Mothra (Godzilla: Tokyo SOS): Difference between revisions
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|type1 =Electric | |type1 =Electric | ||
|type2 =Steel | |type2 =Steel | ||
|type =[[Mothra]] | |type =[[Mothra]] incarnations | ||
|prev =Mothra | |prev =Mothra (GMK) | ||
|prevname =Mothra ( | |prevname =Mothra (''GMK'') | ||
|name =Mothra | |name =Mothra (''Godzilla: Tokyo SOS'') | ||
|next =Mothra | |next =Mothra (Godzilla Final Wars) | ||
|nextname =Mothra | |nextname =Mothra (''Godzilla Final Wars'') | ||
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{{Kaiju Infobox | {{Kaiju Infobox | ||
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|type2 =Electric | |type2 =Electric | ||
|copyrighticon =Monster Icons - Mothra.png | |copyrighticon =Monster Icons - Mothra.png | ||
| | |altimage =<tabs style="color:black; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"> | ||
| | <tab name="Imago">[[File:GMMG_-_Mothra.jpg|330px|Mothra imago in Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]</tab> | ||
|name =Mothra{{tt|®|Mothra is a registered | <tab name="Larvae">[[File:2003Larvae.png|330px|Mothra larvae in Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]</tab> | ||
|dt =Mothra | </tabs> | ||
|subtitle =Giant Moth Monster<br>{{Nihongo|巨大蛾怪獣|Kyodai Ga Kaijū}}<ref name=" | |name =Mothra{{tt|®|Mothra is a registered trademark of Toho Company Ltd.}} | ||
|dt =Mothra (''Godzilla: Tokyo SOS'') | |||
|subtitle =Giant Moth Monster<br>{{Nihongo|巨大蛾怪獣|Kyodai Ga Kaijū}}<ref name="Subtitles">{{harvnb|Kaneda et al.|2014|p=115}}</ref> | |||
|species =Giant divine moth | |species =Giant divine moth | ||
|nicknames =SOSMosu{{sup|[[Godzilla | |nicknames =SOSMosu,{{sup|[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection|GKC]]}} Mothra 2004,<ref>[[File:3236439885_31de09d460_h.jpg|150px]]</ref><br>Hanako and Taro,<ref name="GMMGFC"/><ref name="GMMGSCW"/> Mosu and Lara | ||
|length =36 meters<ref name="Uchusen108-39">{{cite book|title=[[Uchusen Issue #108]]|date=September | |length =36 meters (imago)<ref name="Uchusen108-39">{{cite book|title=[[Uchusen Issue #108]]|date=September 2003|publisher=[[Hobby Japan]]|page=39}}<br>[[File:Uchusen 108 p39.jpg|150px]]</ref><br>43 meters (larvae)<ref name="Uchusen108-39"/> | ||
|weight =12,000 metric tons<ref name="Uchusen108-39" /> | |weight =12,000 metric tons (imago)<ref name="Uchusen108-39"/><br>9,000 metric tons (larvae)<ref name="Uchusen108-39"/> | ||
|wingspan =108 meters<ref name="Uchusen108-39" /> | |wingspan =108 meters (imago)<ref name="Uchusen108-39" /> | ||
|forms =Imago stage | |forms =Imago stage, larval stage | ||
|allies =[[Kiryu | |allies =Each other, [[Kiryu]] | ||
|enemies =[[Godzilla | |enemies =[[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]] | ||
|relationships =[[Mothra | |relationships =[[Mothra (First Generation)|First Generation Mothra]] {{small|(ancestor)}} | ||
|designed =[[Shinji Nishikawa]] | |designed =[[Shinji Nishikawa]] | ||
|modeled =[[Shinichi Wakasa]] | |modeled =[[Shinichi Wakasa]] | ||
|firstappearance =''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'' | |||
|firstappearance =''[[Godzilla: Tokyo | |roar ='''Imago''':[[File:Mothra_Roars_Tokyo_SOS.ogg|center|180px|noicon]]'''Larva''':[[File:Mothra Larva (2003) Roar.ogg|center|180px|noicon]]{{More Roars}} | ||
|roar =[[File:Mothra_Roars_Tokyo_SOS.ogg|center|180px|noicon]]{{More Roars}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''[[Mothra]]''' {{Nihongo|モスラ|Mosura}} is a giant divine moth [[kaiju]] | {{Quote|Please listen. [[Godzilla (First Generation)|Godzilla's]] bones must be returned to the sea. If they're not, then '''Mothra''' will declare war on the [[Human|human race]]. Naturally, [[Shobijin|we]] don't want that war to happen. And neither does Mothra.|The Shobijin to [[Shinichi Chujo|Shinichi]], [[Yoshito Chujo|Yoshito]], and [[Shun Chujo]] ''([[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]])''}} | ||
'''[[Mothra]]''' {{Nihongo|モスラ|Mosura}} is a giant divine moth [[kaiju]] who appeared in the [[2003]] ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' [[:Category:Godzilla Films|film]] ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]''. | |||
A descendant of the [[Mothra | A descendant of the [[Mothra (First Generation)|original Mothra]] who attacked [[Tokyo]] and [[New Kirk City]] in 1961, the imago Mothra traveled to [[Japan]] alongside the [[Shobijin]] in 2004 to warn [[Shinichi Chujo]] that the [[JSDF]]'s use of [[Godzilla (First Generation)|Godzilla's]] remains to build [[Kiryu]] was immoral and that she would be forced to declare war on humanity if the remains were not returned to the sea. The Shobijin promised that Mothra would defend Japan against the [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|second Godzilla]] in Kiryu's place if her demands were met. While Mothra's pleas were unheeded, she nevertheless appeared in Tokyo to battle Godzilla when he came ashore. Kiryu was launched into battle to aid Mothra, who was seriously wounded in the battle. Mothra's twin larvae hatched from their egg on a remote island and swam to Tokyo to assist their mother, but she was killed when she deflected a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath that was aimed at her offspring. Enraged, the larvae collaborated with Kiryu against Godzilla, finally trapping him in a silken cocoon after he was badly wounded by Kiryu. After Kiryu flew into the [[Japan Trench]] with the immobilized Godzilla, the twin larvae returned to [[Infant Island]] with the [[Shobijin]]. | ||
{{TOC}} | {{TOC}} | ||
==Name== | ==Name== | ||
The name "Mothra" is the suffixation of " | The name "Mothra" is the suffixation of "-ra" (a common last syllable in kaiju names) to "moth." Since the Japanese language does not have dental fricatives, it is approximated "Mosura" in Japanese. | ||
The twin Mothra larvae in ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'' were each given their own unique nicknames by the production crew. The male larva is called '''Taro''' {{Nihongo|太郎|Tarō}}, while the female is called '''Hanako''' {{Nihongo|花子|Hanako}}.<ref name="GMMGFC"/><ref name="GMMGSCW"/> In an episode of the children's variety show ''[[wikipedia:Oha Suta|OhaSta]]'' promoting ''Godzilla: Tokyo SOS'', the male and female larvae were instead referred to as '''Mosu''' {{Nihongo|モス|Mosu}} and '''Lara''' {{Nihongo|ララ|Rara}}, respectively. | |||
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
[[File:Concept_Art_-_Godzilla_Tokyo_SOS_-_Mothra_Imago_1.png|thumb|left|200px|Mothra imago concept art by [[Shinji Nishikawa]]]] | [[File:Concept_Art_-_Godzilla_Tokyo_SOS_-_Mothra_Imago_1.png|thumb|left|200px|Mothra imago concept art by [[Shinji Nishikawa]]]] | ||
Requests for Mothra to make an appearance in the sequel to ''[[Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla]]'' came directly from [[Toho]], following the logic that Mothra continued to be one of the company's most popular [[kaiju]] while the previous film had already indicated that the events of her [[Mothra (film)|debut film]] occurred in its continuity.<ref name="TSEMCW">{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]|date=28 September 2012|publisher= | Requests for Mothra to make an appearance in the sequel to ''[[Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla]]'' came directly from [[Toho]], following the logic that Mothra continued to be one of the company's most popular [[kaiju]] while the previous film had already indicated that the events of her [[Mothra (film)|debut film]] occurred in its continuity.<ref name="TSEMCW">{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]|date=28 September 2012|publisher=[[villagebooks]]|pages=280-283|isbn=9784864910132}}</ref> While Mothra and [[Mechagodzilla]] were both recurring monsters in the [[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'' series]] and considered among Toho's "Big Five" most popular monsters, ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'' would mark their first onscreen appearance together. Mothra's role in the story was written as a direct tribute to 1964's ''[[Mothra vs. Godzilla]]'', in which the [[Mothra (First Generation)|imago Mothra]] is killed in battle with [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]] before her [[Mothra (Second Generation)|twin larvae]] ultimately defeat him.<ref name="TSEMCW"/> However, this film featured the addition of [[Kiryu]] into the battle between Mothra and [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]]. | ||
[[Shinji Nishikawa]] designed the imago Mothra as well as her | [[Shinji Nishikawa]] designed the imago Mothra as well as her larvae. The imago Mothra's design was based on the [[Mothra (First Generation)|First Generation Mothra]] with the exception of her legs, which were made longer and more detailed.<ref name="GMMGSCW"/> Model producer [[Shinichi Wakasa]] considered using [[Mothra Leo|Rainbow Mothra]] as a design base early on, as he really liked the mix of warm and cool colors of its wings. However, after a talk with director [[Masaaki Tezuka]], Wakasa ended up creating a more traditional Mothra model akin to the 1961 version.<ref name="Uchusen108-95">{{cite book|title=[[Uchusen Issue #108]]|date=September 2003|publisher=[[Hobby Japan]]|page=95}}<br>[[File:Uchusen 108 p95.jpg|150px]]</ref> The imago prop was 3.7 meters long and covered in fur imported from the [[United States]]. While in past films imago Mothra props had only been suspended from above by piano wire, this prop had wires attached to both the top and bottom to compensate for the weak downward flapping motion of Mothra's wings in prior films. In addition, the staff were able to adjust the weight loaded inside of the prop according to how strong they wanted Mothra's wings to be flapping in a given scene, making the flapping of Mothra's wings appear more natural.<ref name="TSEMCW"/> This prop was reused for [[Mothra (Godzilla Final Wars)|Mothra]]'s appearance in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'' the following year, with only slight alterations made to its head. A 3D computer-generated model was also created to depict the imago Mothra in flight for some shots. This model was created using detailed photographs of the prop provided by MONSTERS Inc.<ref name="GMMGSCW">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS Super Complete Works]]|date=1 January 2004|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|pages=46, 56|isbn=978-4091014931}}</ref> | ||
<br><gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | <br><gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | ||
GMMG_-_Godzilla_and_Mothra_On_Set.jpg|The imago Mothra prop on set with the [[KiryuGoji]] suit | GMMG_-_Godzilla_and_Mothra_On_Set.jpg|The imago Mothra prop on set with the [[KiryuGoji]] suit | ||
Tokyo_SOS_Behind_the_Scenes_-_Godzilla_vs._Mothra_Imago.JPG|Behind the scenes of Mothra and [[Godzilla | Tokyo_SOS_Behind_the_Scenes_-_Godzilla_vs._Mothra_Imago.JPG|Behind the scenes of Mothra and [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]]'s battle | ||
Tokyo_S.O.S._TokyoMosuImago_KiryuGoji.jpg|The Mothra imago prop is positioned for the scene where Godzilla bites off one of Mothra's legs. | Tokyo_S.O.S._TokyoMosuImago_KiryuGoji.jpg|The Mothra imago prop is positioned for the scene where Godzilla bites off one of Mothra's legs. | ||
</gallery> | |||
[[File:Concept_Art_-_Godzilla_Tokyo_SOS_-_Mothra_Larva_2.png|thumb|right|200px|Mothra larva concept art by [[Shinji Nishikawa]]]] | |||
For this film, it was decided to design Mothra's larvae as non-identical siblings of different genders. One larva was a male with longer tusks and tail spikes with many spots on his face, while the other was a female with shorter tusks and tail spikes and fewer facial spots. The staff distinguished between the larvae by calling the male larva Taro {{Nihongo|太郎|Tarō}} and the female Hanako {{Nihongo|花子|Hanako}}.<ref name="GMMGFC">{{cite book|title=[[Fantastic Collection - Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]|authors=Shimazaki, Jun and Yuji Kobayashi|date=30 December 2003|publisher=[[Asahi Sonorama]]|page=30|isbn=4-257-03688-5}}</ref> Before any models were created, the staff built a concept model from styrofoam. Both Hanako and Taro's props utilized the same clay head prototype. Movement, action, close-up, and water models were created for the two larvae. The close-up models both featured radio-controlled mouths. In addition, hand-operated puppets of the larvae's heads were created to depict them hatching.<ref name="GMMGSCW"/> | |||
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | |||
TokyoMosuLarva_on_set.png|The female Mothra larva prop ("Hanako") on set for the film's final battle | |||
TokyoMosuLarva_is_set_up_to_spray_webs.png|Special effects staff set up the female larva prop to spit silk at [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]]. | |||
TokyoMosuLarva_sprays_web.png|Filming of the female larva prop spraying silk | |||
TokyoGoji_versus_TokyoMosuLarva.png|The female larva on set with the [[KiryuGoji]] suit | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
The imago Mothra is made to resemble the [[Mothra (First Generation)|original 1961 Mothra]], retaining her slimmer build and fluffy hair all over her body. This Mothra's hair is longer than that of most previous incarnations, and is mostly white and brown. Her wing design is reminiscent of the original Mothra, with a similar pattern and primarily orange, black and yellow coloration. This Mothra possesses long, hair-covered antennae and round, bright blue eyes. Compared to the original Mothra, this Mothra's legs are much longer and more detailed. | |||
The twin Mothra larvae from ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'' are actually non-identical, and display some minor sexual dimorphism upon closer examination. The male larva possesses longer tusks and tail spikes, along with more spots on his face compared to the female. The larvae's eyes are initially blue, but turn red temporarily after their mother is killed. | |||
==Personality== | ==Personality== | ||
Mothra is a benevolent creature concerned with preserving the natural order of [[Earth]]. While she prefers to coexist peacefully with humanity, she is offended at mankind's use of the [[Godzilla | Mothra is a benevolent creature concerned with preserving the natural order of [[Earth]]. While she prefers to coexist peacefully with humanity, she is offended at mankind's use of the [[Godzilla (First Generation)|original Godzilla's]] remains to build the anti-[[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]] weapon [[Kiryu]]. Through her [[Shobijin]], Mothra communicates that she will be forced to declare war on humanity should they refuse to return Godzilla's remains to the sea. Despite these threats, Mothra ultimately comes to [[Japan]]'s aid and battles Godzilla, even though Kiryu is still in commission. Mothra later gives up her life to defend her newborn larvae from Godzilla. The two Mothra larvae show a great deal of affection for their mother, and are both heartbroken and enraged when she is killed. They ultimately work together with Kiryu to finally defeat Godzilla. | ||
==Origins== | ==Origins== | ||
The imago Mothra is a descendant of the [[Mothra (First Generation)|original Mothra]] that attacked [[Tokyo]] and New Kirk City in [[1961]]. Mothra normally lives on [[Infant Island]] peacefully with her [[Shobijin]], but travels to [[Japan]] in [[2004]] after becoming aware that the [[JSDF]] has used the remains of the [[Godzilla (First Generation)|original Godzilla]] to construct a weapon. The larvae both hatched from a single egg that their mother laid on an island, and immediately traveled to [[Tokyo]] to assist her against Godzilla. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===[[Millennium era | *''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'' (2003) | ||
====''[[Godzilla: Tokyo | ===[[Millennium era]]=== | ||
[[File:Mothra_S.O.S.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Mothra Imago in ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo | ====''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]''==== | ||
[[File:Mothra_S.O.S.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Mothra Imago in ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'']]Mothra was sighted flying over the skies of [[Japan]], prompting two [[Mitsubishi F-15J|fighter jets]] to try and shoot her down. Mothra was unaffected by the jets' missiles and continued flying to Japan. Mothra landed near the home of [[Shinichi Chujo]], a man who had helped reunite the [[Mothra (First Generation)|original Mothra]] with her [[Shobijin]] in [[1961]]. The Shobijin appeared to Chujo and asked him to tell the government to scrap the [[Kiryu]] project, which utilized the remains of the first [[Godzilla]] as a weapon. The Shobijin claimed this was a crime against nature and the sanctity of life, and that Mothra would be forced to declare war against humanity if the first Godzilla's remains were not returned to the sea. They also promised that Mothra would take it upon herself to defend Japan from Godzilla. When Chujo told his story to Prime Minister [[Hayato Igarashi]], he regretfully told Chujo that the government could not afford to scrap the project, as too much had already been sacrificed for it. When Godzilla appeared in [[Tokyo]], Chujo's grandson [[Shun Chujo|Shun]] used school desks to recreate Mothra's symbol and summon her to Tokyo. Mothra engaged in battle with Godzilla, but due to her old age was easily overwhelmed. Igarashi ordered Kiryu to be launched to aid Mothra, and the machine entered the battle as well. Godzilla defeated Kiryu, while the egg Mothra left behind on a remote island hatched into two twin larvae, much to the Shobijin's surprise. The larvae reached Tokyo and met up with their mother, who had been wounded in the battle and was now unable to fly. While the larvae were conversing with their mother, Godzilla fired his atomic breath at them. Mothra quickly jumped into the air in front of her offspring, absorbing the entirety of the blast and exploding in a burst of flames. The larvae were heartbroken at their mother's death, and after briefly mourning her they entered battle against Godzilla. The larvae were too small and weak to seriously hurt Godzilla, but Kiryu soon reentered the battle and seriously wounded Godzilla by drilling into his chest. The larvae took the opportunity to spit silk all over Godzilla, trapping him inside a giant cocoon. Godzilla fell to the ground, but rather than kill him, Kiryu simply flew with Godzilla out to sea and sank into the [[Japan Trench]] with him. Their mother's death avenged, the larvae returned to [[Infant Island]] with the Shobijin. | |||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==Abilities== | ==Abilities== | ||
===Hurricane Winds=== | ===Hurricane Winds=== | ||
[[File:Wind powers.gif|thumb|right|200px|Mothra pushes [[Godzilla | [[File:Wind powers.gif|thumb|right|200px|Mothra pushes [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]] back with wind produced by her wings]] | ||
Mothra can flap her wings rapidly to produce powerful hurricane-force winds that are capable of knocking [[Godzilla | The imago Mothra can flap her wings rapidly to produce powerful hurricane-force winds that are capable of knocking [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla]] off his feet. | ||
===Claws=== | ===Claws=== | ||
Mothra uses her claws to grab onto Godzilla's head and scratch at his face. | The imago Mothra uses her claws to grab onto Godzilla's head and scratch at his face. | ||
===Scales=== | ===Scales=== | ||
[[File:Reflective scales.gif|thumb|right|200px|Mothra releases scales from her wings which reflect Godzilla's atomic breath | [[File:Reflective scales.gif|thumb|right|200px|Mothra releases scales from her wings which reflect Godzilla's atomic breath]] | ||
Mothra's weapon of last resort is to release a cloud of golden scales from her wings. These scales seem to impede and weaken Godzilla, as well as cause his atomic breath to explode back in his face. Using the scales causes Mothra to lose her ability to fly. | Mothra's weapon of last resort is to release a cloud of golden scales from her wings. These scales seem to impede and weaken Godzilla, as well as cause his atomic breath to explode back in his face. Using the scales causes Mothra to lose her ability to fly. | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Amphibiousness=== | |||
Both Mothra larvae are adept swimmers, and swam all the way to [[Tokyo]] under their own power to assist their mother against Godzilla. | |||
===Mandibles=== | |||
The Mothra larvae can use their mandibles to bite enemies. One larva sneaks up behind Godzilla and bites down on his tail, which enrages him. | |||
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | |||
Larva bites on godzillas tail.gif|A Mothra larva bites Godzilla's tail | |||
</gallery> | |||
===Silk=== | |||
The two larvae can spit a stream of silk from their mouths. They ultimately defeat Godzilla by encasing him in a silken cocoon after he is seriously wounded by [[Kiryu]]. | |||
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | |||
Larva defeat godzilla.gif|The Mothra larvae encase Godzilla in silk | |||
</gallery> | |||
===Weaknesses=== | ===Weaknesses=== | ||
[[File:Oh wow mothra dies again what a surprise.gif|thumb|right|200px|Mothra is set on fire and killed by [[Godzilla | [[File:Oh wow mothra dies again what a surprise.gif|thumb|right|200px|Mothra is set on fire and killed by [[Godzilla (Kiryu series)|Godzilla's]] atomic breath]] | ||
Mothra is physically weaker than Godzilla, and is easily overpowered by him in physical combat. Godzilla is able to blast off part of Mothra's wing with his atomic breath, as well as bite off one of her legs. Mothra is eventually destroyed by a direct blast of Godzilla's atomic breath. Using her scales also causes Mothra to lose her ability to stay airborne. | Mothra is physically weaker than Godzilla, and is easily overpowered by him in physical combat. Godzilla is able to blast off part of Mothra's wing with his atomic breath, as well as bite off one of her legs. Mothra is eventually destroyed by a direct blast of Godzilla's atomic breath. Using her scales also causes Mothra to lose her ability to stay airborne. The Mothra larvae are much smaller and weaker than Godzilla, who can easily knock them aside with his tail or blast them with his atomic breath. It is only the combined efforts of both larvae and Kiryu that are able to overcome Godzilla. | ||
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | <gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small"> | ||
Godzilla hits mothra with atomic breath.gif|Godzilla wounds Mothra with his atomic breath | Godzilla hits mothra with atomic breath.gif|Godzilla wounds the imago Mothra with his atomic breath | ||
Leg bit off.gif|Godzilla bites off one of Mothra's legs. | Leg bit off.gif|Godzilla bites off one of Mothra's legs | ||
Atomic breath vs mothra larva.gif|Godzilla blasts a Mothra larva with his atomic breath | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==Video games== | ==Video games== | ||
*''[[Godzilla: Pachislot Wars]]'' (2007) - pachislot [design] | |||
*''[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|Godzilla]]'' (2014) - PlayStation 3 and 4 [Kaiju Guide] | *''[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|Godzilla]]'' (2014) - PlayStation 3 and 4 [Kaiju Guide] | ||
*''[[Godzilla | *''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]'' (2015) - Android and iOS | ||
===[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|''Godzilla'' (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)]]=== | ===[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|''Godzilla'' (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)]]=== | ||
{{Main|Godzilla (2014 video game)/Kaiju Guide#Mothra}} | {{Main|Godzilla (2014 video game)/Kaiju Guide#Mothra}} | ||
<gallery widths="120" captionalign="center" orientation="none" spacing="small" position="center"> | <gallery widths="120" captionalign="center" orientation="none" spacing="small" position="center"> | ||
GKC Mothra Imago 2003.jpg|Mothra Imago 2003 in ''[[Godzilla | GKC Mothra Imago 2003.jpg|Mothra Imago 2003 in ''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]'' | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
{{Main|Mothra/Gallery}} | {{Main|Mothra/Gallery}} | ||
==Roar== | |||
{{videos| | |||
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">WSWjDSFyvn4</youtube>|[[Mothra (Godzilla: Tokyo SOS)|Mothra]] and the [[Mothra (Godzilla: Tokyo SOS)|Mothra Larvae's]] chirps in ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]''}} | |||
}} | |||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
* | *The imago Mothra's identity is not discussed within the context of ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo SOS]]'', and it is seemingly implied to be the same [[Mothra (First Generation)|Mothra]] featured in [[Mothra (film)|her debut film]]. Supplementary materials, however, reveal that this Mothra is merely a descendant of the original Mothra.<ref name="Descendant">{{harvnb|Kaneda et al.|2014|p=296-297}}</ref> | ||
*The way one larva bites down on Godzilla's tail is a reference to a similar scene from ''Mothra vs. Godzilla'', which was also referenced in ''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''. | |||
*The male Mothra larva from ''Godzilla: Tokyo SOS'' is the first known instance of a male Mothra appearing in a ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' film, not counting the Mothra larva in ''[[Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster]]'', which was only referred to as a male in the film's English dub. A male Mothra, [[Mothra Leo]], was previously the focus of the ''[[Rebirth of Mothra]]'' trilogy and also appeared in the television series ''[[Godzilla Island (series)|Godzilla Island]]'', while a male larva was also featured in the [[Godzilland (merchandise line)|1984 Godzilland merchandise line]]. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|30em}} | {{Reflist|30em}} | ||
===Bibliography=== | |||
*{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects All Monster Encyclopedia]]|last1=Kaneda|first1=Masumi|last2=Oishi|first2=Shinji|last3=Konuta|first3=Kenji|last4=Eguchi|first4=Mizuki|last5=Maruyama|first5=Takeshi|date=2014|publisher=Shogakukan|isbn=978-4096820902|ref={{harvid|Kaneda et al.|2014}}}} | |||
{{Godzilla: Tokyo SOS}} | |||
{{Toho Monsters}} | {{Toho Monsters}} | ||
{{Comments}} | {{Comments}} | ||
{{Era|TOH|MIL|KAI|MOT}} | {{Era|TOH|MIL|KAI|MOT}} | ||
[[Category:Monsters]] | [[Category:Monsters]] | ||
[[Category:Toho Kaiju]] | [[Category:Toho Kaiju]] | ||
| Line 104: | Line 141: | ||
[[Category:Psychics]] | [[Category:Psychics]] | ||
[[Category:Millennium Kaiju]] | [[Category:Millennium Kaiju]] | ||
[[Category:Female | [[Category:Female monsters]] | ||
[[Category:Bug Kaiju]] | [[Category:Bug Kaiju]] | ||
[[Category:Flying Creatures]] | [[Category:Flying Creatures]] | ||
| Line 110: | Line 147: | ||
[[Category:Millennium Godzilla Kaiju]] | [[Category:Millennium Godzilla Kaiju]] | ||
[[Category:Telepaths]] | [[Category:Telepaths]] | ||
[[Category:Baby monsters]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:28, 24 April 2024
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Please listen. Godzilla's bones must be returned to the sea. If they're not, then Mothra will declare war on the human race. Naturally, we don't want that war to happen. And neither does Mothra.
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— The Shobijin to Shinichi, Yoshito, and Shun Chujo (Godzilla: Tokyo SOS) |
Mothra (モスラ Mosura) is a giant divine moth kaiju who appeared in the 2003 Godzilla film Godzilla: Tokyo SOS.
A descendant of the original Mothra who attacked Tokyo and New Kirk City in 1961, the imago Mothra traveled to Japan alongside the Shobijin in 2004 to warn Shinichi Chujo that the JSDF's use of Godzilla's remains to build Kiryu was immoral and that she would be forced to declare war on humanity if the remains were not returned to the sea. The Shobijin promised that Mothra would defend Japan against the second Godzilla in Kiryu's place if her demands were met. While Mothra's pleas were unheeded, she nevertheless appeared in Tokyo to battle Godzilla when he came ashore. Kiryu was launched into battle to aid Mothra, who was seriously wounded in the battle. Mothra's twin larvae hatched from their egg on a remote island and swam to Tokyo to assist their mother, but she was killed when she deflected a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath that was aimed at her offspring. Enraged, the larvae collaborated with Kiryu against Godzilla, finally trapping him in a silken cocoon after he was badly wounded by Kiryu. After Kiryu flew into the Japan Trench with the immobilized Godzilla, the twin larvae returned to Infant Island with the Shobijin.
Name
The name "Mothra" is the suffixation of "-ra" (a common last syllable in kaiju names) to "moth." Since the Japanese language does not have dental fricatives, it is approximated "Mosura" in Japanese.
The twin Mothra larvae in Godzilla: Tokyo SOS were each given their own unique nicknames by the production crew. The male larva is called Taro (太郎 Tarō), while the female is called Hanako (花子 Hanako).[2][3] In an episode of the children's variety show OhaSta promoting Godzilla: Tokyo SOS, the male and female larvae were instead referred to as Mosu (モス Mosu) and Lara (ララ Rara), respectively.
Development
Requests for Mothra to make an appearance in the sequel to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla came directly from Toho, following the logic that Mothra continued to be one of the company's most popular kaiju while the previous film had already indicated that the events of her debut film occurred in its continuity.[6] While Mothra and Mechagodzilla were both recurring monsters in the Godzilla series and considered among Toho's "Big Five" most popular monsters, Godzilla: Tokyo SOS would mark their first onscreen appearance together. Mothra's role in the story was written as a direct tribute to 1964's Mothra vs. Godzilla, in which the imago Mothra is killed in battle with Godzilla before her twin larvae ultimately defeat him.[6] However, this film featured the addition of Kiryu into the battle between Mothra and Godzilla.
Shinji Nishikawa designed the imago Mothra as well as her larvae. The imago Mothra's design was based on the First Generation Mothra with the exception of her legs, which were made longer and more detailed.[3] Model producer Shinichi Wakasa considered using Rainbow Mothra as a design base early on, as he really liked the mix of warm and cool colors of its wings. However, after a talk with director Masaaki Tezuka, Wakasa ended up creating a more traditional Mothra model akin to the 1961 version.[7] The imago prop was 3.7 meters long and covered in fur imported from the United States. While in past films imago Mothra props had only been suspended from above by piano wire, this prop had wires attached to both the top and bottom to compensate for the weak downward flapping motion of Mothra's wings in prior films. In addition, the staff were able to adjust the weight loaded inside of the prop according to how strong they wanted Mothra's wings to be flapping in a given scene, making the flapping of Mothra's wings appear more natural.[6] This prop was reused for Mothra's appearance in Godzilla Final Wars the following year, with only slight alterations made to its head. A 3D computer-generated model was also created to depict the imago Mothra in flight for some shots. This model was created using detailed photographs of the prop provided by MONSTERS Inc.[3]
The imago Mothra prop on set with the KiryuGoji suit
Behind the scenes of Mothra and Godzilla's battle
The Mothra imago prop is positioned for the scene where Godzilla bites off one of Mothra's legs.
For this film, it was decided to design Mothra's larvae as non-identical siblings of different genders. One larva was a male with longer tusks and tail spikes with many spots on his face, while the other was a female with shorter tusks and tail spikes and fewer facial spots. The staff distinguished between the larvae by calling the male larva Taro (太郎 Tarō) and the female Hanako (花子 Hanako).[2] Before any models were created, the staff built a concept model from styrofoam. Both Hanako and Taro's props utilized the same clay head prototype. Movement, action, close-up, and water models were created for the two larvae. The close-up models both featured radio-controlled mouths. In addition, hand-operated puppets of the larvae's heads were created to depict them hatching.[3]
The female Mothra larva prop ("Hanako") on set for the film's final battle
Special effects staff set up the female larva prop to spit silk at Godzilla.
Filming of the female larva prop spraying silk
The female larva on set with the KiryuGoji suit
Design
The imago Mothra is made to resemble the original 1961 Mothra, retaining her slimmer build and fluffy hair all over her body. This Mothra's hair is longer than that of most previous incarnations, and is mostly white and brown. Her wing design is reminiscent of the original Mothra, with a similar pattern and primarily orange, black and yellow coloration. This Mothra possesses long, hair-covered antennae and round, bright blue eyes. Compared to the original Mothra, this Mothra's legs are much longer and more detailed.
The twin Mothra larvae from Godzilla: Tokyo SOS are actually non-identical, and display some minor sexual dimorphism upon closer examination. The male larva possesses longer tusks and tail spikes, along with more spots on his face compared to the female. The larvae's eyes are initially blue, but turn red temporarily after their mother is killed.
Personality
Mothra is a benevolent creature concerned with preserving the natural order of Earth. While she prefers to coexist peacefully with humanity, she is offended at mankind's use of the original Godzilla's remains to build the anti-Godzilla weapon Kiryu. Through her Shobijin, Mothra communicates that she will be forced to declare war on humanity should they refuse to return Godzilla's remains to the sea. Despite these threats, Mothra ultimately comes to Japan's aid and battles Godzilla, even though Kiryu is still in commission. Mothra later gives up her life to defend her newborn larvae from Godzilla. The two Mothra larvae show a great deal of affection for their mother, and are both heartbroken and enraged when she is killed. They ultimately work together with Kiryu to finally defeat Godzilla.
Origins
The imago Mothra is a descendant of the original Mothra that attacked Tokyo and New Kirk City in 1961. Mothra normally lives on Infant Island peacefully with her Shobijin, but travels to Japan in 2004 after becoming aware that the JSDF has used the remains of the original Godzilla to construct a weapon. The larvae both hatched from a single egg that their mother laid on an island, and immediately traveled to Tokyo to assist her against Godzilla.
History
- Godzilla: Tokyo SOS (2003)
Millennium era
Godzilla: Tokyo SOS
Mothra was sighted flying over the skies of Japan, prompting two fighter jets to try and shoot her down. Mothra was unaffected by the jets' missiles and continued flying to Japan. Mothra landed near the home of Shinichi Chujo, a man who had helped reunite the original Mothra with her Shobijin in 1961. The Shobijin appeared to Chujo and asked him to tell the government to scrap the Kiryu project, which utilized the remains of the first Godzilla as a weapon. The Shobijin claimed this was a crime against nature and the sanctity of life, and that Mothra would be forced to declare war against humanity if the first Godzilla's remains were not returned to the sea. They also promised that Mothra would take it upon herself to defend Japan from Godzilla. When Chujo told his story to Prime Minister Hayato Igarashi, he regretfully told Chujo that the government could not afford to scrap the project, as too much had already been sacrificed for it. When Godzilla appeared in Tokyo, Chujo's grandson Shun used school desks to recreate Mothra's symbol and summon her to Tokyo. Mothra engaged in battle with Godzilla, but due to her old age was easily overwhelmed. Igarashi ordered Kiryu to be launched to aid Mothra, and the machine entered the battle as well. Godzilla defeated Kiryu, while the egg Mothra left behind on a remote island hatched into two twin larvae, much to the Shobijin's surprise. The larvae reached Tokyo and met up with their mother, who had been wounded in the battle and was now unable to fly. While the larvae were conversing with their mother, Godzilla fired his atomic breath at them. Mothra quickly jumped into the air in front of her offspring, absorbing the entirety of the blast and exploding in a burst of flames. The larvae were heartbroken at their mother's death, and after briefly mourning her they entered battle against Godzilla. The larvae were too small and weak to seriously hurt Godzilla, but Kiryu soon reentered the battle and seriously wounded Godzilla by drilling into his chest. The larvae took the opportunity to spit silk all over Godzilla, trapping him inside a giant cocoon. Godzilla fell to the ground, but rather than kill him, Kiryu simply flew with Godzilla out to sea and sank into the Japan Trench with him. Their mother's death avenged, the larvae returned to Infant Island with the Shobijin.
Abilities
Hurricane Winds
The imago Mothra can flap her wings rapidly to produce powerful hurricane-force winds that are capable of knocking Godzilla off his feet.
Claws
The imago Mothra uses her claws to grab onto Godzilla's head and scratch at his face.
Scales
Mothra's weapon of last resort is to release a cloud of golden scales from her wings. These scales seem to impede and weaken Godzilla, as well as cause his atomic breath to explode back in his face. Using the scales causes Mothra to lose her ability to fly.
Amphibiousness
Both Mothra larvae are adept swimmers, and swam all the way to Tokyo under their own power to assist their mother against Godzilla.
Mandibles
The Mothra larvae can use their mandibles to bite enemies. One larva sneaks up behind Godzilla and bites down on his tail, which enrages him.
A Mothra larva bites Godzilla's tail
Silk
The two larvae can spit a stream of silk from their mouths. They ultimately defeat Godzilla by encasing him in a silken cocoon after he is seriously wounded by Kiryu.
The Mothra larvae encase Godzilla in silk
Weaknesses
Mothra is physically weaker than Godzilla, and is easily overpowered by him in physical combat. Godzilla is able to blast off part of Mothra's wing with his atomic breath, as well as bite off one of her legs. Mothra is eventually destroyed by a direct blast of Godzilla's atomic breath. Using her scales also causes Mothra to lose her ability to stay airborne. The Mothra larvae are much smaller and weaker than Godzilla, who can easily knock them aside with his tail or blast them with his atomic breath. It is only the combined efforts of both larvae and Kiryu that are able to overcome Godzilla.
Godzilla wounds the imago Mothra with his atomic breath
Godzilla bites off one of Mothra's legs
Godzilla blasts a Mothra larva with his atomic breath
Video games
- Godzilla: Pachislot Wars (2007) - pachislot [design]
- Godzilla (2014) - PlayStation 3 and 4 [Kaiju Guide]
- Godzilla Kaiju Collection (2015) - Android and iOS
Godzilla (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)
- Main article: Godzilla (2014 video game)/Kaiju Guide#Mothra.
Mothra Imago 2003 in Godzilla Kaiju Collection
Gallery
- Main article: Mothra/Gallery.
Roar
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Trivia
- The imago Mothra's identity is not discussed within the context of Godzilla: Tokyo SOS, and it is seemingly implied to be the same Mothra featured in her debut film. Supplementary materials, however, reveal that this Mothra is merely a descendant of the original Mothra.[8]
- The way one larva bites down on Godzilla's tail is a reference to a similar scene from Mothra vs. Godzilla, which was also referenced in Godzilla vs. Mothra.
- The male Mothra larva from Godzilla: Tokyo SOS is the first known instance of a male Mothra appearing in a Godzilla film, not counting the Mothra larva in Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, which was only referred to as a male in the film's English dub. A male Mothra, Mothra Leo, was previously the focus of the Rebirth of Mothra trilogy and also appeared in the television series Godzilla Island, while a male larva was also featured in the 1984 Godzilland merchandise line.
References
This is a list of references for Mothra (Godzilla: Tokyo SOS). These citations are used to identify the reliable sources on which this article is based. These references appear inside articles in the form of superscript numbers, which look like this: [1]
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Bibliography
- Kaneda, Masumi; Oishi, Shinji; Konuta, Kenji; Eguchi, Mizuki; Maruyama, Takeshi (2014). Toho Special Effects All Monster Encyclopedia. Shogakukan. ISBN 978-4096820902.
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