1

Guilala

from Uchu daikaiju Girara [trans. Giant Space Monster Guilala]
(1967; dir. Kazui Nihonmatsu)
[aka The X from Outer Space (US, 1968)]

Monsters have rights also!

Guilala is best known and loved (not to mention derided) as the “giant space chicken”? Whatever he is, Guilala definitely takes the prize as the “craziest kaiju ever”. He arrives on earth as an alien spore attached to a space shuttle and quickly grows into one insanely weird-looking monster, before beginning to wreak havoc on the world. The film itself might not be the crowning glory of the Japanese daikaiju eiga genre, but Guilala wins this particular contest of ours hands down. [By the way, he isn't a giant X, despite the title of the Americanised version of the film -- but the "what the hell IS that?" response suggested by the anonymous letter X expresses the feelings of all those who view him...] News that Guilala is finally being given a second film after all this time — in Girara-no Gyakushuu Touyaku Samitto Kiki Ippatsu [lit. Guilala’s Counter Attack: the Touyaku Summit One-Shot Crisis], directed by Minoru Kawasaki and due for release later this year — has provoked the most excitement we’ve had in kaiju fan circles since Godzilla’s swansong in 2004.

Below is a remodelling of Guilala by (I think) Ulf Lundgren (source):

A montage of scenes of Guilalanese rampage:

The Japanese trailer (and yes, it looks better in widescreen):

• IMDB

That’s it! Thanks to Kaiju Search-Robot Avery for compiling the list (which he agonised over, I might add).

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic
• Number 7: Angry Red Planet
• Number 6: Birth of a Legend: The Story of the Wawa
• Number 5: Cloverfield
• Number 4: Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster
• Number 3: Mothra
• Number 2: Gamera

2

Gamera

first introduced in Daikaiju Gamera
[trans. Giant Monster Gamera] (1965; dir. Noriaki Yuasa)
[aka Gammera the Invincible (US, 1966)]

Gamera! Gamera!
You’re so groovy, Gamera!
You’re so groovy, Gamera!
You are groovy, Gamera!
Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury
There’s a big monster headed our way
Coming out of deep freeze
Whether we like it or not
Here it comes, flying down
Go! Go! Go!
Down it with jet flame
Groovy, groovy Gamera!
Groovy, groovy Gamera!
You are groovy, Gamera!

The creators of this Japanese kaiju hero, the “friend of children”, were either big-time drug users or had incredible imaginations. In their attempt to rip off the success of Toho’s Gojira (Godzilla) but to do something different with the concept, Daiei Studios came up with something very different indeed! A giant fireball-spewing, often bi-pedal, jet-propelled flying turtle from space! (Or, in Kaneko’s superior 1990s trilogy, a bio-engineered Gaia figure, designed to protect the Earth.) The huge lumbering creature retracts his legs, shoots flames from the holes and takes to the air, spinning like a giant nuclear-powered top. All you strange supporting kaiju villains beware! Groovy!

A collection of Gamera trailers (US versions):

Gamera vs Zigra trailer (original Japanese version):

And the trailer for what might be the best daikaiju eiga of all time, Gamera 3: Iris kakusei (1999; dir. Shusuke Kaneko) [aka Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris):

• IMDB

And finally, coming soon: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 1! The weirdest of the lot!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic
• Number 7: Angry Red Planet
• Number 6: Birth of a Legend: The Story of the Wawa
• Number 5: Cloverfield
• Number 4: Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster
• Number 3: Mothra

3

Mothra

first introduced in Mosura [trans. Mothra]
(Japan-1961; dir. Ishiro Honda) [aka Mothra (US, 1962)]
and then she co-starred in Mosura tai Gojira [trans. Mothra vs Godzilla]
(1964; dir. Ishiro Honda) [aka Godzilla vs. The Thing (US-1964)]

Listen, when the girls came to us, we did nothing to help them, so why would they help us? [from Godzilla vs Mothra (1964)]

A giant moth seems simple enough, right? A giant moth that is a deity to the inhabitants of an irradiated island (most commonly known as “Infant Island”)? A moth that is mankind’s only hope against Godzilla? A moth that is perpetually reborn, but is willing to fight for “good relations” even in its larval state? And what about a magical giant moth that can take on various forms, including “Fairy Mothra”: a tiny form that can spread into many; “Mecha-Mothra”: an armored version of the titular beast; and “Aqua-Mothra”: an aquatic take on the creature? This mystical creature never ceases to amaze with its endless array of magical tricks — and remains extremely popular in its home country. Best of all it comes equipped with two tiny twin magical singing fairies…

Fairy Mothra:

Aqua-Mothra:

Mothra Leo:

The original Japanese trailer for Mosura (1961):

• IMDB

Next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 2!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic
• Number 7: Angry Red Planet
• Number 6: Birth of a Legend: The Story of the Wawa
• Number 5: Cloverfield
• Number 4: Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster

4

Ghidrah

from San daikaiju chikyu saidai no kessen
[trans. Three Giant Monsters’ Decisive Battle for Earth]
(Japan-1964; dir. Ishiro Honda)
[aka Ghidrah, The Three-Headed Monster]

Naoko Shindo: Oh it looks like they’re having a conversation. Oh Shindo, what do you think they’re saying to each other?
Detective Shindo: Huh, how would I know? You expect me to understand monster talk?

This space monster, the arch-nemesis of Godzilla the king of all monsters, is definitely one of the most insane creations to date to grace our list — a giant golden-scaled, triple-headed dragon kaiju from space that can spew lightning bolts from its mouths with destructive consequences. In its original screen appearances it even had golden hair! Over the years there have been many various different takes on the creature, including a cyborg version developed by the Futurians, but no matter what form he takes Ghidrah or King Ghidorah easily steals the show with every appearance and is popularly considered the most genuinely fearsome of the lot.

The trailer for Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster:

The US trailer:

A tribute:

• IMDB

Next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 3!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic
• Number 7: Angry Red Planet
• Number 6: Birth of a Legend: The Story of the Wawa
• Number 5: Cloverfield

5

Designate “Cloverfield”

from Cloverfield
(US-2008; dir: Matt Reeves)

My name is Robert Hawkins. It’s 6:42 AM on Saturday, May 23rd. Approximately seven hours ago, some thing attacked the city. I don’t know what it is. If you found this tape, I mean if you’re watching this right now, then you probably know more about it than I do.

After months of very addictive, and seemingless endless, viral marketing campaigns online giant-monster watchers were all anxiously awaiting the chance to finally see what producer J.J. Abrams’ “Cloverfield” really was? Speculation had been both desperate and absurd. Fans raced to the theater in excitement to finally catch a glimpse of the titular beast, only to leave the theater scratching their heads wondering exactly what the hell it was that they just had seen? Some sort of sea creature? An alien? Glimpses of it within the film itself are fragmented, partial and fast, but what we do see has amazing impact. This is a film where we got to feel what it might be like to be right in the middle of a giant monster attack, as it wove its powerful 9-11 allegory.

You can get a better idea of the creature’s overall shape from this composite shot using a newly released model:

And here are two paintings inspired by Clover…

I couldn’t find the artist’s name, but the image, which was apparently painted by a fan immediately after seeing the film for the first time, came from this site.

And this stunning piece, titled “The Stockholm Incident” by the artist (samsonsreaper), comes from here (click on the image to view it full size — it’s worth it):

• IMDB
• Official website (which includes the ubiquitous trailer)
  

Next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 4! Watch the skies!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic
• Number 7: Angry Red Planet
• Number 6: Birth of a Legend: The Story of the Wawa

6

The Wawa

from Birth of a Legend: The Story of the Wawa
(US-2007; dir: Steve Wiggins)

Every town has a local legend. Sweet Tee was no different — it’s just that Sweet Tee’s legend was eating people.

This tiny little indie just came out of nowhere — “nowhere” being Alabama, of course — to take the kaiju community by surprise. It features one of the most insane creature ideas ever — a giant atomic swamp monster formed out of “radiated plastic fishing worms” merged with “catfish DNA”! The craziest thing of all is the fact that it doesn’t even fit that description in ways that one might imagine it would. Hell, even the name is nuts: “WAWA”, which stands for “West-Alabama-Whoop-Ass”. This is one crazy kaiju that has to be seen to be believed.

Sneakin’ closer … closer … closer…

Gotcha!

It just wants to be loved!

“Clean your windscreen, sir?”

“I’m lookin’ for me contacts … and you’re not helpin’!”

• Trailer
• IMDB
• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Interview with Sheri Wiggins, the producer
• Official website

Next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 5! Stay tuned!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic
• Number 7: Angry Red Planet

7

The Rat-Bat-Spider

from Angry Red Planet (US-1960; dir: Ib Melchior)

You know, I can’t say that I recommend spacesuits for beautiful young dolls. What happened to all your curves?

This freakish-looking monster only appears on screen for a matter of minutes but easily steals the show. It’s what everyone remembers about the film, From the moment it makes its debut all eyes are on it. Definitely one of cinema’s most unique creations.

The Rat-Bat-Spider Attacks!

The trailer… in Cinemagic!

And just for fun, a painting inspired by Angry Red Planet by artist Bob Eggleton, called “Angrier Red Planet”:

• IMDB

Next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 6! What weirdness is on the way?

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi
• Number 8: The Relic

8

Kothoga

from The Relic (US-1997; dir: Peter Hyams)

Well, how goes the gradual extinction of the human race, Lieutenant?

Kothoga (translation: “Satan Is My Father”) is a chimera — a creature formed from a parasite that merges with several species to make an amalgam of insect, dog, lion, gecko and even human DNA! It all comes together, thanks to SFX designer Stan Winston, to form one of the creepiest monsters to ever grace the big screen — and to tear apart a natural history museum.

The titular relic (above)

These next two pictures are of Stan Winston’s developmental maquette for the creature. They were recently up for auction on eBay:

The trailer:

• IMDB

Next!: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 7! Who knows what it will be!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
• Number 9: Space Monster Wangmagwi

9

Wangmagwi

from Space Monster Wangmagwi
[aka Ujugoe-in Wangmagwi; Space Monster Demon King]
(South Korea-1967; dir. Kwon Hyeok-jin)

Aliens from another world seeking the conquest of Earth invade with flying saucers. They unleash a gigantic monster called Wang Ma Gwi, who destroys everything in its path with a powerful death ray. (IMDB)

Said to be the first Korean science fiction film shot entirely with a Korean cast and crew, Space Monster Wangmagwi has never appeared on VHS or DVD (that I’m aware of), though it has been shown at film festivals over the years. Images from the film and information on it are both scarce. As a result, this obscurity is the cause of much curiosity, especially given the scarcity of South Korean giant monster films; and there is also much confusion over its actual appearance. Some have claimed the creature to be ape-like (probably due to comments calling it Korea’s “King Kong”), but according to those rare few that have seen it, this is not true. From available images (see below) and the descriptions of those who have seen it, the kaiju is more akin to a giant scaly/fuzzy “Creature From The Black Lagoon” sort of monster. The few rare pics of the monster online seem to show it displaying big ears, and long fangs, and claws, and some sort of a vent like structure on its head that apparently spews a liquid that burst into flames on contact with air! Hopefully one day we’ll get to see this crazy kaiju get an official release and save it from obscurity so that we may all learn more of about it.

(Same as the previous but reversed)

(Another version of the same shot)

More information: Screenplay by Byeon Ha-yeong. Starring Nam Kung-won, Kim Hye-kyeong, Jeon Sang-cheol, Kim Hee-gap, Park Am, Han Eun-jin. Cinematography by Ham Chang-yong. Produced by Seki Production. 84 min, 35mm, b&w.

• IMDB
• Darcy’s Korean Film Page

Coming next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 8! Don’t miss it!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark
• Number 10: The Milpitas Monster
  

10

The Milpitas Monster

from The Milpitas Monster
(US-1975; dir. Robert L. Burrill)

“Fifty tons of living trash on a rampage!”

Here’s one insane little indie monster flick that has stood the test of time! The Milpitas Monster is a giant creature formed from pollution that rises up to go on a rampage and generally bring destruction to the town of Milpitas. The beastie is utterly weird, yet somehow curiously intriguing. As a pile of living trash, it isn’t what you might have expected. Virtually a “home movie” made by the town folk of Milpitas in California, The Milpitas Monster is a satiric comedy throwback to the creature features of the 1950s. Director Burrill was a teacher of photography at the local high school and somehow he managed to convince local residents, businesses and school students to offer up their time, resources and money to make the film, with a giant monster created via both man-in-a-suit technology and stop-motion techniques.

• IMDB

Coming next: Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown Number 9! Don’t miss it!

Top 20 Craziest Kaiju Countdown articles:

• Kaiju Search-Robot Avery’s Introduction
• Number 20: The Monolith Monsters
• Number 19: The Giant Claw
• Number 18: Dogora
• Number 17: The Trollenberg Terror
• Number 16: Rectuma
• Number 15: The Outlander
• Number 14: The Host
• Number 13: DeepStar Six
• Number 12: Gojira
• Number 11: Monster Shark