About this episode
From the Ultra species in Ultraman to the awe-inspiring battles in Gamera, we're diving into the heart of this epic genre. Beyond the giant robots and monsters, we discuss the emotive stories, the humanity caught in the middle, and the real differences that set these films apart from the rest. We even delve into the legacy of Toho's prop department in shaping the Ultraman TV show. Ever wondered how real-life events and political themes find their way into the Kaiju universe? We venture into modern Kaiju films, taking a deep look at movies like 'Cloverfield' and 'Pacific Rim.' The discussion gets intense as we draw parallels between the DARPA program and the 'drift system' in Pacific Rim, touch upon the unique concept in 'Colossal,' and even discuss the 2018 movie 'Rampage.' Lastly, we switch gears to explore the literature side of the Kaiju world, discussing the thought-provoking themes and storytelling techniques. From the political commentary woven into these narratives to chilling tales of survival and death, we leave no stone unturned. And, speaking of literature, we even bring up John Scalzi's book - Kaiju Preservation Society. Get ready for a hefty dose of insight and a fresh perspective on all things Kaiju! And guess what? We've got some kickass Kaiju-themed merch waiting for you in our store. So, buckle up and join us for this epic exploration! lunaticsproject.com Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord . Check out Abby's book Horror Stories . Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep. Sources No film school article by Alyssa Miller: Killer Kaiju: How the Giant Creatures Made Waves in Cinema CBR.com article by Jim Johnson Cloverfield Monster's Confirmed Origin Is Actually Pretty Heartbreaking Den of Geek’s multi-part series on the history of Ultraman by Stephen Harber. Wikipedia, IMDB + Many Films! Support your favorite podcast by wearing some haunting and highly specific clothing. Check out our merch store here. Consider joining our Patreon for bonus episodes, spooky literature and deep dives into horror and history. Click here to learn more. Follow us on TikTok , X , Instragram and YouTube. Join the conversation on Discord. Support us on Patreon . Support the show