GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

With the overarching classification of 'strange beasts', these creatures are superpowered forces for good and evil. From Godzilla and King Kong to Mothra and Rodan, all of our favorite monsters fall under this category in some way.

The big creatures we see in the Godzilla universe are considered 'titans'. Godzilla, King Kong, Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah, and MUTO's are all Titans of the Monsterverse.

Kaijins differ from the beasts we see on the big screen lately as they are more humanoid. The Power Rangers franchise is an example of this subcategory.

As superheroes are to heroes, daikaijus are to kaijus - bigger, stronger, specially powered. The prefix 'dai' adds the meaning of 'giant' or 'great', making the beasts with this prefix even bigger, stronger, or more important.

Seijin are extraterrestrial beings of great power. Martians or aliens are the best example of this subclass, the most popular reference being Alien Baltan from Ultraman.

You probably guessed it from the name, but this subclass includes Mechagodzilla and Mechani-Kong, AKA Mechanically enhanced or cybernetic characters with great power. EVAs from Evangelion and Jaeger-hybrids from Pacific Rim are other examples of this futuristic classification.

First appearing in the 1954 film of the same name, Godzilla is one of the main kaijus that started it all. His meaning has shifted throughout the years of his appearances in media, initially being a metaphor for nuclear weapons. The OG kaiju has been the basis for almost 40 films since creation, and numerous appearances in pretty much every other form of media you can find.

The earliest version of a kaiju in popular media, Kong has been on our screens since 1933. He appears as a supersized gorilla, climbing towers and fighting or joining other kaiju such as Godzilla. He's become inspiration for many monsters and adaptations, such as Donkey Kong in the Nintendo universe.

Flying in to our media world in 1964, King Ghidorah is a dragon-esque monster with wings and three heads. He is generally the nemesis for Godzilla and Mothra, a formidable foe to all in each story he is featured in.

Drawn to light in 1961, Mothra is uniquely one of the kaijus who is mainly heroic in all appearances. She is depicted as a giant moth, known as a protector of nature and sometimes referenced as the Queen of Monsters. She is one of the most popular and most appearing kaijus in Toho Studio's arsenal of monster movies.

First starring in his own film in 1956, Rodan is a Pteranodon (dinosaur) monster in the Godzilla universe. Similar to Godzilla, he is denoted to be an embodiment of nuclear threat. Known as the Fire Demon, he is a force to be reckoned with in all iterations.

These mech versions of the daikaijus we love make the perfect villains to fight the original versions of our beloved monsters. From full robot versions of the OG's to enhancements of the beasts, the cybernetic kaijus have come in many forms throughout the years. Which is your favorite?

My favorite kaiju is King Kong. As a Disney adult, I’ll always like the “misunderstood but means well” characters. Also, I’m a fan of Donkey Kong games. Aside from that, the other two kaiju I know well are Mothra and Godzilla, but I have mixed feelings about them now after finding out they have a romantic arc. I get it’s a moth drawn to a flame, but still.

- Nikita Macedo, Copywriter

Like a moth to a flame, this goddess of nature has always called my name as a standout amongst the monsters. She's the representation of the beauty and power of nature, and a force for good amongst antiheroes, villains, and misunderstood monsters. Her design is subtle yet grand, menacing yet beautiful, and a true force of nature. In a universe full of terrifying beasts, she is a beacon of hope and restoration. All hail the Queen of Monsters, giver of life.

- Karli Irvine, Marketing Coordinator

For me, the choice of favourite Kaiju is simple— it's gotta be the King of the Monsters himself, Godzilla. He's got it all, from menacing appearances like in Shin Godzilla to his tail-sliding antics in the older Toho films. I've also always liked how he himself isn't necessarily evil, but rather a force of nature that is often depicted as a consequence for human actions, even in his less-liked movies like Godzilla (1998). All in all, he's an interesting character with far more going on than some people give him credit for, and I'll always cheer him on.

- Morgan Enriquez, Marketing Coordinator

GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters brings the iconic film to life in manga form. Illustrated by Youth Kurahashi, this adaptation captures the essence of the movie with a fair share of differences for manga readers. If you are looking for even more kaiju action, we recommend the one shot series 'Godzilla: Rivals'. Which pits Godzilla against heavyweights such as Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Mechagodzilla. It even has issues that brings up dream match-ups staring kaiju not named 'Godzilla' such as Mothra Vs. Titanosaurus and Mothra Vs. M.O.G.U.E.R.A. to name a few.

Have you ever wanted to become a kaiju? This anime pits a man working a simple job far removed from his childhood dreams and places him into a situation he never could've anticipated. Embracing his newfound monstrous identity, he sets out to reclaim the dreams he once held dear. This new series is set to debut April 13th, 2024.

Netflix hit 'Skull Island' debuted last year to critical acclaim and great fan reception. If you are looking to delve into a grittier adaptation of Kong's origins, we highly recommend this series. Apple also delivered quite the hit with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. A 10 episode series shedding light on the shady dealings of Monarch, the covert organization monitoring giant monsters known as Titans. This series is available on Apple +.