations! It is certainly a very good time to be a Godzilla fan! :)

If his ears are burned off, that means he can't hear the pain and suffering he is causing. A being, shrouded in chaos at what it has become, and it can't even hear it's own pain.

Still not the first Godzilla to not have ears though GorillaGodzilla. A lot of Godzilla's didn't have ears. Gmk, 2014, 2000, 67', 73-75', 64' just to name a few and what's also interesting is that Godzilla has gone from having 4 toes to 3, back to 4, and this one has a 5th toe. The actual first one to have a fifth toe.

With exciting anticipation, I'm hyping about this Godzilla. As Jamaal pointed out, it just feels right. Especially since this production team is putting the "fear" back into Godzilla. Something that hasn't been done since 84/85. That scary kaiju Godzilla, is making his phenomenal return for what is seemingly a solo film. The first in 30 plus years. And as you know, I'm all about a solo Godzilla. 

@Jamaal,

We're glad that you're here with us to discuss this movie. We are all living a dream.

I don't think "having no definable ears" means "no ears". There are more Godzillas without ears in the series than there are with them. I think a comparison could be made to one's earlob having been scorched away, but the ear hole itself remains--As gruesome of a comparison as that is...

Here is my take on the design from a different angle

Www.ginopattiillustration.com for more

Godzilla 2014 had ears. Take a look at my profile picture, and this:

Well, of course. All Godzillas have "ears" if we're going to go that route, but like the majority, 2014's are external. They're not the external, mammilian lobes seen on the 50s, 80s, 90s and most of the 00s. Nothing easily noticable, similar to 2001's:

When I look at the Shin-Goji, I see Godzilla, the atomic monster. I also see a lot of hurt and tragedy that will result in massive destruction, requiring heroic action and sacrifice to save a nation.

That's what I see. Godzilla is a vicitm in this; he did not asked to be made into a monster.

It will be interesting to see how Anno and Higuchi present this metaphor and actual creature when he appears. My interest is in what motivates this transformed creature to appear and do what he does. I feel a well-written, thought provoking film is just over the horizon, with nods to the Series and what it has meant to its legion of fans over the decades.

I fervently want to experience the journey that Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi are going to take us on. Great films are like journeys: you travel with them and they become something you can 'roll around in.' I wonder what current issues will be addressed in Shin Gojira? That this would happen was hinted at in one of the director's statements earlier this year. In any event, I'm psyched. I'm loving every minute of this and I am grateful I have friends here to share it with.

Going to be a long year. I'm tentatively planning to take a trip to Japan to see this, so... we'll see.

I've starting looking into airfares to Tokyo.

^&^^ IF it's not much to ask, I want to tag along with either of you. Seriously, this is already looking like a film not to be missed.

But, let me say this:

Dear Toho:

If you are planning a screening of Shin Gojira at your Los Angeles office, I'm available to represent Godzilla fans here on the West Coast.

I'm retired after 25 years of service in the Federal Government, so my schedule is flexible.

Thank you for all that you do, and for producing this film.

Sincerely,

Jamaal Abdul-Rahim

Huge-Ben:

You're always welcome.

The flight to Tokyo is long, but I'm sure we could fill in the time (in between naps).

I can't help but feel like the titans in attack on titan live action were a dead hint as to how messed up this Godzilla would be. Each time I watch Attack on Titan live action part 1, haven't seen part 2 just yet, the more I fall in love with it. Outstanding tokusatsu film.

The hype is real now but, we haven't seen everything yet and that's what keeps us on board, waiting to see what comes next, how juicy the tokusatsu special effects will be, how memorable the score will be, what kind of emotions will be expressed besides fear, how dramatic the film will be from beginning to end. 

As Jamaal pointed out again, Godzilla really never asked to become a monster. It's because of our arrogance that the great dinosaur turned kaiju became a killer, a kaiju. He suffered and now we will have to pay for what we did to him. 

@Jamaal,

I appreciate that. Seriously, if you could get an extra ticket for the flight, I'd be more than thrilled to pay you back and to talk about everything Godzilla on the way to Tokyo, Japan. What a experience that would be and an honor to be there with you. 

Some hardcore OG G-Fans ^.

"Some hardcore OG G-fans." Yeah. What's your point? 

I guess we are hardcore 'OG.'

But, it's a great way to be. Also, I have a feeling (and hope) that Shin Gojira is going to be special, very special. It might be great to experience the atmosphere, electricity and anticipation of the opening of a new Godzilla film in Tokyo, especially if the buzz about the film is good.

Besides, Japan is fascinating, and Tokyo is one of the world's great cities.

barracudazilla.. for the teeth going way back into his jaw line... carpzilla... cuz of the fish eye... tumorzilla... obvious radioactive burn scarring... ehh... i like and don't like at the same time... he is scary looking.. no dout... and making him 388 plus feet tall.. well.. i'm good with that.. i need to see the rest of him.

There isn't a point Ben, lol, just stating some facts. And the fact is that, you and Jamaal, are some hardcore OG fans XD.

I mean I've been a fan since 94, when I was like seven. I don't know if that qualifies for OG fan yet, xD.

^Since 93 when I was 3 so, it counts.

@Jamaal,

You're absolutely right. This film not only feels special but, it just is. Two fans of tokusatsu upping their game and bringing Godzilla back to what he's been king of for a very long time. Tokusatsu.

And I'm sure that Tomoyuki Tanaka, Eiji Tsuburaya, Akira Ifukube, and Ishiro Honda are looking down from above and are smiling for what they are seeing what we can't. Shinji Higuchi made Gamera, Gyaos, legion, and definitely irys so stunning in design and visually stunning. To know his work, Godzilla is finally in what feels like the right hands.