Painting and Branded Merch Will be Part of Godzilla’s Booth at ComplexCon in Long Beach, Nov 2 – 3
Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: godzilla.com
Special Thanks to Chris Robins

Godzilla painting by Takashi Murakami. Photo courtesy of Toho. ©Takashi
Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

Godzilla, The King of the Monsters, bursts forth from the elements in a new painting from Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to celebrate Godzilla’s 65th Anniversary. The original painting will be seen for the first time at ComplexCon this weekend in Long Beach, November 2 – 3. The 11ft high painting will be on display at the Godzilla booth (E23) along with exclusive Godzilla merchandise including some lines featuring Murakami’s Godzilla artwork.

“We’re honored that an artist as iconic as Takashi Murakami has created artwork that so beautifully captures the essence of Godzilla,” said Keiji Ota, CGO (Chief Godzilla Officer) at Toho. “We’re celebrating Godzilla’s 65th anniversary starting on November 3rd and continuing throughout the year, and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick it off than with this sublime piece of art from Takashi Murakami.”
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Photos courtesy of X-Plus. Oxter and Ultraman Jack © TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. Destoroyah and Mechagodzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Godzilla (2019) © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. Man-Ape © & TM Turner Entertainment Co.

Product Info and Exclusive GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and more than 100 daikaiju-sized photos of their monster figures scheduled for release in December 2019.
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Highly-Anticipated New Film From Makoto Shinkai Will Play in U.S. Movie Theaters Prior to GKIDS Theatrical Run
Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events, Scoop Marketing press release
Official Site: tenkinoko.com (Japan), WeatheringWithYouMovie.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin

Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. ©2019
“Weathering With You” Film Partners

GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema, will continue their partnership into 2020, bringing WEATHERING WITH YOU (天気の子, Tenki no Kodomo, 2019) to U.S. audiences nationwide for Special Fan Preview screenings over two nights only.

WEATHERING WITH YOU is the newest release from director Makoto Shinkai, and producer Genki Kawamura, whose previous film YOUR NAME (君の名は。, Kimi no Na wa., 2016) set box office records in Japan and around the world ($360 million worldwide box office), and is currently receiving a major studio live-action remake from JJ Abrams. WEATHERING WITH YOU held its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and had a sold-out U.S. Premiere at this weekend’s Animation is Film Festival in Los Angeles, where Fathom is a major sponsor. The film is Japan’s official submission for the Academy Awardâ for Best International Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. The film has grossed over $125 million USD to date in its initial Japanese release, and will come to cinemas nationwide for Fan Preview Screenings on January 15 and 16 only, 2019, followed by a theatrical release by GKIDS starting January 17.
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Adventure Land in Kurihama Flower Park features a 30 foot tall Godzilla slide. Photo by Daisuke Ishizuka. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD.

Author: Daisuke Ishizuka

In 1958, a playground slide shaped like a dinosaur was built at Tatarahama beach in Kanagawa Prefecture. The original plan for the slide was to use Godzilla design, but Toho did not allow the use Godzilla’s name or likeness. Despite that, people still called it the “Godzilla slide.”
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Author Bob Johnson
Official Site: Chrono Clash System
Special Thanks to Mitsuha Minaminaka and Yoshito Moteki of Bandai Co., Ltd.

Bandai’s New Godzilla Card Game. ©2019 Bandai

In September of 2019, Bandai released a new card game based on the King of the Monsters, Godzilla. The game was designed and created by Ryan Miller and runs on the new Chrono Clash game system.

Instead of traditional turn-based play, in this system players share a power resource track, moving the token back and forth based on the power value of the cards they play. The position of the token determines when play passes to the other player.

The game includes four pre-constructed 50-card decks (one deck for each player) plus a 16-card sideboard, as well as 24 double-sized cards, 4 turn sequence cards, 4 play mats, and a multi-language play manual. The Godzilla card game is intended for 2 to 4 players, ages 6 and up, and takes about half an hour to play.
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The Academy Award-Winning Film From Hayao Miyazaki Returns To Select Theaters This Sunday
Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events, Scoop Marketing press release
Official Site: ghiblifest.com
Special Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin

Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. © 2001
Studio Ghibli – NDDTM

Throughout 2019, GKIDS and Fathom Events’ STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2019 presents a series of Studio Ghibli’s celebrated animated masterpieces on cinema screens nationwide, along with some very special surprises. Up next is acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winner for Best Animated Feature, SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001). Miyazaki’s wondrous fantasy adventure is a dazzling masterpiece from one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation.

Chihiro’s family is moving to a new house, but when they stop on the way to explore an abandoned village, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastical spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. Put to work in a magical bathhouse for spirits and demons, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents and return to the normal world. Overflowing with imaginative creatures and thrilling storytelling, SPIRITED AWAY became a worldwide smash hit, and is one the most critically-acclaimed films of all time.
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Photo courtesy of X-Plus. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Product Info and Exclusive GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their upcoming DefoReal Series figures based on the first Godzilla sequel, GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (ゴジラの逆襲, Gojira no Gyakushū, 1955). The DefoReal Series combines the cute “super deformed” look with more realistic features to create an ultra-unique design, and these palm-sized figures capture all the details of the monster designs from the movie.
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Win GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS shot glasses and heat changing mug from Surreal Entertainment and SciFi Japan!
Photos courtesy of Surreal Entertainment. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Source: Surreal Entertainment
Special Thanks to Carrie Meyer and Alex Gomez

Surreal Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win two of their new products based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS.
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Spiral Studio presents the first statue in their Ultimate Masterline Series… King Ghidorah! Photo courtesy of Spiral Studio.
© 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Source: Spiral Studio Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Ash S

The collectibles company Spiral Studio Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and large, high-res photos of the first statue in their Ultimate Masterline Series; King Ghidorah (2019) from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS.
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Photo courtesy of X-Plus. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Product Info and Exclusive GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their upcoming Limited Edition Gigantic Series figure of the 2019 Godzilla design from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS.* On sale this December, the figure measures over 3 feet long from nose to tail. It depicts Godzilla in an attack pose, features accurate sculpting of the monster’s massive body and distinctive, rough skin texture, and is painted to replicate the eyes and dorsal fins lighting up when the monster fires his atomic breath.
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The shot glass set is one of the new GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS products now available from Surreal Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Surreal Entertainment. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Source: Surreal Entertainment
Special Thanks to Carrie Meyer and Alex Gomez

Surreal Entertainment has just released some officially licensed merchandise for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS. These items can be purchased from retailers or ordered directly from Surreal at shopnerdcode.com/?s=godzilla.
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Image courtesy of TCM. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Source: Turner Classic Movies
Official Site: tcm.com/godzilla
#KingoftheKaiju

In the month of Halloween, TCM offers the third annual installment of their “Monster of the Month” series that highlights a famous monster that has captured the public’s fear and fascination over the decades. Following in the horrific footsteps of the Frankenstein monster, Dracula and the Mummy, this year’s monster is the king himself, Godzilla.
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GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS director Michael Dougherty Kaijucast host Kyle Yount at GODZILLAFEST in San Francisco.
Photo by Robert Moreno.

Author: Kyle Yount
Source: Kaijucast.com

Attendees of last month’s GODZILLAFEST at the historic Balboa theater had a fantastic opportunity to not only see many of the classic Shōwa era (1954-1975) Godzilla films on the big screen, but also the newly released summer blockbuster, GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019) as part of Godzillafest’s programming. Another thrill for attendees was having a chance to meet (between his enjoying the screenings) special guest and director of GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS, Michael Dougherty. Kyle Yount, host of the longest running kaiju podcast, the Kaijucast was able to sit down with the director to talk about his love for the classic monsters and movies, and how that love helped craft his take on the King of the Monsters, Godzilla.
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Starts This Sunday
Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events, Scoop Marketing press release
Official Site: ghiblifest.com
Special Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin

Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. © 2010
Studio Ghibli – NDHDMTW

Throughout 2019, GKIDS and Fathom Events’ STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2019 presents a series of Studio Ghibli’s celebrated animated masterpieces on cinema screens nationwide, along with some very special surprises. Coming in September from the series is THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) by Academy Award-nominated director Hiromasa Yonebayashi.

From Studio Ghibli comes a gorgeous and adventure-filled adaptation of The Borrowers, one of the most beloved children’s books of all time.

In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live out of sight of humans. But when brave and tiny Arrietty is out gathering supplies, she is discovered by Shawn, a human boy, and they begin to form a friendship that blossoms into an extraordinary adventure. This sumptuously animated and heartwarming story features the voices of Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Moises Arias and Carol Burnett.

Tickets for THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY can be purchased online by visiting fathomevents.com, ghiblifest.com or at participating theater box offices.
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Contents of the GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS Limited Edition 4 Disc Set. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved.
TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.

On December 18, Toho will release Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019) on home video in Japan on multiple formats, including retailer exclusives with bonus collectibles.
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A large scale Godzilla head stands atop the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku in Tokyo. Photo by Daisuke Ishizuka. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD.

Author: Daisuke Ishizuka

Godzilla destroyed Shinjuku ward of Tokyo in 1984’s THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira). Godzilla did battle with Mecha-King Ghidorah and demolished the rebuilt Shinjuku again in 1991. In April 2015, Godzilla appeared at in the Kabukicho area in Shinjuku. A Godzilla head was set atop the 8th floor of the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. The head is a 12m (approximately 39 feet) tall and scaled to a full body Godzilla that would stand approximately 40m (131 feet) in height.
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GKIDS and Fathom Events Present Blistering Action-Adventure in a New English Language Version and Original Japanese
Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events, Scoop Marketing press release
Official Site: promare-movie.com (Japan), PromareMovie.com (US)
Special Thanks to Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin
#Promare

Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. ©TRIGGER,
Kazuki Nakashima/XFLAG

GKIDS and Fathom Events continue their collaboration to bring exciting all new animated features to U.S. cinemas with the PROMARE (プロメア, Puromea, 2019) special premiere events in September. PROMARE is the first feature-length film from the acclaimed Studio TRIGGER, creators of the hit series KILL la KILL and LITTLE WITCH ACADEMIA. Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi (GURREN LAGANN, KILL la KILL), PROMARE is the spiritual successor to many of his former works, and uses a bold cel-shaded visual style to tell a blistering action-adventure story.

PROMARE will be shown in its original Japanese language as well as an all-new English language version. Additionally, event attendees will view exclusive footage with the Studio TRIGGER creative team.

Tickets for PROMARE can be purchased online by visiting fathomevents.com, PromareMovie.com, or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
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GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS marquee in the lobby of the Kabukicho Shinjuku Toho Cinemas. Photo by Edward L. Holland.
© 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Author: Edward L. Holland
Official Movie Site: Godzillamovie.com

Critic rating systems have little bearing on the aggregate support of Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019) by a big majority of North American fans during the 65th anniversary of Toho Studios’ trademarked kaiju.
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Photos courtesy of X-Plus. Alien Baltan, Ultraman Tiga Dark and Mukadender © TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. Hedorah TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Godzilla (2019) © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Product Info and Exclusive GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their monster figures scheduled for release in October 2019.
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Special guest Michael Dougherty will attend Godzillafest for a screening of his movie, GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, plus
several of Toho’s classic daikaiju films. ©2019 Legendary TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD.

See 11 Toho Classics Plus GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS With The Film’s Director, Michael Dougherty!
Source: Bay Area Film Events press release
Official Site: bayareafilmevents.com/shows

Bay Area Film Events, CinemaSF and 3Fish Studios are coming together to bring a huge Godzilla event to the Historic Balboa Theater in San Francisco. Taking place over a three day weekend, Godzilla stomps onto the big screen in twelve movies on both screens of the Balboa. The lineup includes classic films that have not been seen in theaters since Bay Area Film Events presented the very first Godzillafest at the Castro Theater in 2004.
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Photo courtesy of X-Plus. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary

Product Info and Exclusive GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their upcoming DefoReal Series figure of King Ghidorah from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS.
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Source: Hollywood Theatre press release
Official Site: GODZILLATHON
Special Thanks to Michael Calhoun

Nate Ashley’s GODZILLATHON prints of the ) will be on
sale at the screenings. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD.

This month, GODZILLATHON stomps its way into the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon!

Four films from the Showa period crash into the Hollywood! An entire weekend of extremely rare 35mm prints of classic kaiju! Mighty monsters in gargantuan duels on a 50 foot screen!

All four films are dubbed in English.

Poster prints of the GODZILLATHON artwork (by Nate Ashley) will be on sale at the lobby each screening.
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Photo courtesy of NECA. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary.

Source: NECA
Special Thanks to Summer Mullins

NECA is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win their new Godzilla V2 (2019) 12” Head-to-Tail Figure!
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Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Shannon Meehan

Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2001 NIBARIKI • GNDDTM

Studio Ghibli and GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Factory, will issue SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001) in a beautiful collector’s edition release on November 12, 2019. The limited-edition set comes housed in an elegant hard slipcase, with a new 40-page book with stunning art and essays. Featured in a deluxe disc portfolio will be a Blu-ray of the film paired with hours of special features and the film’s soundtrack on CD, now available exclusively on disc in North America. The set is available for pre-order now on ghiblicollection.com.

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, this wondrous fantasy film is one of the best-selling and internationally renowned films of all time, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history in 2001. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Hayao Miyazaki’s epic adventure is a dazzling masterpiece from one of the most iconic filmmakers in the history of animation.
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Source: IDW Publishing

Image courtesy of IDW Publishing. TM & © TOHO CO.

IDW Publishing has provided a preview of their long-delayed release of Godzilla: Complete Rulers of Earth Vol. 2. This trade paperback includes issues #13-25 of the Chris Mowry, Matt Frank (Godzilla: Rage Across Time) and Jeff Zornow run, concluding the series. Godzilla: Complete Rulers of Earth Vol. 2 will be available from comic shops and retailers tomorrow, August 16th.
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Photos courtesy of X-Plus. Ultraman and Alien Varduck © TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS. Orga and Varan TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co

Product Info and Exclusive GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their giant monster and FX movie figures scheduled for release in September 2019.
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Photo courtesy of NECA. © 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary.

Source: NECA
Special Thanks to Summer Mullins

NECA has announced that their Godzilla V2 (2019) 12” Head-to-Tail Action Figure is rolling out from their warehouse this week and will soon be available from retailers.
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GKIDS and Fathom Events bring Studio Ghibli’s MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO to cinemas starting August 25.
Image courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. © 1988 Nibariki • G

The Acclaimed Animated Classic From Academy Award‑winning Director Hayao Miyazaki
Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events, Scoop Marketing press release
Official Site: ghiblifest.com
Special Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Katherine Schwappach, Erik Stein and Lucy Rubin

Throughout 2019, GKIDS and Fathom Events’ STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2019 presents a series of Studio Ghibli’s celebrated animated masterpieces on cinema screens nationwide, along with some very special surprises. In August, anime fans nationwide can experience the adored all-ages animated classic, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro, 1988), from Academy Award‑winning director Hayao Miyazaki, up on the big screen in their local cinemas.
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© 2019 Legendary, All Rights Reserved. TM & © TOHO CO.,LTD. MONSTERVERSE TM & © Legendary.

210+ G:KOTM Products! 525+ Photos!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: Toho, Legendary, Warner Bros. Pictures, and more*
Official Movie Site: Godzillamovie.com

SciFi Japan has updated and expanded our guide to tie-in merchandise and promotions for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS. With the assistance of Toho, Legendary, Warner Bros. and many of the licensing companies, we have more than doubled the number of items listed and now present more than 500 photos of items from the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, China and Taiwan.
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Source: Tsuburaya Productions

The original Ultraman. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya
Productions. © TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS

In 2015, longtime friends and collaborators Hideaki Anno — creator of the anime NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン, Shin Seiki Evangelion, 1995) — and Shinji Higuchi — director and FX director for the Gamera Trilogy (1995-99) and the live-action ATTACK ON TITAN (進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin, 2015) movies — co-directed SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira) for Toho Co., Ltd. and Cine Bazar. Released in 2016, the film was a box office smash as well as a critical hit, winning Best Picture and Best Director awards for Anno and Higuchi at the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize.

Now, Anno, Higuchi, Toho and Cine Bazar are teaming up with Tsuburaya Productions to present their spin on the latter’s iconic superhero, Ultraman. Entitled SHIN ULTRAMAN (シン・ウルトラマン, Shin Urutoraman), the movie is an adaption of the original ULTRAMAN (ウルトラマン　空想特撮シリーズ, Urutoraman Kūsō Tokusatsu Shirīzu, 1966-67) television series, which has entertained fans around the world for over half a century.
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