Kaiju ​Books

Published on
Toho Special Effects Official Visual Book Vol.34 Maguma 1962
Publisher: Dai Nippon
August 2019
​Pages: 36
Planning and organization: Osamu Kishikawa
Designed by Makena Graphics
​Language: Japanese & English​​
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Synopsis
All volumes are published by Dai Nippon Printing, read from left to right, each volume is 36 pages long and printed on A4 size paper. They are distributed by the Godzilla Store and cover the conceptualization and production aspects of kaiju from Toho's library of films, with each volume focusing on a different character.

This volume covers Maguma from Gorath (1962).
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Published on
​Toho Special Effects Official Visual Book EX Vol.6 Gotengo 2004
Publisher: Dai Nippon
June 2019
​Pages: 36
Planning and organization: Osamu Kishikawa
Designed by Makena Graphics
​Language: Japanese & English​​
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Synopsis
All volumes are published by Dai Nippon Printing, read from left to right, each volume is 36 pages long and printed on A4 size paper. They are distributed by the Godzilla Store and cover the conceptualization and production aspects from Toho's library of films, with each volume actors, super weapons, or creators.

​This volume covers the Gotengo that appeared in Godzilla Final Wars (2004).
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Published on
The Making of King Kong: The Official Guide to the Motion Picture
Publisher: Pocket Books
December 13, 2005
​Pages: 256
Author: Jenny Wake
​Language: English​​

Synopsis
A lavishly illustrated study goes behind the scenes and on the set of the blockbuster new Universal Pictures film, offering a revealing glimpse of the work of Peter Jackson, his cast, and his crew and describing the unique special effects technology used to create the world of the great ape. Original. (A Universal Pictures film, written by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, & Philippa Boyens, directed by Peter Jackson, starring Adrien Brody, Naomi Watts, Jack Black, & Andy Serkis) (Performing Arts).
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​It was seeing "King Kong" as a young boy that made Peter Jackson decide to become a filmmaker. Now, in 2005, he will fulfill another one of his ambitions with the release of "King Kong", his own personal homage to the film that inspired him. Made with the same meticulous attention to detail and consummate on-screen storytelling that hallmarked all three "Lord of the Rings" films, "King Kong" will recreate all the tragic grandeur and epic scale of the original while emphasising the themes of conservation versus exploitation of nature that give the story a peculiarly contemporary resonance. Jackson will employ the latest technology to bring this timeless tale to cinematic life, and his "Kong" promises to be a unique and breathtaking creation. Following every step of the process, this book is the perfect on-set illustrated record of how "King Kong" was made. Starring Jack Black, Naomi Watts, Adrian Brody and Andy Serkis - who will bring to his portrayal of Kong the same extraordinary talent he brought to Gollum - "King Kong" is scheduled for worldwide release in December 2005.
Published on
The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island
Publisher: Pocket Books
November 22, 2005
​Pages: 224
Author: Weta Workshop
​Language: English​​

Synopsis
Offers a visual tour of the artwork, design sketches, and digital effects depicting Skull Island that enhance the remake of "King Kong" directed by Peter Jackson.

It was an uncharted island somewhere off the coast of Sumatra, it was a land whispered about by merchants and sailors. It was a place so unbelievable that no one dared believe in its existence. Except one man, the extraordinary showman Carl Denham. Many will, of course, remember his show on Broadway and its tragic ending. But New York is not where the story ended, it is where it began.
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​In 1935 a joint expedition of several prominent universities and organizations called Project Legacy was launched. Its stated mission goal was to create the first of several field guides to Skull Island, a land filled with creatures existing outside of their time, where dinosaurs roamed, evolved, and still lived. Only a year later it was discovered that the island was doomed; the geological forces that had formed the island were now tearing it apart. There were only seven more abbreviated expeditions to the island before its destruction and the start of World War II.

The journals, sketches, and detailed notes of the scientists who braved Skull Island would have continued to gather dust on shelves across the planet were it not for the work of the authors of this book. Here for the first time is their work, collected in a comprehensive edition of the natural history of this lost island. Here is "The World of Kong."
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The Kaiju Film: A Critical Study of Cinema’s Biggest Monsters
Publisher:  McFarland
February 17, 2016
Pages: 212
Author: Jason Barr
​Language: English​​

The Kaiju (strange monster or strange beast) film genre has a number of themes that go well beyond the “big monsters stomping on cities” motif. Since the seminal King Kong 1933) and the archetypal Godzilla (1954), kaiju has mined the subject matter of science run amok, militarism, capitalism, colonialism, consumerism and pollution. This critical examination of kaiju considers the entirety of the genre—the major franchises, along with less well known films like Kronos (1957), Monsters (2010) and Pacific Rim (2013). The author examines how kaiju has crossed cultures from its original folkloric inspirations in both the U.S. and Japan and how the genre continues to reflect national values to audiences.
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Published on
​The Art and Making of Rampage
Publisher: Insight Editions
April 10, 2018
​Pages: 156
Author: Brad Peyton, Ellen Wolff
​Language: English​​

​Primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson) shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, silverback gorilla who has been in his care since birth.  But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size. 
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To make matters worse, it’s soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals.  As these newly created alpha predators tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.

The Art and Making of Rampage explores the creation of this blockbuster movie and provides an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at the amazing design and concept art that brought this thrilling movie to life. Exclusive interviews with the cast and crew provide a closer look at the making of this action-packed movie.

Filled with remarkable images and fascinating details, The Art and Making of Rampage is the ultimate guide for all fans.

JACKET COPY:
FILLED WITH EXTRAORDINARY IMAGES and fascinating details, The Art and Making of Rampage gives fans an exclusive look at the exhilarating movie directed by Brad Peyton, starring Dwayne Johnson, and produced by Beau Flynn, John Rickard, and Hiram Garcia. In director Brad Peyton’s action-packed film Rampage, a genetic experiment gone awry unleashes three supersized, mutant predators on North America. Megastar Dwayne Johnson stars as primatologist Davis Okoye, whose once gentle friend George, a highly intelligent silverback gorilla, is exposed to the experiment with catastrophic effects. Okoye must join forces with scientist Dr. Kate Caldwell in order to find an antidote that will not only save the world but also restore his friend George to his former nature. In this visually striking monster movie, expertly rendered CGI brings the giant alpha creatures to life alongside the stellar cast, featuring the exceptional talents of Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, Jake Lacy, Joe Manganiello, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. A deep dive into the making of this explosive movie, The Art and Making of Rampage is filled with exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with Brad Peyton, Dwayne Johnson, the remarkable filmmaking team, and the excellent cast. Filled with never-before-seen set photography, storyboards, amazing concept art, and more, this gorgeous book highlights the creativity, hard work, and vision of the skilled cast and crew that produced this film’s compelling narrative and dynamic special effects. Illuminating the filmmaking journey from start to finish, The Art and Making of Rampage is the ultimate Rampage movie companion and guide for all fans.
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Published on
Godzilla: King of the Monsters - The Official Movie Novelization
Publisher: Titan Books
May 31, 2019
​Pages: 304
Author: Greg Keyes
​Language: English​​

Synopsis
The official novelization of the summer blockbuster Godzilla: King of the Monsters, the latest film in the MonsterVerse franchise, starring Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, with Ken Watanabe and Ziyi Zhang.

​Godzilla: King of the Monsters follows the heroic efforts of the cryptozoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and its ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. 
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​When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.
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Kong: Skull Island - The Official Movie Novelization
Publisher: Titan Books
March 14, 2017
​Pages: 384
Author: Tim Lebbon
​Language: English​​

Synopsis
​In March 2017, the producers of Godzilla transport audiences to the birthplace of one of the most powerful monster myths of all in KONG: SKULL ISLAND, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

At the end of the Vietnam War a team of experts are gathered by a government agency called Monarch. Their assignment is simple: to embark on a scientific expedition and map out an uncharted island.

What should be a straightforward mission of discovery becomes an explosive war between monster and man as they disturb Kong and awaken the titanic forces of nature.
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​Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman and John C. Reilly star in a thrilling and original new adventure that reveals the untold story of how Kong became King.
Published on
The Art and Making of Pacific Rim Uprising
Publisher: Insight Editions(US)/Titan Books(UK, Int.)
April 3, 2018/March 20, 2018
​Pages: 160
Author: Daniel Wallace
​Language: English​​

Synopsis
​Explore the epic art of Pacific Rim Uprising, the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2013 monster hit.

The Art and Making of Pacific Rim Uprising takes readers behind the scenes and back into the heart of the epic battle between Kaiju and Jaegers.
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​Showcasing the brilliant concept art behind the film and immersing fans in the creation of a true sci-fi epic, this book will be the ultimate exploration of one of the most anticipated films of 2018. Directed by Steven S. DeKnight, (Angel, Smallville, Daredevil), Pacific Rim Uprising stars John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Scott Eastwood (The Fate of the Furious), and newcomer Cailee Spaeny.
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Published on
Pacific Rim: Man, Machines & Monsters
Publisher: Insight Editions(US)/Titan Books(UK, Int.)
June 18, 2013
​Pages: 160
Author: David S. Cohen
​Language: English​​

The Inner Workings of an Epic Film
Synopsis
From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ epic sci-fi action adventure Pacific Rim.
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​When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are piloted by an international crew of soldiers in the Pan Pacific Defense Corps. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenceless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, two unlikely heroes–a washed up former pilot and an untested trainee–team up to pilot a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger on a mission to halt the mounting apocalypse. Pacific Rim: Man, Machines & Monsters chronicles the production of the film with stunning concept art, captivating photography, and cast and crew descriptions of the shoot.
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