Hello, Kaiju Lovers! In yet another impromptu episode (because reasons), Nate is joined by Daniel DiManna (Godzilla Novelization Project) and Elijah Thomas (Kaiju Conversation) to discuss the semi-obscure Daiei proto-kaiju film, The Whale God. Released in 1962, it was largely unseen outside of Japan until it was released by SRS Cinema this past January. The boys unpack the tremendous talent behind and in front of the camera–including Takashi Shimura, Kojiro Hongo, and Akira Ifukube, among others–its connections to Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, and how it uses elements of J-horror to create a potent period drama. The Toku Topic, thanks to Danny’s in-depth research, is Japanese whaling. Then stay tuned after the credits to hear Elijah try to touch the Whale God!
Nathan Marchand is a writer and podcaster from Indiana. He studied writing at both Taylor University Fort Wayne and Purdue University Fort Wayne, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. His first novel, the military science fiction tale Pandora’s Box, was published in 2010. He has previously co-authored the kaiju novella Destroyer with Nick and Natasha Hayden and Timothy Deal. He is the host of several podcasts, including The Monster Island Film Vault, which includes both film discussions and audiodrama segments, Henshin Men, and The Power Trip: A Journey through the Power Rangers Franchise. The MIFV website is www.monsterislandfilmvault.com and his author website is www.nathanjsmarchand.com.
Featured in Kaiju Ramen Magazine and on Godzilla-Movies.com, Elijah Thomas is an aspiring filmmaker and award winning actor. His writing for “Giant Big Cinema - A Monster Kid’s Guide” earned him a Rondo Nomination. Elijah is also a host on the Monsters With Attitude YouTube channel and runs the top “kaiju” and “tokusatsu” podcast according to Feedspot in 2023, named “Kaiju Conversation”, which covers Japanese tokusatsu and giant monsters. Elijah has also worked with Titanic Creations and SRS Cinema as a kaiju consultant and produced audio commentaries and bonus materials for kaijū Blu-rays.
