1997.
A massive marketing campaign, launched to promote the upcoming Godzilla remake, was underway. Television, magazines, and even the internet, were all ablaze with news and more concerning what was promised to be a blockbuster event. Suddenly, the world was in on a secret I had known all along.
The Big G was everywhere. It felt as if the prior couple of years had been building towards this moment. Toy shelves were lined with figures, designed by the legendary Trendmasters. A plethora of young adult novels entertained on a rainy afternoon. Now, with a new, big budget, Hollywood reboot on the horizon, it felt as if Godzilla was finally going to get the respect and notoriety he deserved. Even fast food chains and home shopping networks were all-in on Godzillamania.
We all know how that story ends. Ultimately, while Zilla has garnered a loyal following over the years, the 98 film remains controversial for many within the fandom. However, the weeks and months prior remain one of the most exciting periods I’ve ever experienced as a kaiju fan. It was during these days that most of the Heisei era became available on VHS for the first time stateside and it felt like there was always some new and exciting Godzilla content or merch coming down the pipeline. It was indeed a time to be savored.
The new millennium brought a steady stream of Godzilla films and Bandai USA offered a modest selection of figures after the untimely demise of Trendmasters, nevertheless, the level of hype surrounding Godzilla never reached those pre-Tristar levels. Hardcore fans could find a haven to celebrate alongside one another in online forums, but in terms of mainstream coverage, Godzilla had once again been relegated to b-movie footnote in the United States. After 2004’s Final Wars, there would be little to get excited about for nearly a decade for fans on either side of the Pacific.
You may have already been aware of much of what I’ve described here. Perhaps you even experienced it yourself, as I did. That’s what makes this era so very special and this year has certainly been an exciting one for Godzilla fans. Two films released within months of each other in addition to a new television series, short films, comics, books, toys and more has felt like a deluge for the once parched, barren landscape of Godzilla offerings. It feels as if, after 25 long years, Godzillamania is upon us once again. Even the future is fun to dream about, following the MASSIVE success of Minus One.
This kaiju-sized serving of content has certainly been exciting and fans have been relishing the experience. While it reminds me of those days from my youth, I have to admit, this era is (arguably) the best time ever to be a fan. And yet, my reflection is bittersweet. I know that this will not last forever and it is uncertain when and if we will ever see another year such as this. It makes me savor each moment that much more, knowing that it could be some time before we pass this way again. It may not be terribly long before I’m looking back on these days with nostalgia. So, as I sit and ponder the wonders of the next few months, as well as what might be next for our favorite monster, a tinge of sadness softly casts itself over my musings. I know that, like all good things, this too must come to an end.
