Gappa

Gappa Subtitle(s) Colossal Beast (大巨獣,   Dai Kyojū) Species Ancient Giant Bird Height 60 meters (Male) 55 meters (Female) Weight 6,000 tons (Male) 5,000 tons (Female) Relations Baby Gappa (Son) Enemies Humans Created by Iwao Yamazaki, Ryuzo Nakanishi Played by Atami Hiroshita, Takashi Konagai (Male) Ken Misugi, Shiro Tonami (Female) First appearance Latest appearance Gappa Gappa

The Gappas (ガッパ,   Gappa) are a species of ancient birds created by Nikkatsu. Two adult Gappas, male (ガッパ雄,   Gappa Osu) and female (ガッパ雌,   Gappa Mesu), and their juvenile son first appear in the 1967 Nikkatsu kaiju film, Gappa.

Origins

In ancient times, the Gappas would fight other monsters for survival.

Appearance

All three of the Gappas share common characteristics, being based on various reptiles, dinosaurs, and birds, such as eagles and hawks. Overall, they resemble enormous bipedal Griffins. As seen with the two adults seen in the film, the species is sexually dimorphic. The female has a smaller head crest and has a flatter face compared to her mate.

History

Showa Series

Gappa

An expedition to Obelisk Island by Mr. Funazu uncovers a baby monster, who hatches from an egg near a sacred temple. The natives plead with the skeptical scientists not to take the baby away, lest it anger the baby's parents. Sure enough, they take the baby away, and soon, inside the caverns, its two parents rise from the underground waters beneath the volcano, destroying everything in their path. Saki, the only survivor, is rescued by an American navy fleet and brought back to Japan.

The parents storm across Japan, destroying all in their wake, but their assault ceases once they recover their child. Mercifully, they relent, and depart to return to Obelisk Island.

Abilities

• The Gappas can fly at mach 6.
• The Gappas have an underwater speed of 150 knots.
• The Gappas' wings can emit hurricane-force winds.
• Both Gappas can fire a heat beam from their beaks that can burn and melt anything it touches.

Gallery

Main article: Gappa/Gallery.

Trivia

• 

  Early Bemular concept
  Tsuburaya Productions originally had an idea of a space bird monster that protected Earth in times of need, called Bemular. The 'Bemular Birdman' shares many traits with the Gappa, and caused rumors of being sold to Nikkatsu Corporation. However these rumors are false, as the design was recycled for another Tsuburaya monster called Hydra. Thus, Hydra bears a resemblance to the Gappas as well, although he is completely feathered.