Kamacuras

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Kamacuras
Kamacuras in Godzilla: Final Wars
Kamacuras in Son of Godzilla
Alternate names Gimantis, G-Mantide, Kamakilas, Kamakiras, Giant Praying Mantis
Subtitle(s) Dual Blade Monster
(両刀怪獣,   Ryōtō Kaijū)[1]
Mantis Monster
(かまきり怪獣,   Kamakiri Kaijū)[2]
Species Giant praying mantis
Height Showa: 50 meters[3][4][5]
Millennium: 40 meters[4]
Reiwa: : 50 meters[6]
Length Showa: ~2 meters (Giant Praying Mantis)[3]
Millennium: 90 meters[4]
Wingspan Reiwa:  60 meters[6]
Weight Showa: 2,800 metric tons[4][5]
Millennium: 20,000 metric tons[4][1]
Reiwa: : 2,800 metric tons[6]
Other stats MillenniumSickle: 20 meters[4]
Forms Giant Praying Mantis (unmutated form)SoG
Controlled by XiliensGFW
Relations Other Kamacuras
Allies GodzillaGRoE King Caesar,GRoE Rodan,GRoE Anguirus,GRoE Zilla,GRoE
Jet Jaguar,GRoE Kumonga,GRoE Gorosaurus,GRoE Baragon,GRoE Varan,GRoE Kamoebas,GRoE Titanosaurus,GRoE Sanda,GRoE GairaGRoE
Enemies Godzilla, Minilla, Kumonga, BiollanteGC, MothraGRoE, TrilopodsGRoE
Designed by Shinji NishikawaGFW
Modeled by Nobuyuki Yasumaru,SoG
Shinichi WakasaGFW
Played by Puppets, CGI
First appearance Latest appearance
Son of Godzilla GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters
Roar(s)
Giant Praying Mantis:ShowaMillenniumMore roars

Kamacuras (カマキラス,   Kamakirasu) is a praying mantis kaiju who first appeared in the 1967 Toho Godzilla film, Son of Godzilla.

The result of native giant praying mantises being mutated by United Nations weather-controlling experiments on Sollgel Island, three Kamacuras unearthed Minilla's egg and forced the infant to hatch prematurely, attracting the attention of Godzilla. Godzilla killed two of the Kamacuras, while the surviving one continued to stalk the island's human inhabitants. Eventually, the last Kamacuras was captured and killed by an even more deadly predator, the giant spider Kumonga. The Kamacuras reappeared in All Monsters Attack, where they inhabited Monster Island within the dreams of Ichiro Miki. Kamacuras' next appearance would come 35 years later in Godzilla: Final Wars, where a single individual was under the control of the Xiliens and sent to attack Paris. Kamacuras would later battle Godzilla in Kanto, Japan, only to be easily defeated. Kamacuras also exists in the world of the GODZILLA anime trilogy, in which it was the first kaiju to menace humanity, attacking New York in 1999.

Name

Kamacuras's name comes from kamakiri (蟷螂), the Japanese word for "mantis." In-universe, they are given this name by reporter Goro Maki. Kamacuras' unmutated state is simply referred to as the Giant Praying Mantis (大カマキリ,   Ōkamakiri).[3]

In both Frontier Enterprises' international English dub and Titan Productions' U.S. English dub for Son of Godzilla, the Kamacuras are called Gimantis, a portmanteau of "giant" and "mantis." Toho eventually trademarked "Kamacuras" as the monsters' official English name, and this name has since replaced "Gimantis" in English-language media. "Kamacuras" was used in the English dub for All Monsters Attack and has been used ever since. The Kamacuras featured in Godzilla: Final Wars has been denoted Kamacuras (2nd Generation).[7]

Development

A Kamacuras concept maquette, alongside maquettes of Godzilla, Minilla, and Kumonga

Kamacuras was modeled by Nobuyuki Yasumaru. Unlike the majority of Toho's kaiju, the creature was operated as a marionette with piano wires rather than an actor in a suit. The Kamacuras maquettes were constructed from hard sponge and material typically used in bath mats. Nine total Kamacuras props were made in total: three large, three medium-sized, and three small. This was done in order to provide a more varied perspective of the monsters in different shots. Two of the medium and small Kamacuras props were actually burned during filming to depict the two Kamacuras being incinerated by Godzilla's atomic breath. Electronic lights were installed in the Kamacuras props' eyes which allowed them to glow during night scenes. A full-scale model of Kamacuras' foreleg was constructed for scenes of the monster menacing the film's human characters.[8] The puppeteers controlling Kamacuras operated the piano wire manipulating the props from the ceiling beams above the set. It is said that the intense heat of the studio lights caused the puppeteers to sweat so profusely that their sweat rained down onto the set. The puppetry for Kamacuras has been highly regarded, along with that for Kumonga in the same film.[8][3]

The Kamacuras prop is prepared for its single scene in All Monsters Attack

Two years later, Kamacuras was the only kaiju in All Monsters Attack besides Godzilla, Minilla, and Gabara to appear in newly-filmed footage.[3] One of the Kamacuras props from Son of Godzilla that was not burned during filming was utilized for a new shot depicting a Kamacuras passing over a hole that Ichiro Miki had fallen into.[9] All other scenes featuring Kamacuras in the film consisted of stock footage from Son of Godzilla.

Kamacuras concept art by Shinji Nishikawa.

Kamacuras was one of several kaiju not seen since the Showa series included as part of the ensemble monster cast of Godzilla's 50th anniversary film, Godzilla: Final Wars, in 2004. In a draft of the film's screenplay, Kamacuras was to battle against Godzilla alongside the brainwashed Anguirus, Rodan, and King Caesar at Mount Fuji.[9] Shinji Nishikawa, who was responsible for designing most of the monsters in the film, decided to redesign both of Kamacuras' claws to be sickle shaped rather than give it one sickle arm and one spear arm. This was done so that the monster would be able to strike Anguirus while in his "Anguirus Ball" mode during the battle.[9] However, the finished film opted to give Kamacuras its own separate battle with Godzilla at Manazuru and omit it from Godzilla's battle with the other three monsters at Mt. Fuji. Nishikawa has stated that had he known Kamacuras was going to fight alone in the film, he would have kept one of its arms as a spear like in the Showa series.[9] The new Kamacuras prop was modeled under Shinichi Wakasa's company MONSTERS. The mantis kaiju was also depicted extensively through computer-generated imagery, particularly in shots demonstrating its impressive flight speed.

Design

Kamacuras' appearance is heavily reminiscent of the animal it is based on, the praying mantis. Kamacuras boasts large bug eyes, six limbs (two forelimbs with large sickles and four back limbs), and a segmented body with a large, long abdomen.

Origins

In Son of Godzilla, the Kamacuras started out as a species of two-meter-long mantises indigenous to Sollgel Island. The mantises grew to 50 meters in size following a radioactive storm on the island caused by a U.N.-sanctioned weather-controlling experiment gone awry.

In Godzilla: Final Wars, Kamacuras is one of the monsters controlled by the Xiliens. Only one Kamacuras is ever seen, and no details about its origin are ever discussed.

History

Showa Series

Son of Godzilla

When a United Nations weather control experiment on Sollgel Island accidentally caused a radioactive storm in 1967, the island was doused in a radioactive rainstorm that caused three human-sized mantises living there to grow kaiju-sized. After harassing the United Nations crew for a while, the Kamacuras uncovered and attacked Minilla's egg, breaking it open and then proceeding to try and devour the young monster. Godzilla, hearing the cries of Minilla, arrived on the island and quickly killed two of the Kamacuras with his atomic breath, but one managed to escape. This Kamacuras later attempted to attack the human woman Saeko Matsumiya, who called out to Minilla to defend her. Minilla tried to fend off the Kamacuras, which eventually fled when Godzilla drew near. This Kamacuras was eventually captured by the giant spider Kumonga after it was awakened from its slumber on the island. Kumonga injected Kamacuras with venom, killing it instantly.

All Monsters Attack

Kamacuras in All Monsters Attack

A small pack of Kamacuras appeared in the dreams of Ichiro Miki, where they attacked and were defeated by Godzilla. A single Kamacuras escaped the battle and chased Ichiro through the jungle, causing him to fall into a pit, where he was rescued by Minilla.

Godzilla vs. Gigan

A Kamacuras later turned up on Monster Island in 1972, living in peace with the other monsters.

Godzilla Island

Kamacuras also made an appearance in the 12th story arc of Godzilla Island. In the story, Kamacuras arrives on the island under false pretenses, claiming to have escaped from an ever-growing monster army being assembled by the Xilien aliens. However, Kamacuras is already a part of that army and has arrived to set a trap for Godzilla. Ultimately, Kamacuras fails and flees.

Millennium Series

Godzilla: Final Wars

In the year 20XX, Kamacuras was one of the many controlled monsters of a race of extraterrestrial beings known as the Xiliens. It attacked Paris and was soon confronted by the Eclair. The two clashed, but soon, Kamacuras was teleported away by an unidentified flying object. Eventually, it was discovered that the Xiliens were controlling the monsters, who were returned to finish their rampages. The city of Paris and the Eclair were destroyed by the combined forces of the Xilien ships and Kamacuras. Then, the Earth Defense Force released Godzilla from Antarctica, and he promptly eliminated Gigan in Antarctica, Zilla in Sydney and Kumonga in New Guinea. Godzilla soon reached the shores of Kanto, Japan, where the Xiliens placed Kamacuras to battle against him. Kamacuras perched itself on a nearby bridge, but the structure was destroyed by the tidal waves coming in front of Godzilla. Kamacuras flew off and disguised itself by matching the appearance of the hillside. Godzilla was unfazed by the trick, and fired his atomic breath at the hillside to smoke out Kamacuras. Kamacuras, left with no other choice, leapt forth, just in time to dodge Godzilla's ray, and readied itself to engage its opponent in close combat. However, Godzilla easily threw Kamacuras away, causing it to tumble backwards and fall onto an electrical transmission tower. The tower pierced through Kamacuras's exoskeleton and killed it.


Reiwa Series

GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters

Kamacuras was the first kaiju to menace humanity, attacking Boston and New York City in May 1999 and causing 2.5 million deaths.[10]

Abilities

Claws

As a giant praying mantis, Kamacuras possesses massive sharp claws. In Son of Godzilla, Kamacuras was able to use these claws to break open large rocks, mounds of dirt and even Minilla's egg. Kamacuras can also use its claws to grab objects such as smaller rocks.

Flight

Kamacuras is capable of flight. While in Son of Godzilla Kamacuras flies at a rather slow pace, in Godzilla: Final Wars the monster is able to zoom around at incredible speed.

Camouflage

In the film Godzilla: Final Wars, Kamacuras is shown to have the power to alter its natural color, allowing Kamacuras to camouflage and blend in with its surroundings.

Filmography

Video Games

Godzilla (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)

Main article: Godzilla (2014 video game)/Kaiju Guide#Kamacuras.

Books

Godzilla on Monster Island

Kamacuras was one of the monsters that tried to devour Mothra's egg on Monster Island, only to be chased away by Godzilla.

GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse

Kamacuras appeared on the island of Manhattan on May 4, 1999, and proceeded to destroy the World Trade Center and devastate much of the city. Kamacuras continued moving northeast over 330 kilometers. At the same time, Kamacuras larvae appeared in the subway system under New York and preyed on people. Because Kamacuras appeared in a densely populated area, the military response was delayed, resulting in an estimated 2.5 million casualties. Kamacuras was finally destroyed by United States Air Force bunker buster bombs in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 72 hours after making landfall. After Godzilla raided the United States in the 2030's, the presence of multiple Kamacuras living in the U.S. was reported.[11]

GODZILLA: Project Mechagodzilla

Smaller variants of both Kamacuras and Kumonga were present in North Africa in the 2040's.[12]

Comics

Godzilla: Rulers of Earth

Before making an actual appearance in Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, Kamacuras was present on the massive cave mural on Infant Island, as part of the monsters of the sky. Kamacuras made its first appearance in the series in issue #23, appearing in a flashback where it is attacked by Mothra, who unintentionally causes the death of Minette and Mallory's mother. After a brief skirmish, Kamacuras flies away and is chased by Mothra. Kamacuras at one point, was captured and copied by the Trilopods. It was held in the massive hive, along with many other monsters, but was freed by King Caesar. The mantis along with the other Earth monsters broke out of the hive into Los Angeles and joined the vastly outnumbered Godzilla in the battle against the Trilopods. After being freed, Kamacuras strangely disappeared and was not seen taking part in the battle against the Trilopods and Magita, nor was it seen along with the other Earth monsters after the battle.

Godzilla: Cataclysm

Kamacuras in Godzilla: Cataclysm #1

Kamacuras finally appears in issue #1 of the miniseries Godzilla: Cataclysm. A group of scavengers are attacked by several Kamacuras while searching the ruin of Tokyo for useful items. The Kamacuras manage to kill several members of the party before Biollante shows up and kills some of the Kamacuras with her vines.


GODZILLA: Planet of the Monsters

Kamacuras was one of the many kaiju that appeared in the 21st century, along with several others such as Dogora, Rodan, Anguirus, Baragon, and Biollante. However, all of these terrifying beasts paled in comparison to Godzilla, who killed many of the other kaiju himself and eventually drove humanity from the Earth.

Gallery

Main article: Kamacuras/Gallery.

Roar

Kamacuras' roar is actually the screech of Ebirah, only sped up. Kamacuras's roar was originally used by the iconic Ultra Series kaiju Eleking.

Kamacuras's roars in the Showa series
Kamacuras's roars and sounds in the Millennium series

In Other Languages

Language Name Meaning
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 卡马奇拉斯 Kǎmǎqílāsī Kamakilas
Flagicon Italy.png Italian G-Mantide G-Mantis

Trivia

  • The original Kamacuras puppets created by Teisho Arikawa for Son of Godzilla were marionettes operated by overhead wires (the same effects were also used for Kumonga and the infant Minilla puppet).
  • Kamacuras, Kumonga, Destoroyah and Manda were meant to be part of the Trendmasters Godzilla toy line, but the company went bankrupt beforehand. Prototypes of Kamacuras's toy exist.
  • A vaguely humanoid race of mantis creatures who heavily resemble the Kamacuras appear in the 1998 novel Godzilla at World's End, serving as guards and soldiers to the Ancient Ones and their mutated human agent Zoe Kemmering. Because of the similarities between these smaller insects and the much larger Kamacuras, these beings are referred to as 'Kamakites' by the book's protagonists.
  • Due to a stock footage mistake, Kamacuras makes a brief appearance in Destroy All Monsters when Kumonga is arriving at Mount Fuji.
  • Kamacuras is featured in concept art included in The Art of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, along with other established kaiju such as Anguirus and Gamera.[13] In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, director Michael Dougherty said, "We had thought about using some additional Toho creatures to give them some cameos but every Toho creature comes with a price tag. It was a choice to either shell out more money simply for the rights for these creatures to show up on screen for a few seconds, or embrace the opportunity and the challenge to create new creatures."[14]

References

This is a list of references for Kamacuras. 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. 1.0 1.1 Toho Special Effects All Monster Encyclopedia. Shogakukan. 23 July 2014. p. 117. ISBN 4-096-82090-3. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. Kodansha Hit Books: Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah Monster Great Complete Works. Kodansha. 5 December 1991. p. 74. ISBN 4061777203.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Godzilla 1954-1999 Super Complete Works. Shogakukan. 1 January 2000. p. 119. ISBN 978-4091014702. Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "1954-1999" defined multiple times with different content
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Godzilla Completely Deciphered. Takarajimasha. 26 June 2014. pp. 72, 79. ISBN 4800228964.
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.D. Lees, Marc Cerasini (24 March 1998). The Official Godzilla Compendium. Random House. p. 130. ISBN 0279888225 Check |isbn= value: checksum (help). Check date values in: |date= (help)
    Compendium15.png
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 【夕刊フジ特別版】 夕刊ゴジラ弐号. p. 4. 25 October 2017.
    Kamacuras 2017 stats.jpg
  7. Godzilla Dictionary [New Edition]. Kasakura Publishing. 7 August 2014. p. 378. ISBN 9784773087253.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works. Village Books. 28 September 2012. pp. 118–121. ISBN 9784864910132.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 All Toho Monsters Pictorial Book (4th Edition). Yosensha. 4 September 2016. p. 141, 306, 308. ISBN 978-4-8003-0362-2. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. [1]
  11. Oki, Renji (25 October 2017). GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse. Kadokawa. pp. 19–111, 151–185. ISBN 9784041061817.
  12. Oki, Renji (25 April 2018). GODZILLA: Project Mechagodzilla. Kadokawa. pp. 53–85. ISBN 9784041063453.
  13. 2019K.jpg
  14. Brown, Tracy (2 June 2019). "How 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' updated four iconic kaiju characters". Los Angeles Times.

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