BleedingCool.com Presents The DC Comics New 52 Presentation

Well that's a fluff piece if I ever saw one, all advertising with no depth. Look, I have no interest in reading comics digitally. The only reason I do read the one online book, is because there's no other option. When it comes to buying books; In the past picking up single issues has been more frustrating than anything else mostly because I feel the price is way too high compared to how little content there is. If I'm going to go out of my way to get to the shop and pay $2.50 or more I want it to be worth the trip. And once you take out advertisements and look at the serialization style of the medium, it makes so little sense to go through the trouble to get what is the equivalent of 5 minutes reading time and maybe a little longer of ogling at the art. That's why I always wait for trades; you get a complete story and you can take the time to really become engrossed in what's going on.

That being said, I do think people are making a mountain out of a mole hill when it comes to the relaunch. Yes things are being changed. Yes certain decisions are being made. But I keep getting a feeling that there is a point to all of this outside of sales. That we may be an event or two away from yet another change.

I have my own frustrations when it comes to all of this and they're quite basic; Why not give Wonder Woman as many books as Superman or Batman? Why doesn't Martian Manhunter get his own universe expanding solo series? Which is a question that could be asked of any number of other characters. But since Martian Manhunter is my favorite DC character I'll stick by him. A lot of these questions can be answered quite easily by simply invoking SALES. But than that doesn't explain why other characters who are even less known than MM get their own books. It's just some of this makes perfect sense, and some of it makes very little sense. Which is why I suspect something else is going on. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Harrison Ford - "No Co-Pilot"

Beaver.

Wanna learn a little something?

Just finished watching the documentary "Hugh Hefner:Playboy, Activist and Rebel", really fantastic. If you think you know anything about Playboy, Hugh Hefner, or the role he's played in society you really have no idea. Prepare to learn a little something. Check it out if you get the chance.

Holy shit, while you're at it go check out another terrific Doc called "Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work". It follows Joan Rivers during a year of her life and it is fantastic. I laughed, i teared up. I have a new respect for this icon. And she is an icon, one that doesn't get the appreciation she deserves.

Words to live by...

"There is only one god, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: "Not today"."

-Syrio Forel
             'Game Of Thrones'

Sketch Monday.....What?...

Putting Sketch Monday on indefinite hold until after the move. Just got too much on my mind at the moment. Besides I don't have nearly enough sketch material on my computer to really justify posting right now. But once the move is done and we're settled in, I'll be a posting fool.

JCVD Monologue HD English Subs

Brilliant.

Bill Cosby Dentist

Went to the dentist this morning to deal with my toothache. Turns out the filling that came out in December exposed a space incredibly close to a nerve. They went in, put a film layer over it, and refilled the area. Now a whole part of my face is numbed out.

Father's Day

We woke up early yesterday, lil sister and I, lil brother came over too. We made breakfast for Dad and gave him his gift. Thankfully he liked it. We don't tell him we love him enough, well, I don't think we do. It's been really difficult for us over the past year or two. But it's been the hardest on him. Thankfully things seem to lightening up. As we are transitioning from one point in our lives to another.

What is Father's Day? Check out the Wiki to learn a few things; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fathers_day

Father's Day began in America in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5th, 1908. It was organized by Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who wanted to celebrate the lives of 210 who had died in the Monongah Mining Disaster which had occurred months before in Monongah, West Virginia. She chose the date of her celebration because it was the nearest Sunday to the birthday of her late Father. But the event was never recognized as an official holiday. Instead Sonora Dodd from Spokane was credited with inventing the holiday two years later, as a logical counterpart to Mother's Day. This credit however lasted until 1972 when the the holiday's origin's were finally rectified.

While a bill was introduced to make Father's Day an official Holiday in 1913, President Wilson went to a local Father's Day celebration in Spokane in 1916 wanting to finally make it official. However the effort was resisted by Congress because they feared the Holiday would become commercialized. In 1924 President Coolidge asked the nation to observe the day, but never made a proclamation making it an official holiday. As the years passed Congress continued to defeat notions of making Father's Day an official Holiday. In spite of efforts made by several individuals and politicians. It wasn't until 1966 when President Johnson set a national date for Father's Day and 1972 when President Nixon finally made the holiday official.

While Father's day is celebrated by Nation's around the world, much like Mother's Day. International Men's Day is also a holiday, along with it's counterpart; International Women's Day.

However you celebrate it, just know that your Father is your Father year 'round. Just like your Mother. And, just like your Mother, deserves your love any chance you are able to give it to them.

Happy Father's Day Dad. I love you.

When the %^&* does this take place?

The DCU reboot is still being talked about in a big way, and it will be talked about for years to come. A few more details came out today about when exactly the new era takes place. Turns out it takes place pretty much everywhere.

The Past;
-Justice League
-Action Comics

The Present;
-Batman and associated titles.
-Green Lantern and associated titles.
-Legion of Superheroes and associated titles.
-Green Arrow
-Hawkman
-DCU Presents

The Rebooted;
-Everything else.

Will probably update this when new bits of information come out.

Sound Effects: Cops & Ducks

To Blog?

Blogging is a big thing, everybody seems to have their own space. Some Blog about important things, others not so much. Some do it for fun, some make a nice bit of cash. I've been doing it for fun, and well, why not. After the move, which is fast approaching, and when we're settled I'll finally be able to clear my head again and focus on the things I've been putting off for so long.

So now I have to think, in a serious way, about the future. Job search will kick in the second we're moved. Creature/Movie stuff will too. So should I blog? Like I said when I created Tentacle Corner, its really nice to have a space online to call my own. Somewhere I can talk about anything I want, post things that interest me. Essentially a me-space. But when I start doing everything, I'll have to focus on my goals in a way I haven't before. Would a new blog help that? It's possible. Would it just distract me? Again, possible.

Having an official site costs money, which I really don't have that much of. But having a blog hosted by a site, like this one, can be free. Which is a nice relief. I dunno, I guess I'll see what happens in the next month or two.

Extinction - Prologue (Splinter Cell Fan Series)

Pain

Pain's a funny thing. Well it can be, when it happens to someone else and doesn't result in serious, or permanent, injury. Look at America's Funniest Home Video's, I dare you not to cringe and chuckle. But we know there's more than one kind of pain. There's; emotional, psychological, metaphorical, existential, spiritual. No matter the variety however pain still affects us in one way or another. Unless of course you've learned to deal with it.

Look at the monks and mystics who put needles through their flesh or tear their hair out by the handful without a flinch. Those are some true badass'. But its not about being tough to them. Its a spiritual practice and right. They learn for years before they can truly execute any amazing feat, and when they do, its not amazing to them. It simply is. The association with pain, and overcoming it, is a greater concept.

Anyway, around December one of my fillings came out, and I've been fine until maybe three weeks ago. Than the pain started. I've been pretty much just dealing with it. But lately its gotten to the point where I could quite literally rip my own head off if it meant being rid of it. So I'm making an appointment with the dentist.

That's all.

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

Karmin - Look At Me Now

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" Trailer 2

Rioting over nothing...

The rioting in Vancouver is likely to be "news" for the next few days. To be clear, it's NOT all of Vancouver that's doing the rioting. Only a small number of worthless pieces of garbage. Look folks, sorry your team lost, but sports are not something to get upset about.

I've been figuring out over the past few years that fans of anything, whether its sports, comics, movies, whatever, need to calm the hell down and have some perspective. Myself included. These things mean absolutely nothing in the long run, they're just little passing elements of the society around us. Now of course you can argue that the arts are expressions of the moment and voice of the human condition. And that's true. And sports are the exploration of human ability and physical and mental excellence. And that is also true. But are these things worth causing terrible damage and hurting people? Fuck no.

So to all the rioters I say; grow the hell up. And to the people of Vancouver, I say; no worries, we know this isn't you. America has a lot of experience when it comes to rioting over nothing. We're here for you.

Ocarina of Time 3D - Robin Williams Commercial

The Conversation Continues.....

The conversation regarding Barbara Gordon's return to Batgirl seems to be becoming more involving by the day. Over at Newsarama Jill Pantozzi, the writer who had previously written an amazing article regarding her feelings as a person who uses a wheelchair on Barbara's walking again, posted an interview with writer Gail Simone. Simone has been writing Birds Of Prey, which featured Barbara in her role as Oracle, for the past few years and will be the lead writer of this new Batgirl series. Its a really good interview and I encourage people to read it; http://www.newsarama.com/comics/gail-simone-dicusses-batgirl-and-oracle-110609.html

I'm still really mixed about the whole thing. I'm not entirely sure if this interview actually said anything beyond Simone trying to reassure readers. She did explain, some of the origins of her involvment and of the decision to use Barbara. And one thing I can say about Simone is that she is HONEST. So if she says something you can take it to the bank. But I really suspect that a lot more went on behind-the-scenes than what she may have been privy to. And what I mean by that is simply, as a writer she wouldn't necessarily be told about the business elements which were undoubtedly responsible for the various decisions that have been made.

As in film and television, comic books are a business first. And if it's believed that something won't earn, than it won't happen. Still hoping, like the fool that I am, to one day see a Martian Manhunter ongoing series though.

OH GOD HELP ME CONTROL THIS LAWNMOWER

American Marvel Movies + TV: GQ.com

American Marvel Movies + TV: GQ.com

Such a incredibly well written article. Interview with Chris Evans done for GQ.

AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!!!!!!!

The Licensing International Expo is essentially a showcase for products and promotions involving various movies and such. If you're a fanboy this is usually where you get your very first look at material from the upcoming movies you just can't wait to see. This year, the two big ones are; The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers.

For anyone living under a rock, starting with the first Iron Man movie, MARVEL Studios has been planting easter eggs and subplots, some subtle some not so subtle, which will inevitably lead to a mega team-up feature involving a number of their heroes. The Avengers. In the comics superhero teams are part of the language and really old hat. But in cinema team-ups like this are usually played for laughs. This will be the first time the concept will be treated with the large scale and serious tone that comic book readers are already familiar with.

Well the inevitable is here as at the Licensing International Expo the very first look at the film has leaked onto the web. Here ya go, your first look at The Avengers;

It may be missing a few members, but I suppose its a start.

Better in Black and White: "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

Fascinating.

Casa De Mi Padre (House of My Father) First Official Trailer (Starring W...

A good question...

"Why is everyone in porn a 'star'? Are there no 'porn-character actors'?" - Valerie Bertinelli's character 'Melanie' on the TVLand series 'Hot In Cleveland'.

I think it's a perfectly legitimate question to ask.

Worf - Merry Man

You can't fool me.

Star Trek Trivia - The Graham Norton Show - Series 9 Episode 9 - BBC One

Conan The Barbarian 3D - Exclusive TV Spot HD

E3 2011: Star Trek's Brothers in Arms, Kirk and Spock - Xbox 360 Preview at IGN

E3 2011: Star Trek's Brothers in Arms, Kirk and Spock - Xbox 360 Preview at IGN

Posting these images could get me arrested in Tennessee - Roger Ebert's Journal

Posting these images could get me arrested in Tennessee - Roger Ebert's Journal

Joss Whedon Equality Now PSA

-Sketch Monday Strikes Back-

Been trying to recover from the week of house-painting. Posting only two pics this week.

TREMORS fanart



I like him.



The DCU rebirth is a little more complicated than some may think....

So far there have been many different reactions to the rebirth of the DCU. Some passing, some superficial, some quite strong. One of the most controversial moves in this rebirth has been to take Barbara Gordon out of a wheelchair, and her ID as Oracle, give her back the ability to walk and return her to her former Batgirl persona. This is one of the best op-ed's I've read on the subject. And one that touches on an incredibly important issue. One that affected the life of someone I loved. Please give it a read; http://www.newsarama.com/comics/oracle-is-stronger-than-batgirl-110606.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Newsaramasite+%28Newsarama.com%29&utm_content=Twitter

Here's another well done op-ed offering a different view on the situation, and how it began with 'TheKillingJoke'; http://rjdindsm.blogspot.com/2011/06/importance-of-being-batgirl.html

A third op-ed, that might be considered middle of the road; http://www.comicvine.com/news/why-its-about-time-barbara-gordon-became-batgirl-again/143167/

Comic Book Writer Gail Simone posted an entry on DC Comics Official Blog about the change. She has been the celebrated writer of Secret Six, and of The Birds Of Prey; which Oracle was a central character of. And will be taking the lead on the new Batgirl series. You can find her thoughts here; http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2011/06/06/gail-simone-on-barbara-gordons-return-to-batgirl/

My feelings on the matter are incredibly mixed. I do feel that Bab's has made much more of an impact as Oracle than she did as Batgirl. I'm not saying she didn't break ground as Batgirl, but as Oracle she did something no other major female character in comics history had ever done before. And in her new role, became a profound fixture not only in her part of the DCU but in all of DC Comics line of books.

Bab's as Oracle.

The arguments about the how and why, I feel, will go on and on. But her time as Oracle is nothing to just brush away. She is important, and has been a beacon for many, MANY, people. As many have argued for years taking her back to Batgirl makes some sense within the context of a comic book universe. But I really hope this whole thing isn't fueled by some sort of nostalgia or creative desperation.

Barbara returns to Batgirl this Fall.

Sarah Palin Supporters Swarm Paul Revere's Wiki Entry in Her Defense

Sarah Palin Supporters Swarm Paul Revere's Wiki Entry in Her Defense

In the age of information, those with the correct information must always guard against those who would try to manipulate history for their personal gain. To all Palin supporters....bit me.

-National Doughnut Day-

Do you want to know what sort of holiday I can get behind. One that glorifies one of the single greatest things in the world. Today was National Doughnut Day. And did I get a Doughnut? NO. I spent the day, painting at the new house with not a Doughnut in sight!!!

National Doughnut Day began in 1938 and was created by The Salvation Army to honor the Women who served Doughnuts to soldiers during WWI. Bet you didn't know that, thank you Wikipedia. Here's the link to the Wiki; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Doughnut_Day .

And now I take a moment to honor the sweet....sugary....delicious....wonderful....mmmmmmmm Doughnuts;

Oh Yeh.

Please Baby, Please.

Yes, YES.

I want some Doughnuts.

Doctor Death Is Dead...

That sound's like an old pulp novel.
But its the headlines you'll be seeing this evening. Dr. Jack Kevorkian, infamous for participating in over a hundred assisted suicides passed away today, peacefully, in his hospital bed. He was listening to Bach, his favourite composer, as he died. I think just about everyone in America has some basic idea of who he was so I won't bore you with my jumbled and sparse knowledge. Instead I'll point you to a wiki page featuring information on the man; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kevorkian
Go ahead and check it out, you might find some very interesting things there. Like did you know that he was an artist and musician? Or that he ran for Congress? Or that Al Pacino played him in a movie?
Whatever your personal view of him, of what he did, I think he brought up some interesting points in his own audacious arguments. Should people, suffering from terminal illness and pain have the right to end their lives? Should Doctors be allowed to assist? These aren't evil questions to ask, there are no such things as evil questions. They're simply questions, and naturally questions lead to discussion. I think this is an interesting discussion to have. Doctor assisted suicide is already legal in, I believe, two states. And in all 50 states you have the right to deny Doctors the ability to resuscitate you should you die. Is it simply a matter of time and circumstance before laws change to meet an ideal similar to what Kevorkian was arguing for? As someone who has seen what terminal illness can do, I have incredibly mixed feelings about the subject. But I'm still willing to talk about it. Are you?

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Official Trailer 2011 HD

Seeing the Gorilla's fighting the Police makes me happy.

New Star Trek Game Announced - PlayStation 3 News at IGN

New Star Trek Game Announced - PlayStation 3 News at IGN

Tomb Raider "Turning Point" Debut Trailer [US Version]

Who is America's Giant Monster?

As a fan of giant monster's I often think about things that may never cross the mind of a non-fan. Who would win; Godzilla or Gamera? Is the Giant Claw really as big as a Battleship? Will there ever be a Gorgo sequel? Who is America's Giant Monster? That last one has been on my mind for a few weeks now. Actually I've been using it as inspiration to create my own Giant Monster and Universe. But I still ask; Who is America's Giant Monster?

I think to answer that question we have to establish what makes something like a Kaiju an icon on a national, or international, scale. Godzilla has existed since 1953, and was created as an allegory for nuclear devastation and death. Starring in nearly 30 films created by Japan's TOHO Co. LTD., he has been a horror, a superhero, a savior, and a deity. His longevity could only be compared to such characters as James Bond and Batman. Two character's who have also traveled to countless area's of creativity in their native mediums and beyond. It seems that icon's can be anything at any time, from thoughtful and real to cartoony and fun. Maybe that's the secret, than again there are plenty of character's who have only been in a single film and have earned some measure of fame.

So what is it? At the end of the day it's likely many different thing's. For some it's the right place at the right time, for other's nostalgia can be a powerful thing. But no matter the circumstances the power of an icon can't be denied. Virtually everyone knows something about Godzilla, Bond and Batman.

This ultimately feeds directly into my question; Who Is America's Giant Monster? When you think of Godzilla, what do you think of? Monster Battles, Model cities and armies being wiped out, Japan. Japan and Godzilla go together like peanut-butter and jelly. So much so, that Gamera, another giant reptile from Japan, is often overshadowed almost into non-existence. When I think of England, I think of Gorgo, a giant sea-monster whose mother ravaged London in the film of the same name. When I think of Denmark, I think of Reptilicus, a flying serpent and the only Danish monster in existence. But who do you think of when you think of America? I'm thinking I know exactly who you're thinking of.

The original KING KONG was released in 1933.

In fact I'm willing to bet that most people think of King Kong right away. Actually, I bet everyone thinks of Kong without even thinking. It's like a reflex; American monster, King Kong. But is Kong really America's monster. Let's look at the fact's;

1933's KINGKONG, SONofKONG followed 9 Months later.

Kong first appeared in the 1933 film of the same name. And was one of the first movies to ever use the revolutionary process of stop-motion to create Kong and the dinosaurs which lived on Skull Island. The film is often regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time. And served as inspiration for countless film-makers and creature creators for decades. We all know how it end's, but there was still a sequel released only month's later; The Son of Kong. Which featured another giant ape, the Son of Kong, once again on Skull Island. However, without spoiling anything, there simply wasn't any room for yet another sequel. Since the original films Kong has been featured in numerous comic books, and novels, but lets stick with his appearances on screen both big and small.

Kong in Japan; KingKongVSGodzilla(1962)/TheKingKongShow(1966)/KingKongEscapes(1967).

Moving on and Kong's next appearance is in the 1960's. This time he is once again found on an island, is brought to civilization, and goes toe-to-toe with Godzilla. The making of TOHO's KingKong VS. Godzilla is a very long and fascinating story and I encourage everyone to go look it up. Because the making of that film actually has influences and connections all over the place and you could write more than a few books on the subject. After this appearance Kong went on to star in his own cartoon series produced in Japan in which he befriends a family and goes on adventures, called The KingKongShow. It didn't run for very long but is still remembered. Not too long after that however he starred in his own TOHO film with KingKong Escapes. In this movie Kong is once again found on an island, is brought to civilization, but this time around he has to face a powerful robot version of himself called MechaniKong, created by an evil scientist. There was another TOHO Kong film planned, actually inspired by the cartoon series, but it would eventually be re-written and become a movie starring Godzilla. After KingKong Escapes it would be another decade before Kong returned to the screen.

The first Kong remake; KingKong (1976) and it's sequel KingKongLives! (1986)

In 1976 Producer Dino De Laurentiis Produced the first remake of KingKong. And this was the first time the character had been in an American film in a little over 40 years. Starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange this time around Kong was realized in the same way he had been in his TOHO incarnation, a man in a suit. In this case the Kong suit was created, and worn, by Academy Award winning creature creator Rick Baker. It went on to be a commercial success. And spawned a sequel of it's own; KingKong Lives! 10 years later. A commercial failure, creature creator Rick baker was not involved in any way. In the sequel as Kong is brought back to life, using what may the be the largest artificial heart ever seen, a second, female, member of his species is discovered in Borneo. When the two are finally brought together, Kong brakes them out of containment and they go on the run from the U.S. military. I won't spoil how it all ends but I will say that in the final scenes there is clearly what could be viewed as a setup for a third movie, but KingKong3 ultimately never came to be.

Musical; TheMightyKong (1998) and Adventure; Kong:TheAnimatedSeries (2000).

In 1998 an animated musical called TheMightyKong was released to the home market in an attempt to cash in on SONY's big-screen remake of Godzilla. It starred Jodi Benson and the late Dudley Moore in his final role. The musical was more or less another remake of the original film, but unfortunately it contained a story that was heavily edited to be "family friendly". There is no violence and the final ending was changed so that Kong survived. This feature is universally panned by both viewers and critics. A few years later, as an animated series featuring the SONY Godzilla was airing an animated series featuring Kong was created as direct competition. KONG:The Animated Series was set in what may have been the not-to-distant future and followed the adventures of Kong, a clone of the original 1933 creature, and his human allies as he faces the machinations and greed of an evil Archaeologist who seeks ultimate power. There is a heavy science fiction element to the series which is a bit awkward to explain, but week after week episodes would feature Kong and friends facing evil schemes and giant monsters. The animated series would be followed by two direct-to-video features and two GAMEBOY video games.

KingKong (2005) brought to you by the Director of TheLordOfTheRings.

In 2005 after years of development, and false starts and stops. Director Peter Jackson finally saw the release of his long dreamed remake of KingKong. A childhood ambition, Jackson brought everything he had learned in his career, and especially the experience he had gained making the LordOfTheRingsTrilogy, to the table. Funny enough Jackson had been approached for the project before he ever made the LordOfTheRings. And with the backing of UNIVERSAL, who had been trying to remake KingKong for decades, his dream became reality. Jackson, a life-long Kong fan, he owns one of the largest Kong collections in the world and even took time out of production to recreate one of several lost scenes from the 1933 film called the 'Spider-Pit' sequence for the release of the special uncut DVD of the original movie complete with stop-motion effects, obsessed over every detail and design. Rewriting the script while in production, and working on Kong's look for years, this was nothing less than a true labor of love. He even included a 2005 version of the lost 'Spider-Pit' sequence to make his Kong even truer to the original. Kong, and the other creatures of Skull Island, this time were brought to life using state of the art CGI pioneered by Jackson's company WETA. The film, starring Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, Jack Black and Andy Serkis, was released to positive reviews and audience response. It went on to become an award winner and commercial success.

While in production Jackson kept an online video journal of everything going on. And in one episode he and the cast and crew, as an April Fools joke, announced that they had begun planning not one but two sequels. These fake sequels would follow the SonofKong as he, along with several main characters from the first film, fought off the Nazi's during WW2. This entry in the video journals was quite well done, featuring fake; concept art, animatics, set designs, and interviews. It went on to fool a great many people looking forward to the 2005 film. And was posted just about anywhere you could think of.

Almost 80 years of Legacy behind him, but where do we go from here?

That doesn't cover everything Kong related, but it's still quite a bit to go on. Kong like many characters has crossed genre, and artistic mediums. He is known all around the world, and comes to mind when you think of America and giant monsters. The problem though is simply this; it seems that every attempt to continue his story past the initial introduction either falls flat or doesn't last very long. If Kong is America's giant monster than he needs keep going beyond 1 or 2 movies or even an animated series.

But it seems like death, or obscurity, is around every corner. How do we get around this, the answer may be in 1933. TheSonOfKong. If we allow Kong to meet his fate, than his Son may be the only logical way to continue, short of cloning the original as in the animated series of course. I don't know about you but I'd be very into seeing the SonOfKong facing off with other giant monsters in an ongoing film series. Plus, because his Son is already apparently albino and a completely out of nowhere character you could think of any number of origins. Genetic experiment? Long lost hybrid offspring? And any limitation Kong had, such as the fact that he is incredibly small compared to other giant monsters, you could remove and his Son's potential could be limitless. Thinking about it, it kind of makes you wonder why no one is interested in doing it.

**UPDATE** 20thCenturyFox has announced that they are going ahead with an animated feature told from Kong's perspective. **END OF UPDATE**

Where do we go from here? Well, film history is filled with giant monsters who have attacked America. From the GiantClaw in TheGiantClaw, to the Rhedosaurus in TheBeastFrom20,000Fathoms, to Graboids from the Tremors films and series, to the 1998 SONY American Godzilla (just needs a name change), to Cloverfield from Cloverfield, to even the DeadlyMantis from TheDeadlyMantis. There are many, many, giant monsters in American cinema. But which is The American Monster? What do you think?

TOP(Left To Right); TheGiantClaw, TheDeadlyMantis, Graboid, 1998Godzilla. BOTTOM(Left To Right); Rhedosaurus, Cloverfield, 2005KingKong.

I've already touched on SONY's 1998 Godzilla before. But I'll say again, the character is worth bringing back if it's by a different name than that's fine. Aside from Kong and Zilla, I was also thinking about Rhedosaurus. He's a great creature, he along with Kong actually served as inspiration for the original Japanese Godzilla, and again has some potential.

The Rhedosaurus first appeared in 1953's TheBeastFrom20,000Fathoms.

TheBeastFrom20,000Fathoms was based on a short story called 'TheFogHorn' by Ray Bradbury and is best known for its fantastic stop-motion by film legend Ray Harryhausen. In the film an Atomic test in the Arctic Circle awakens a frozen, prehistoric, predator who goes on a rampage down America's East Coast and attacks New York City. To this day it stands as one of the great monster movies. And was among the first to usher in the Atomic Age of movie monsters.

One of the criticisms of the 1998 Godzilla was that the creature had more in common with Rhedosaurus than the original Godzilla. While that may be a negative thing to some, I simply see that as reiterating Rhedosaurus' position in the public consciousness. He's a classic, clips from the film have been used in several TV shows and movies over the decades. Not only did he inspire Godzilla, but also Gorgo, TheGiantBehemoth, THEM! and countless others. And a physical approximation of the character had a cameo in the low-budget movie PlanetOfTheDinosaurs. Of the classic monsters on the micro-list above he's the one that would be most appropriate for a major comeback and ongoing series.

The Rhedosaurus rampages through New York in 1953, and in 1978 may have appeared on the PlanetOfTheDinosaurs.

At the same time of course we could also go with something a bit different and embrace a monster like the GiantClaw. But could you get behind the adventures of a massive space faring, or ancient, vulture? I'm willing to give anything a chance.

1957's TheGiantClaw.

Widely mocked and considered not only obscure but almost an in-joke for monster movie fans. TheGiantClaw was released in 1957 to not exactly a great reception. Audiences often laughed any time the titular creature appeared on screen, a result of an odd design and poor effects. Actors featured in the film walked out of screenings as they realized just how terribly it was being received. In the film, the GiantClaw appears during a radar test and begins attacking jets and ultimately New York. While most monsters often have a singular definitive origin, the GiantClaw has two. The initial thought being that it came from deep within an Antimatter Galaxy, while later its put forward that its a beast from 17 Million B.C.. Cosmic terror or living fossil, how different can you get.

TheGiantClaw has since become, understandably, a cult film. And a regular in the bootleg film market. While Kong, Zilla, or Rhedosaurus would benefit from a comeback. GiantClaw would benefit from a total rethinking. We're talking; redesign him, create a definitive origin, and take a unique story approach. Only than might he, or she, be able to join the New Age of the Giant Monster.

A Return of the GiantClaw?

Or maybe, I'm just crazy.

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