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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.
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{{Film Eras|[[File:DAM.jpg|right|250px|Many of the Showa Godzilla monsters in ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]'']]}}
The '''Showa era''' {{Nihongo|昭和|Shōwa}}, or '''Showa period''' {{Nihongo|昭和時代|Shōwa jidai}}, was a political period of [[Japan]] which lasted from 1926 to 1989 under the reign of [[wikipedia:Hirohito|Emperor Shōwa, formerly Hirohito]]. Films produced during this era, such as those of the ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' or ''[[Gamera (franchise)|Gamera]]'' series, may be identified as the '''Showa series''' {{Nihongo|昭和シリーズ|Shōwa shirīzu}} of their respective franchises. The [[Godzilla (1954 film)|first Godzilla film]] began the Showa era of the [[kaiju]] industry, with Godzilla being the usual [[kaiju]] affiliated with this era. It was succeeded by the [[Heisei era]].


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.
During the beginning of the Showa 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.|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]].
The Showa era saw many other film studios such as [[Kadokawa#Daiei Co., Ltd.|Daiei]], [[Nikkatsu]] and [[Shochiku]] attempt to enter the new genres of [[tokusatsu]] and [[kaiju]] films with their own creations, including [[Gamera]], [[Daimajin]], [[Gappa]] and [[Guilala]], respectively.


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 [[wikia:w:c:ultra:Ultraman_Series|''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 two of his other monster co-stars and is considered part of the official [[:Category:Showa Continuity|continuity]] of the Showa Godzilla films.{{Citation needed}}
{{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 of the Showa ''Godzilla'' films 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 1960s (the one year that was skipped was 1963). During this period, [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|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''. 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 nine years later in 1984, thus beginning what would later become known as the [[Heisei era|Heisei series]].
====Original Duology (1954-1955)====
====Original duology (1954-1955)====
*''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' (1954)
*''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' (1954)
*''[[Godzilla Raids Again]]'' (1955)
*''[[Godzilla Raids Again]]'' (1955)
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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)====
*''[[All Monsters Attack]]'' (1969)
*''[[All Monsters Attack]]'' (1969)
*''[[Godzilla vs. Hedorah]]'' (1971)
*''[[Godzilla vs. Hedorah]]'' (1971)
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*''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]'' (1974)
*''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]'' (1974)
*''[[Terror of Mechagodzilla]]'' (1975)
*''[[Terror of Mechagodzilla]]'' (1975)
===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.
===''Gamera'' series===
*''[[Gamera (film)|Gamera]]'' (1965)
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 Co., Ltd.|Daiei]] going bankrupt. ''Super Monster''{{'}}s monster scenes consist almost entirely of stock footage from the seven previous films, and its continuity with the rest of the Showa ''Gamera'' series is unclear.
*''[[Gamera the Giant Monster]]'' (1965)
*''[[Gamera vs. Barugon]]'' (1966)
*''[[Gamera vs. Barugon]]'' (1966)
*''[[Gamera vs. Gyaos]]'' (1967)
*''[[Gamera vs. Gyaos]]'' (1967)
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*''[[Gamera vs. Jiger]]'' (1970)
*''[[Gamera vs. Jiger]]'' (1970)
*''[[Gamera vs. Zigra]]'' (1971)
*''[[Gamera vs. Zigra]]'' (1971)
*''[[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)
====1950s====
*''[[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)
====1960s====
*''[[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)
*''[[Matango (film)|Matango]]'' (1963)
*''[[Matango (film)|Matango]]'' (1963)
*''[[Atragon]]'' (1963)
*''[[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)
====1970s====
*''[[Space Amoeba]]'' (1970)
*''[[Space Amoeba]]'' (1970)
*''[[Daigoro vs. Goliath]]'' (1972)
*''[[Submersion of Japan]]'' (1973)
*''[[Submersion of Japan]]'' (1973)
*''[[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]], distributed by Toho]
*''[[The War in Space]]'' (1977)
*''[[The War in Space]]'' (1977)
*''[[wikipedia:Blue Christmas (film)|The Blue Stigma]]'' (1978)
====1980s====
*''[[Magnitude 7.9]]'' (1980)
*''[[Bye-Bye Jupiter]]'' (1984)
*''[[Bye-Bye Jupiter]]'' (1984)
*''[[Princess from the Moon]]'' (1987)
*''[[Princess from the Moon]]'' (1987)
===Other Daiei Films===
 
*''[[Invisible Man Appears]]'' (1949)
===Other Daiei films===
In addition to the ''Gamera'' series, Daiei produced numerous other science fiction and horror films during the Showa era.
====1940s====
*''[[The Invisible Man Appears]]'' (1949)
====1950s====
*''[[Warning from Space]]'' (1956)
*''[[Warning from Space]]'' (1956)
*''[[Invisible Man vs. Human Fly]]'' (1957)
*''[[The Invisible Man vs. The Human Fly]]'' (1957)
*''[[Kujira Gami (film)|Kujira Gami]]'' (1962)
====1960s====<!--
*''Invisible Demon'' (1960)-->
*''[[The Ogre of Oeyama]]'' (1960)<!--
*''[http://www.coolasscinema.com/2014/08/buddha-1961-review.html Buddha] ''(1961)-->
*''[[Killer Whale (film)|Killer Whale]]'' (1962)<!--
*''Wind Velocity 75 Meters'' (1963)-->
*''[[Daimajin (film)|Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Daimajin (film)|Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Return of Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Return of Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''[[Daimajin Strikes Again]]'' (1966)
*''[[Wrath of Daimajin]]'' (1966)
*''Yokai Monsters: One Hundred Monsters'' (1968)
*''[[Yokai Monsters: One Hundred Monsters]]'' (1968)<!--
*''Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare'' (1968)
*[http://www.coolasscinema.com/2016/02/the-snow-woman-1968-review.html ''The Snow Woman''] (1968)
*''[[Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts]]'' (1969)
*''The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch'' (1968)-->
===Toei Films===
*''[[Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare]]'' (1968)
*''The Magic Serpent'' (1966)
*''[[Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts]]'' (1969)<!--
====1970s====
*''The Invisible Swordsman''(1970)-->
 
===Tsuburaya films===
*''Return of Ultraman'' (1971) [compilation film]
*''Return of Ultraman: Terror of the Tornado Monsters'' (1971) [compilation film]
*''Mirror Man'' (1972) [compilation film]
*''Return of Ultraman: Jiro Rides a Monster'' (1972) [compilation film]
*''Mirror Man: Dinosaur Aroza Reanimated'' (1972) [compilation film]
*''[[Daigoro vs. Goliath]]'' (1972) [co-produced with [[Toho]]]
*''[[The Last Dinosaur]]'' (1977) - [co-produced with [[Rankin/Bass Productions]]]
 
===Shochiku films===
*''[[The X from Outer Space]]'' (1967)
*''[[wikipedia:Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell|Goké, Body Snatcher from Hell]]'' (1968)<!--
*''The Living Skeleton'' (1968)-->
*''[[wikipedia:Genocide (1968 film)|Genocide]]'' (1968)
 
===Nikkatsu films===
*''[[Gappa (film)|Gappa]]'' (1968)
 
===Miscellaneous films===
*''[[Magic Serpent]]'' (1966)
*''[[Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds]]'' (1977)
*''[[Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds]]'' (1977)
===Other Films===
*''[[Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind]]'' (1984)
*''[[The X from Outer Space]]'' (1967)
*''[[Orochi Strikes Again]]'' (1984)
*''[[Gappa (film)|Gappa]]'' (1967)
 
==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]]''.
===Toho TV shows===
*''[[He of the Sun]]'' (1967)
During the late 1960s, Toho began producing numerous [[tokusatsu]] television series, many featuring [[kaiju]], in a similar vein to [[Tsuburaya Productions]]' popular ''[[wikia:w:c:ultra:Ultraman_Series|Ultra Series]]''. Two of these series, ''[[Go! Godman]]'' and ''[[Go! Greenman]]'', often reused monsters from other Toho TV 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 enemies [[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]]''.
*''[[Agon: Atomic Dragon]]'' (1968) - Produced by [[Nippon TV]] but distributed by Toho
*''[[Beat the Monsters!|He of the Sun]]'' (1967)
*''[[Assault! Human!!]]'' (1972)
*''[[Go! Godman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Go! Godman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Warrior of Love Rainbowman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Warrior of Love Rainbowman (1972 series)|Warrior of Love Rainbowman]]'' (1972-1973)
*''[[Zone Fighter (Series)|Zone Fighter]]'' (1973)
*''[[Zone Fighter (series)|Zone Fighter]]'' (1973)
*''[[Kure Kure Takora (Series)|Kure Kure Takora]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Kure Kure Takora]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Go! Greenman]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Go! Greenman]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Warrior of Light Diamond Eye]]'' (1973-1974)
*''[[Diamond Eye (series)|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)
*''[[Megaloman (series)|Megaloman]]'' (1979)
*''[[Megaloman (Series)|Megaloman]]'' (1979)
 
==Monsters Introduced==
===Miscellaneous===
*''[[Agon (series)|Agon]]'' (1968) [produced by [[Nippon TV]], distributed by Toho]
*''[[Assault! Human!!]]'' (1972) [produced by Nippon TV and Union Motion Picture Co. in cooperation with [[Tohl Narita|Mot Boule]]]
*''[[Warrior of Love Rainbowman (1982 series)|Warrior of Love Rainbowman]]'' (1982-1983) [produced by Tsuchida Productions]
 
==Monsters introduced==
{{Main|:Category:Showa Kaiju}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
===Godzilla Series===
===Godzilla series===
*[[Godzilla]]
*[[Godzilla]]
*[[Anguirus]]
*[[Anguirus]]
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*[[Giant Lizard]]
*[[Giant Lizard]]
*[[Mothra]]
*[[Mothra]]
*[[Skeleturtle|Mystery Bones of Infant Island]]
*[[Mystery Bones of Infant Island]]
*[[King Ghidorah]]
*[[King Ghidorah]]
*[[Rodan]]
*[[Rodan]]
Line 128: Line 182:
*[[Baragon]]
*[[Baragon]]
*[[Gorosaurus]]
*[[Gorosaurus]]
*[[Manda]]
*[[Varan]]
*[[Varan]]
*[[Gabara]]
*[[Gabara]]
Line 135: Line 190:
*[[Jet Jaguar]]
*[[Jet Jaguar]]
*[[Megalon]]
*[[Megalon]]
*[[Mechagodzilla/Showa|Mechagodzilla]]
*[[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|Mechagodzilla]]
*[[King Caesar]]
*[[King Caesar]]
*[[Titanosaurus]]
*[[Titanosaurus]]
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
===Gamera Series===
===Gamera series===
*[[Gamera]]
*[[Gamera]]
*[[Barugon]]
*[[Barugon]]
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*[[Varan]]
*[[Varan]]
*[[H-Man]]
*[[H-Man]]
*[[Orochi]]
*[[Yamata no Orochi]]
*[[Mothra]]
*[[Mothra]]
*[[Vampire Plant]]
*[[Vampire Plant]]
*[[Kujira Gami]]
*[[Maguma]]
*[[Killer Whale]]
*[[Matango]]
*[[Manda]]
*[[Dogora]]
*[[Dogora]]
*[[Frankenstein]]
*[[Frankenstein]]
Line 174: Line 232:
*[[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]]
*[[Daigoro]]
*[[Goliath]]
*[[Goliath]]
*[[Giant Slug]]
*''[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]''
*[[Giant Bat (Prophecies of Nostradamus)|Giant Bat]]
*''[[Triceratops]]''
*[[Mutant Leech]]
*''[[Pteranodon]]''
*[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]
*[[Triceratops]]
*[[Pteranodon]]
*[[Space Beastman]]
*[[Space Beastman]]
*[[Dragon]]
*[[Dragon]]
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
===Television===
==See also==
{{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]]
*[[Kure Kure Takora]]
*[[Monro]]
*[[Tororo]]
*[[Chonbo]]
*[[Debura]]
*[[Biragon]]
*[[Herara]]
*[[Ikary]]
*[[Shikushiku]]
*[[Greenman]]
*[[Maoh]]
*[[Tonchiki]]
*[[Minions of Maoh]]
*[[Bullpull]]
*[[Mohtles]]
*[[Foksaurus]]
*[[Ihokiller]]
*[[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==
*[[Heisei era]]
*[[Heisei era]]
*[[Millennium era]]
*[[Millennium era]]
*[[MonsterVerse]]
*[[Monsterverse]]
*[[Post-Millennium era]]
*[[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.
*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]].
*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 January 8th, [[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.
*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 1970s 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 10, 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]]''.
*The ''[[Escape from the Hotel with Godzilla Approaching]]'' [[wikipedia:Escape room|escape room]] at Atami Bay Resort Korakuen presents itself as a sequel to ''[[King Kong vs. Godzilla]]''. It is unknown whether it acknowledges the subsequent ''Godzilla'' films in the Showa era.
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Comments}}
{{Era|SHO}}
{{Era|SHO}}
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[[Category:Film eras]]
[[Category:Godzilla film series]]
[[Category:Showa Series]]
[[Category:Showa Series]]

Latest revision as of 23:14, 15 December 2023

Japanese political periods
None
Showa
Heisei
Godzilla film series
None
Showa
Heisei

The Showa era (昭和,   Shōwa), or Showa period (昭和時代,   Shōwa jidai), was a political period of Japan which lasted from 1926 to 1989 under the reign of Emperor Shōwa, formerly Hirohito. Films produced during this era, such as those of the Godzilla or Gamera series, may be identified as the Showa series (昭和シリーズ,   Shōwa shirīzu) of their respective franchises. The first Godzilla film began the Showa era of the kaiju industry, with Godzilla being the usual kaiju affiliated with this era. It was succeeded by the Heisei era.

During the beginning of the Showa 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, Nikkatsu and Shochiku attempt to enter the new genres of tokusatsu and kaiju films with their own creations, including Gamera, Daimajin, Gappa and Guilala, respectively.

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 two of his other monster co-stars and is considered part of the official continuity of the Showa Godzilla films.[citation needed]

Films

Godzilla series

While all of the Showa Godzilla films 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 1960s (the one year that was skipped was 1963). 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. 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 nine years later in 1984, thus beginning what would later become known as the Heisei series.

Original duology (1954-1955)

Revival (1962-1968)

Champion Series (1969-1975)

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 the seven 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.

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

Other Daiei films

In addition to the Gamera series, Daiei produced numerous other science fiction and horror films during the Showa era.

1940s

1950s

1960s

Tsuburaya films

  • Return of Ultraman (1971) [compilation film]
  • Return of Ultraman: Terror of the Tornado Monsters (1971) [compilation film]
  • Mirror Man (1972) [compilation film]
  • Return of Ultraman: Jiro Rides a Monster (1972) [compilation film]
  • Mirror Man: Dinosaur Aroza Reanimated (1972) [compilation film]
  • Daigoro vs. Goliath (1972) [co-produced with Toho]
  • The Last Dinosaur (1977) - [co-produced with Rankin/Bass Productions]

Shochiku films

Nikkatsu films

Miscellaneous films

Television

Toho TV shows

During the late 1960s, 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 TV 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 enemies 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.

Miscellaneous

Monsters introduced

Main article: Category:Showa Kaiju.

Godzilla series

Gamera series

Other

See also

Trivia

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]

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