Monster Zero x SciFi Japan - Archive Only

Okay, so our very own Cam Elion / Dramaranger brought this following tidbit to my attention, and thought I’d start a thread on the matter. Not only spread awareness, but also gather more information from those who might have some.

In 1995, perhaps to coincide with “Gamera the Guardian of the Universe”, publishing company Shogakukan released a bunkobon (small-format paperback book) entitled ”Gamera vs Phoenix”. Or Gamera vs Phoenix: Monster War of Love and Emotion” as it’s alternatively called (more on that later).



It was written by Nisan Takahashi, the scriptwriter of the Showa-era Gamera series. And may have been based off on a script that Takahashi had drafted for the one and only Ishirō Honda, to help start a new, but never realized film production.

All this information comes from very limited sources (links shared below), but considering that Gamera is no-where near as famous as Godzilla is, a lot of the non-movie, auxiliary elements of the former’s franchise remains largely unknown here in the United States.

On the other hand, the extended title of the book, ”Gamera vs Phoenix: Monster War of Love and Emotion”, might suggest why this book is so obscure - the story might be horrible!

I don’t mean to be negative, especially since I often defend Obscure Kaiju wherever they may appear. But that subtitle hints that the story might have been on the pretentious side. And this was mid-1990’s Japan after all, when such trends were in extreme vogue (hello Eva).

No clue on the story itself, but the cover image makes it clear that Gamera meets some kind of fiery bird entity, possibly equal to his own powers and abilities.

Gamera vs Phoenix” is long out-of-print, and all remaining copies are insanely expensive at that ($999 US). Which makes the this even all the more frustratingly unattainable.

Gamera Wiki Listing: http://gamera.wikia.com/wiki/Phoenix

Amazon Listing (link might not work, de to its length): http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Gamera-VS ... 920&sr=1-2

The Kaijusaurus tumblr recently uploaded this larger, higher quality version of the novel's cover.

That sounds legit crazy. Since it was the 90s, maybe it would have been one hell of a grimderp Evangelion/V-Gundam level of darkness?

Enshohma, this needs to be a blog. A blog called 'Kaiju Obscura.'

It should at least be the subheading for the articles about the most obscure kaiju, either unmade or almost forgotten.

*reads Garigari vs. Berobero article*

All hail Enshoma the kaiju cryptozoologist!

Its always amazing finds with you! Just saved that blog, and will keep checking!

Never judge a Japanese story by its inevitably stupid title.

Super cool!

That is cool...look I made a funny:)

Maybe an English language version of that story could be part of the plot of a Gamera American made television miniseries.

Reading this stuff just makes me think about how we need an English language book on the Gamera series to elucidate stuff like this. We've had so many Godzilla books, articles, DVD commentaries, ect., while Gamera's behind-the-scenes history is a bit foggier.

... if not a book, then maybe an in-depth series of articles.

The rest of August's host segments are now available on YouTube from Shout! Factory TV. Lots of historical Gamera info to be found here! Maybe this video series should get its own thread?

EDIT: