MOGUERA

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MOGUERA
MOGUERA in Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla
Alternate names Moguera, Mogela, Mogera,
Moguera-SRF, Moguera 2, MGR,
M.O.G.U.E.R.A., M.O.G.E.R.A.
Subtitle(s) Anti-G Weapon (対兵器,   Tai Jī Heiki)[1]
Anti-Godzilla Battle Robot
(対ゴジラ用戦闘ロボット,  
Tai Gojira-yō Sentō Robotto
)
[2]
Combined Super Mobile Weapon
(合体超機動兵器,   Gattai Chō Kidō Heiki)G:TB
Species Mecha
Height 120 meters[3]
Weight 160,000 metric tons[3]
Forms MOGUERA, MOGUERA II-SRF,
Star Falcon, Land Moguera
Controlled by G-Force, CKRGRoE
Allies Godzilla, Godzilla Junior, Rodan, Mothra, Mothra Leo, Mechagodzilla, Jet Jaguar, Medical Jet Jaguar, Fire Fighter Jet Jaguar, KiryuGRoE
Enemies SpaceGodzilla, MechagodzillaGvSGM, Destoroyah, Megalon, Battra, King Ghidorah, Gigan, Orga, Trilopod
Designed by Minoru Yoshida
Played by Puppets, Wataru Fukuda
First appearance Latest appearance
Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Godzilla Island
Roar(s)
HeiseiTrading Battle:Unleashed:More roars
This article covers the Heisei incarnation of Moguera. For the Showa incarnation of the character, see Moguera.

MOGUERA (MOGERA,   Mogera) is a U.N.-built mecha that first appeared in the 1994 Godzilla film, Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.

Constructed by G-Force after the destruction of Mechagodzilla, MOGUERA was built to do what its predecessor had come so close to doing: destroy Godzilla. MOGUERA's first action came not against Godzilla, but a crystalline anomaly that was sighted approaching Earth. MOGUERA was launched to destroy the space creature, but was severely damaged and failed to halt its approach to Earth. MOGUERA was salvaged and repaired by G-Force, then deployed to Fukuoka to stop the space monster, now known as SpaceGodzilla, after it constructed its own fortress in the city. MOGUERA engaged SpaceGodzilla, and was joined by Godzilla, who sought to rescue his adopted son from his extraterrestrial clone. Together, MOGUERA and Godzilla were able to destroy SpaceGodzilla's power source in the Fukuoka Tower and finally destroy him, but MOGUERA was also obliterated in the battle, leaving only Godzilla standing.

Name

MOGUERA's Japanese acronym, MOGERA, expanded

MOGUERA's Japanese name comes from the original Moguera, and is spelled "MOGERA". The MOGUERA acronym stands for "Mobile Operation Godzilla Universal Expert Robot Aero-type." The Japanese acronym omits the "Universal," as it is not spelled with a U. After being repaired and upgraded following its first battle with SpaceGodzilla, it is designated MOGUERA II-SRF (MOGERAII-SRF). MOGUERA's name is sometimes abbreviated as MGR.

While this version of the character's name is usually spelled as an acronym in both English and Japanese media, it is still sometimes spelled in English as Moguera, or in katakana as モゲラ. In the game Godzilla: Save the Earth, it is referred to as Moguera 2, likely referencing its status as the second distinct incarnation of the character, just as the Heisei Mechagodzilla and Kiryu are referred to as Mechagodzilla 2 and 3 in the game, respectively.

Development

Early MOGUERA concept art

It was the idea of special effects director Koichi Kawakita to revive Moguera from The Mysterians, which was one of his favorite monsters, for the sixth entry in the Heisei series. During development of Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla, MOGUERA was nearly replaced by Mechagodzilla, though Kawakita won out. Minoru Yoshida designed the new incarnation of Moguera,[4] and various different ideas were considered in his early designs. Some ideas had MOGUERA transform into an individual aircraft or underground vehicle, while another had it transform into the Gotengo from Atragon.[4] Ultimately, MOGUERA incorporated an early idea for Mechagodzilla, in that it was the combined form of two different vehicles. In the film's screenplay, the flying vehicle was called Garuda II while the subterranean one was named Mole Tank.[5]

Wataru Fukuda tests the unfinished lower half of the MOGUERA suit.

The MOGUERA suit was two meters tall,[5] and like the original Moguera it was composed of separate upper and lower halves which could be worn individually. Just like in The Mysterians, shots of MOGUERA's legs were accomplished through suit actor Wataru Fukuda wearing only the suit's lower half.[6] A 70 centimeter miniature was created to depict MOGUERA transforming into the Star Falcon and Land Moguera, and this miniature was later converted into a prop to show MOGUERA in flight.[5] A full-scale model of MOGUERA's neck was also built for the scene where Akira Yuki struggles to escape the mech at the film's climax.[6]

Design

Just like the previous incarnation of the character, MOGUERA is a giant bipedal robot resembling a mole with square feet, a sawblade on its back, a drill on its nose, cone-shaped hands, and a short tail. In contrast to the green, gray, and yellow color sheme of the original Moguera, the Heisei version is silver with a black nose and hands and light blue trim on its body. MOGUERA has yellow eyes and a singular antenna atop its head. It has a port for the Plasma Maser Cannon on its chest, and tank treads on the bottom of its feet.

Origins

MOGUERA is an anti-Godzilla mech constructed by G-Force with the assistance of Russia under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Mammilov,[7] whereas Mechagodzilla was constructed in conjunction with the United States led by Dr. Leo Asimov. While the two machines were completed a year apart, they were both constructed simultaneously in different sections.[7] MOGUERA's construction was delayed due to the complexity of the mech's structure, and it was finally completed in 1995 using the mainframe and surviving parts from Mechagodzilla.[7] According to the book Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works, MOGUERA was constructed with reference to documents of the original Moguera collected by the United Nations back in 1957 when the Mysterians attacked.[8]

History

Heisei Series

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla

MOGUERA was constructed after the destruction of Mechagodzilla in another attempt to kill Godzilla. It could split up into two different vehicles: Land Moguera and Star Falcon. It was first sent to fight SpaceGodzilla when he was detected flying toward Earth. MOGUERA was sent flying out of control into space by SpaceGodzilla, but it managed to make it back to Earth. It was sent out again after undergoing repairs to engage SpaceGodzilla in Fukuoka, but pilot Akira Yuki, who held a grudge against Godzilla, redirected the mech and attacked Godzilla instead. The other pilots, Koji Shinjo and Kiyoshi Sato, knocked Yuki out and flew to Fukuoka. MOGUERA battled SpaceGodzilla alone until Godzilla arrived and joined the battle. MOGUERA's pilots decided to focus their attacks on SpaceGodzilla, and assist Godzilla in knocking out SpaceGodzilla's power source, the Fukuoka Tower. MOGUERA split into the Star Falcon and Land Moguera, and with Godzilla's help managed to destroy the tower. With SpaceGodzilla's means of constantly recharging his energy disabled, Land Moguera emerged from the ground and began firing on SpaceGodzilla, with Star Falcon providing air support, to stall for time and allow the two vehicles to reform into MOGUERA After reforming, the mech managed to destroy SpaceGodzilla's shoulder crystals with its spiral grenade missiles. Godzilla and MOGUERA seemed to have the upper hand, but SpaceGodzilla responded by using his tail crystals to stab and throw MOGUERA at a building, causing it to become trapped. Shinjo and Sato escaped the downed mech, but Yuki stayed behind and attempted to fly MOGUERA back into the battle. With sparks erupting from MOGUERA's ruined armour, Yuki slammed the machine into SpaceGodzilla, knocking the monster down, but MOGUERA lost control, crashing into a series of buildings and becoming completely disabled. Shinjo rescued Yuki from the wreckage before Godzilla used his hyper spiral ray to finish SpaceGodzilla, attacking the space monster before he could get back up. The first shot crippled SpaceGodzilla, and the second struck the wreckage of MOGUERA, blasting the mech's head off its body and engulfing what was left of the machine in flames. The final shot destroyed SpaceGodzilla for good, creating a massive explosion that completely obliterated the celestial clone. MOGUERA may have fallen in the final battle, but Godzilla couldn't have won the confrontation without the machine's help.

Godzilla Island

Moguera in Godzilla Island

In this series, MOGUERA is one of Besuke Jinguji's mechs, along with Jet Jaguar (and his two variants) and Mechagodzilla. The Showa Moguera also appears, this time named "Proto-Moguera," and is acquired by G-Guard, but stolen by Zagres.

Abilities

Plasma Laser Cannon

MOGUERA fires its Plasma Laser Cannons.

MOGUERA possesses a Plasma Laser Cannon (プラズマレーザーキャノン,   Purazuma Rēzā Kyanon) in each of its eyes. The laser takes the form of a rapid stream of yellow energy blasts, which are said to be three times as powerful as Mechagodzilla's Laser Cannons. Because the Plasma Laser Cannon fires a repeating series of individual laser blasts, the weapon can be cooled and recharged repeatedly as it fires, preventing it from overheating and allowing MOGUERA to continuously use the attack.

Automatic Tracking Laser Cannon

MOGUERA fires its Automatic Tracking Laser Cannons.

MOGUERA can fire an Automatic Tracking Laser Cannon (自動追尾式レーザー砲,   Jidō Tsuibi-Shiki Rēzā-hō) from its hands. This laser possesses high penetrating power and can track targets, allowing MOGUERA to easily target and strike a moving enemy with the laser by moving its arms. MOGUERA used this laser in its first battle with SpaceGodzilla, while the Automatic Tracking Laser Cannon also serves as the primary weapon of Land Moguera.

Crusher Drill

MOGUERA uses its Crusher Drill to pierce SpaceGodzilla's skin.

MOGUERA possesses a large drill on its face known as the Crusher Drill (クラッシャードリル,   Kurasshā Doriru). The Crusher Drill grants MOGUERA close-range combat ability, something which its predecessor Mechagodzilla lacked. MOGUERA used the Crusher Drill in combination with its roller system to perform a maneuver known as the Drill Attack (ドリルアタック,   Doriru Atakku), where MOGUERA's roller system causes it to accelerate forward while the Crusher Drill rotates. MOGUERA utilized the Drill Attack against SpaceGodzilla, and successfully penetrated its enemy's skin and drew blood. The Crusher Drill is also present on the front end of Land Moguera, allowing the vehicle to burrow.

Plasma Maser Cannon

MOGUERA fires its Plasma Maser Cannon.

MOGUERA's most powerful weapon is the Plasma Maser Cannon (プラズマメーサーキャノン,   Purazuma Mēsā Kyanon), a powerful Maser Cannon equipped on its abdomen. It is said to be five times more powerful than the Maser beam fired by the MBT-MB92. The Plasma Maser Cannon can be fired more quickly than Mechagodzilla's Plasma Grenade, however when it is being fired it leaves MOGUERA's abdomen exposed and compromises its armor.

Synthetic Blue Diamond-Coated Armor

MOGUERA is covered in a Synthetic Blue Diamond-Coated Armor (合成ブルーダイヤコーティング装甲,   Gōsei Burūdaiya Kōtingu Sōkō), which can harmlessly reflect Godzilla's atomic breath. The armor is applied in such a way that the parts of MOGUERA that would most vulnerable to Godzilla's atomic breath are the most heavily armored. While it is more resistant than Mechagodzilla's Diamond Coating, MOGUERA's armor lacks the ability to absorb plasma from Godzilla's atomic breath like Mechagodzilla's Plasma Grenade.

MECM

MOGUERA II-SRF is equipped with a jamming system called MECM, an acronym for Magnetic & Electronic Counter Measure (マグネティック&エレクトロニック=カウンター=メイジャー,   Magunetikku Ando Erekutoronikku Kauntā Meijā). It is designed to interfere with the electromagnetic waves given off by SpaceGodzilla by emitting disturbing radio waves. It receives the electromagnetic waves through MOGUERA's antenna and responds by transmitting disturbing radio waves through a sonar device on the circular saw on MOGUERA's back.

Complex Sensor System

MOGUERA has seven sensors collectively known as the Complex Sensor System (複合センサーシステム,   Fukugō Sensā Shisutemu) placed in the slit in its forehead in order to reduce the influence of SpaceGodzilla's electromagnetic waves. The seven complementary sensors are: Ultra-High Sensitivity Camera (超高感度カメラ,   Chō Kō Kando Kamera), Infrared Radar (赤外線レーダー,   Sekigaisen Rēdā), Active Sonar (アクティブソナー,   Akutibu Sonā), Thermo-Searcher (サーモサーチャー,   Sāmo Sāchā), Moving Body Scanner (動体スキャナー,   Dōtai Sukyanā), Gravity Measuring Instrument (重力測定器,   Jūryoku Sokutei-ki), and Laser Aiming Tracking System (レーザー照準追尾システム,   Rēzā Shōjun Tsuibi Shisutemu).

Spiral Grenade Missiles

MOGUERA fires its Spiral Grenade Missiles.

Each of MOGUERA's arms is loaded with 12 Spiral Grenade Missiles (スパイラルグレネードミサイル,   Supairaru Gurenēdo Misairu), which are a weapon adapted from Super Mechagodzilla's G-Crusher. The Spiral Grenade Missiles are fired from MOGUERA's hands and spin through the air before piercing their target like a drill. They will then explode following determination from a built-in targeting computer. The Spiral Grenade Missiles were developed to fulfill the same purpose as the G-Crusher, they would target and destroy Godzilla's secondary brain after Land Moguera halted Godzilla's movement by digging underneath him and trapping his feet in the ground. However, MOGUERA never had the chance to use its Spiral Grenade Missiles against Godzilla, and instead utilized them in battle against SpaceGodzilla, successfully destroying his shoulder crystals with them.

All Weapon

MOGUERA uses All Weapon.

MOGUERA can fire its Plasma Laser Cannons and Plasma Maser Cannon at the same time in an attack called All Weapon (オールウェポン,   Oru Uepon). The combined power of both weapons is capable of knocking Godzilla off his feet.

Separation and Recombination

MOGUERA is the combined form of two vehicles: the land-based tank Land Moguera, and the VTOL craft Star Falcon. MOGUERA can split apart into both vehicles and then recombine later. MOGUERA split apart into the two vehicles during the final battle against SpaceGodzilla in order to help Godzilla destroy the space monster's power source in the Fukuoka Tower. Star Falcon distracted SpaceGodzilla while Land Moguera destroyed the tower's foundation.

Flight

MOGUERA flies through space to intercept SpaceGodzilla.

MOGUERA is capable of flight at Mach 1 in Earth's atmosphere and Mach 44 in outer space. The machine can use its weapons while in flight. A well-placed strike from MOGUERA while it is in flight is capable of flooring other monsters, as shown when it rammed SpaceGodzilla in a last-ditch attack.

Other

In the video game Godzilla: Unleashed, MOGUERA can launch an EMP bomb that instantly detonates and leaves a blast radius for a short duration; and in the game's predecessor can create a Photonic Storm, in which a huge ring of orange-and-blue-colored energy blasts out of MOGUERA, hitting everything around it. MOGUERA can also use its arms and legs to fight in the games.

Weaknesses

MOGUERA is impaled and thrown by SpaceGodzilla's tail.

During its first battle against SpaceGodzilla, MOGUERA was highly susceptible to interference from SpaceGodzilla's electromagnetic waves, which rendered it inoperable and allowed SpaceGodzilla to easily disable the mech. This weakness was removed however when MOGUERA was upgraded as MOGUERA II-SRF with the addition of MECM and the Complex Sensor System.

While MOGUERA's Synthetic Blue Diamond-Coated Armor granted it impressive resistance to Godzilla's atomic breath and allowed it to withstand repeated strikes from SpaceGodzilla's Corona Beam, its left arm was eventually blown off from a direct strike from the Corona Beam. MOGUERA's most critical weakness, however, was the design flaw involving the use of its Plasma Maser Cannon. When the port covering this weapon was open, the armor in MOGUERA's midsection was compromised, allowing it to be critically damaged with an attack targeting the Cannon. SpaceGodzilla badly damaged MOGUERA by impaling it with his tail spike and throwing it through the air while MOGUERA's Plasma Maser Cannon port was open. MOGUERA's wreckage was subsequently obliterated when Godzilla used his spiral heat ray to finish off SpaceGodzilla.

Filmography

Video Games

Godzilla: Save the Earth

MOGUERA appears in Godzilla: Save the Earth as MOGUERA 2, as well as in Godzilla: Unleashed and Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash, however, it is unplayable in the latter. Its special attack stat (projectiles and beams) and speed are significantly higher than most other monsters, but its physical offense and defense are very low. To be effective in a fight, MOGUERA must attack from a distance while dodging and retreating, making him a hit-and-run fighter. When it runs out of energy, MOGUERA can temporarily shut down his power and recharge, though this makes it vulnerable as it temporarily cannot move.

Godzilla: Unleashed

Height: 120 meters
Weight: 160,000 tons

"MOGUERA was the GDF's first successful anti-monster robot, employing a wide variety of weapons and defensive systems linked by a powerful auto-targeting supercomputer. Although relatively effective, MOGUERA was deemed too physically frail to continue to serve as the GDF's first plan of defense against monster threats. MOGUERA is still in use today, but most often relegated to provide long-range support fire to the GDF's more modern anti-monster robots."

Godzilla (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)

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

Books

GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse

Moguera, an underground combat vehicle used by G-Force, was sent to battle Biollante in Normandy during "Operation: Eternal Light" in 2039. Moguera defeated Biollante by destroying the "heart" in her root cavity.[9]

Comics

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Manga

In this manga adaptation of Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla by Shogakukan, MOGUERA has mostly the same role as in the film, but its fate and combat strategies are different. MOGUERA is stolen by Akira Yuki, the main human protagonist, and is taken to Birth Island to use LittleGodzilla to draw out Godzilla so he can kill him. G-Force sends the rebuilt Mechagodzilla to battle MOGUERA, but it is destroyed by the newer mech. However, MOGUERA and its pilot are knocked down by SpaceGodzilla after the cosmic kaiju attacks Birth Island. In addition, MOGUERA also suffers very little damage during the final battle with SpaceGodzilla, and is eventually taken back by the U.N.G.C.C.. However, Godzilla disarms the machine by breaking its weapon systems before he departs, wary that the humans could try to harm him and his son again.

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah Manga

MOGUERA II (left) and MOGUERA III (right) in the Godzilla vs. Destoroyah manga

In this manga (which is a sequel to the Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla manga), two new MOGUERA units, MOGUERA II and III, are introduced due to their predecessor having been phased out. MOGUERA III is darker than MOGUERA II, and has heavier armour plating. The two units are deployed by the U.N.G.C.C. in an attempt to stave off Godzilla's impending meltdown[10], but are both damaged beyond repair due to the massive increase in power Godzilla had received as his meltdown began.

Godzilla: Rulers of Earth

MOGUERA made its first IDW appearance in Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #6, where it was sent to fight Gigan and Godzilla, who were battling in Las Vegas, Nevada. When it arrived, it briefly fought Gigan and was soon caught by the massive hands of Orga, who pulled MOGUERA in half. MOGUERA was able to transform into Star Falcon and Land Moguera and assisted in fighting the two alien kaiju until Jet Jaguar arrived and destroyed Orga temporarily.

MOGUERA later took part in the large brawl against the Trilopods in Los Angeles alongside Kiryu and Godzilla. MOGUERA rammed itself into the frozen Baragon-Trilopod after it was hit by Kiryu's Absolute Zero, but was later torn apart by the Kumonga-Trilopod and Titanosaurus-Trilopod. Despite being seemingly destroyed in the previous battle, MOGUERA returned, and was last seen taking part in the final battle against Magita, flying off to fight the beast while Jet Jaguar was in the midst of fighting Gigan.

Godzilla in Hell

MOGUERA in Godzilla in Hell

MOGUERA was present in Rio de Janeiro at some point during the battle between Godzilla and SpaceGodzilla in issue #3, but was defeated. MOGUERA can be seen wedged in a pile of broken buildings, with the left side of its head and left shoulder on fire. Nearby, the remains of what appears to be Kiryu's arm can be seen, indicating that both mechas were sent to take part in the battle but were destroyed.

Gallery

Main article: MOGUERA/Gallery.

Roar

MOGUERA, like the Showa incarnation, was a unique case in Toho's kaiju library, as it did not have any actual roars. It did, however, have sounds for its engines and beam attacks. In Godzilla: Trading Battle, MOGUERA and Moguera were both given the same brief robotic footstep sound. Meanwhile, for Godzilla: Save the Earth and Godzilla: Unleashed, MOGUERA could say its own name; this was sampled from the 1984 LP record Sound Effect Of Godzilla 2.

MOGUERA's sounds in Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla

Trivia

See Also

Notes

  1. Episodes 18, 29-30, 58-59, 66, 77-78, 111, 125, 128, 146, 153, 155, 175-176, 178, 187-188, 210, 214, 216, 227, and 246.

References

This is a list of references for MOGUERA. 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. 94. ISBN 4-096-82090-3. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. Definitive Edition of Toho Monster Movies!! Godzilla Special Effects Complete Works. Natsumesha. 21 December 1994. p. 43. ISBN 978-4816317750. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.D. Lees, Marc Cerasini (24 March 1998). The Official Godzilla Compendium. Random House. p. 136. ISBN 0279888225 Check |isbn= value: checksum (help). Check date values in: |date= (help)
    Compendium23.png
  4. 4.0 4.1 Heisei Godzilla Perfection. ASCII Media Works. 2012. p. 79. ISBN 978-4-04-886119-9.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works. Village Books. 28 September 2012. p. 246-247. ISBN 9784864910132.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Godzilla 1954-1999 Super Complete Works. Shogakukan. 1 January 2000. p. 50. ISBN 978-4091014702. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapons Manual. Media Works. March 1995. pp. 82–83. ISBN 4073026984.
  8. Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works. Shogakukan. 12 December 1994. pp. 62–65. ISBN 978-4-09-101444-3. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. Renji Ōki (October 25, 2017). GODZILLA: Monster Apocalypse. Kadokawa. pp. 186–212.
  10. http://lemondedeskaijus.free.fr/manga_Godzilla_vs_Destoroyah.html

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