GODZILLA vs. GOJIRA, Atomic Fishing Boat Horror, Cannibal Rats & Giant Turtles, Could Real Kaiju Exist?

What do radioactive fallout, cannibal rats, and a flying turtle have in common?

In this episode, Adam explores the dark origins of Japan’s most iconic monsters. From the real-life 1954 Lucky Dragon incident – sometimes called the “third atomic bombing” – to the scrapped rat-horror film that accidentally gave birth to Gamera, it’s a wild ride through film, folklore, and Cold War fear. Plus: just how big could a real kaiju actually get?

Topics include:

Godzilla’s link to post-war trauma and Shinto beliefs
The Lucky Dragon #5 nuclear disaster
How a failed giant rat movie led to Gamera
Could a real giant monster actually exist?

A monster-sized mix of pop culture, science, and the strange stories we tell in the dark. Movies mentioned:
Gojira (1954)
Godzilla (1956)
King Kong (1933)
Them!
Tarantula
The Day the Earth Stood Still
It Came from Beneath the Sea
Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
Gamera (1965)
Giant Horde Beast Nezura (unmade)
Nezura 1964

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Adam Charles

Adam Charles has written for Walt Disney Television, Amblin Entertainment, and more. Over the years he has crossed paths with so many media personalities, he’s come to think of himself as the Forrest Gump of the film industry.