Can Godzilla Be Silly? An Analysis of the Franchise & Fans

Can the character of Godzilla be silly? Or does he only work when he's depicted as a serious, grounded character.
The Godzilla franchise has had a wide variety of tones since the character came into the world in 1954. We go on a deep dive into the diverse tones of Godzilla in this cinematic journey. From whimsical romps to profound reflections, we explore the spectrum of Godzilla's storytelling. From campy classics of the Showa era to serious sagas with Heisei and onward, we uncover the intricacies of Godzilla's legacy. We discuss how the Batman, and James Bond movies parallel Godzilla's tonal evolution. All while examining the Godzilla fanbase and where it stands today.
Sound off in the comments below!
Check out @KweerKaiju & @metal_helm's music!
Kweer Kaiju: • KING KONG VS GODZILLA ...
Helm of the Anti-lemon: • Kong vs.Godzilla-metal...
Get your Super7 collectibles using my affiliate link to help support this channel at no extra cost to you! Grab ReAction, ULTIMATES!, apparel and much more: super7.com/MIKESMONSTERS
Get 10% OFF your new monster collectibles from Entertainment Earth with my link: ee.toys/MONSTERS!
You directly support me and the making of my monster photography, plus orders over $79 qualify for FREE SHIPPING from EE!
I hope you enjoy and thanks for watching Mike's Monsters!
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬CHAPTERS▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - A Whirlwind Time To Be A Fan
1:05 - Can Godzilla Be Silly?
1:15 - Godzilla & His Variety of Tones
1:56 - Godzilla On Home Media
2:47 - Shin Godzilla
3:53 - Batman
5:51 - Batman vs Godzilla
6:37 - James Bond
7:45 - The Monsterverse Tones
10:20 - Heisei Era is Very Silly
11:17 - My Reservations with the Monsterverse
12:08 - Monsterverse Appreciation
13:52 - Godzilla Fans & Constructive Criticism
15:37 - Appreciation for the Special Effects
20:21 - Godzilla Movies Aren't Kids Movies
22:00 - The Potential of Godzilla X Kong
23:30 - Fans Shape the Franchise
25:00 - Fake Fans & Tourists
27:20 - Every Godzilla is Valid
28:45 - Fan Harassment Is Not Okay
31:00 - Godzilla Directors Understand the Franchise
31:21 - Coming Up at Mike's Monsters!
---
Please like, share and subscribe!
TikTok: @mikes.monsters
/ mikes.monsters
​​​Instagram: @mikes.monsters
/ mikes.monsters
Check out my new website for prints and more!:
WEBSITE: www.mikemonaghan.photography
SHOP: www.mikemonaghan.photography/...
TEEPUBLIC: www.teepublic.com/user/mikes-...
Say hello!
EMAIL: [e-mail]
---
Attribution 4.0
​Fair Use Copyright Disclaimer: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
#MikesMonsters #Godzilla #Monsterverse #GodzillaXKongTheNewEmpire #GodzillaMinusOne

[@MikesMonsters]

Check out Kweer Kaiju & Helm of the Anti-Lemon's awesome music that was used to make this video!!! Kweer Kaiju: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYSopXd3n6l8d6s Helm of the Anti-lemon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opK2dqKAhbmFgJY

[@IanDanielCassidy]

This guy didn't win an Oscar until he was 70-year-old and had starred in 38 movies. Never Stop following your dreams.

[@MikesMonsters]

Amen!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters yes, amen

[@chadgorosaurus4898]

Technically 69 years. But still, it took a long time.

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@chadgorosaurus4898 I know that. I'm just saying that Godzilla didn't win the Oscar until Godzilla turned 70 years old later this year on November 3rd.

[@chadgorosaurus4898]

@@IanDanielCassidy what?

[@mgustafson2010]

I love that Godzilla can be such a bleak reflection on humanities nuclear fears and can be a silly lizard shooting a laser into the center of the earth to scream at a giant money

[@MikesMonsters]

Agreed 100%!

[@ogrelord3481]

I feel like Godzilla is kind of like Batman where there is merit in the more silly "kid friendly" versions of the character and the more serious, grounded versions as well.

[@CobbleBompster]

This is exactly what happened to Tim Burton’s Batman 🙄 How’d that turn out?

[@SegaMaster172]

@@CobbleBompster Tim Burton’s Batman was the first two movies. Those ones redefined Batman into his iconic dark and brooding persona that we see nowadays. The third and fourth movies, however, were directed by Joel Schumacher and those ones tried to play into the original Adam West campiness of the first show…and failed, obviously. The differences between Tim’s vision and Joel’s vision are like night and day.

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly!

[@Chadzilla_the_Keyblade_welder]

@@CobbleBompster AGAIN, Just because a movie is aiming for a similar direction doesn't mean the execution is going to be the same. It really is just becoming clear that you hate fun and ONLY thinks movie's are good when their Edgy....

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

​@@CobbleBompster Friendly reminder that Adam West Batman is still great

[@YodaOnABender]

Evil Doctor Skipper be like:

[@MikesMonsters]

🤭🤭🤭

[@rexwrecks2735]

Professor trudger

[@Spinozillosaur]

No doktor skipper is the evil version of mike

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

"If the MonsterVerse stuck to one specific tone, it'd get boring real fast". That's exactly what I'VE BEEN SAYING.

[@TERRELLTURNER1999]

Give or take

[@claymationgloves3662]

The problem with that is, even King of the monsters back in 2019 managed to stay closer to 2014's tone than gvk or gxk probably will.

[@Still.the.best.2021]

​@@claymationgloves3662 and? KOTM manages to mix both tones, similar to what the Hensei era did

[@nanuqo2006]

Yall have never seen a tonally consistent franchise before????

[@claymationgloves3662]

@@nanuqo2006 THATS WHAT I'M SAYING! I mean even the heisei era stayed consistent for like the majority of its films in tone. especially 95' and 91'. those were just sad.

[@Thermo-Lizard]

This is literally peak Godzilla fanbase criticism. Staying what to and what not to do in a calm reasonable manner This deserves at least 100K views Bravo!

[@MikesMonsters]

This is literally a peak comment! THANK YOU! I really appreciate you being here and taking the time to comment.

[@smuggrog9821]

This essay hit the nail right on the head. Godzilla is a old character just like Batman or James Bond and just like those character the Big G has multiple incarnations with some being more grounded and others being more goofy. You can prefer one version of the character over another, that's fine but saying one version of the character is the only valid interpretation is just plain wrong. We can have more then one flavor of Godzilla and it is his flexibility to be portrayed in multiple ways that has made him an pop culture icon and such an enduring character. Toho Godzilla, Monsterverse Godzilla, serious Godzilla, or silly Godzilla I love em all and as someone who really became a fan in 2007/2008 where the Big G drought was still going strong, I am just grateful that we are getting more Godzilla content.

[@MikesMonsters]

Heck yeah! I’m glad this worked for you and thank you so much for commenting. The character needs to be diverse to live a long life!

[@enceladus3318]

Batman and Godzilla are the only characters to be treated as a campy figure, on TV and in movies to serious drama pieces like The Batman and Minus One. Amazing diversity in their long careers.

[@RugaGGG]

Minus one was the same as old time godzilla bro? But The Batman was the dectative and new batman take which was new in live action

[@MikesMonsters]

Don’t forget James Bond!

[@raymondnolasco7453]

Superman?

[@MikesMonsters]

yeah! He could work! @@raymondnolasco7453

[@A_foranonymous]

Also spiderman I would say

[@Supersaurus4]

As a long time Godzilla fan, no matter what tone is used, either light hearted or serious, I will always love the franchise as a whole.

[@MikesMonsters]

That’s the way to do it. 🤘🏻

[@sadgirlhours4088]

Same here! I love goofy godzilla as much as I do the serious and cool ones.

[@TabathaTMartin]

Same! I always like to bring up the millennium era, when it comes to this kind of discussion. People just forgot about Final Wars, and the Kiryu movies apparently. Or that in the first two movies, Godzilla had purple/magenta spikes

[@IanDanielCassidy]

Godzilla is my all-time favorite fictional character in movie history and my favorite movie monster from my early childhood memories in the 2000s era.

[@MikesMonsters]

Right there with you!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters thank you very much

[@rickyrackey7930]

Godzilla can represent both positive and negative things. For Negative: The Fear of Nuclear Power, the Arrogance of Man, The Wrath of Nature, etc. For Positive: The values of coexistence, determination, loyalty, putting differences asides, the beneficial sides of nuclear power.

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly!

[@rickyrackey7930]

@@MikesMonsters Because of the Showa era, I learned to forgive those who harmed me.

[@MikesMonsters]

@@rickyrackey7930 thank you, Godzilla. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@kyle666man]

Your point about older Gfans being more appreciative of what we get is so true for me. I’ve been a fan since the day I was born in 1991, thanks to my father. If I went back in time and showed little me even just a picture of MV Godzilla…. He’d die. I mean legit have a heart attack and DIE. I love Godzilla. I love that we’re getting so much Godzilla. Some might be better than others, but it’s all GODZILLA. To see my childhood hero glow up from dudes in suits to such lifelike cgi is just food for the soul. What a time to be alive.

[@MikesMonsters]

What a time to be alive is right. We are living in the best age of Godzilla to ever happen!

[@gameragodzilla]

Yeah, I grew up in the dearth of Godzilla content between 2004 and 2014. The Pipeworks games helped tide me over, but I remember my Godzilla fandom was just renting VHS or DVD at Blockbuster (back when they existed) or looking at the TV Guide hoping that a movie happened to be playing. Getting a full on series in America alongside new Japanese movies, all with their own distinct style and tone is something I absolutely would’ve loved as a kid, and I’m enjoying myself greatly now.

[@user-ji4hp7vt4x]

Feels like the number of tourists in fandoms increased during the pandemic. Me included, since I’ve watched a few videos you shown the thumbnails of. But even before getting into Godzilla I believed in the balance of serious and silly, because the other has to exist for proper reflection. Overall this video is a way healthier discussion compared to others I’ve seen.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for watching this video. I really appreciate it!

[@SVLTAN99]

already one of the greatest godzilla video essay's ive ever seen on this platform. hoping your channel gets much bigger and more successful because we need more people like this in the landscape of media discussion. Great work!

[@MikesMonsters]

Wow! Such an incredible comment. Thank you SO much for sharing and watching. I really appreciate it.

[@natestover7551]

Dude you nailed it. I’m so tired of the stupid fighting in the fan base. I remember the Godzilla drought and that fact that we are in this new Kaiju renaissance is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you for watching! Hopefully more people will watch this video and take some good away from it so we can have less fighting.

[@21stCenturyFilmmaker]

I really hope the fighting in the fanbase doesn't get worse as fanbase turmoil has already ruined many franchises such as Halo, Star Wars, Call of Duty and others for me. Godzilla is kind of the last franchise I have left that hasn't been ruined by toxicity.

[@dencocreations1701]

As someone who got into Godzilla late millennium era, the Monsterverse is extremely home to me, I love it.

[@MikesMonsters]

Godzilla is home. 🏡 🦖❤️🥹

[@THERINGUS]

Godzilla is Godzilla

[@MikesMonsters]

Truer words have never been written. 👍🏻

[@RickDaSquirrel]

Awesome video man! I just had a similar video discussing this a week or so ago. We can have many versions of Godzilla. Just like we do Batman

[@MikesMonsters]

Hey Rick! Really appreciate it! Glad you found it relatable. I’ll check out your video soon! Any and all versions of Batman and Godzilla are valid!!!

[@Kaijutopia]

Honest, thought-provoking videos like this one are precisely what the Godzilla community needs. Great job, Mike! There is a Godzilla for everyone, and rightfully so. Godzilla’s widespread appeal is arguably his most potent asset; it’s the key to his longevity and is why he’s still going strong after 70 years. All I can say to fans struggling with online drama who are willing to listen is their self-identity shouldn’t be predicated on Godzilla. That might be difficult to do, given your unique circumstance, but no matter how larger-than-life Godzilla seems, it doesn’t hold a candle to your humanity. Take care of yourselves first!

[@MikesMonsters]

Well said Tom!! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I really appreciate you, dude!!

[@brianyaeger8209]

Was just on a Facebook page talking about how it’s amazing that we are getting both serious Godzilla movies (with Toho) and more campy Godzilla movies (with legendary) It’s really good having the best of both worlds right now

[@MikesMonsters]

We are eating so good right now!

[@corey2232]

I love practical VFX, but there's not a single part of me that thinks the man-in-the-suit Godzilla films look "more real" than the Legendary Godzilla works. The movements, the wobbly dorsal spikes & flappy jaws, the derpy eyes that sometimes roll in the wrong direction, the limited range of motion, the editing jumping between puppets/minatures & suit versions, etc... none of that lends itself to "realistic" or "good." Despite all that, I'm able to suspend my disbelief to get invested in the vision. It's like being a kid & having to use your imagination, only the films are doing some of the heavy lifting. Minus One (and Shin before that) went CG, and they looked great! I'm sure it's sacrilege to say this, but even Minus One had moments where Godzilla looked noticeably CG. I would never say "it looked bad," but it's because I understand how difficult this is & appreciate how much they got right. But I also give the Legendary films that same benefit of the doubt. Their Godzilla designs absolutely kick ass, and the VFX have been awesome overall.

[@MikesMonsters]

You nailed it. The ability to suspend disbelief is crucial if you truly want to fully appreciate what the filmmakers are trying to say. And great point with Minus One’s VFX! That movie had some iffy shots, but happened to just with the OSCAR for best VFX! It’s something to think about for sure!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

"Final Wars Godzilla's Abilities": Amphibiousness, Atomic breath, Energy absorption and projection, Nuclear Pulse, Physical abilities, Spiral heat ray, Durability, Intelligence. "Final Wars Godzilla's Weaknesses": Subzero temperatures, Monsters X/Keizer Ghidorah, and Modified Gigan.

[@MikesMonsters]

Final Wars is mega powerful!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters yes.

[@RugaGGG]

Abilities are preety similar to mv and soho godzilla

[@TheHorrorGuru]

This video was fantastic. Well done.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thanks Horror Guru! Appreciate you watching!

[@Chadzilla_the_Keyblade_welder]

Yes. We not only can have both, we NEED both for the franchise to survive. It's the Yin and Yang balance. If you want your franchise to be successful and continue to gain appeal, you have to cater to many different audience's. It's how Godzilla even managed to survive for seven decades. Godzilla's roots has always been his variety.

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly!!!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

Godzilla (Irradiated Prehistoric Amphibious Reptile (Showa Series and mostly in Millennium Series), Irradiated Godzillasaurus (Heisei Series), Irradiated Marine Iguana (G1998), Collective Spirits of War World II Victims (GMK), and Prehistoric Amphibious Reptile (Titanus Gojira) (MonsterVerse), and Mutated theropod-like marine reptile (GMO).

[@MikesMonsters]

Great info!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters thank you

[@GuiltlessGear]

Big Tree (Earth Trilogy)

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@GuiltlessGear yep, that's one

[@blueravenfire]

great video man. you are so right fans should appreciate what we have now because it took so long to get to this point and there was a time when this godzilla renaissance almost didn't happen.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I think if we all lay it out clearly for the fans who like to complain, I think we can change their tune.

[@user-ij6sn3lo8u]

Thank you man for pointing out that the tourist wants clicks from us man! Here’s a sub.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you for the sub! I’m glad to have you here!

[@FrankuX2]

If there's any video that needs to go viral it's definitely this one I feel like this The most well put together and civil way to explain the franchise

[@MikesMonsters]

What an awesome comment. Thank you so much. 🤘🏻

[@anthonycrecco5679]

As a Godzilla and King Kong fan, I feel like I needed this video. Gotta remember all eras, not just my fav one(s)

[@MikesMonsters]

Hell yeah! Glad it came to you. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Misscouchpotato-]

Godzilla is just a silly little- I mean big guy. He can be all those things. He's been around for 70 years. And ive watched the movies since I was 11. Probably don't take my opinion.. I'm blinded by the giant kaiju. I love the guy. I think he works in both being a bit light harded and action packed and being a message/being serious. I agree with 'there is a Godzilla for everyone' I'm honestly a fan of both sides.

[@MikesMonsters]

He’s a silly little, big guy! And that’s great!! He’s whatever he needs to be and we can love him how we all individually do on our own. We’re all brought together by this one awesome icon!

[@gabrielcaro]

Thanks for calling out the bullshit you see on KZbin regarding Godzilla. I feel like far too many right leaning KZbinrs have been using it as a crutch to bash on Hollywood for making what they deem far too many Wolk films. Regardless of Hollywood’s problems, Godzilla minus one should be celebrated for what it is. And achievement and storytelling for the franchise.

[@MikesMonsters]

I really appreciate you watching and glad my calling out of the grifters resonated with you. Thanks for sharing!

[@ryanmcglennon7214]

At the end, having the cat sit there and placing the godzilla just got you a sub. Adorable. Great video!

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the cat cameo! There's plenty more where that came from! Thank you for subscribing!

[@kaijucanuck4492]

Great video breaking down Godzilla's history and current discourse. Keep up the great work, Mike!

[@MikesMonsters]

Dude, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@queve2]

Yeah you are not alone, I have the same sentiment about the godzilla fandom lately. I used to hate to boredom that every single day there is debates of who beat who or who is stronger than who, but hey, now I'm ok with that as long is not taken too seriously or too toxic to the point people go personal. Another thing that took me out of the fandom till I see GxK is the NEED that a lot of people have to put spoilers, post heavy leaks like months ago through the toys and also I've heard that the entire svript of GxK got leaked so a lot of people know the entire movie and have the power to demolish the movie for you, I needed to silence every single key word and mutual that potentially can talk about Godzilla for that single reason, and still got spoiled by a lot of photos and random comments of people that I don't follow, it's sick. Also yeah, it's stupid not to appreciate the capacity of the big G of having that array of interpretations, being all of them cohesive with the character whether you like them or not. There is a Godzilla for everyone and all of them are valid.

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly! Glad you got it! Thanks for commenting!!!

[@Spnozilla]

Am I the only one who thinks King Ghidorah should’ve been saved for a later film?

[@MikesMonsters]

Nope! I said the same in the video! He could have been saved and built up to wayyyy more!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

"1954 Godzilla's Abilities": Amphibious lifestyle, atomic breath, durability, bites, tail, physical abilities. "1954 Godzilla's Weaknesses": Oxygen Destroyer.

[@MikesMonsters]

The OG!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters the beginning of the Godzilla franchise

[@bigbaddwolf90]

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Godzilla films is that there is one for every mood. There's such a wide variety of genres integrated that you can find one to match what you're looking for as long as you're into giant monsters haha.

[@MikesMonsters]

Absolutely! Well said!!!

[@naikouproductions]

Wow. I'm so glad this popped into my recommended; you hit the nail on the head every single time. No one these days seems to get that having an opinion (even if it seems to be a horrible one) is okay. You just need to remain respectful when voicing any opinion, and respect is something so few people are apparently willing to give these days. Also, Godzilla 2000 (1999) for the win!

[@MikesMonsters]

I’m so glad it popped up and were able to watch it! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts here. I am always about having and open discussion and different opinions, as long as they aren’t harmful. More people need to be open for others opinions! Heck yeah on 1999!

[@levig4465]

To me, I think the problem isn’t exclusively about tone. Imo both a goofy godzilla project and a serious godzilla project can be done equally well, and both *have* been done well in the past (see 1954 as a serious entry and MvG 64 as a light hearted one). However, both have also been done poorly in the past as well (see TRoG 84 as a serious one and vs Megalon as a goofy one). The tone of a project doesnt inherently determine its value; its about narrative cohesion, consistency with the humans, creative use of those characters, a streamlined plot, etc. Imo the subjects of overall tone and whether or not a distinct societal message is present consumes the conversation about “good” or “bad” godzilla content far too much when the issue isn’t necessary to do with those things. Both a godzilla to be laughed at and a godzilla to be feared can work, its about how each of their individual stories keep the audience engaged, entertained, and thinking without confusing them that really matters most.

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly! It’s all about execution!

[@keithewing8026]

A G-fan sent me the link for this vid and when I saw it was gonna chew up 34 minutes of my morning I only reluctantly gave it a try and I'm glad I did. Compelling, genre-wide analysis coupled with deftly edited, apt clips, both dramatic and hilarious (the Adam West Batman stuff is in a winking, campy league of its own and really helps contextualize the Hollywood angle on G, at least for me ), well, this master class editorial amounts to lots of ground well-covered, thanks!

[@MikesMonsters]

Really glad you were sent this video! Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@ethanmitchell5106]

Thank you for saying what I've felt for so long; there's a Godzilla for everyone! With Godzilla, it's rare we get to have our cake and eat it too.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you for watching it! We get to have ALL the cake lately, and that's just great.

[@Gojirawars03]

I’m actually really thankful that my first exposure to Godzilla was with 1964’s “Mothra vs Godzilla.” That movie struck a really fantastic balance between the serious tone of the original and the more lighthearted and campy elements that would come to define the rest of the Showa era. I think it’s allowed me to have a lot more appreciation for both styles.

[@MikesMonsters]

A fantastic entry point!

[@VonDiesel3768]

Godzilla Minus One definitely had the best human story of any Godzilla movie. There are just two things I can’t get over. The Japanese government just did nothing? They cared so little about their citizens that they were ok letting them all, including themselves, die? That made no sense. In Shin Godzilla, the government f**ks up, has the wrong responses many times, and gets a ton of people killed, but they still tried things until they ultimately succeeded. Even if they would have failed, they still tried. If they didn’t try, what would they have left to govern? Would anything be left at all? It makes zero sense that they would just lay down and die. The second thing? All the fishermen boats show up to help at the end, then the next scene, they somehow all have their ropes tied around Godzilla or the thing that’s lifting him up. How could they have even done that, let alone in the time the plan allotted for? Those are some Godzilla sized plot holes. Yet the plot holes in Godzilla vs Kong, I could forgive bc they weren’t so egregiously damming to the story. Plus, it’s a fun, kaiju vs film, so the goofy sh*t like Godzilla blasting a hole all the way to the hollow earth, and roaring at Kong, didn’t matter. It’s a ridiculous movie, but in a great way. But 30 fishing boats securing ropes to pull Godzilla’s in a matter of second? Come on. I still enjoyed Minus One a lot, but not nearly as much as Shin Godzilla or Godzilla vs Kong. It’s still pretty close to the top on my ranking though.

[@mindwipe8788]

Being a member of the Godzilla fandom for 30 years now thanks to TNT’s Monstervision and its Showa Godzilla marathon. I’m was so happy that a Godzilla movie finally got an Oscar in a category that best suits it, I’m also happy that Legendary’s Monsterverse is in some ways paying homage to previous eras of Godzilla’s existence and bringing a few fresh ideas into this franchise.

[@MikesMonsters]

The TNT Monstervision memories are great!

[@beavkuhn5640]

Being born in 2002, and having grown up watching every old movie. I absolutely adore how America is going the showa route with their Godzilla incarnation and Japan is treating it dark. It’s just perfect in my eyes.

[@MikesMonsters]

Love it! Glad that’s how you see it, we should all learn from this mindset!!!

[@michaelcaboose8685]

What I like about Legendary’s is that it’s a tone chameleon. Whereas others have to reboot themselves to change tones, Monsterverse can go from Nolanesque to Meme battle in hollow earth in one continuity.

[@MikesMonsters]

I can definitely agree with that! I dig the different tones.

[@GrootGuitar]

My man, bravo on executing this so well. I feel you brought a balanced approach to this topic, which as you know is rather rare in the corners of this fandom. Would love to see that Monster Arts video sometime! 🤘🦖

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for watching! I am starting to put together my notes for that MonsterArts video, so hopefully I can get it out sooner than later!

[@sadgirlhours4088]

I love godzilla in all forms. My taste in godzilla varies so hard its crazy lol. My favorite showa era movies are, obviously, the first. And godzilla vs megalon. Its literally the funniest movie ive ever seen. I have a strong love for godzilla at its goofiest and at its most serious. Also bro has not been through the fandom trenches yet. Godspeed dude, i envy that

[@MikesMonsters]

All flavors of Godzilla are great! You've got a flavor for every type of meal!

[@rogerholden7820]

Great spot on video, Mike! I personally want to see the Yoshimitsu Banno approach have a contemporary comeback and I will try to make that happen.

[@MikesMonsters]

I support this mission! Thank you for watching!

[@petesolo70]

Great video essay. As a fan since the mid 70s as a kid and as a teacher aide, I give you an A+ for your essay.

[@MikesMonsters]

You rock! Thank you so much!!!

[@thejustifier5566]

When I was a kid in the early 2000s I remember the 10 year drought in new godzilla films from 2004-2014. I still rewatch a lot of the classic films, showa, heisei, and millennium.

[@MikesMonsters]

The dark times!

[@corey2232]

I feel like everybody with any interest in Godzilla should watch this video all the way through. We'd all be a lot better off for it. This is my first video of yours that I've seen, and I'm impressed. Subscribed!

[@MikesMonsters]

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to share your thoughts. I’m happy to have you here!

[@IPS-bk2wr]

'Twitter users allow Godzilla to be a part of different mediums without being nitpicky on certain CGI shots from American films' Challenge (IMPOSSSIBLE)

[@MikesMonsters]

One of the world’s most difficult challenges…

[@JTISREBORN]

This video was great. Immediately subbed after watching it. Part of what makes this franchise so great is there is a large variety of tones and filmmakers giving their takes on this. That’s why I love it so much. I get my super serious Godzilla movie with minus one and then my over the top escapism movie with Godzilla x Kong and in between I got monarch legacy of monsters which also has Godzilla and Kurt Russell. I’m just really happy with the franchise.

[@MikesMonsters]

Really appreciate you watching and subbing! I am happy to have you here!

[@cartoonguy55]

Wonderful video! No notes, you nailed it so well!! Go Go Godzilla!

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much! Long livd the king!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@omniviewer2115]

This man gets it.

[@MikesMonsters]

I appreciate you stopping by Omni Viewer! Good to see you here! 🤘🏻

[@KMC2406]

Amazing video! Keep up the good work, our lovely fandom needs more stuff like this.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for saying that and watching! I really appreciate it!

[@Emptvspace]

Godzilla will bring the world together in mysterious ways we try, but ultimately can’t describe…💯❤️‍🔥💥🔥

[@MikesMonsters]

Godzilla is in each of us!!!

[@Cryo-skull]

12:39 THANK YOU! It always feels like people forget the fact they are characters and not emotionless lumps or fully animalistic. Kong literally became a movie star because people gravitated towards him being a tragic character (among other things but that’s for another day.) Even animals in nature have personality’s and reactions that show they are alive. It always bothers me on how people just have an issue with kaiju for having a personality, despite the fact that’s why people love them. Sure, some have cool designs and abilities, but really what else will they even offer if that’s it? Godzilla, Kong, mothra, gamera and many more would NOT have been as remembered today if they just restricted to full on realism. Would people really like kong if he was just a big ape? Sure maybe a bit sorry for him, but it’s his reactions to Anne and the predators around him is what develops him more. People like Gamera because he’s a protector and develops a bond to humans. People like Gigan for how much he’s an overconfident goof ball despite having a bloodlust. People like Godzilla, because he has something for everyone, along with his aggressive, confident and intelligent traits I’d argue is nearly present in each depiction of the character. People had a problem with G98 for being to animal like, so why is it now people have a problem with him having a more familiar character again? Ted talk aside, really great video!

[@MikesMonsters]

The monsters are the stars! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

"Megaguirus Godzilla's Abilities": Amphibiousness, Atomic breath, Durability, Energy absorption and projection, Physical abilities, Intelligence. "Megaguirus Godzilla's Weaknesses": Godzilla's bulk and slow movement. "Anti-Godzilla weaponry": "Dimension Tide": The Dimension Tide was introduced as a weapon within the events of the film, being a weapon capable of firing a black hole. A black hole was fired at Godzilla as the craft began to crash land back to Earth. Godzilla countered the black hole with a blast of atomic breath, which resulted in an explosion, with Godzilla vanishing as the smoke cleared, having been seemingly killed by the weapon He was later revealed to have survived. However, the weapon was effective in at least subduing him for a few days.

[@MikesMonsters]

That super jump he does is so hilarious!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters yep, I like that movement

[@Peter-en6bc]

I’m just over 30 and have been a Godzilla fan my whole life, Godzilla can def be goofy. Does no one remember Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra talking to each other? lol. The tone of Godzilla has looked different through the decades and the latest is just the most recent iteration. Luckily we had Minus One to balance it out

[@MikesMonsters]

The 3 of them talking to each other is one of the best scenes in the whole franchise, and one of my favorites. “Oh Godzilla! What foul language!” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Peter-en6bc]

@@MikesMonsters 100% lol

[@Windwalker88]

Absolutely love this video. There are only a few Goji movies i dislike, yet i barely talk about them. Yet i cant stop talking about all the great scenes and entries of the series and cant wait to see Godzilla fight an ice monster

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for watching! All Godzilla movies, no matter the quality, have something good in them.

[@IanDanielCassidy]

Whenever Godzilla and King Kong have a Crossover movie together. King Kong needs to be a bit under Godzilla's height. In King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), King Kong stood 45 meters tall, and Godzilla (Second Showa incarnation) stood 50 meters tall. In the MonsterVerse, Godzilla stood both 108.204 meters tall (G14) and 119.79 meters tall (GKOTM-GXKTNE) while Kong stood 102 meters tall.

[@MikesMonsters]

Ian is dropping the facts!!!

[@IanDanielCassidy]

@@MikesMonsters yes, I'm dropping facts.

[@FigureManiaShow]

Great video bro.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thanks for watching brotha!!!

[@pbjam9355]

This guy gets it. Amazing video and you made alot of good points about the franchise and the state of the fandom. Godzilla is not limited to one tone only, he's a very flexible character that can be both serious and campy. The fandom's arguments about this debate can be very tiresome and like you said, the negative nancies who male call oits about movies or cgi being bad usually dont have a constructive reason as to why, they just aren't too civil with their arguments and it's sad. Thank you for this very insightful video. More people need to see this and open their eyes to the franchise and stop being so tunnel visioned.

[@MikesMonsters]

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! I’m glad this video resonated with you. Thank you for watching!

[@caivue3314]

It doesn't matter to me if Godzilla takes in a funny or serious tone, I love both way.

[@MikesMonsters]

This is the way.

[@caivue3314]

@@MikesMonsters This is the way.

[@NightStrider343]

I understand, liked, and be fine with the fact that each of Godzilla and Batman's incarnations have very different themes, tones, roles, and other actions, but what keeps concerning me is Godzilla 1998, and DCEU Batman which they are the signs of the dangers of creating the same characters in a new incarnation. Do you know what Godzilla 1998 and DCEU Batman have in common that made them have a large number of haters? And also how to avoid those problems when creating a new incarnation of those characters.

[@HorrorBabeShow]

Such a great video!!! 🤩

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank youuuu! 😘💕

[@gabrielboorom2683]

The first arc was dark & bleak, the second arc was fun and massive, the third was impressive, the fourth faultered but gained momentum, the fifth was amazing, culminating in Godzilla: Minus Zero.

[@VonDiesel3768]

He can be both. Now we get to have both at the same time. Plus, and awesome, Godzilla-sized Kong. It’s a great time to be a G-fan.

[@nuttherbutter4075]

Been a diehard Godzilla fan since before I could walk. I'm not the first to say that I actually miss the drought era of 2004-2014. I spent those years in elementary-high school and something about those years really felt special for Godzilla to me. Despite no real projects the community was thriving. We saw the rise of KaijuSamurai or as we now know him, Matt Frank, all of the 3D to the Max speculation, all the nights spent on Tohokingdom, I absolutely revere those years looking back. The game wasn't the greatest, but the anticipation for Godzilla Unleashed was the best, I especially remember that feeling. I wasn't even active in any forums but just reading them, seeing Cinemassacre's Godzillathon and such made me feel like I had friends I never met. It was something that was reserved for people that loved Godzilla, it wasn't perfect, but it was ours. Now the Godzilla community is a microcosm of all fandoms and social media as a whole as of late. Tribalism and complete lack of perspective. People get set in their ways or hear someone else's opinion that they agreed with and it becomes an unproductive mess. The Minus One to GxK discourse is mind numbing, and I completely agree that it's just newer fans doing most of the fighting. I'm looking forward to another gap between films because it'll filter out a lot of the bandwagoners or "tourists", as you put it. The Monsterverse is arguably the greatest thing to happen to the franchise, and brought it back to the brink. Still seeing Banno as an executive producer really makes me happy. As you said, we couldn't have had 2014 forever, just as we can't have Minus One or Shin forever. That has been the way since the beginning. However I do fear for the future of the community, as Godzilla is the most relevant he has ever been. With this rise in relevance, it leads to more people coming in, and which inevitably leads to more bad actors, toursits, and infighting. I see the term "gatekeeping" thrown around a lot, and this isn't really that, but I'm just conditioned to expect the worst in people. There seems to be a direct correlation in the more popular something is, the more fractured and insufferable the fanbase is. People just forget how to behave. I really can't recall any big instances of fans threatning employees or bullying minors off the internet for their content until recently. Of course people always tend to dog on others over 1998, but I feel a large amount of the community is past that and accepts the film now. I just don't want that to become more common, this community is better than that sort of behavior. I don't think we'll have a Star Wars situation but it's not a comfortable prospect to think about. I'm confident it'll be fine though, this community is nothing if not full of perseverance.

[@MikesMonsters]

Incredible comment. You bring up so many great points!

[@Enshohma]

Great video! Covers my thoughts on Godzilla and the modern fandom in turn.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@NutronicAtomic]

You might not get that Batman V Godzilla Movie, but right now there is an amazing comic series of the Justice League vs Monster Verse Godzilla. All I can say about it is: "Yes".

[@MikesMonsters]

I definitely have been planning on checking that one out!

[@blackking7512]

I love how godzilla fans will get on the CGI and scale, and then when they watch the movie, all that flies out the window. Remember, CGI for promotional footage will not be the final product.

[@MikesMonsters]

The final product is all that matters indeed.

[@weebcollector]

This was beautifully said! Put a tear in my eye, haha!

[@MikesMonsters]

This comment put a tear in mine!!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@nihilisticpuk]

Praise this guy.

[@MikesMonsters]

I praise you! Thanks for watching and commenting! 🙌🏻

[@Adam_Kalar]

Thank you so much for this, Mike. Much of what you said rings true to me as someone who also grew up in the 90s. Getting teased for liking Godzilla, enduring the droughts, etc. I too prefer the serious takes, but damn the fact that the series can literally go anywhere is what makes it beautiful. Thank you for making this video and sharing your message.

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you for watching and commenting Adam! I am glad this resonated with you. I really had to make the point of how it wasn’t cool to be a Godzilla fan until recently. It’s something a lot of new fans will likely never understand!

[@VonDiesel3768]

As much as I love Godzilla vs Kong, I think I still like Kong Skull Island more. Also, Monarch wasn’t EVERYTHING I wanted, it was still great and connected every Monsterverse film in a way I did not expect. I really hope we’ll get a second season.

[@excalibursaurusm5701]

This was an excellent video

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@kingchurros9021]

You cooked with this video, why not have both!?

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly! Let’s have both! Daddy’s home, cake every night!

[@VonDiesel3768]

I used to go to different video stores, in every state I visited, to find Showa films I hadn’t seen, so I could tape them with 2 VCRs hooked together. Then in the 90s & early 00s, hunting bootlegs of Heisei and Millenium films. The fact that we now have Shin, GvsK, Minus One, Monarch, etc, and even 3 animated films that the entire fan base can agree sucked complete a$$. I love it. I just wish we could get some comparable Gamera films.

[@MikesMonsters]

It’s truly a great time to be a Godzilla fan!

[@terry58501]

Yes, Godzilla can be silly again. I feel he will with this next Monsterverse film.

[@MikesMonsters]

Indeed he will!

[@alastairthwaite4096]

Excellent video. I think it’s wonderful that we have received so many variations of this iconic character recently, especially as someone from the UK where, we barely got anything between 1998 and 2014. To have this much access now is insane to me (although still wouldn't mind getting a blu-ray release for the Heisei and Millennium series). One of the things I love most about the Kaiju genre is that it can be used for virtually anything. My personal belief is that Godzilla Minus One may well be the finest Kaiju movie ever made. That doesn't make it some sort of bar for GxK to aim for though, and doesn’t diminish my anticipation for it either. Minus One is an exploration of Japanese identity at that point in history that an American production couldn't (arguably shouldn't) attempt to replicate. As you say, there's no right way to interpret Godzilla. Spectacle and allegory are equally valid - and often complementary. Just as you say our own individual experiences inform what we enjoy personally, the context in which each movie is made is also relevant. G98 and Cloverfield are separated by just 10 years and have a very similar premise - giant monster attacks NY - but the difference in the way those stories are told is affected by 9/11 happening between their releases.

[@MikesMonsters]

A fantastic comment! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. One of my good buddies I game with often lives in the UK and talks about how hard it is to get some of the physical media over there. Hopefully that is fixed in the future with how big the franchise is becoming.

[@liljinjar1268]

Love this channel dude!!! Gotta admit, I’ve had some petty conversations in the comments of some of the kinds of videos you are talking about. Decided just to stop. Most of these critics don’t understand and care about the history of the character, so it’s waste of time to try have a thoughtful discussion with them… Subbing to the channel dude. Great video!

[@MikesMonsters]

We all learn and grow, and we always will if we allow ourselves to. I'm glad my video came your way! Thanks for watching!

[@arthurreid6108]

I personally blame the castoff SW fans. They're bringing the toxicity that made that franchise insufferable to other franchises

[@MikesMonsters]

There has certainly been a rise of anger and rage amongst fandoms. That’s for sure.

[@jermainewilliams9491]

PREACH MIKE! , PREACH! Me myself have been a Godzilla fan since I was 2 I'm now pushing late 30's, when I was younger I could not articulate and defend why I liked Godzilla but now that I'm older and wiser I can justify my reasing and why I love the franchise. Even the lowest rated Godzilla film Godzilla's revenge has solid merit even to this day, do not be a victim of bullying, a one time beating is better than a lifetime of torment which I have taught to quite a few young people, and from the perspective as a Godzilla fan and I qoute "the bigger they are the harder you fight". May the reign of Godzilla never end.

[@MikesMonsters]

Amen brother, amen!! Godzilla is forever!

[@RaptorofRex07]

Love your video👍

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I appreciate you!

[@Alzilla09]

This video was amazing! Honestly I agree with everything you said. I’m happy that Godzilla is finally getting the recognition he deserves even though I do get annoyed by the fandom. I still love Minus One and I am looking forward to seeing GxK: The New Empire even if I’m not excited for it. This video is exactly what we need. Because you’re right there is a Godzilla for everyone. I’m getting sick and tired by Toho purists especially Monsterverse fans arguing and gatekeeping about what Godzilla should be. Plus even the Kong fandom has gotten on my nerves too with their toxicity. Why can’t we just enjoy what we are getting? Instead of fighting about petty things that don’t mean anything! Still great job on this video.

[@MikesMonsters]

Amen! You nailed it! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Thanks for sharing!

[@Scallycowell]

Best sub of the year

[@MikesMonsters]

Thank you SO much! Happy to have you here.

[@andrewknutson8584]

This guy has it right. I used to be humiliated in school for my love of Godzilla, even by my family. But Godzilla means so much to me. ❤ Please share this video with everyone!!!!

[@dryteishere289]

Why do you get humiliated just for liking Godzilla?

[@MikesMonsters]

People used to think it was only for kids and no one took it seriously up until a few years ago. I used to get made fun of all the time as a kid!

[@MikesMonsters]

You are not alone! Godzilla is something I got made fun of from all directions too, friends and family. But now he’s the king of the movies and everyone loves him! Thank you so much for watching and the kind words. It really means a lot to me!!

[@andrewknutson8584]

I really appreciate it. It used to be lonely being the only one who saw Godzilla and what he was. I used to be referred to as 'that Godzilla freak' who acted weird during recess. I am autistic and Godzilla was my hero. He wasn't just a 'superhero'though. Godzilla had problems like everyone. He was a being in pain. Too much hate has been thrown at him, both in movies and in real life. He stood up to bullies (Showa), he cried out for someone to hear him (Heisei, with Miki), he pleaded with people to care about their choices (Millennium), and he is unashamed of who and what he has become (regardless of origin story). As an outcast autistic kid with only one or two friends in school, I saw myself in Godzilla. My family thinks I'm too old for Godzilla, but I think it's ridiculous to expect someone to be too old to appreciate who they are. Godzilla isn't just a character. He is an ever-lasting question, which asks, "Who do you choose to be?"

[@MikesMonsters]

@@andrewknutson8584 well said!!!

[@user-ec9mn8pv4v]

thank you great video

[@MikesMonsters]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@MrMaul80]

Even though the 1998 film wasn't popular, I bet it helped get Toho films to more of the world.

[@Segadrome]

From my experience it's certainly safe to say Godzilla fans are definitely in a spectrum.

[@iamdanielmonroe]

Commenting this before watching the vid so bear that in mind... I've said this on other videos and I'll say it again...My issue with the tonal shift in recent years from the more serious, real-world take to the more fun, silly and whimsical take isn't that "all Godzilla movies need to be more dark and serious like Minus One!" That's a straw man...the issue I have is that in 2014 Gareth Edwards began the Monsterverse VERSION of Godzilla and the world around him as "what if Godzilla and other monsters like him REALLY existed in our world today? How would humanity react and what are the implications for how man and nature can coexist if at all?". Almost a cautionary tale about humanity's hubris in response to nature...The tone was understated, grounded, apocalyptic, yet left a bit room for hope as well. Now in the seemingly SAME universe and world with the SAME Godzilla, the tone has done a complete 180 degree shift to the more campy and goofy direction. Imagine Christopher Nolan directing the masterpiece that is The Dark Knight and in the Sequel, The Dark Knight Rises, we are presented something more akin to Batman & Robin or Batman Forever where the world and tone is so jarringly different that it takes you out of the original believability that was set up in the previous entries. Like "wtf happened to the tone?!" Fans like myself have no issue with there being a variety of representations of Godzilla because different fans enjoy different things about the franchise. The issue comes when these tonal shifts are made in the middle of an already established universe using the same base Godzilla Design and same world. I'd love to hear more people acknowledge that this is the real issue many have with it.

[@MikesMonsters]

We talk a lot about all of that in the video. Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@chito2701]

Let's be honest here, alot of people wanted the Tonal shift from the beginning after the release of 2014, i and my group of Godzilla and Ultraman fans expected something similar to Pacific rim 2013 tone, it wasn't just coincidence, it was demanded and by fans. One thing i really need to address, this whole negativity, grifting and hatred from the monsterverse started after the release of avengers end game, where people started being bombarded with terrible CGI superhero movies one after another, there's a reason why the Word: Woke/remake/Hollywood/Disney/Marvel is dead originated from. The monsterverse was just caught in the crossfire, now it was made even worst after Minus one was release, a Godzilla movie soo.. Good, it's success became the blessing and a curse for the Godzilla franchise.

[@iamdanielmonroe]

@@MikesMonsters Thanks for your response! Having watched the video, I’d love to hear your response to my analogy of having the Dark Knight trilogy shift into the goofy tone of the Joel Schumacher films within the same world. Wouldn’t that be jarring and off-putting to most people? My point is that is the same way I and many feel about the shift from Godzilla 2014 to where we are now.

[@iamdanielmonroe]

@@chito2701 When I watch the original 2014 teaser trailer I genuinely don’t see how anyone could expect a Pacific Rim type of film especially since the tone was clearly going for a more bleak and apocalyptic take on the subject matter. Also not sure what you mean by grifting or hatred? I still enjoy the films for the most part even if they aren’t where I originally envisioned the series going. As far as complaints about the 2014 film..I shared a few of the criticisms that many people did (Bryan Cranston not remaining the series main character and dying off too soon, the constant focus shifts from the monster action, not enough Godzilla screen time all together…etc). From what I saw, most people’s issue wasn’t the tone, but just that maybe it needed 1 more rewrite before being greenlit.

[@chozochiefxiii3298]

As someone who was a young boy in 2004 and was a high-school junior in 2014 I went a long stretch of my life without my favorite kaiju. Even to this day I try and avoid leaks and stuff on upcoming films, to where I thought GxK and Minus One weren't even real until I actually saw trailers. I'm so happy that I get to live through Godzillas latest rennaissance. That Minus One blu ray can't come out soon enough I need to make up for my only two viewings in the theater. To make sure I don't make the same mistake I plan to see GxK every day opening weekend I'm going to have my fun with my favorite character.

[@MikesMonsters]

Heck yeah! Love to hear it. Can’t wait for that Minus One Blu Ray as well! Waiting for that announcement so I can instantly preorder. Thanks for watching!

[@user-ij6sn3lo8u]

Yes The answer is yes.

[@MikesMonsters]

YES!

[@finalgigan]

Over the last year (partly in preparation for minus one), I went back and watched nearly every godzilla movie. There were a few that I never cared for or gave a chance, and I was surprised at how much I liked them. In most cases, I saw the flaws and imperfections of a movie, but still loved it all the same. By the end, I fell in love with the godzilla series all over again. I’d argue I love it more now than I ever have (considering how godzilla-obsessed I was as a kid, that’s saying a lot). At the same time, with minus one getting loads of praise and turning the heads of film buffs and critics, it seemed like the world also loved godzilla now more than ever. Sure, there’s been an influx of grifters getting up on their soap boxes, but I’ve also seen plenty of people genuinely curious about the series and trying to figure out where to start. Overall, it’s been fun finding new people to talk about godzilla with and having more to say myself. We’ve come a long way since the late 2000’s, huh?

[@MikesMonsters]

I’ll never complain about a new Godzilla movie bringing in new fans! It’s been one of the best parts of the new renaissance we’re in with Godzilla. We can ignore the grifters and also welcome in the new fans with open arms. Godzilla is for everyone!

[@MrAwsomeness360]

This quote is about Batman, but it applies to Godzilla all the same: *_"Batman's rich history allows him to be interpreted in a multitude of ways. To be sure, this is a lighter incarnation, but is certainly no less valid and true to the character's roots as the tortured avenger, crying out for mommy and daddy."_** ~ Bat Mite, Batman: The Brave and The Bold.*

[@MikesMonsters]

A perfect quote. 👏🏻

[@bossborne9346]

We need both we need the silly movies to Balance. The down to earth darker godzilla movies one can't work with out the other

[@MikesMonsters]

Exactly! It’s a relationship of tones!