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{{Film Eras|[[File:DAM.jpg|right|250px|Many of the Showa Godzilla monsters in ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'']]}}The '''Showa series''' {{Nihongo|昭和シリーズ|Shōwa shirīzu}}, also known as '''Showa era''' and '''Showa period''', is a term used to identify the years between 1926 and 1989 under the reign of Japanese Emperor Hirohito.
{{Film Eras|[[File:DAM.jpg|right|250px|Many of the Showa Godzilla monsters in ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'']]}}The '''Showa series''' {{Nihongo|昭和シリーズ|Shōwa shirīzu}} is a term used to identify films produced during [[Japan]]'s '''Showa era''' or '''Showa period''' {{Nihongo|昭和時代|Shōwa jidai}}, which lasted from 1926 to 1989 under the reign of Emperor Hirohito.


The [[Godzilla (1954 film)|first Godzilla film]] was to begin the Showa era of the [[kaiju]] industry, and Godzilla is the usual [[kaiju]] to be affiliated with this era. During the beginning of this era, Godzilla was mainly antagonistic in nature, taking on the likes of [[Anguirus]] and [[Mothra]]. By the time of ''[[Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster]]'', Godzilla adopted what would soon become his most famous image: a heroic monster, battling terrible villains with other monsters by his side.
The [[Godzilla (1954 film)|first Godzilla film]] was to begin the Showa era of the [[kaiju]] industry, and Godzilla is the usual [[kaiju]] to be affiliated with this era. During the beginning of this era, Godzilla was mainly antagonistic in nature, taking on the likes of [[Anguirus]] and [[Mothra]]. By the time of ''[[Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster]]'', Godzilla adopted what would soon become his most famous image: a heroic monster, battling terrible villains with other monsters by his side.


The Showa era saw many other film studios such as [[Kadokawa#Daiei Motion Picture Company, Ltd.|Daei]], [[:Category:Shochiku|Shochiku]] and [[Nikkatsu Corporation|Nikkatsu]] attempt to enter the new genres of [[Tokusatsu]] and [[kaiju]] films with their own creations, including [[Gamera]], [[Daimajin]], [[Guilala]] and [[Gappa]].
The Showa era saw many other film studios such as [[Kadokawa#Daiei Motion Picture Company, Ltd.|Daiei]], [[:Category:Shochiku|Shochiku]] and [[Nikkatsu Corporation|Nikkatsu]] attempt to enter the new genres of [[Tokusatsu]] and [[kaiju]] films with their own creations, including [[Gamera]], [[Daimajin]], [[Guilala]] and [[Gappa]].


After the formation of [[Tsuburaya Productions]] and the creation of their most famous series, the ''Ultraman'' franchise, Toho produced a significant number of tokusatsu television programs in the Showa era, one of which, ''[[Zone Fighter (Series)|Zone Fighter]]'', even featured appearances by Godzilla and some of his other monster co-stars and is considered part of the official [[:Category:Showa Continuity|continuity]] of the Showa Godzilla films.
After the formation of [[Tsuburaya Productions]] and the creation of their most famous series, the ''Ultraman'' franchise, Toho produced a significant number of tokusatsu television programs in the Showa era, one of which, ''[[Zone Fighter (series)|Zone Fighter]]'', even featured appearances by Godzilla and some of his other monster co-stars and is considered part of the official [[:Category:Showa Continuity|continuity]] of the Showa Godzilla films.
{{TOC}}
{{TOC}}
==Films==<!-- King Kong vs. Godzilla is considered by some kaiju scholars to be a "soft-reboot" of the franchise (i.e., moving the series in a lighter fantasy-driven direction, all of Godzilla's designs lacking the prominent fangs and ears of the original two films, the removal of the fourth toe, etc). The seven theatrical films produced between 1962 and 1968 were shown with co-features in Toho owned theaters nationwide to a general audience. The Matsuri-era films have LONG been considered a separate series, even though they share the same continuity with their predecessors, taking place BEFORE the events shown in Destroy All Monsters, the original planned ending of the Godzilla series  -->
==Films==
===Godzilla Series===
===Godzilla Series===
While all the Showa Godzilla films (except ''[[All Monsters Attack]]'') share continuity with each other, the Showa Godzilla series can be divided into three subsections. The first two films in the Godzilla series were produced in 1954 and 1955, and were followed by a seven-year hiatus during which Toho produced several other [[kaiju]] films. The series was revived in 1962 with ''[[King Kong vs. Godzilla]]'', after which a new film was produced almost annually throughout the 1960's. 1968's ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'' was originally planned to be the final Godzilla film, but Toho went on to produce six more films afterward from 1969 to 1975, which are collectively referred to by some as the "''Matsuri''" sub-era. The ''Matsuri'' sub-era in particular cemented Godzilla's image as a heroic monster 'superhero,' and all of its films take place chronologically after ''[[Son of Godzilla]]'' but before ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'', with the exception of ''All Monsters Attack'', which is set in its own continuity. The series was placed on hiatus again after the box office failure of ''[[Terror of Mechagodzilla]]'' in 1975, and despite several attempts by Toho to continue the series another Godzilla film would not be produced until 1984, thus beginning the [[Heisei era|Heisei series]].
While all the Showa Godzilla films (except ''[[All Monsters Attack]]'') share continuity with each other, the Showa Godzilla series can generally be divided into three distinct cycles of films. The first two films in the Godzilla series were produced in 1954 and 1955, and were followed by a seven-year hiatus during which [[Toho]] produced several other [[kaiju]] films, including ''[[Rodan (film)|Rodan]]'', ''[[Varan (film)|Varan]]'', and ''[[Mothra (film)|Mothra]]''. The series was revived in 1962 with ''[[King Kong vs. Godzilla]]'', after which a new film was produced almost annually throughout the 1960's. During this period, Godzilla gradually began to transition from a villainous destructive monster to a more sympathetic and heroic character. 1968's ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'' was originally planned to be the final Godzilla film, but Toho went on to produce six more films afterward from 1969 to 1975, as features for the Toho Champion Festival children's matinee program. The Godzilla films released during this period, collectively dubbed the "Champion Series" by kaiju historian [[August Ragone]],<ref name="Champion Series">[https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/running-order-t4170.html]</ref> in particular cemented Godzilla's image as a heroic monster "superhero," and all of its films take place chronologically after ''[[Son of Godzilla]]'' but before ''Destroy All Monsters'', with the exception of ''All Monsters Attack'', which is often considered to be set in its own continuity. The series was placed on hiatus again after the box office failure of ''[[Terror of Mechagodzilla]]'' in 1975, and despite several attempts by Toho to continue the series another Godzilla film would not be produced until 1984, thus beginning the [[Heisei era|Heisei series]].
====Original Duology (1954-1955)====
====Original Duology (1954-1955)====
*''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' (1954)
*''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' (1954)
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*''[[Son of Godzilla]]'' (1967)
*''[[Son of Godzilla]]'' (1967)
*''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'' (1968)
*''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'' (1968)
====''Matsuri'' sub-era (1969-1975)====
====Champion Series (1969-1975)<ref name="Champion Series"/>====
*''[[All Monsters Attack]]'' (1969)
*''[[All Monsters Attack]]'' (1969)
*''[[Godzilla vs. Hedorah]]'' (1971)
*''[[Godzilla vs. Hedorah]]'' (1971)
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===Gamera Series===
===Gamera Series===
The Showa Gamera series ran from 1965 to 1980, and consists of eight films. The final film in the Showa Gamera series, ''[[Gamera: Super Monster]]'', was produced nine years after the previous film, ''[[Gamera vs. Zigra]]'', due to [[Kadokawa#Daiei Motion Picture Company Ltd.|Daiei]] going bankrupt. ''Super Monster'''s monster scenes consist almost entirely of stock footage from previous films, and its continuity with the rest of the Showa Gamera series is unclear.
The Showa Gamera series ran from 1965 to 1980, and consists of eight films. The final film in the Showa Gamera series, ''[[Gamera: Super Monster]]'', was produced nine years after the previous film, ''[[Gamera vs. Zigra]]'', due to [[Kadokawa#Daiei Motion Picture Company Ltd.|Daiei]] going bankrupt. ''Super Monster'''s monster scenes consist almost entirely of stock footage from previous films, and its continuity with the rest of the Showa Gamera series is unclear.
*''[[Gamera (1965 film)|Gamera]]'' (1965)
*''[[Gamera (film)|Gamera]]'' (1965)
*''[[Gamera vs. Barugon]]'' (1966)
*''[[Gamera vs. Barugon]]'' (1966)
*''[[Gamera vs. Gyaos]]'' (1967)
*''[[Gamera vs. Gyaos]]'' (1967)
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*''[[Gamera: Super Monster]]'' (1980)
*''[[Gamera: Super Monster]]'' (1980)
===Other Toho Films===
===Other Toho Films===
In addition to the Godzilla series, [[Toho]] produced numerous other [[kaiju]] and science-fiction films during the Showa era, some of which would introduce monsters that would go on to make appearances in the Godzilla series.
In addition to the Godzilla series, [[Toho]] produced numerous other [[kaiju]], science-fiction, and horror films during the Showa era, some of which would introduce monsters that would go on to make appearances in the Godzilla series.
*''[[Invisible Man]]'' (1954)
*''[[Invisible Man (film)|Invisible Man]]'' (1954)
*''[[Half Human]]'' (1955)
*''[[Half Human]]'' (1955)
*''[[Rodan (film)|Rodan]]'' (1956)
*''[[Rodan (film)|Rodan]]'' (1956)
*''[[The Mysterians]]'' (1957)
*''[[The Mysterians]]'' (1957)
*''[[Varan (film)|Varan]]'' (1958)
*''[[Varan (film)|Varan]]'' (1958)
*''[[H-Man (film)|H-Man]]'' (1958)
*''[[The H-Man]]'' (1958)
*''[[The Birth of Japan]]'' (1959)
*''[[The Three Treasures]]'' (1959)
*''[[Battle in Outer Space]]'' (1959)
*''[[Battle in Outer Space]]'' (1959)
*''[[The Secret of the Telegian]]'' (1960)
*''[[The Secret of the Telegian]]'' (1960)
*''[[The Human Vapor]]'' (1960)
*''[[The Human Vapor]]'' (1960)
*''[[Mothra (film)|Mothra]]'' (1961)
*''[[Mothra (film)|Mothra]]'' (1961)
*''[[The Last War]]'' (1961)
*''[[Gorath (film)|Gorath]]'' (1962)
*''[[Gorath (film)|Gorath]]'' (1962)
*''[[Atragon (film)|Atragon]]'' (1963)
*''[[Atragon (film)|Atragon]]'' (1963)
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*''[[Dogora (film)|Dogora]]'' (1964)
*''[[Dogora (film)|Dogora]]'' (1964)
*''[[Frankenstein vs. Baragon]]'' (1965)
*''[[Frankenstein vs. Baragon]]'' (1965)
*''[[War of the Gargantuas]]'' (1966)
*''[[The War of the Gargantuas]]'' (1966)
*''[[King Kong Escapes]]'' (1967)
*''[[King Kong Escapes]]'' (1967)
*''[[Latitude Zero]]'' (1969)
*''[[Latitude Zero]]'' (1969)
*''[[Space Amoeba]]'' (1970)
*''[[Space Amoeba]]'' (1970)
*''[[Daigoro vs. Goliath]]'' (1972)
*''[[The Vampire Doll]]'' (1970)
*''[[Lake of Dracula]]'' (1971)
*''[[Daigoro vs. Goliath]]'' (1972) - Co-produced with [[Tsuburaya Productions]]
*''[[Submersion of Japan]]'' (1973)
*''[[Submersion of Japan]]'' (1973)
*''Horror of the Wolf'' (1973)
*''[[Evil of Dracula]]'' (1974)
*''[[Prophecies of Nostradamus]]'' (1974)
*''[[Prophecies of Nostradamus]]'' (1974)
*''[[The Last Dinosaur]]'' (1977) - Produced by [[Tsuburaya Productions]] and Rankin/Bass, but distributed by Toho
*''ESPY'' (1974)
*''[[The Last Dinosaur]]'' (1977) - Produced by Tsuburaya Productions and [[Rankin/Bass Productions]], but distributed by Toho
*''[[The War in Space]]'' (1977)
*''[[The War in Space]]'' (1977)
*''[[Bye-Bye Jupiter]]'' (1984)
*''[[Bye-Bye Jupiter]]'' (1984)
*''[[Princess from the Moon]]'' (1987)
*''[[Princess from the Moon]]'' (1987)
===Other Daiei Films===
===Other Daiei Films===
*''[[Invisible Man Appears]]'' (1949)
*''[[Warning from Space]]'' (1956)
*''[[Warning from Space]]'' (1956)
*''[[Kujira Gami]]'' (1962)
*''[[Invisible Man vs. Human Fly]]'' (1957)
*''[[Kujira Gami (film)|Kujira Gami]]'' (1962)
*''[[Daimajin (film)|Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Daimajin (film)|Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Return of Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Return of Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Wrath of Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Daimajin Strikes Again]]'' (1966)
*''The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch'' (1968)
*''Yokai Monsters: One Hundred Monsters'' (1968)
*''Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare'' (1968)
*''[[Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts]]'' (1969)
===Toei Films===
*''Planet Prince'' (1959)
*''Planet Prince: The Terrifying Spaceship'' (1959)
*''The Final War'' (1960)
*''Invasion of the Neptune Men'' (1961)
*''Golden Bat'' (1966)
*''[[The Magic Serpent]]'' (1966)
*''Terror Beneath the Sea'' (1966)
*''[[Yongary, Monster from the Deep]]'' (1967) - Produced by Keukdong Entertainment, but distributed by Toei internationally
*''The Green Slime'' (1968)
*''Wolf Guy: Enraged Lycanthrope'' (1975)
*''[[Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds]]'' (1977)
===Other Films===
===Other Films===
*''[[The X from Outer Space]]'' (1967)
*''[[The X from Outer Space]]'' (1967) - Produced by Shochiku
*''[[Gappa (film)|Gappa]]'' (1967)
*''[[Gappa (film)|Gappa]]'' (1967) - Produced by Nikkatsu
*''Genocide'' (1968) - Produced by Shochiku
*''Goké, Body Snatcher from Hell'' (1968) - Produced by Shochiku
==Television==
==Television==
During the late 1960's, Toho began producing numerous [[tokusatsu]] television series, many featuring [[kaiju]], in a similar vein to [[Tsuburaya Productions]]' popular [[w:c:ultra:Ultra Series|Ultra Series]]. Two of these series, ''[[Go! Godman]]'' and ''[[Go! Greenman]]'', often reused monsters from other Toho shows or even from some of Toho's films, including the Godzilla films. The series ''[[Zone Fighter (Series)|Zone Fighter]]'' is particularly notable for featuring guest appearances from [[Godzilla]] himself, along with his costars [[Gigan]] and [[King Ghidorah]]. ''Zone Fighter'' is considered to be part of the continuity of the Showa Godzilla films, set between the events of ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]'' and ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]''.
During the late 1960's, Toho began producing numerous [[tokusatsu]] television series, many featuring [[kaiju]], in a similar vein to [[Tsuburaya Productions]]' popular [[wikia:w:c:ultra:Ultra Series|Ultra Series]]. Two of these series, ''[[Go! Godman]]'' and ''[[Go! Greenman]]'', often reused monsters from other Toho shows or even from some of Toho's films, including the Godzilla films. The series ''[[Zone Fighter (series)|Zone Fighter]]'' is particularly notable for featuring guest appearances from [[Godzilla]] himself, along with his costars [[Gigan]] and [[King Ghidorah]]. ''Zone Fighter'' is considered to be part of the continuity of the Showa Godzilla films, set between the events of ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]'' and ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]''.
*''[[He of the Sun]]'' (1967)
*''[[Beat the Monsters!|He of the Sun]]'' (1967)
*''[[Agon: Atomic Dragon]]'' (1968) - Produced by [[Nippon TV]] but distributed by Toho
*''[[Agon: Atomic Dragon]]'' (1968) - Produced by [[Nippon TV]] but distributed by Toho
*''[[Assault! Human]]'' (1972)
*''[[Assault! Human!!]]'' (1972)
*''[[Go! Godman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Go! Godman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Warrior of Love Rainbowman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Warrior of Love Rainbowman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Zone Fighter (Series)|Zone Fighter]]'' (1973)
*''[[Zone Fighter (series)|Zone Fighter]]'' (1973)
*''[[Gimme Gimme Octopus]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Kure Kure Takora (Series)|Kure Kure Takora]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Go! Greenman]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Go! Greenman]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Warrior of Light Diamond Eye]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Warrior of Light Diamond Eye]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Submersion of Japan: Television Series]]'' (1974-1975)
*''[[Submersion of Japan: Television Series]]'' (1974-1975)
*''[[Go! Ushiwaka Kotaro]]'' (1974-1975)
*''[[Go! Kotaro Ushiwaka]]'' (1974-1975)
*''[[Flying Saucer War Bankid]]'' (1976-1977)
*''[[Flying Saucer War Bankid]]'' (1976-1977)
*''[[Seishi Yokomizo Series]]'' (1977-1978)
*''[[Seishi Yokomizo Series]]'' (1977-1978)
*''[[Megaloman (Series)|Megaloman]]'' (1979)
*''[[Megaloman (series)|Megaloman]]'' (1979)
*''Giant Tokyo Earthquake Magnitude 8.1'' (1980)
==Monsters Introduced==
==Monsters Introduced==
{{Main|:Category:Showa Kaiju}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
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*[[Baragon]]
*[[Baragon]]
*[[Gorosaurus]]
*[[Gorosaurus]]
*[[Manda]]
*[[Varan]]
*[[Varan]]
*[[Gabara]]
*[[Gabara]]
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*[[Jet Jaguar]]
*[[Jet Jaguar]]
*[[Megalon]]
*[[Megalon]]
*[[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|Mechagodzilla]]
*[[Mechagodzilla/Showa|Mechagodzilla]]
*[[King Caesar]]
*[[King Caesar]]
*[[Titanosaurus]]
*[[Titanosaurus]]
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*[[Varan]]
*[[Varan]]
*[[H-Man]]
*[[H-Man]]
*[[Orochi]]
*[[Yamata no Orochi]]
*[[Mothra]]
*[[Mothra]]
*[[Vampire Plant]]
*[[Vampire Plant]]
*[[Maguma]]
*[[Kujira Gami]]
*[[Kujira Gami]]
*[[Matango]]
*[[Manda]]
*[[Dogora]]
*[[Dogora]]
*[[Frankenstein]]
*[[Frankenstein]]
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*[[Guilala]]
*[[Guilala]]
*[[Giant Rat]]s
*[[Giant Rat]]s
*[[Bat People]]
*[[Bat Men]]
*[[Griffon]]
*[[Griffon]]
*[[Kamoebas]]
*[[Kamoebas]]
*[[Ganimes]]
*[[Ganimes]]
*[[Gezora]]
*[[Gezora]]
*[[Daigoro's Mother]]
*[[Daigoro's Mother|Daigoro's mother]]
*[[Daigoro]]
*[[Daigoro]]
*[[Goliath]]
*[[Goliath]]
*[[Giant Slug]]
*[[Giant Bat (Prophecies of Nostradamus)|Giant Bat]]
*[[Mutant Leech]]
*[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]
*[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]
*[[Triceratops]]
*[[Triceratops]]
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*[[Dragon]]
*[[Dragon]]
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
===Television===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*[[Agon]]
*[[Godman]]
*[[Kinger]]
*[[Ghoston]]
*[[Yasugon]]
*[[Tsunokeler]]
*[[Tsunosilver]]
*[[Madalan]]
*[[Gattlar]]
*[[Momonglar]]
*[[Folgon]]
*[[Bolbes]]
*[[Imogoras]]
*[[Bullman]]
*[[Dongolar]]
*[[Skeleto-Men|Skeleto-Man No. 1]]
*[[Skeleto-Men|Skeleto-Man No. 2]]
*[[Trunker]]
*[[Hotter]]
*[[Green Mask]]
*[[Funtlar]]
*[[Kappalge]]
*[[Batman]]
*[[Alien Tiborus]]
*[[Osotam]]
*[[Tsunojiras]]
*[[Elephantar]]
*[[Totsaurus]]
*[[Jilarji]]
*[[Wolflar]]
*[[Gejiba]]
*[[Trilorn]]
*[[Ibogilar]]
*[[???]]
*[[Stegodzillas]]
*[[Akumon]]
*[[Rainbowman]]
*[[Witch Iguana]]
*[[Fudora]]
*[[Garuma]]
*[[Herodenia III]]
*[[Hedoron]]
*[[Icelee]]
*[[Geno-Bat]]
*[[L-Banda]]
*[[Cat Monster]]
*[[Pagora]]
*[[God Iguana]]
*[[Cyborg Cathy]]
*[[Cyborg Diana]]
*[[Cyborg Lolita]]
*[[Bat Sister]]
*[[Mummy Sister]]
*[[Cyborg Olga]]
*[[Skull Man]]
*[[Mantis Man]]
*[[Zone Fighter]]
*[[Garogas]]
*[[Red Spark]]
*[[Jikiro]]
*[[Destro-King]]
*[[Dorola]]
*[[Wargilgar]]
*[[Spyler]]
*[[Dragon King]]
*[[Gilmaras]]
*[[Gelderah]]
*[[Garoga Spider]]
*[[Garoga Gorilla]]
*[[Spider Uros]]
*[[Shadorah]]
*[[Jipudoro]]
*[[Barakidon]]
*[[Garoborg]]
*[[Detragon]]
*[[Zandora]]
*[[Mogranda]]
*[[Balgaras]]
*[[Gundarguirus]]
*[[Goram]]
*[[Jellar]]
*[[Kastam-Jellar]]
*[[Super Jikiro]]
*[[Bakugon]]
*[[Needlar]]
*[[Kabutojira]]
*[[Grotogauros]]
{{col-2}}
*[[Human No. 1]]
*[[King Flasher]]
*[[Queen Flasher]]
*[[Flasher]]s
*[[Jairock]]
*[[Kabutonga]]
*[[Shibiretta]]
*[[Zarizon]]
*[[Dragonda]]
*[[Blanca]]
*[[Sibilegon]]
*[[Red Rock]]
*[[Seguro No. 1]]
*[[King Takoras]]
*[[Gejiru]]
*[[Megahertz]]
*[[Bulguerrilla]]
*[[Gyaron]]
*[[Danketto]]
*[[Alien Dorok]]
*[[Valingar]]
*[[Grand Flasher]]
*[[Human No. 2]]
*[[Stock]]
*[[Giringa]]
*[[Spider]]
*[[Danbaraki]]
*[[Garamedon]]
*[[Girudogira]]
*[[Antguirus]]
*[[Impulse]]
*[[Takora]]
*[[Monro]]
*[[Tororo]]
*[[Chonbo]]
*[[Debura]]
*[[Biragon]]
*[[Herara]]
*[[Ikary]]
*[[Shikushiku]]
*[[Greenman]]
*[[Maoh]]
*[[Tonchiki]]
*[[Minions of Maoh]]
*[[Bullpull]]
*[[Mohtles]]
*[[Foksaurus]]
*[[Iho Killer]]
*[[Gowarackdon]]
*[[Inbelun]]
*[[Lorbabla]]
*[[King Kong|Gorilla]]
*[[Spider|Spider II]]
*[[Kyupatto]]
*[[Cross-Dressing Kaijin]]
*[[Fonshuragon]]
*[[Ninja Kaijin]]
*[[Magic Kaijin]]
*[[Pattern Kaijin]]
*[[Ushiwaka Kotaro]]
*[[Nyudo]]
*[[Uragira]]
*[[Konjo]]
*[[Diamond Eye]]
*[[King Cobra (Diamond Eye)|King Cobra]]
*[[Cow People]]
*[[Horse People]]
*[[Mojingah]]
*[[Satan Bat]]
*[[Hitodetsubo]]
*[[Kerarin]]
*[[Wareatama]]
*[[Gerarachin]]
*[[Kero Cat]]
*[[Princess Cobra]]
*[[Onikabuton]]
*[[Pegasus]]
*[[Dragon]]
*[[Rabbit]]
*[[Ox]]
*[[Swan]]
*[[Ensign Esgar]]
*[[Lieutenant Buizun]]
*[[Captain Zettors]]
*[[Captain Emzin]]
*[[Lieutenant Waizer]]
*[[Lieutenant Daburys]]
*[[Lieutenant Arbaren]]
*[[Major Yuburo]]
*[[Major Exes]]
*[[Lieutenant Tifun]]
*[[Captain Tibas]]
*[[Captain Odakof]]
*[[Corporal Pigal]]
*[[Doctor Teron]]
*[[Lieutenant Eldon]]
*[[Colonel Kyuga]]
*[[Sergeant Enupyi]]
*[[Major Enubal]]
*[[Major Keitabo]]
*[[Major Jede]]
*[[Captain Aibirun]]
*[[Lieutenant Colonel Eitchidoba]]
*[[Lieutenant Colonel Jidoh]]
*[[Lieutenant Colonel Efzoro]]
*[[Colonel Iguran]]
*[[Pierron]]
*[[Colonel Digel]]
*[[Major General Sibes]]
*[[Major General Bigomes]]
*[[Bernu]]
*[[Lieutenant General Egarin]]
*[[Commander Guzare]]
*[[Megaloman]]
*[[Kamagidon]]
*[[Goran]]
*[[Zaninga]]
*[[Dobura]]
*[[Gamereon]]
*[[Zuborg]]
*[[Terumosu]]
*[[Suchirunesu]]
*[[Dradozer]]
*[[Jamardo]]
*[[Nun-chuk]]
*[[Rezax]]
*[[Mirror Monocle]]
*[[Boarein]]
*[[Unigon]]
*[[Paraboran 1]]
*[[Paraboran 2]]
*[[Gyanzer]]
*[[Arumunga]]
*[[Zonbiron]]
*[[Barigen]]
*[[Suidras]]
*[[Vonbaron]]
*[[Arumunga]]
*[[Songar]]
*[[Sharklon]]
*[[Vacuum]]
*[[Zatan]]
*[[Zvider]]
*[[Jadonga]]
*[[Buffalon]]
*[[Terroguirus]]
*[[Despair]]
*[[Dagger]]
{{col-end}}
==See Also==
==See Also==
*[[Heisei era]]
*[[Heisei era]]
*[[Millennium era]]
*[[Millennium era]]
*[[MonsterVerse]]
*[[MonsterVerse]]
 
*[[Reiwa era]]
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The Showa series is currently the longest of the defined eras of Godzilla films to date, as it had 15 films created over the span of 21 years.
*The Showa series is currently the longest of the defined eras of Godzilla films to date, as it had 15 films created over the span of 21 years.
Line 434: Line 222:
*Despite the fact that the Showa era of the ''Godzilla'' franchise concluded in [[1975]], several unmade films that were to be released during the latter years of the 1970's indicate that this hiatus may have been unintended, with each successive cancellation inadvertently further increasing the length of the hiatus.
*Despite the fact that the Showa era of the ''Godzilla'' franchise concluded in [[1975]], several unmade films that were to be released during the latter years of the 1970's indicate that this hiatus may have been unintended, with each successive cancellation inadvertently further increasing the length of the hiatus.
*This era features the majority of appearances for several monsters. [[Rodan]], for example, appears in four films (or around ten, including stock footage appearances) in the Showa era, whereas in the [[Heisei era|Heisei]] and [[Millennium era|Millennium]] eras, he only has one appearance in each.
*This era features the majority of appearances for several monsters. [[Rodan]], for example, appears in four films (or around ten, including stock footage appearances) in the Showa era, whereas in the [[Heisei era|Heisei]] and [[Millennium era|Millennium]] eras, he only has one appearance in each.
*With the exception of [[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|Mechagodzilla]], none of the monsters and mechas introduced in the [[Godzilla (Franchise)|Godzilla series]] after ''[[Invasion of Astro-Monster]]'' made any appearances in the [[Heisei era|Heisei series]]. [[Ebirah]], [[Minilla]], [[Kamacuras]], [[Kumonga]], [[Hedorah]], [[Gigan]] and [[King Caesar]] were all reintroduced in the final film of the [[Millennium era|Millennium series]], ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', leaving [[Gabara]], [[Megalon]], [[Jet Jaguar]] and [[Titanosaurus]] as the only characters to have not appeared in a film since their debut, with the exception of cameos, stock footage, and appearances in other media.
*With the exception of [[Mechagodzilla/Showa|Mechagodzilla]], none of the monsters and mechas introduced in the [[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla series]] after ''[[Invasion of Astro-Monster]]'' made any appearances in the [[Heisei era|Heisei series]]. [[Ebirah]], [[Minilla]], [[Kamacuras]], [[Kumonga]], [[Hedorah]], [[Gigan]] and [[King Caesar]] were all reintroduced in the final film of the [[Millennium era|Millennium series]], ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', leaving [[Gabara]], [[Megalon]], [[Jet Jaguar]] and [[Titanosaurus]] as the only characters to have not appeared in a film since their debut, with the exception of cameos, stock footage, and appearances in other media.
**Despite his popularity, [[Anguirus]] did not make any appearances in the Heisei series, although he appears in concept art for the unmade films ''[[Godzilla vs. Ghost Godzilla]]'' and ''[[Godzilla vs. Barubaroi]]''.
**Despite his popularity, [[Anguirus]] did not make any appearances in the Heisei series, although he appears in concept art for the unmade films ''[[Godzilla vs. Godzilla]]'' and ''[[Godzilla vs. Barubaroi]]''.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Comments}}
{{Era|SHO}}
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[[Category:Film eras]]
[[Category:Film eras]]
[[Category:Showa Series]]
[[Category:Showa Series]]

Revision as of 02:45, 13 December 2019

Series
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Showa
Heisei

The Showa series (昭和シリーズ,   Shōwa shirīzu) is a term used to identify films produced during Japan's Showa era or Showa period (昭和時代,   Shōwa jidai), which lasted from 1926 to 1989 under the reign of Emperor Hirohito.

The first Godzilla film was to begin the Showa era of the kaiju industry, and Godzilla is the usual kaiju to be affiliated with this era. During the beginning of this era, Godzilla was mainly antagonistic in nature, taking on the likes of Anguirus and Mothra. By the time of Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Godzilla adopted what would soon become his most famous image: a heroic monster, battling terrible villains with other monsters by his side.

The Showa era saw many other film studios such as Daiei, Shochiku and Nikkatsu attempt to enter the new genres of Tokusatsu and kaiju films with their own creations, including Gamera, Daimajin, Guilala and Gappa.

After the formation of Tsuburaya Productions and the creation of their most famous series, the Ultraman franchise, Toho produced a significant number of tokusatsu television programs in the Showa era, one of which, Zone Fighter, even featured appearances by Godzilla and some of his other monster co-stars and is considered part of the official continuity of the Showa Godzilla films.

Films

Godzilla Series

While all the Showa Godzilla films (except All Monsters Attack) share continuity with each other, the Showa Godzilla series can generally be divided into three distinct cycles of films. The first two films in the Godzilla series were produced in 1954 and 1955, and were followed by a seven-year hiatus during which Toho produced several other kaiju films, including Rodan, Varan, and Mothra. The series was revived in 1962 with King Kong vs. Godzilla, after which a new film was produced almost annually throughout the 1960's. During this period, Godzilla gradually began to transition from a villainous destructive monster to a more sympathetic and heroic character. 1968's Destroy All Monsters was originally planned to be the final Godzilla film, but Toho went on to produce six more films afterward from 1969 to 1975, as features for the Toho Champion Festival children's matinee program. The Godzilla films released during this period, collectively dubbed the "Champion Series" by kaiju historian August Ragone,[1] in particular cemented Godzilla's image as a heroic monster "superhero," and all of its films take place chronologically after Son of Godzilla but before Destroy All Monsters, with the exception of All Monsters Attack, which is often considered to be set in its own continuity. The series was placed on hiatus again after the box office failure of Terror of Mechagodzilla in 1975, and despite several attempts by Toho to continue the series another Godzilla film would not be produced until 1984, thus beginning the Heisei series.

Original Duology (1954-1955)

Revival (1962-1968)

Champion Series (1969-1975)[1]

Gamera Series

The Showa Gamera series ran from 1965 to 1980, and consists of eight films. The final film in the Showa Gamera series, Gamera: Super Monster, was produced nine years after the previous film, Gamera vs. Zigra, due to Daiei going bankrupt. Super Monster's monster scenes consist almost entirely of stock footage from previous films, and its continuity with the rest of the Showa Gamera series is unclear.

Other Toho Films

In addition to the Godzilla series, Toho produced numerous other kaiju, science-fiction, and horror films during the Showa era, some of which would introduce monsters that would go on to make appearances in the Godzilla series.

Other Daiei Films

Toei Films

Other Films

  • The X from Outer Space (1967) - Produced by Shochiku
  • Gappa (1967) - Produced by Nikkatsu
  • Genocide (1968) - Produced by Shochiku
  • Goké, Body Snatcher from Hell (1968) - Produced by Shochiku

Television

During the late 1960's, Toho began producing numerous tokusatsu television series, many featuring kaiju, in a similar vein to Tsuburaya Productions' popular Ultra Series. Two of these series, Go! Godman and Go! Greenman, often reused monsters from other Toho shows or even from some of Toho's films, including the Godzilla films. The series Zone Fighter is particularly notable for featuring guest appearances from Godzilla himself, along with his costars Gigan and King Ghidorah. Zone Fighter is considered to be part of the continuity of the Showa Godzilla films, set between the events of Godzilla vs. Megalon and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.

Monsters Introduced

Main article: Category:Showa Kaiju.

Godzilla Series

Gamera Series

Other

See Also

Trivia

  • The Showa series is currently the longest of the defined eras of Godzilla films to date, as it had 15 films created over the span of 21 years.
  • Politically, The Return of Godzilla is a Showa film, as it was the last film to be made in the Showa era of Japan, with the Heisei era beginning on the 8th of January 1989.
  • Despite the fact that the Showa era of the Godzilla franchise concluded in 1975, several unmade films that were to be released during the latter years of the 1970's indicate that this hiatus may have been unintended, with each successive cancellation inadvertently further increasing the length of the hiatus.
  • This era features the majority of appearances for several monsters. Rodan, for example, appears in four films (or around ten, including stock footage appearances) in the Showa era, whereas in the Heisei and Millennium eras, he only has one appearance in each.
  • With the exception of Mechagodzilla, none of the monsters and mechas introduced in the Godzilla series after Invasion of Astro-Monster made any appearances in the Heisei series. Ebirah, Minilla, Kamacuras, Kumonga, Hedorah, Gigan and King Caesar were all reintroduced in the final film of the Millennium series, Godzilla: Final Wars, leaving Gabara, Megalon, Jet Jaguar and Titanosaurus as the only characters to have not appeared in a film since their debut, with the exception of cameos, stock footage, and appearances in other media.

References

This is a list of references for Showa era. 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 [1]

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