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{{Mtab}}
{{Tab/new}}
{{Kaiju Infobox
{{Kaiju Infobox
|type1            =Water
|type1            =Machine
|type2            =Ocean
|type2            =Ice
|header          ={{TriStar}}{{Slash}}{{Toho Kaiju}}
|copyrighticon    =Monster Icons - Zilla.png
|copyrighticon    =Monster Icons - Zilla.png
|image            =Godzilla98.jpg
|image            =Zilla04.jpg
|caption          =Godzilla in the 1998 film GODZILLA
|caption          =Zilla in Godzilla Final Wars
|name            ={{tt|Zilla™ / Godzilla® 1998|Zilla is a Trademark of Toho Company Ltd. Godzilla® is still used for the character in all media predating 2004. Godzilla is a registered Trademark of Toho Company Ltd., used by TriStar with permission.}}
|name            =Zilla{{tt||Zilla is an unregistered trademark of Toho Company, Ltd. in the United States. Zilla and ジラ are registered trademarks in Japan.}}
|dt              =Godzilla (TriStar) / Zilla
|species          =Mutant Marine Iguana{{sup|[[Godzilla (1998 film)|G98]]}}
|nicknames        =American Godzilla, {{tt|G.I.N.O.|Godzilla In Name Only}}, Tuna-Head, TriZilla, Godzilla USA, Godzilla 1998
|height          =60 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla (1998 film)|G98]]}}<ref name="1998 Theater Program">[[Theater Programs#1998|''GODZILLA'' Theater Program]]</ref>, 90 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla: Final Wars|GFW]]}}
|length          =78 meters {{small|(Tail)}}{{sup|[[Godzilla (1998 film)|G98]]}}<ref name="Fact Book">Weinberger, Kimberly, and Dawn Margolis, comps. [[The Official Godzilla Movie Fact Book|The Official GODZILLA Movie Fact Book]]. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1998.</ref>, 180 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla: Final Wars|GFW]]}}
|weight          =500 tons{{sup|[[Godzilla (1998 film)|G98]]}}{{citation needed}}, 20,000 tons{{sup|[[Godzilla: Final Wars|GFW]]}}


|relationships    =[[Baby Zilla|Numerous offspring]], [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|Second Godzilla]] {{Small|(Son)}}<ref name="New Family">"New Family - Part 1/Part 2". (September 12, 1998/September 19, 1998). [[Godzilla: The Series]]. Season 1. [[:Category:TriStar Pictures|TriStar]].</ref>
|subtitle        =Strong-Legged Monster<br>{{Nihongo|強足怪獣|Tsuyo Ashi Kaijū}}<ref name="TSEAMEncyclopedia">{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects All Monster Encyclopedia]]|date=23 July 2014|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|page=117|isbn=4-096-82090-3}}</ref><br>Atomic Monster<br>{{Nihongo|原子怪獣|Genshi Kaijū}}<ref name="TSEMCWorks">{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]|date=28 September 2012|publisher=[[villagebooks]]|page=286|isbn=4-864-91013-8}}</ref><br>Mysterious Monster<br>{{Nihongo|謎の怪獣|Nazo no Kaijū}}<ref>[[File:m73128360182_2.jpg|150px]]</ref>


|allies          =[[Jet Jaguar]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Godzilla]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[King Caesar]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Rodan]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Anguirus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Kumonga]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Gorosaurus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Baragon]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Kamoebas]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Titanosaurus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Varan]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, <br>[[Sanda]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Gaira]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}
|species          =Mutated [[wikipedia:Iguana|iguana]]<ref name="GFWSCW">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla Final Wars Super Complete Works]]|edition=2nd|date=1 March 2005|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|pages=10, 23|isbn=4-09-101471-2}}</ref><ref name="GTGMPBook">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla Toho Giant Monster Pictorial Book]]|date=1 April 2005|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|page=14|isbn=4-09-280052-5}}</ref>


|enemies          =[[Godzilla]], [[United States|U.S.]] [[military|Armed Forces]], [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|Second Godzilla]]<ref name="Monster Wars"/>, [[Trilopod]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Magita]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}
|nicknames        =Tuna-eater, tuna-eating monster,<br>tuna-head, Maguro, Maguro-san,<br>French Godzilla{{sup|[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse|GMA]]}}


|controlled      =[[Tachyons]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: The Series|GTS]]}}<ref name="Monster Wars"/>, [[Xiliens]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Final Wars|GFW]]}}
|height          ={{bl|90 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla Final Wars|GFW]]}}<ref name="GFWSCW"/>
|60-80 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}{{#tag:ref|In [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #2|''Godzilla Rulers of Earth'' #2]], [[Lucy Casprell]] estimates that Zilla is 200 feet (60.96 meters) tall. However, in a [[wikipedia:Tumblr|Tumblr]] post, artist [[Matt Frank]] concurred with a fan's height estimate of 80 meters, commenting that it "sounds about right."<ref name="IDW Zilla Height">{{Cite web|url=http://spankzilla85.tumblr.com/post/153449094340/matt-i-really-love-your-idw-zilla-look-and|title=80 meters sounds about right :3|first=Matt|last=Frank|author-link=Matt Frank|work=Tumblr|date=20 November 2016}}</ref>|group="note"}}}}
|weight          =Unknown{{sup|[[Godzilla Final Wars|GFW]]}}<ref name="GFWSCW"/>


|created          =[[Roland Emmerich]]<ref name="Fact Book"/>, [[Dean Devlin]]<ref name="Fact Book"/>, Patrick Tatopoulos<ref name="Fact Book"/>
|allies          =[[Jet Jaguar]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Godzilla]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[King Caesar]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Rodan]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Anguirus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Kumonga]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Gorosaurus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Baragon]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Kamoebas]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Titanosaurus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Varan]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}},<br>[[Sanda]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Gaira]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}


|portrayed        =[[Frank Welker]] {{small|(Vocal effects)}}, <br>[[Kurt Carley]] {{small|([[TriStarGoji|Suit]])}}, {{tt|CGI|Computer Generated Imagery}}
|enemies          =[[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]], [[Trilopod]]s{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}, [[Magita]]{{sup|[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|GRoE]]}}
|relationships    =[[Godzilla Earth]], [[Orga]], [[Biollante]]<br>(theorized approximate species){{sup|[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse|GMA]]}}
|controlled      =[[Xilien]]s
|created          =[[Shogo Tomiyama]], [[Ryuhei Kitamura]]
|designed        =[[Patrick Tatopoulos]]
|firstappearance  =''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]''
|suits            =[[ToraGoji]]
|roar            =[[File:Zilla Roars.ogg|180px|center|noicon]]{{More Roars}}
}}
{{Notice|For the original monster which served as the basis for Zilla's design and characteristics, see [[Godzilla (TriStar)]].}}
{{Quote|I knew that '''tuna-eating monster''' was useless!|[[Controller of Planet X]], after Zilla is defeated by [[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]] (''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'')}}
'''Zilla''' {{Nihongo|ジラ|Jira}} is a giant mutant iguana [[kaiju]]<ref name="GFWSCW"/> who first appeared in the [[2004]] [[Toho]] ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' [[:Category:Godzilla Films|film]] ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]''.


|debut            =[[Godzilla (1998 film)|GODZILLA (1998)]]
One of the [[Xilien]]s' many mind-controlled monster pawns, Zilla was unleashed in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] before he was teleported away as the Xiliens tried to pose as humanity's saviors. When their plan was exposed by the [[Earth Defense Force]] and [[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]] was freed from [[Antarctica]], Zilla was deployed to battle him in Sydney. Zilla was quickly defeated by Godzilla, who swatted him aside with his tail and finished him with a blast of his atomic breath. Zilla is based on [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar's controversial depiction of Godzilla]] from the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 American film]] and was included in ''Godzilla Final Wars'' after TriStar's rights to the character expired and reverted to Toho. Though Zilla's only film appearance to date came in ''Godzilla Final Wars'', he has also been featured in the mobile game ''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]'' and two ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' comic series published by [[IDW Publishing]]. Zilla also exists within the timeline of the ''GODZILLA'' anime trilogy of films, with an entire chapter dedicated to the creature in the novel ''[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse]]''.
|last            =[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]
{{TOC}}
==Name==
Zilla's name is derived from that of [[Godzilla]], with the "God" part removed. According to ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'' producer [[Shogo Tomiyama]], this name was chosen because the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla]] "took the 'God' out of 'Godzilla'," elaborating that "Hollywood's Godzilla is just a normal monster. He's not a God."<ref name="God Out Of Godzilla">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pennyblood.com/godzilla2.html|title=Godzilla Stomps into Los Angeles|author=Schaefer, Mark|date=2004|work=Penny Blood|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050203181104/http://www.pennyblood.com/godzilla2.html|archivedate=3 February 2005}}</ref> Though the original creature from the 1998 film legally remains known as Godzilla, all of its future appearances in media will be as the monster Zilla. As stated by ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'' artist and co-writer [[Matt Frank]], "[[Toho]] makes zero distinction between 'Zilla' and 'Godzilla 1998' with the exception of title alone... Ever since 2004, Toho's official stance has been that any future incarnations of the character be referred to hereafter as 'Zilla'."<ref name="SFJ">{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/godzilla-toho/godzilla-unmade-the-history-of-jan-de-bonts-unproduced-tristar-film-part-4-of-4|title=GODZILLA Unmade: The History of Jan De Bont`s Unproduced TriStar Film - Part 4 of 4|author=Aiken, Keith|work=[[SciFi Japan]]|accessdate=10 February 2023}}</ref>


|forms            =[[Cyber-Godzilla]]<ref name="Monster Wars">"Monster Wars - Part 1/Part 3". (February 13, 1999/February 27, 1999). [[Godzilla: The Series]]. Season 1. [[:Category:Tri-Star|TriStar]].</ref>
Because the monsters are considered otherwise identical outside of name, even merchandise specifically based on the creature from the 1998 film may use the name "Zilla," such as Spiral Studio's The Legacy Collection Zilla figure. In a statement from Spiral, the company explained, "Trademark Zilla is being used, based on licensing agreement between Toho Co., Ltd. and Spiral Studio Co., Ltd., for which we are in no position, nor hold any obligation to explain or clarify. [...] We are not forcing anyone to buy our product whose label says 'Zilla' instead of 'Godzilla 1998', nor do we disrespect the character. It's just how licensing works".<ref name="Spiral">{{cite web|url=https://www.kaijubattle.net/godzillatoho-toys/spiral-studio-the-legacy-series-tanaka-kenichi-modeling-collection-zilla|title=
Spiral Studio The Legacy Series: Tanaka Kenichi Modeling Collection ZIlla|date=8 February 2023|work=Kaiju Battle}}</ref> Licensed merchandise of the TriStar Godzilla can continue to be made under the "Godzilla" name as well, however, as evidenced by [[X-Plus]]' DefoReal Godzilla 1998 figure,<ref>[[File:DefoReal Godzilla 1998.jpg|150px]]</ref> various ornaments by [[Cast]],<ref>[[File:Cast_Size_Does_Matter_ornament.jpg|150px]]</ref> and a [[Bandai]] keychain.<ref>[[File:271577792 385238260067422 353338767191954827 n.jpg|150px]]</ref><ref>[[File:Keychain_Goji98.jpg|150px]]</ref>


|suits            ='''[[Godzilla (1998 film)|1998]]''': [[TriStarGoji]]<br>{{Imill}}[[ShodaiJira]]<br>'''Other''': [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|Animated Godzilla]], IDW Zilla
Zilla's name is never spoken onscreen in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', though he is at one point referred to by the [[Controller of Planet X]] as a '''tuna-eating monster''' {{Nihongo|マグロを食ってる|maguro o kutteru|lit. "tuna-eater"}}, or '''tuna-head''' in the English dub. Because of this line, Japanese fans frequently refer to both Zilla and the TriStar Godzilla by the nicknames '''Maguro''' {{Nihongo|マグロ|3=lit. "tuna"}} or '''Maguro-san''' {{Nihongo|マグロさん|3=lit. "Mr. Tuna"}}.
|roar            ='''[[Godzilla (1998 film)|1998]]'''[[File:Zilla 1998 and Zilla Junior SFX.ogg|center|180px|noicon]]'''[[Godzilla: Final Wars|2004]]'''[[File:Zilla Roars.ogg|center|180px|noicon]]{{More Roars}}
}}
{{Disclaimer|'''Godzilla® 1998''' and '''Zilla™''' are legally separate characters. They are included in the same page for accessibility's sake. Each character is referred to by its proper name within the article to clearly distinguish one from the other.}}
{{Quote|I knew that '''tuna-eating monster''' was useless!|[[X]] (''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'')}}
'''Zilla''' {{Nihongo|ジラ|Jira}} is a giant reptilian [[kaiju]] created by [[Toho]] that first appeared in the [[2004]] [[Godzilla (Franchise)|Godzilla film]], ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]''.


The 1998 '''[[Godzilla]]''' {{Nihongo|ゴジラ|Gojira}} was created by [[TriStar Pictures]], with approval from [[Toho]]. It first appeared in the [[1998]] [[Godzilla (Franchise)|Godzilla]] film, ''[[Godzilla (1998 film)|GODZILLA]]''.
In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla receives his name after being misidentified as Godzilla. A soldier tries to report the monster's appearance over a communicator, but the transmission is interrupted and only "-zilla" is relayed, which is then adopted as the creature's name. In ''[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse]]'', Zilla earns the nickname '''French Godzilla''' {{Nihongo|フランスのゴジラ|Furansu no Gojira}} after the [[France|French]] military incorrectly identifies the first specimen of the species as Godzilla.
{{TOC}}
==Design==
==Name==
In ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', Zilla's appearance is almost identical to [[ToraGoji|that]] of the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla]], due to his CGI model being created simply by scanning [[Trendmasters]]' Ultimate Godzilla figure.<ref>[https://www.scifijapan.com/merchandise/godzilla-the-series-the-lost-trendmasters-toy-line GODZILLA: THE SERIES- The Lost Trendmasters Toy Line - SciFi Japan]</ref> The only differences in his appearance are his scutes, which point straight upward instead of curving forward. His skin is tan with blue on top of his body, similar to the 1998 Godzilla, although he appears almost entirely light blue during daytime scenes. Zilla possesses a dewlap, but not spiky like the one that was present on the TriStar Godzilla's neck.
The 1998 incarnation of the monster is called "'''Godzilla'''" in the film, and is still legally trademarked under that name in all media released prior to Toho acquiring the rights to the creature in 2003.


Toho has declared that any subsequent appearances of the 1998 character will be under the name "Zilla," because according to [[Shogo Tomiyama]] it "took the 'God' out of 'Godzilla.'"<ref name="God Out Of Godzilla">[http://web.archive.org/web/20050203181104/http://www.pennyblood.com/godzilla2.html INTERVIEW OF SHOGO TOMIYAMA AND RYUHEI KITAMURA.]</ref>
In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla is given the exact design of the TriStar Godzilla, complete with curved scutes and the same coloration and details on his skin. One feature unique to the IDW Zilla is the presence of a fifth digit on his hands. While the suit created for the TriStar Godzilla bore a small vestigial fifth digit on its hands, Zilla's is fully developed and usable.
==Appearance==
{{Main|s=s|TriStarGoji| and [[ShodaiJira]]}}
Physically, Godzilla 1998/Zilla resembles a giant-sized, flesh-eating dromaeosaur, with some inspiration from iguanas. He has a rough, square-shaped underbite and a pronounced chin, a long neck, large, fin-shaped scutes<ref name="Zilla Scutes">[http://godzilla.wikia.com/wiki/File:Rulers_of_Earth_Issue_2_-_Page_9.png]</ref> (which differ greatly from [[Godzilla]]'s maple leaf-shaped {{scutes}}), and long, powerful legs and arms. He also possesses a seemingly vestigial toe, on the back of, and three dinosaur-like toes on the front of each of its 13.7-meter-long feet.
==Personality==
==Personality==
The 1998 Godzilla was originally a very animalistic, illusive and evasive, yet clever creature in his first film appearance, and he kept most, or at the very least, some, of these traits later on. He mostly ate fish, making him a piscivore, which he would also give his offspring. When being attacked, he would try to confuse his offenders and then attack them back, and he even faked his own death when the two [[Ohio Class Nuclear-Powered Sub]]marines shot two torpedoes at him. After his offspring were killed when the Madison Square Garden was bombed by the military, he showed a great amount of anger towards the main characters, who he may or may not have known were somewhat behind their deaths.
In ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', Zilla is completely under the control of the [[Xilien]]s, and attacks [[Sydney]] under their orders. When he battles [[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]], Zilla, perhaps foolishly, attempts to attack Godzilla head-on by pouncing on him, which results in his quick demise.


In his later appearances in ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'', ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', and ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla, or [[Cyber-Godzilla]] in ''Godzilla: The Series''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> case, was shown to not run away nearly as much and tried to fight even when outmatched. In ''Godzilla: Final Wars'', he faced [[Godzilla]] head-on, a move that, while not smart, was brave, although this could be because he was under the [[Xiliens]]' control and was forced to fight Godzilla. In ''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'', he retained many of the same abilities and characteristics of his 1998 appearance, although he lost his cowardly nature. He faced Godzilla head-on once again, evaded his attacks, and landed several attacks of his own. However, he retreated to the sea when Godzilla was close to killing him and he had just barely escaped Godzilla's grip. When Zilla resurfaced for the final battle against the [[Trilopod]]s, Zilla attacked head-on and viciously killed and wounded multiple Trilopods.
In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla is highly aggressive and extremely vicious, attacking Godzilla upon encountering him in [[Honolulu]]. Zilla holds his own in the battle by evading Godzilla's attacks and opportunistically striking him back, but retreats as soon as Godzilla gains the upper hand and nearly kills him. Zilla later takes up residence in the waters around the [[Monster Island]]s, but avoids going ashore where the other [[kaiju]] are. Zilla manages to evade the [[Trilopod]]s when they invade the islands and capture the kaiju, then follows them to Los Angeles and attacks them. During this battle, Zilla actively rescues [[Jet Jaguar]] from several Trilopods, then joins forces with Godzilla and the other monsters to defeat the alien menace. After the battle, Zilla and the other kaiju seemingly submit to Godzilla and follow him out to sea.
==Origins==
==Origins==
The 1998 Godzilla is a giant mutated marine iguana originating from a nuclear test in the [[Maruroa Atoll Islands]] of [[French Polynesia]].<ref name="Film">Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich (writers) & Roland Emmerich (director). ''[[Godzilla (1998 film)|GODZILLA]]''. (May 19, 1998). Film. [[TriStar Pictures|TriStar]].</ref> As the test was done in the summer of [[1968]], the creature grew over a period of approximately thirty years. His irradiated genes caused him to achieve a height of about sixty meters.
Zilla's origins go unexplained in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]''. However, according to the film's theater program, Zilla's "true identity is unknown, but according to one theory it may be the same monster that struck [[New York City|New York]] in {{tt|1997|Subsequent materials in the film's DVD release correct this year to 1998}}."{{R|SFJ}} The 2005 book ''[[Godzilla Final Wars Super Complete Works]]'' similarly states, "Informal information has been reported saying that the same kind of monster appeared on the East Coast of the U.S. in 1998," clearly referencing the 1998 film ''[[GODZILLA (1998 film)|GODZILLA]]''. The book also states that Zilla is a "mutated iguana monster with tuna as its regular meal."<ref name="GFWSCW"/><ref name="Mutant-Iguana" group="note">Mutated iguana monster with tuna as its regular meal. / イグアナが突然変異した怪獣でマグロを常食としている。(p. 23)</ref> The connection to a monster who attacked New York City in the late 1990s continues to be maintained in Zilla's Monsterpedia entry on Godzilla.com.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://godzilla.com/blogs/monsterpedia/zilla|title=ZILLA|work=Godzilla.com|accessdate=17 July 2023}}</ref>


Zilla's origins go unexplained in ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', and he is never even mentioned by name. According to the film's theater program, Zilla's "true identity is unknown, but according to one theory it may be the same monster that struck New York in {{tt|1997|Subsequent materials in the film's DVD release correct this year to 1998}}."<ref>[http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2015/05/31/godzilla-unmade-the-history-of-jan-de-bonts-unproduced-tristar-film-part-4-of-4/ GODZILLA Unmade: The History of Jan De Bont's Unproduced TriStar Film - Part 4 of 4 - SciFi Japan]</ref>
In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla's origins are never directly discussed, but it is established that he is part of the natural balance of [[Earth]], along with all of the other Earth [[kaiju]]. Zilla's appearance on the [[Infant Island]] mural suggests that he is an ancient creature, instead of a mutated iguana like his film incarnation. In ''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'', Zilla is one of several kaiju that inhabits an alternate dimension where [[Godzilla]] rules.
 
In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla's origins are never directly discussed, but it is established that he is part of the natural balance of [[Earth]], along with all of the other Earth [[kaiju]]. Zilla's appearance on the [[Infant Island]] mural suggests that he is an ancient creature, instead of a mutated iguana like his previous incarnations.


In the continuity of the ''GODZILLA'' anime trilogy, Zilla's specific origins are unclear and contested, but one theory posits that Zilla, along with [[Orga]] and [[Biollante]], may be a subspecies of [[Godzilla Earth|Godzilla]] or a species directly derived from him.
==History==
==History==
===[[Godzilla (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]]===
*''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'' (2004)
[[File:Godzilla98.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[TriStarGoji|Godzilla]] in [[Godzilla (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]]]]A giant reptilian monster swam from the islands across the Pacific, attacking the cannery ship ''[[Kobayashi Maru]]'', and then stomped across Panama. From there it traveled up the American Eastern Seaboard, where it sank several American fishing boats. Later on, the creature arrived in New York City, wandering through the city and causing major damage. Eventually, it was lured into Flatiron Square with 20,000 pounds of fish. After escaping a military attack, the monster stomped through New York, necessitating the evacuation of the entire city. The monster was later labeled "Godzilla," after the lone survivor of the monster's attack on the ''Kobayashi Maru'' identified it as "''Gojira''."  The military battled Godzilla extensively, and seemingly killed it in the East River with torpedoes.
===[[Millennium era]]===
 
====''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]''====
However, it had laid 228 eggs in and under [[Madison Square Garden]] (an arena in Midtown Manhattan), which hatched and filled the Garden with hundreds of [[Baby Zilla|Baby Godzilla]]s. The military bombed the Garden, slaying the infant 'Zillas. However, Godzilla then revealed itself to have survived, bursting up from underneath the street, and, after seeing its dead offspring, chased the heroes through [[New York]] across the [[Brooklyn Bridge]], where it became entangled in the suspension cables. It was then killed by [[F-18 Hornet]]s.
[[File:Zilla_80c8e866b9c14040.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'']]Zilla was sent to attack [[Sydney]], [[Australia]], under the command of the [[Xilien]]s. The towering reptile terrorized the city, destroying cars and eating civilians. Suddenly, Zilla and all of the other [[kaiju]] that had appeared around the world were teleported away by the Xiliens, who claimed to have come to save humanity. After the Xiliens' true intent, to take over the world and harvest mankind's mitochondria, was revealed, they re-released all of their monsters. The [[Earth Defense Force]] freed [[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]] from [[Area G]] in [[Antarctica]] and led him across the world to defeat the Xiliens' monsters. The [[Controller of Planet X]] had Zilla redeployed in Sydney to battle Godzilla. Zilla pounced at Godzilla, avoiding a blast from his atomic breath, but Godzilla swung his tail and knocked the monster into the [[Sydney Opera House]] before incinerating him with another blast. Following Zilla's defeat, the Controller simply remarked that he "knew that tuna-eating monster was useless."
 
[[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|One unhatched offspring]] survived the destruction of Madison Square Garden. When it hatched, it imprinted upon Dr. [[Niko Tatopoulos]] shortly after the doctor discovered the egg. From there, the [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|new Godzilla]] accompanied Tatopoulos and his team, [[H.E.A.T.]], on their missions against various monsters mutated by nuclear experiments in ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]''.
===''[[Godzilla: The Series]]''===
[[File:Godzilla_The_Series_-_Monsters_-_Zilla.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Godzilla in ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'']]{{Main|s=s|Cyber-Godzilla| and [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series]]}}
====''[[New Family: Part 1]]''====
In a recap of the ending of the [[Godzilla (1998 film)|1998 film]], Godzilla is killed on the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] by three [[F-18 Hornet]]s.
====''[[Monster Wars: Part 2]]''====
After his death, Godzilla's body was taken to a military base where it was studied. The base was eventually overtaken by [[Tachyons]], who used their technology to resurrect Godzilla as a cyborg called [[Cyber-Godzilla]]. He was then sent to eliminate [[H.E.A.T.]], who had sneaked into the facility, and when [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|the second Godzilla]] arrived to save them, he refused to fight his father and was taken under the control of the Tachyons. The father and son team gave chase, but were distracted by [[N.I.G.E.L.]], which allowed H.E.A.T. to escape. Cyber-Godzilla and the other mutations under Tachyon control were then sent out to various cities in order to destroy them. Cyber-Godzilla was chosen for [[Tokyo]].
====''[[Monster Wars: Part 3]]''====
The other mutations were saved from the control of the Tachyons, but Cyber-Godzilla remained loyal. He soon confronted his son, who decided to fight for his surrogate father, [[Niko Tatopoulos]], rather than his biological father. The two began to fight, with Godzilla ripping off Cyber-Godzilla's robotic arm and tearing out his internal mechanisms, killing him again.
===[[Millennium era|Millennium Series]]===
====''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]''====
[[File:Zilla04.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[ShodaiJira|Zilla]] in ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'']]Zilla was sent to attack [[Sydney]], [[Australia]], under the command of the [[Xiliens]]. The towering reptile terrorized the city, destroying cars and eating civilians. Suddenly, Zilla and all of the other [[kaiju]] that had appeared around the world were teleported away by the Xiliens, who claimed to have come to save humanity. After the Xiliens' true intent, to take over the world and harvest mankind's mitochondria, was revealed, they re-released all of their monsters. The [[Earth Defense Force]] freed [[Godzilla/Final Wars|Godzilla]] from [[Area G]] in [[Antarctica]] and led him across the world to defeat the Xiliens' monsters. [[X]] had Zilla redeployed in Sydney to battle Godzilla. Zilla pounced at Godzilla, but Godzilla swung his tail and knocked the monster into the [[Sydney Opera House]] before incinerating him with his atomic breath. Following Zilla's defeat, X simply remarked that he "knew that tuna-eating monster was useless."
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
==Abilities==
==Abilities==
===Physical Strength===
===Jumping abilities===
While not as physically powerful as the Japanese [[Godzilla]], Godzilla 1998 has shown a high amount of physical strength. He is able to sink three fishing boats by pulling them underwater despite them moving at full speed. He also dredged a large freighter onto shore with ease.
[[File:Zilla - High Jump Kick.gif|thumb|right|200px|Zilla pounces at [[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]] in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'']]
Zilla is an extraordinary jumper, capable of pouncing large distances to attack his enemies with a '''High Jump Kick''' {{Nihongo|ハイジャンプキック}}.
{{Clear}}
===Agility===
===Agility===
Both incarnations of the creature are extremely agile, possessing a land speed of 300 miles per hour.<ref name="Fact Book"/> This speed was showcased in the 1998 film when Godzilla was able to outrun multiple squadrons of [[AH-64 Apache]]s and, despite being in point-blank range, was able to dodge and avoid missiles launched at him with ease.
Zilla is incredibly fast and agile. Zilla tends to charge at his opponents, and is capable of quickly fleeing or evading enemies when he is overwhelmed.
===Camouflage===
===Physical abilities===
Both incarnations of the character have shown an ability to camouflage to some extent. The 1998 Godzilla's skin color allows him to blend in well with New York City's architecture. This Godzilla also possesses an incredibly low body temperature, which renders him colder than his surroundings and unable to be detected by the military's thermal scanning.
Zilla's claws managed to draw blood from Godzilla in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', though he was largely outmatched by the King of the Monsters. During the final battle between Earth's monsters and the [[Trilopod]]s, he slashed the throat of a Godzilla-type Trilopod with his scutes, and later tears into the throat of the Titanosaurus-type Trilopod with his teeth.
 
In ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', Zilla's stone-gray skin color seemingly allows him to blend in with [[Sydney]]'s architecture.
===Biting and Slashing===
Godzilla 1998 has five-foot-long teeth and six-foot-long talons,<ref name="Fact Book"/> which allow him to burrow through tough surfaces and chomp steel helicopters with little recoil.
===Burrowing===
===Burrowing===
He also has shown a remarkable burrowing ability, able to excavate the thick tar and concrete around New York with ease. Using this advantage, he was able to escape and hide from the United States Army.<ref name="Fact Book"/> This ability is also present in Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', which allowed him to evade and ambush [[Godzilla]].
[[File:GROE 2 Zilla burrows.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Zilla tunnels underground in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'' [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth issue 2|#2]]]]In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla displays the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla]]'s ability to burrow through concrete and steel. Zilla uses this ability to evade a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath during their battle in [[Honolulu]], and even opens up a sinkhole beneath him.
===Intelligence===
In ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', Zilla does not exhibit a great deal of strategy, as he (perhaps foolishly) attempts to attack Godzilla head-on, only to be swatted aside and quickly dispatched by his atomic breath. In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla seems to regain the 1998 Godzilla's intelligence, as he exhibits strategy in his battle with Godzilla, using his burrowing ability to evade a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath and even pulling Godzilla into the military's line of fire while the latter is grappling him. When Zilla realizes he has no chance of winning the fight, he waits for an opportunity and escapes to the ocean while Godzilla is distracted. Zilla later somehow manages to avoid capture by the [[Trilopod]]s when they attack the [[Monster Island]]s, and knows to travel to Los Angeles to join forces with the other Earth monsters and battle the Trilopods.
===Asexual reproduction===
In ''[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse]]'', Zilla was given the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla's]] ability to rapidly reproduce asexually, using fertility and sheer numbers as a weapon. Text from the novel says: "If you leave one young one alive, no, if you leave just an egg behind, it'll hatch and reproduce all over again" and, "the big ones are dangerous, but the young ones were more troublesome. They're intelligent and act in herds. The young ones act as decoys for the tanks while the adults attack from the rooftops."
===Durability===
===Durability===
Durability-wise, small arms fire is useless on him as well as standard tank rounds. The [[F-18 Hornet]]'s missile compliment proved strong enough to kill him, however it required at least twelve missiles to kill him.
Although Zilla was easily killed by a single blast of Godzilla's atomic breath in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', the version which appeared in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'' survived sustained hand-to-hand combat with the King of the Monsters. However, he was also hurt by small-arms fire and a missile from a helicopter. During the Earth monsters' showdown with [[Magita]], a kick from the giant Trilopod knocked him out of the fight, though he recovered following her death.
===Power Breath===
==Video games==
Godzilla 1998 lacks the Japanese [[Godzilla]]'s iconic atomic breath, though he possesses a Power Breath (strong flammable winds of gas) which he can also ignite to form a wall or blast of flames. This Power Breath can send things weighing several tons flying away, including cars.<ref name="Fact Book"/>
*''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]'' (2015) - Android and iOS
 
In ''Final Wars'', Zilla is said by director [[Ryuhei Kitamura]] to possess an "acidic flame breath."{{citation needed}} This is most likely a variation of his previous incarnation's power breath, but it is never seen in use, only hinted at when Zilla emerges from behind an explosion similar to the one caused by Godzilla's power breath in the 1998 film.<ref>[[File:Zilla's Acidic Flame Breath.png|200px]]</ref>
===Atomic Breath===
When the 1998 Godzilla was revived and upgraded as [[Cyber-Godzilla]] in ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'', he gained a blue atomic breath, much like the Japanese [[Godzilla]]'s. [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|His son]] from ''Godzilla: The Series'' possesses a green atomic breath. In some of Patrick Tatopoulos' concept artwork for the 1998 film as well as in some artwork for merchandise related to the film, Godzilla is depicted firing atomic breath.
===Reproduction===
The 1998 Godzilla is capable of asexual reproduction, and is shown to have laid over 200 eggs in Madison Square Garden. The fact that this Godzilla laid eggs has led to [[Godzilla Misconceptions#Is Godzilla female?|a prevalent misconception]] regarding the character's gender, however like all other versions of Godzilla the 1998 Godzilla is officially recognized as a male creature, even in spite of its reproductive ability. Despite the monster's official gender, designer Patrick Tatopoulos has revealed that female genitalia were sculpted onto Godzilla's CGI model, though this is not plainly visible in the film.<ref>[[Godzilla (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]]. DVD. Special FX Supervisor Commentary.</ref>
===Intelligence===
While Godzilla 1998 relies on instinct to a greater degree than the Japanese [[Godzilla]], he is still shown to be capable of thinking in the midst of a battle and forming strategies. Throughout the 1998 film, Godzilla eludes the [[United States]] [[Military|military]], causing them to ultimately cause more damage to New York City than he does. Using his speed and camouflage, Godzilla evades several military helicopters and attacks them from behind. Later, he fakes his death by two torpedoes, causing the military to call off their attacks and allowing Godzilla to resurface later.
 
In ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', Zilla does not exhibit a great deal of strategy, as he (perhaps foolishly) attempts to attack Godzilla head-on, only to be swatted aside and quickly dispatched by his atomic breath. In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla seems to regain the 1998 Godzilla's intelligence, as he exhibits strategy in his battle with Godzilla, using his burrowing ability to evade a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath and even pulling Godzilla into the military's line of fire while the latter is grappling him. When Zilla realizes he has no chance of winning the fight, he waits for an opportunity and escapes to the ocean while Godzilla is distracted. Zilla later somehow manages to avoid capture by the [[Trilopod]]s when they attack the [[Monster Island]]s, and knows to travel to Los Angeles to join forces with the other Earth monsters and battle the Trilopods.
===Scutes===
In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla displayed the ability to use his scutes as a weapon. Zilla ran at a Trilopod and bent downward, causing his scutes to slice its neck.
==Filmography==
*[[Godzilla (1998 film)|''GODZILLA'' (1998)]] [as Godzilla]
*''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'' (TV 1998-2000) [as Godzilla and [[Cyber-Godzilla]]]
*''[[Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack]]'' (2001) [mentioned]
*''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'' (2004) [as Zilla]
==[[Toho monsters in video games|Video Game Appearances]]==
*''[[G-Patrol VR: Combat Simulator]]'' [as Godzilla]
*[[Godzilla (1998 Pinball Game)|''GODZILLA'' (Pinball)]]' [as Godzilla]
*''[[Godzilla: Online|GODZILLA: Online]]'' [as Godzilla]
*''[[Godzilla: Virtual Shakin'|GODZILLA: Virtual Shakin']]'' [as Godzilla]
*''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]'' [as GODZILLA]
*''[[Godzilla Generations]]'' [as Godzilla-USA/USA-Godzilla]
*''[[Godzilla: The Series (Gameboy)|Godzilla: The Series]]'' [as [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|Godzilla]]]
*''[[Godzilla The Series: Monster Wars]]'' [as [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|Godzilla]] and [[Cyber-Godzilla]]]
*''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]'' [as Zilla]
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Zilla USA 1.png|Godzilla-USA in ''[[Godzilla Generations]]''
GKC Zilla.jpg|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]''
ZILLA USA 2.jpg
GODZILLA_USA.png
AMERICAN_GODZILLA_USA.png|GODZILLA in ''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]''
GKC Zilla.jpg|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>
 
==Books==
===''[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse]]''===
Zilla appeared in [[France]] in October of 2039 and was brought down by the French military, who initially misidentified the creature as [[Godzilla Earth|Godzilla]] due to it being bipedal and possessing dorsal fins and a long tail. However, Zilla possessed the ability to reproduce asexually, and its offspring quickly overran the city of Rouen, which had managed to escape the wrath of Godzilla himself. Even though an adult Zilla was considerably more frail than most [[kaiju]], able to be brought down with a single shot from a [[Maser Cannon]] or railgun, its greatest strength was its fertility. If just one egg was left behind, hundreds more Zillas could be born and overrun the city again. The Zillas were also intelligent and capable of working in herds, younger ones would draw the attention of tanks while adults attacked from the rooftops. Zilla was mentioned to be the hardest kaiju to free a city from, and was not finally exterminated until December.<ref name="Apocalypse">{{cite book|title=[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse]]|author=Renji Ōki|publisher=[[Kadokawa]]|date=October 25, 2017|pages=186-212}}</ref>
==Comics==
==Comics==
*''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'' #1-2, 9, 13, 25 (2013-2015)
*''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'' #4-5 (2016)
===''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]''===
===''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]''===
Zilla appears in the [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 1|first issue of ''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'']] as a rogue [[kaiju]]. He is first sighted by a submarine which mistakes him for Godzilla. He later makes landfall in Honolulu, Hawaii and is given the identification as "Zilla" due to radio interference. He then goes on a rampage while fighting the CKR forces stationed there before being attacked by [[Godzilla]], who has also arrived, and the two monsters prepare to fight. Godzilla tail-smacks Zilla into a building and blasts him with his atomic breath, similar to the way Godzilla finished him in ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]''. However, Zilla burrows underground and avoids the blast. Zilla then digs behind Godzilla and ambushes him. Godzilla and Zilla engage in a heated physical battle until Godzilla grabs Zilla by the neck and chokes him. Before Godzilla can kill Zilla, CKR opens fire on Godzilla, distracting him long enough for Zilla to escape to the sea.
[[File:Zilla in Godzilla Rulers of Earth.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'']]
 
Zilla was classified as a "water" monster in a cave mural on [[Infant Island]].
In this series, Zilla bears more of a resemblance to his [[TriStarGoji|1998 Godzilla design]] as opposed to his [[ShodaiJira|2004 ''Final Wars'' design]]. Although any real powers have yet to be seen, he appears to have an extremely thick hide as implied to him sustaining multiple hits from artillery fire. He also is very quick and actually does not run away strictly like his 1998 film incarnation, but instead has an attitude more like the [[Godzilla/Godzilla: The Series|animated series incarnation]], not running away until Godzilla almost kills him.


Zilla reappears in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 13|''Rulers of Earth'' #13]], where he is spotted swimming in the waters around the [[Monster Island]]s. Zilla apparently avoided capture when the [[Trilopod]]s invaded the Monster Islands, as he was not seen inside the Trilopod hive.
In the present day, Zilla was first detected by a submarine, where he was misidentified as [[Godzilla]]. He soon made landfall in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]] and was given the designation "Zilla" due to radio interference when soldiers were attempting to warn of Godzilla's imminent arrival. As Zilla rampaged through the city, Lucy Casprell attempted to film the creature, but was nearly killed in the process until she was saved by CKR forces. The military engaged Zilla, only for [[Godzilla]] to arrive and attack him with his atomic breath, which Zilla narrowly avoided. After a brief stare down, the two monsters began their battle with Godzilla swiping at the smaller kaiju, though Zilla was able to use his superior speed to avoid the attack. Zilla attempted to bite Godzilla, but Godzilla knocked him to the ground by punching him in the head. Recovering, Zilla slashed into Godzilla's leg with his claws, though Godzilla retaliated by biting Zilla's tail and throwing him into a building, where he attempted to kill the monster with his atomic breath. However, Zilla managed to burrow underground and avoided the blast. Emerging behind Godzilla, Zilla rammed his head into the King of the Monsters, though Godzilla responded by biting down on Zilla's neck. The two monsters continued their fierce battle as the military also began firing on them, with Zilla at one point burrowing underground to catch Godzilla in a trap. Zilla soon lost sight of Godzilla after being temporarily distracted by the military, at which point Godzilla caught Zilla by surprise by bursting through a building and grabbing him by the throat, strangling him. Before Godzilla could kill Zilla with a point-blank blast of his atomic ray, the military opened fire on Godzilla, distracting him long enough for Zilla to escape to the sea.


Zilla returned in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 25|the final issue]], where he suddenly appeared in Los Angeles and saved [[Jet Jaguar]] from a Trilopod with Godzilla's characteristics. Zilla then took part in the final battle against the Trilopods alongside Godzilla and the other Earth monsters, managing to injure and kill several of the creatures. Zilla attempted to battle [[Magita]], the gigantic Trilopod queen, but was kicked aside by its massive legs. After Godzilla destroyed Magita, Zilla and the other monsters followed Godzilla out to sea.
Years later, Zilla was spotted swimming in the waters around the [[Monster Island]]s, though the staff of the island noted how he had yet to venture onto land. When the [[Trilopod]]s invaded the Monster Islands, Zilla evidently avoided capture, as no Trilopods bearing his characteristics were seen and he was one of very few monsters to not end up captive in the Trilopod hive. He later returned in Los Angeles to participate in the final battle against the Trilopods, saving [[Jet Jaguar]] from a Trilopod with Godzilla's characteristics. Once the two were able to kill the Trilopod together, Zilla later joined Godzilla, [[King Caesar]], and the rest of Earth's kaiju against the Trilopod hybrids. After managing to injure and kill several of the creatures, Zilla attempted to battle [[Magita]], the gigantic Trilopod queen, but was kicked aside by its massive legs. Soon, Godzilla was able to destroy Magita, at which point Zilla and the other monsters followed Godzilla out to sea.
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Godzilla_rulers_of_earth_issue_2_by_kaijusamurai-d61cjvg.jpg|Zilla against Godzilla on the cover for [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 2|issue #2]] of ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', with Zilla bearing the same design as the [[TriStarGoji|1998 Godzilla]] as opposed to the [[ShodaiJira|2004 Zilla]]
ZillaIDW.png|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]''
ZillaIDW.png|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]''
ZillaIDW2.png|A soldier identifying the creature as Zilla
ZillaIDW2.png|A soldier identifying the creature as Zilla
RULERS_OF_EARTH_Issue_2_-_3.png|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 2|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #2]]
RULERS_OF_EARTH_Issue_2_-_3.png|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth issue 2|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #2]]
RULERS_OF_EARTH_Issue_2_-_4.png|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 2|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #2]]
RULERS_OF_EARTH_Issue_2_-_4.png|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth issue 2|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #2]]
Zilla GRoE 13.jpg|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 13|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #13]]
Zilla GRoE 13.jpg|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth issue 13|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #13]]
Zilla in Rulers of Earth 25.JPG|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 25|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #25]]
Zilla in Rulers of Earth 25.JPG|Zilla in [[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth issue 25|''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' #25]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
===''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]''===
===''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]''===
Zilla appeared at the very end of the [[Godzilla: Oblivion Issue 4|fourth issue]] of ''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'', where he emerged from an interdimensional portal alongside [[Biollante]], [[Rodan]], [[Mothra]], [[Anguirus]] and [[King Caesar]]. In the [[Godzilla: Oblivion Issue 5|following issue]], where [[Hedorah]] joined the monsters, Zilla wandered off and rampaged through the city on his own while most of the other monsters tried to battle Mecha-King Ghidorah. Later, after Mecha-King Ghidorah was defeated by Godzilla, all of the monsters were left behind as the humans left the [[Earth]] as it became covered by tiny robotic cells that served as interdimensional doorways.
[[File:Godzilla oblivion zilla.png|thumb|right|200px|Zilla among the Earth-2 kaiju in ''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'']]
A monster native to Earth-2, Zilla emerged from an interdimensional portal alongside [[Biollante]], [[Rodan]], [[Mothra]], [[Anguirus]], [[Hedorah]], and [[King Caesar]]. After entering the alternate Earth, Zilla wandered off and rampaged through the city on his own while most of the other monsters tried to battle Mecha-King Ghidorah. Later, after Mecha-King Ghidorah was defeated by Godzilla, all of the monsters were left behind as the humans left the Earth as it became covered by tiny robotic cells that served as interdimensional doorways.
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Godzilla oblivion zilla.png|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'' [[Godzilla: Oblivion Issue 4|#4]]
250585728572.jpeg|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'' [[Godzilla: Oblivion issue 5|#5]]
250585728572.jpeg|Zilla in ''[[Godzilla: Oblivion]]'' [[Godzilla: Oblivion Issue 5|#5]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
==[[Zilla/Gallery|Gallery]]==
==Gallery==
{{Main|Zilla/Gallery}}
{{Main|Zilla/Gallery}}
==Sightings==
*Three music videos taken from ''[[Godzilla (1998 film album)|Godzilla: The Album]]'' feature Godzilla 1998.
*In the the episodes "Tales Of Suspense Part 1 and 2" of the Marvel Animated Series [[w:c:ironman:Iron Man: Armored Adventures|Iron Man: Armored Adventures]], the [[w:c:marvel:Makluans|Makluan]] [[w:c:marvel:Fin Fang Foom (Earth-904913)|Fin Fang Foom]] has Zilla's roar.
*The Terrorcons Cruellock and Doomlock from ''Transformers Energon'' are directly based on Zilla's design. Cruellock in particular looks like [[Cyber-Godzilla]] due to its color scheme.
*In ''[[Pokémon#Generation V|Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice]]'', the legendary Pokémon Kyurem has the roars of Zilla.
* In the video game ''[[w:c:lego:LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham|LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham]]'', a dinosaur in the Batcave's Trophy Room uses Zilla's roar when activated.
*Footage of the 1998 Godzilla appears in the 2014 music video "Godzilla" by Mefjus and Dope D.O.D.<ref name="Godzilla DopeDOD">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o_eKqPeUAo Mefjus feat. Dope D.O.D - Godzilla (Official Video) - YouTube]</ref>
==Roar==
==Roar==
Godzilla 1998's roars seem to be a mix between the roars of the Japanese [[Godzilla]] from the [[Showa era|1960's-1970's]] and elephant sounds, demonstrated when he got hit by torpedoes and groaned like an elephant. When submerged, Godzilla 1998 made a moaning sound created from the song of a humpback whale. The monster's roars were made by Gary A. Hecker and [[Frank Welker]]. Zilla's roars were the same as Godzilla 1998's roars, but mostly used the elephant-like roars rather than the Godzilla-based ones. In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla's roar is written as "''SKREEEEEENK''."
In ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', Zilla's roars are recycled from the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla's]] roars, themselves a combination of the [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Showa Godzilla's]] roars and elephant sounds. Zilla's roars seem to be mostly the elephant-based roars, rather than the Godzilla-based ones. They were later mixed with Millennium-era Godzilla roars for [[Godzilla Filius]] in ''[[GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters]]''. In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', Zilla's roar is written as "''SKREEEEEENK''."
 
The 1998 monster's roars were later used for the [[Godzilla/Godzilla_2000|Japanese Godzilla]] in the American version of ''[[Godzilla 2000: Millennium|Godzilla 2000]]'' and [[ThirdStreetGoji|his cameo appearance]] in ''Always: Sunset on Third Street 2''. Zilla in ''Godzilla: Final Wars'' also used these same roars, only slightly modified.
{{Videos|
{{Videos|
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">LWgvaj1B6RY</youtube>|Godzilla 1998 and Zilla's roars}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">vK5vzpAKVN8</youtube>|Zilla's roars}}
}}
==In other languages==
{{Other languages
|sr=Зила|srmeaning=Transcription of English name
|ru=Зилла|rumeaning=Transcription of English name
|be=জেলা ''Jēlā''|bemeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|zh_yue=斯拉|zh_yuameaning=Transcription of English name
|zh_cmn=斯拉 ''Sī lā''|zh_cmnmeaning=Transcription of English name
|he=זילה|hemeaning=Transcription of English name
|hi=जिला ''Jila''|himeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|kn=ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ''Jillā''|knmeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|ko=질라 ''Jilla''|komeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|te=జిల్లా ''Jillā''|temeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|ur=ضلع|urmeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|yi=זיללאַ ''Zilla''|yimeaning=Transcription of English name
}}
}}
==In Other Languages==
*Marathi: जिल्हा ''Jil'hā'', transcription of Japanese name
*Serbian: Зила
*Gujarati: જીલ્લા ''Jīllā'', transcription of Japanese name
*Russian: Зилла
*Bengali: জেলা
*Chinese: 斯拉
*Gujarati: જીલ્લા
*Hebrew: זילה
*Hindi: जिला
*Kannada: ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ
*Korean: 질라
*Marathi: जिल्हा
*Telugu: జిల్లా
*Urdu: ضلع
*Yiddish: זיללאַ
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Zilla was considered for ''[[Godzilla: Unleashed]]'', but didn't make the cut due to his lack of popularity during production on the previous games.<ref name="Zilla WAS Scrapped">[http://www.tohokingdom.com/images/vg/project-g/simon-podcast_2.4.mp3 Zilla, Cloverfield and Bagan Scrapped From Unleashed - Simon Strange Interview]</ref><ref name="Zilla In Unleashed">[http://www.tohokingdom.com/images/vg/project-g/simon-podcast_2.3.mp3 Zilla Scrapped From Unleashed - Simon Strange Interview]</ref>
*[[Shogo Tomiyama]] and [[Ryuhei Kitamura]] did not originally intend to include Zilla in ''Godzilla Final Wars'', but upon learning that they could use the TriStar Godzilla in the film, they decided to feature him as the new monster Zilla. Zilla's late addition may be responsible for the monster's lack of appearances in merchandise and promotional materials for the film.
*Despite its appearance suggesting otherwise, the 1998 Godzilla is actually a mutated marine iguana, and not a theropod dinosaur or a prehistoric reptile like the Japanese [[Godzilla]].
**Zilla's quick destruction at the hands of Godzilla in ''Godzilla Final Wars'' was, according to Shogo Tomiyama, meant to "show which Godzilla is stronger,"<ref name="HenshinOnline">[https://web.archive.org/web/20051211033046/http://www.henshinonline.com:80/archive2004.html Henshin!Headlines for 2004 (Archive.org)]</ref> reflecting many fans' dissatisfaction with TriStar's depiction of Godzilla.
**According to [[Godzilla (1998 film)|the movie]], the 1998 Godzilla was created by nuclear fallout on French Polynesia. However, marine iguanas are indigenous to the Galápagos Islands.<ref name="Galapagos">[http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/marine-iguana/ Marine Iguanas - NG]</ref>
*Despite Zilla's quick demise in ''Godzilla Final Wars'', [[Patrick Tatopoulos]] was thrilled to learn that the Godzilla he designed would be appearing in a Toho film.<ref name="HenshinOnline"/>
*The 1998 monster was designed based on only the instructions that it should be agile and fast.
*Zilla's role in the novel ''[[GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse]]'' is a direct reference to the worst-case scenario regarding the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla]]'s reproduction in the 1998 film, where it multiplies rapidly and overruns an entire city due to all of its offspring being born capable of asexual reproduction. In addition, Zilla attacks [[France]], a reference to the French being responsible for Godzilla's creation in the 1998 film.
*Both versions of this monster's colors suit him to better camouflage within an urban environment, so as to be harder to spot. In the 1998 film, Godzilla's body is a silvery blue to almost black color, allowing him to blend in with New York's architecture. In ''Final Wars'', Zilla's body is a stone gray color, which blends in better with Sydney's architecture.
*Zilla was briefly considered for inclusion in the video game ''[[Godzilla: Unleashed]]'', but didn't make the cut due to his lack of popularity during production on the previous games.<ref name="Zilla WAS Scrapped">[http://www.tohokingdom.com/images/vg/project-g/simon-podcast_2.4.mp3 Zilla, Cloverfield and Bagan Scrapped From Unleashed - Simon Strange Interview]</ref><ref name="Zilla In Unleashed">[http://www.tohokingdom.com/images/vg/project-g/simon-podcast_2.3.mp3 Zilla Scrapped From Unleashed - Simon Strange Interview]</ref>
*This monster's attack on New York City was referenced in ''[[Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack]]''; although the American experts believe that it was [[Godzilla]], the Japanese do not.
*After Zilla is dispatched by [[Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)|Godzilla]] in ''[[Godzilla Final Wars]]'', the [[Controller of Planet X]] angrily says "I knew that tuna-eating monster was useless," a reference to the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla]]'s diet of fish in the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 film]]. In the film's English dub, the Controller calls Zilla a "tuna head."
*Toho had clear communication with TriStar during the development of the 1998 film. When asked about Hollywood's 1998 film interpretation of Godzilla, [[Shogo Tomiyama]] stated: "''There was always very good communication between Tokyo and Hollywood. We knew exactly how they were going to do it, and we knew what Godzilla was going to look like.''"<ref name="God Out Of Godzilla"/>
*Zilla is the only monster in ''Godzilla Final Wars'' to be portrayed entirely through computer-generated imagery, a nod to the TriStar Godzilla being portrayed primarily through CGI in the [[GODZILLA (1998 film)|1998 film]].
*In an interview with ''[[Wikipedia:Starlog|Starlog]]'', [[Dean Devlin]] mentioned that in [[Godzilla (1994 film)|several earlier drafts of the 1998 film]], Godzilla was to have been created by aliens rather than nuclear testing. Devlin said that the filmmakers stuck with Godzilla's traditional nuclear origin because it was something they "felt strongly about not abandoning" and that they thought "it was too important to what Godzilla is all about."<ref>Warren, Bill. (June 1998) Godzilla Confidential. ''Starlog'', 251, p. 56. ([https://archive.org/stream/starlog_magazine-251/251#page/n55/mode/2up read] on the [[Wikipedia:Internet Archive|Internet Archive]])</ref>
*In ''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'', when Zilla is seen swimming in the waters around the [[Monster Island]]s, the character Chavez suggests that Zilla may be reluctant to set foot on the islands because he isn't welcome. Lucy assures him that the other monsters will eventually come to accept him. This is most likely an inside joke referencing the Godzilla fanbase's reluctance to accept Zilla.
*''Godzilla: Rulers of Earth'' artist [[Matt Frank]] noted that while Zilla could have reproduced and gained the [[Godzilla (TriStar)|TriStar Godzilla]]'s "power breath" ability had the series continued, he or his offspring would not have been able to employ the green atomic breath used by [[Godzilla (Godzilla: The Series)|Godzilla]] in ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]'' due to [[IDW Publishing]] not holding the rights to that specific version of the character.<ref name="green atomic breath">{{cite web|url=https://spankzilla85.tumblr.com/post/171258995345/so-if-ruler-of-earth-continued-would-zilla-have|title=We probably would have found a way to introduce the Baby Zilla’s, MAYBE the Power Breath (we couldn’t use the Animated version, didn’t have those rights).|author=Frank, Matt|date=24 February 2018|work=Tumblr}}</ref>
==Video==
{{Videos|{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">https://youtu.be/NkNzkKzdcn4</youtube>|{{WZYT|Kaiju Profile: Zilla|Kaiju Profile: Godzilla 1998 / Zilla}}}}}}
==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{TohoMonsters}}
{{Toho Monsters}}
{{Era|FTD|TOH|TRI|MIL|KAI|G98|GTS|TSG|ZIL|ZJR|BZ|GOD}}
{{Comments|scroll=yes}}
[[de:Zilla]]
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[[Category:Monsters]]
[[Category:Toho Kaiju]]
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[[Category:TriStar Pictures]]
[[Category:Godzilla 1998]]
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Latest revision as of 08:57, 1 March 2024

Article

Zilla™ trademark icon
Zilla
Zilla in Godzilla Final Wars
Alternate names Tuna-eater, tuna-eating monster,
tuna-head, Maguro, Maguro-san,
French GodzillaGMA
Subtitle(s) Strong-Legged Monster
(強足怪獣,   Tsuyo Ashi Kaijū)[1]
Atomic Monster
(原子怪獣,   Genshi Kaijū)[2]
Mysterious Monster
(謎の怪獣,   Nazo no Kaijū)[3]
Species Mutated iguana[4][5]
Height
Weight UnknownGFW[4]
Controlled by Xiliens
Relations Godzilla Earth, Orga, Biollante
(theorized approximate species)GMA
Allies Jet JaguarGRoE, GodzillaGRoE, King CaesarGRoE, RodanGRoE, AnguirusGRoE, KumongaGRoE, GorosaurusGRoE, BaragonGRoE, KamoebasGRoE, TitanosaurusGRoE, VaranGRoE,
SandaGRoE, GairaGRoE
Enemies Godzilla, TrilopodsGRoE, MagitaGRoE
Created by Shogo Tomiyama, Ryuhei Kitamura
Designed by Patrick Tatopoulos
First appearance Godzilla Final Wars
Design(s) ToraGoji
Roar(s)
More roars
For the original monster which served as the basis for Zilla's design and characteristics, see Godzilla (TriStar).
I knew that tuna-eating monster was useless!
„ 

Controller of Planet X, after Zilla is defeated by Godzilla (Godzilla Final Wars)

Zilla (ジラ,   Jira) is a giant mutant iguana kaiju[4] who first appeared in the 2004 Toho Godzilla film Godzilla Final Wars.

One of the Xiliens' many mind-controlled monster pawns, Zilla was unleashed in Sydney, Australia before he was teleported away as the Xiliens tried to pose as humanity's saviors. When their plan was exposed by the Earth Defense Force and Godzilla was freed from Antarctica, Zilla was deployed to battle him in Sydney. Zilla was quickly defeated by Godzilla, who swatted him aside with his tail and finished him with a blast of his atomic breath. Zilla is based on TriStar's controversial depiction of Godzilla from the 1998 American film and was included in Godzilla Final Wars after TriStar's rights to the character expired and reverted to Toho. Though Zilla's only film appearance to date came in Godzilla Final Wars, he has also been featured in the mobile game Godzilla Kaiju Collection and two Godzilla comic series published by IDW Publishing. Zilla also exists within the timeline of the GODZILLA anime trilogy of films, with an entire chapter dedicated to the creature in the novel GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse.

Name

Zilla's name is derived from that of Godzilla, with the "God" part removed. According to Godzilla Final Wars producer Shogo Tomiyama, this name was chosen because the TriStar Godzilla "took the 'God' out of 'Godzilla'," elaborating that "Hollywood's Godzilla is just a normal monster. He's not a God."[7] Though the original creature from the 1998 film legally remains known as Godzilla, all of its future appearances in media will be as the monster Zilla. As stated by Godzilla: Rulers of Earth artist and co-writer Matt Frank, "Toho makes zero distinction between 'Zilla' and 'Godzilla 1998' with the exception of title alone... Ever since 2004, Toho's official stance has been that any future incarnations of the character be referred to hereafter as 'Zilla'."[8]

Because the monsters are considered otherwise identical outside of name, even merchandise specifically based on the creature from the 1998 film may use the name "Zilla," such as Spiral Studio's The Legacy Collection Zilla figure. In a statement from Spiral, the company explained, "Trademark Zilla is being used, based on licensing agreement between Toho Co., Ltd. and Spiral Studio Co., Ltd., for which we are in no position, nor hold any obligation to explain or clarify. [...] We are not forcing anyone to buy our product whose label says 'Zilla' instead of 'Godzilla 1998', nor do we disrespect the character. It's just how licensing works".[9] Licensed merchandise of the TriStar Godzilla can continue to be made under the "Godzilla" name as well, however, as evidenced by X-Plus' DefoReal Godzilla 1998 figure,[10] various ornaments by Cast,[11] and a Bandai keychain.[12][13]

Zilla's name is never spoken onscreen in Godzilla Final Wars, though he is at one point referred to by the Controller of Planet X as a tuna-eating monster (マグロを食ってる,   maguro o kutteru, lit. "tuna-eater"), or tuna-head in the English dub. Because of this line, Japanese fans frequently refer to both Zilla and the TriStar Godzilla by the nicknames Maguro (マグロ, lit. "tuna") or Maguro-san (マグロさん, lit. "Mr. Tuna").

In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla receives his name after being misidentified as Godzilla. A soldier tries to report the monster's appearance over a communicator, but the transmission is interrupted and only "-zilla" is relayed, which is then adopted as the creature's name. In GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse, Zilla earns the nickname French Godzilla (フランスのゴジラ,   Furansu no Gojira) after the French military incorrectly identifies the first specimen of the species as Godzilla.

Design

In Godzilla Final Wars, Zilla's appearance is almost identical to that of the TriStar Godzilla, due to his CGI model being created simply by scanning Trendmasters' Ultimate Godzilla figure.[14] The only differences in his appearance are his scutes, which point straight upward instead of curving forward. His skin is tan with blue on top of his body, similar to the 1998 Godzilla, although he appears almost entirely light blue during daytime scenes. Zilla possesses a dewlap, but not spiky like the one that was present on the TriStar Godzilla's neck.

In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla is given the exact design of the TriStar Godzilla, complete with curved scutes and the same coloration and details on his skin. One feature unique to the IDW Zilla is the presence of a fifth digit on his hands. While the suit created for the TriStar Godzilla bore a small vestigial fifth digit on its hands, Zilla's is fully developed and usable.

Personality

In Godzilla Final Wars, Zilla is completely under the control of the Xiliens, and attacks Sydney under their orders. When he battles Godzilla, Zilla, perhaps foolishly, attempts to attack Godzilla head-on by pouncing on him, which results in his quick demise.

In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla is highly aggressive and extremely vicious, attacking Godzilla upon encountering him in Honolulu. Zilla holds his own in the battle by evading Godzilla's attacks and opportunistically striking him back, but retreats as soon as Godzilla gains the upper hand and nearly kills him. Zilla later takes up residence in the waters around the Monster Islands, but avoids going ashore where the other kaiju are. Zilla manages to evade the Trilopods when they invade the islands and capture the kaiju, then follows them to Los Angeles and attacks them. During this battle, Zilla actively rescues Jet Jaguar from several Trilopods, then joins forces with Godzilla and the other monsters to defeat the alien menace. After the battle, Zilla and the other kaiju seemingly submit to Godzilla and follow him out to sea.

Origins

Zilla's origins go unexplained in Godzilla Final Wars. However, according to the film's theater program, Zilla's "true identity is unknown, but according to one theory it may be the same monster that struck New York in 1997."[8] The 2005 book Godzilla Final Wars Super Complete Works similarly states, "Informal information has been reported saying that the same kind of monster appeared on the East Coast of the U.S. in 1998," clearly referencing the 1998 film GODZILLA. The book also states that Zilla is a "mutated iguana monster with tuna as its regular meal."[4][note 2] The connection to a monster who attacked New York City in the late 1990s continues to be maintained in Zilla's Monsterpedia entry on Godzilla.com.[15]

In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla's origins are never directly discussed, but it is established that he is part of the natural balance of Earth, along with all of the other Earth kaiju. Zilla's appearance on the Infant Island mural suggests that he is an ancient creature, instead of a mutated iguana like his film incarnation. In Godzilla: Oblivion, Zilla is one of several kaiju that inhabits an alternate dimension where Godzilla rules.

In the continuity of the GODZILLA anime trilogy, Zilla's specific origins are unclear and contested, but one theory posits that Zilla, along with Orga and Biollante, may be a subspecies of Godzilla or a species directly derived from him.

History

Millennium era

Godzilla Final Wars

Zilla was sent to attack Sydney, Australia, under the command of the Xiliens. The towering reptile terrorized the city, destroying cars and eating civilians. Suddenly, Zilla and all of the other kaiju that had appeared around the world were teleported away by the Xiliens, who claimed to have come to save humanity. After the Xiliens' true intent, to take over the world and harvest mankind's mitochondria, was revealed, they re-released all of their monsters. The Earth Defense Force freed Godzilla from Area G in Antarctica and led him across the world to defeat the Xiliens' monsters. The Controller of Planet X had Zilla redeployed in Sydney to battle Godzilla. Zilla pounced at Godzilla, avoiding a blast from his atomic breath, but Godzilla swung his tail and knocked the monster into the Sydney Opera House before incinerating him with another blast. Following Zilla's defeat, the Controller simply remarked that he "knew that tuna-eating monster was useless."


Abilities

Jumping abilities

Zilla pounces at Godzilla in Godzilla Final Wars

Zilla is an extraordinary jumper, capable of pouncing large distances to attack his enemies with a High Jump Kick (ハイジャンプキック).

Agility

Zilla is incredibly fast and agile. Zilla tends to charge at his opponents, and is capable of quickly fleeing or evading enemies when he is overwhelmed.

Physical abilities

Zilla's claws managed to draw blood from Godzilla in Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, though he was largely outmatched by the King of the Monsters. During the final battle between Earth's monsters and the Trilopods, he slashed the throat of a Godzilla-type Trilopod with his scutes, and later tears into the throat of the Titanosaurus-type Trilopod with his teeth.

Burrowing

Zilla tunnels underground in Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #2

In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla displays the TriStar Godzilla's ability to burrow through concrete and steel. Zilla uses this ability to evade a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath during their battle in Honolulu, and even opens up a sinkhole beneath him.

Intelligence

In Godzilla Final Wars, Zilla does not exhibit a great deal of strategy, as he (perhaps foolishly) attempts to attack Godzilla head-on, only to be swatted aside and quickly dispatched by his atomic breath. In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla seems to regain the 1998 Godzilla's intelligence, as he exhibits strategy in his battle with Godzilla, using his burrowing ability to evade a blast of Godzilla's atomic breath and even pulling Godzilla into the military's line of fire while the latter is grappling him. When Zilla realizes he has no chance of winning the fight, he waits for an opportunity and escapes to the ocean while Godzilla is distracted. Zilla later somehow manages to avoid capture by the Trilopods when they attack the Monster Islands, and knows to travel to Los Angeles to join forces with the other Earth monsters and battle the Trilopods.

Asexual reproduction

In GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse, Zilla was given the TriStar Godzilla's ability to rapidly reproduce asexually, using fertility and sheer numbers as a weapon. Text from the novel says: "If you leave one young one alive, no, if you leave just an egg behind, it'll hatch and reproduce all over again" and, "the big ones are dangerous, but the young ones were more troublesome. They're intelligent and act in herds. The young ones act as decoys for the tanks while the adults attack from the rooftops."

Durability

Although Zilla was easily killed by a single blast of Godzilla's atomic breath in Godzilla Final Wars, the version which appeared in Godzilla: Rulers of Earth survived sustained hand-to-hand combat with the King of the Monsters. However, he was also hurt by small-arms fire and a missile from a helicopter. During the Earth monsters' showdown with Magita, a kick from the giant Trilopod knocked him out of the fight, though he recovered following her death.

Video games

Books

GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse

Zilla appeared in France in October of 2039 and was brought down by the French military, who initially misidentified the creature as Godzilla due to it being bipedal and possessing dorsal fins and a long tail. However, Zilla possessed the ability to reproduce asexually, and its offspring quickly overran the city of Rouen, which had managed to escape the wrath of Godzilla himself. Even though an adult Zilla was considerably more frail than most kaiju, able to be brought down with a single shot from a Maser Cannon or railgun, its greatest strength was its fertility. If just one egg was left behind, hundreds more Zillas could be born and overrun the city again. The Zillas were also intelligent and capable of working in herds, younger ones would draw the attention of tanks while adults attacked from the rooftops. Zilla was mentioned to be the hardest kaiju to free a city from, and was not finally exterminated until December.[16]

Comics

Godzilla: Rulers of Earth

Zilla was classified as a "water" monster in a cave mural on Infant Island.

In the present day, Zilla was first detected by a submarine, where he was misidentified as Godzilla. He soon made landfall in Honolulu, Hawaii and was given the designation "Zilla" due to radio interference when soldiers were attempting to warn of Godzilla's imminent arrival. As Zilla rampaged through the city, Lucy Casprell attempted to film the creature, but was nearly killed in the process until she was saved by CKR forces. The military engaged Zilla, only for Godzilla to arrive and attack him with his atomic breath, which Zilla narrowly avoided. After a brief stare down, the two monsters began their battle with Godzilla swiping at the smaller kaiju, though Zilla was able to use his superior speed to avoid the attack. Zilla attempted to bite Godzilla, but Godzilla knocked him to the ground by punching him in the head. Recovering, Zilla slashed into Godzilla's leg with his claws, though Godzilla retaliated by biting Zilla's tail and throwing him into a building, where he attempted to kill the monster with his atomic breath. However, Zilla managed to burrow underground and avoided the blast. Emerging behind Godzilla, Zilla rammed his head into the King of the Monsters, though Godzilla responded by biting down on Zilla's neck. The two monsters continued their fierce battle as the military also began firing on them, with Zilla at one point burrowing underground to catch Godzilla in a trap. Zilla soon lost sight of Godzilla after being temporarily distracted by the military, at which point Godzilla caught Zilla by surprise by bursting through a building and grabbing him by the throat, strangling him. Before Godzilla could kill Zilla with a point-blank blast of his atomic ray, the military opened fire on Godzilla, distracting him long enough for Zilla to escape to the sea.

Years later, Zilla was spotted swimming in the waters around the Monster Islands, though the staff of the island noted how he had yet to venture onto land. When the Trilopods invaded the Monster Islands, Zilla evidently avoided capture, as no Trilopods bearing his characteristics were seen and he was one of very few monsters to not end up captive in the Trilopod hive. He later returned in Los Angeles to participate in the final battle against the Trilopods, saving Jet Jaguar from a Trilopod with Godzilla's characteristics. Once the two were able to kill the Trilopod together, Zilla later joined Godzilla, King Caesar, and the rest of Earth's kaiju against the Trilopod hybrids. After managing to injure and kill several of the creatures, Zilla attempted to battle Magita, the gigantic Trilopod queen, but was kicked aside by its massive legs. Soon, Godzilla was able to destroy Magita, at which point Zilla and the other monsters followed Godzilla out to sea.

Godzilla: Oblivion

Zilla among the Earth-2 kaiju in Godzilla: Oblivion

A monster native to Earth-2, Zilla emerged from an interdimensional portal alongside Biollante, Rodan, Mothra, Anguirus, Hedorah, and King Caesar. After entering the alternate Earth, Zilla wandered off and rampaged through the city on his own while most of the other monsters tried to battle Mecha-King Ghidorah. Later, after Mecha-King Ghidorah was defeated by Godzilla, all of the monsters were left behind as the humans left the Earth as it became covered by tiny robotic cells that served as interdimensional doorways.

Gallery

Main article: Zilla/Gallery.

Roar

In Godzilla Final Wars, Zilla's roars are recycled from the TriStar Godzilla's roars, themselves a combination of the Showa Godzilla's roars and elephant sounds. Zilla's roars seem to be mostly the elephant-based roars, rather than the Godzilla-based ones. They were later mixed with Millennium-era Godzilla roars for Godzilla Filius in GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters. In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Zilla's roar is written as "SKREEEEEENK."

Zilla's roars

In other languages

Language Name Meaning
Flagicon Belarus.png Belarusian জেলা Jēlā Transcription of Japanese name
Chinese Flagicon Hong Kong.png Cantonese 斯拉
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin 斯拉 Sī lā Transcription of English name
Flagicon Israel.png Hebrew זילה Transcription of English name
Flagicon India.png Hindi जिला Jila Transcription of Japanese name
Flagicon Karnataka.png Kannada ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ Jillā Transcription of Japanese name
Flagicon India.png Telugu జిల్లా Jillā Transcription of Japanese name
Flagicon South Korea.png Korean 질라 Jilla Transcription of Japanese name
Flagicon Russia.png Russian Зилла Transcription of English name
Flagicon Serbia.png Serbian Зила Transcription of English name
Flagicon Pakistan.png Urdu ضلع Transcription of Japanese name
Yiddish זיללאַ Zilla Transcription of English name
  • Marathi: जिल्हा Jil'hā, transcription of Japanese name
  • Gujarati: જીલ્લા Jīllā, transcription of Japanese name

Trivia

  • Shogo Tomiyama and Ryuhei Kitamura did not originally intend to include Zilla in Godzilla Final Wars, but upon learning that they could use the TriStar Godzilla in the film, they decided to feature him as the new monster Zilla. Zilla's late addition may be responsible for the monster's lack of appearances in merchandise and promotional materials for the film.
    • Zilla's quick destruction at the hands of Godzilla in Godzilla Final Wars was, according to Shogo Tomiyama, meant to "show which Godzilla is stronger,"[17] reflecting many fans' dissatisfaction with TriStar's depiction of Godzilla.
  • Despite Zilla's quick demise in Godzilla Final Wars, Patrick Tatopoulos was thrilled to learn that the Godzilla he designed would be appearing in a Toho film.[17]
  • Zilla's role in the novel GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse is a direct reference to the worst-case scenario regarding the TriStar Godzilla's reproduction in the 1998 film, where it multiplies rapidly and overruns an entire city due to all of its offspring being born capable of asexual reproduction. In addition, Zilla attacks France, a reference to the French being responsible for Godzilla's creation in the 1998 film.
  • Zilla was briefly considered for inclusion in the video game Godzilla: Unleashed, but didn't make the cut due to his lack of popularity during production on the previous games.[18][19]
  • After Zilla is dispatched by Godzilla in Godzilla Final Wars, the Controller of Planet X angrily says "I knew that tuna-eating monster was useless," a reference to the TriStar Godzilla's diet of fish in the 1998 film. In the film's English dub, the Controller calls Zilla a "tuna head."
  • Zilla is the only monster in Godzilla Final Wars to be portrayed entirely through computer-generated imagery, a nod to the TriStar Godzilla being portrayed primarily through CGI in the 1998 film.
  • In Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, when Zilla is seen swimming in the waters around the Monster Islands, the character Chavez suggests that Zilla may be reluctant to set foot on the islands because he isn't welcome. Lucy assures him that the other monsters will eventually come to accept him. This is most likely an inside joke referencing the Godzilla fanbase's reluctance to accept Zilla.
  • Godzilla: Rulers of Earth artist Matt Frank noted that while Zilla could have reproduced and gained the TriStar Godzilla's "power breath" ability had the series continued, he or his offspring would not have been able to employ the green atomic breath used by Godzilla in Godzilla: The Series due to IDW Publishing not holding the rights to that specific version of the character.[20]

Video

Wikizilla: YouTube Kaiju Profile: Godzilla 1998 / Zilla

Notes

  1. In Godzilla Rulers of Earth #2, Lucy Casprell estimates that Zilla is 200 feet (60.96 meters) tall. However, in a Tumblr post, artist Matt Frank concurred with a fan's height estimate of 80 meters, commenting that it "sounds about right."[6]
  2. Mutated iguana monster with tuna as its regular meal. / イグアナが突然変異した怪獣でマグロを常食としている。(p. 23)

References

This is a list of references for Zilla. 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]

  1. Toho Special Effects All Monster Encyclopedia. Shogakukan. 23 July 2014. p. 117. ISBN 4-096-82090-3.
  2. Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works. villagebooks. 28 September 2012. p. 286. ISBN 4-864-91013-8.
  3. M73128360182 2.jpg
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Godzilla Final Wars Super Complete Works (2nd ed.). Shogakukan. 1 March 2005. pp. 10, 23. ISBN 4-09-101471-2.
  5. Godzilla Toho Giant Monster Pictorial Book. Shogakukan. 1 April 2005. p. 14. ISBN 4-09-280052-5.
  6. Frank, Matt (20 November 2016). "80 meters sounds about right :3". Tumblr.
  7. Schaefer, Mark (2004). "Godzilla Stomps into Los Angeles". Penny Blood. Archived from the original on 3 February 2005.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Aiken, Keith. "GODZILLA Unmade: The History of Jan De Bont`s Unproduced TriStar Film - Part 4 of 4". SciFi Japan. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  9. "Spiral Studio The Legacy Series: Tanaka Kenichi Modeling Collection ZIlla". Kaiju Battle. 8 February 2023.
  10. DefoReal Godzilla 1998.jpg
  11. Cast Size Does Matter ornament.jpg
  12. 271577792 385238260067422 353338767191954827 n.jpg
  13. Keychain Goji98.jpg
  14. GODZILLA: THE SERIES- The Lost Trendmasters Toy Line - SciFi Japan
  15. "ZILLA". Godzilla.com. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  16. Renji Ōki (October 25, 2017). GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse. Kadokawa. pp. 186–212.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Henshin!Headlines for 2004 (Archive.org)
  18. Zilla, Cloverfield and Bagan Scrapped From Unleashed - Simon Strange Interview
  19. Zilla Scrapped From Unleashed - Simon Strange Interview
  20. Frank, Matt (24 February 2018). "We probably would have found a way to introduce the Baby Zilla's, MAYBE the Power Breath (we couldn't use the Animated version, didn't have those rights)". Tumblr.

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