Kinokuniya Bookstores-L.A. Re-Orders Monster Japan Travel Guide

by Armand Vaquer

Above, "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" in the travel section at the Little Tokyo store of Kinokuniya Bookstores.

Good news was received this afternoon.

I received a voice mail message from Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo (Los Angeles) store stating they have one copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan left and they wanted to re-order more.

Accordingly, I called them back and completed the sale. So, a new supply of the travel guide will be on their travel section bookshelf this coming week.

Above, Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store entrance.

Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store is located in Weller Court at 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka #205, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Telephone: (213) 687-4480.

Besides books, Kinokuniya also carries Japanese CDs, DVDs, toys and calendars.

Kaiju Life

by Armand Vaquer


When I finalized my plans for a trip to Japan to promote The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, I contacted Sonoe Nakajima, the daughter of the original Godzilla suit-actor Haruo Nakajima, and invited them to lunch or dinner while I was in Tokyo.

Sonoe Nakajima wrote back and said that they were going on a vacation trip at the time of my vacation in Japan and wouldn't be available. She did say that she would have a copy of her father's book, Kaiju Life (Kaiju Jinsei) that was published by Yosensha Co., Ltd. for me at my hotel, Hotel Asia Center of Japan.

I arrived late in the afternoon on Sunday, December 5 at the hotel. When I checked in, the clerk went to the back room and brought out a package saying it was from "Nakajima." I knew immediately that it was the book Sonoe said she'd leave for me. After I got settled in my room, I opened the package and there was the book and autographed "To Armand" with his signature and the date "2010.12.3" (December 3, 2010).

The book itself is an attractive softcover edition with a jacket. The book is in Japanese, but it contains many rare photographs of Mr. Nakajima in action as Godzilla and other monsters in Toho's stable as well as his private life and history. Some are in color on slick paper, the rest are in black & white and on non-slick paper. They are all well reproduced regardless. The number of photos Mr. Nakajima included in his book rivals the number contained in August Ragone's book on special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya. There's that many of them!

Although the book is in Japanese, and I don't read Japanese, I would have bought a copy anyway just for the photographs. Fans of Godzilla and Mr. Nakajima would find this book essential to their collections.

In return, I left copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for the Nakajimas.

Peter H. Brothers Gone Batty: Completes Novel Based On Lugosi Movie

by Armand Vaquer

Peter H. Brothers reports that he has completed his first novel.

It is based on the Bela Lugosi melodrama, The Devil Bat, which was produced in 1940 and released in January 1941 by Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC).

In the movie, Lugosi plays Dr. Paul Carruthers, a research chemist who is embittered (Who else besides Bela can play such a role with relish?) that one of his formulas brought a fortune to his employers, but practically nothing to himself.

To avenge this affront, Carruthers creates giant bats who are conditioned to attack anyone wearing a special scent (in a shaving lotion) he concocted.

Above, author Peter H. Brothers with his first book, "Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda" in his back yard.

Brothers says:

"Devil Bat Diary" is complete! Clocking-in at 53,000 words it is a novelization of what "really" happened in the movie "The Devil Bat" based on the recently-discovered journal kept by the reporter Johnny Layton. I have already contacted a couple of publishers and will contact several more. Keep your fingers crossed and I will keep you posted on my progress!

This should be an entertaining and interesting read!

Top Five Godzilla/Kaiju Books

Top Five Godzilla/Kaiju Books

by Armand Vaquer

With Christmas just around the corner, it is worthwhile to take a look at what English language, mass-market books to buy for the newbie or longtime kaiju fan.

Most of these books are still available through various sources such as Amazon.com, eBay, Barnes and Noble, Border's Books, etc.

So if you are wondering what to buy, here's my top five Godzilla books:


Number One. Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters by August Ragone is the top book to pick up without question. Ragone is thorough in his research on the genius of Japanese special effects with many rare photographs. Toho Co., Ltd. and Tsuburaya Productions cooperated in the production of this book and it shows! Hardcover.




Number Two. Japan's Favorite Mon-Star by Steve Ryfle is a valuable reference book on the history of the Godzilla movies. Although dated (this one cries out for an update as it ends with the 1998 U.S. Godzilla), Ryfle's research on the King of the Monsters makes this a must-have in your book collection. Softcover.




Number Three. Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda by Peter H. Brothers is the first (it came out last year) English language biography of Japan's top director of science-fiction and fantasy films. Although it has no photos and there's some glaring typos, this is a must-have book for G-fans. Softcover.





Number Four. Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo! by Stuart Galbraith IV is a collection of interviews of actors, directors, special effects directors and others organized by topic. Although the organizing could have been better executed (some fans feel it is too disjointed), it is a valuable resource as it includes interviews with some who have since passed on. Softcover.




Number Five. Godzilla On My Mind by William Tsutsui is a tome of what Godzilla means to fans. If you're looking for a filmography, this isn't the book for you. But if you're interested in Godzilla and his pop-culture influence, grab this book. Softcover.

Others


A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed. by David Kalat. This edition just came out and I haven't read it yet. But, I am told that it is an excellent book on the Godzilla series. It is available at Amazon.com. Hardcover.




The Official Godzilla Compendium by J. D. Lees and Marc Ceracini is long out of print and if one can find one, it is generally pricey. It is a good introductory book aimed at the small-fry fan. It has reached the status of a collectors' item. Softcover.




The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan by Armand Vaquer came out this year and is a travel guide to Japan tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films featuring movie locations, attractions, transportation and accommodations. Magazine format.

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" At Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo Store

Above, the entrance to Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store.

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" At Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo Store

by Armand Vaquer

Yes, the title says it all! Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store in downtown Los Angeles is now carrying The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan in their travel book section.

Above, "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" on display.

They were delivered this morning to the store. The store is located in Little Tokyo's Weller Court (upstairs). Just look for the memorial to the space shuttle Challenger and you'll be at Weller Court.

Their address is 123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Street, Suite 205, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Telephone (213) 687-4480. Kinokuniya Bookstores' Little Tokyo store is open seven days from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

I've been going to Kinokuniya in Little Tokyo for years. I make it a point to pick up a new Japanese calendar there every year. They also carry many books on kaiju and anime along with a selection of DVDs. They also occasionally carry kaiju toys.

Above, yours truly delivering the Japan monster travel guide.

If you've never been to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, you are in for a treat. It will give you a little bit of Tokyo flavor with plenty of shops and Japanese restaurants to choose from.

Doctor Who Visual Dictionary Updated 10th Edition Book

Sources: Entertainment Earth / DK Books

Doctor Who Visual Dictionary Updated 10th Edition Book:

Everything you need to know about the Time Lords!
An extensive companion to Doctor Who!
Makes a great gift!

Now updated with all the latest information on all your Doctor Who favorites! The book goes beyond the story lines to examine the characters, aliens, weapons and curiosities that are all in a day's work for the Doctor. Entries are illustrated with annotated photography and specially commissioned cross-section artworks.

Doctor Who: The Visual Dictionary updates the entries of Davros and his Daleks, the rhino-headed Judoon and the Doctor's companions Martha Jones and Captain Jack. Forty additional pages introduce and explore all-new characters like the formidable Donna Noble, the Family of Blood and their Scarecrow Henchmen, the warmongering Sontaran and the childlike, but deadly, Toclafane.

Fire up the TARDIS and delve into this extraordinary tome! This 144-page, full-color hardcover book reveals all about the mysterious time traveler known only as "The Doctor." Includes detailed information on the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Doctors.

Order Yours Today For Only $24.99!

Here are some actual pages from the "Doctor Who Visual Dictionary 10th Edition":







See Also: Johnny Depp Confirmed As The Big Screen Doctor? / Doctor Who vs The Yeti - Merry Christmas! / New Toy Wednesday! - 11 Doctors, Limited Edition Spock Kit, Gundam, Vampirella And Some Killer Anime Cleavage! / New Toy Tuesday! Classic Star Trek vs Classic Doctor Who, A Slave Girl & The Creature! / Karen Gillan Talks About Playing Amy Pond On Doctor Who / Doctor Who To Make A 'Whistle-Stop' Tour Of The UK / A New Doctor - A New Logo / John Simm Promises That Tennant's Doctor Will Get A 'Brilliant Send-Off' / A Sneak Peek At The The Ultimate Monster Guide And Other Doctor Who Tidbits / 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' Scribe Richard Curtis To Write For Doctor Who / The Name Is 'Who'......'Doctor Who' / Doctor Who Black And White Action Figures - Second Doctor & Cyberman / The First Look At The Animated Doctor Who From Dreamland / Doctor Who Star David Tennant Sends 'Postcard' From America / Doctor Who - Filming Begins For The 11th Doctor / Doctor Who: The Waters Of Mars - Sneak Preview / Euros Lyn To Helm Doctor Who Movie For 2011? / Torchwood: Children Earth Doctor Who On BBC America In July / The Doctors New Traveling Companion Will Be Karen Gillan / Tennant's Doctor Making The Move From TV To Big Screen / The Doctor Makes A Surprise Appearance On The Sarah Jane Adventures / Gillian Anderson To Guest Star On Doctor Who / Doctor Who Theme Voted Best On Online Poll / Simpson And Bennett Named As Producers For Doctor Who / David Tennant And Michelle Ryan Talk About Doctor Who: Planet Of The Dead / Doctor Who - Planet Of The Dead

Sexy Gyo figure features

Have you heard about Gyo?

It's a Japanese manga by Junji Ito

Here's a little sculpture of it.

:)

To see more of André's sculpture work, head over to this Conceptart.org forum thread.

And if you haven't read the manga, go to mangahut.com.

Do Not Make The Mistake I Made Today

Balogun Market

I lost $600 today at the over-crowded Balogun market in Lagos, Nigeria.

I went to meet with two business women and bought a bag for my Sweetest. The whole place was congested as thousands of people were buying and selling goods and the Christmas shopping makes Balogun to buzz with activities. I needed $600 to pay my editor for my new book. I decided to patronize the local foreign exchange dealers nearby and paid them N82, 800 for $600. I never suspected that they were fake and I left to make the money transfer at the Zenith Bank nearby. Whilst I was waiting, I asked one of the workers to check the dollars and he discovered that they were fake. I was disappointed and upset, but not shocked, because sharp practices are common on the streets of Lagos. This was my first time of being duped. The three criminals must be happy that they got away with my hard earned money and delayed the payment of my editor. They reminded me of the characters in Conspiracy of Lagos.

Do not make the mistake I made today.

Behind Monalisa's smile

One of my favorite part from Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code novel..

...'Has anyone here ever heard of an Egyptian god named Amon?'
'Hell yes!' the big guy said. 'God of masculine fertility! Langdon was stunned.
'It says so on every box of Amon condoms.' The muscular man gave a wide grin. 'It's got a guy with a ram's head on the front and says he's Egyptian god of ferility.'

Langdon was not familiar with the brand name, but he was glad to hear the prophylactic manufacturers had got their hieroglyphs right. 'Well done. amon is indeed represented as a man with a ram's head, and his promiscuity and curved horns are related to our modern sexual slang "horny".'

'No shit!'

'No shit,' Langdon said. 'And do you know who Amon's counterpart was? The Egyptian goddess of fertility?'

The question met with several seconds of silence.
'It was Isis,' Langdon told them, grabbing a grease pen. 'So we have the male god, Amon.' He wrote it down. 'And he female goddess, Isis, whose ancient pictogram was once called L'ISA'
Langdon finished writing and stepped back from the projector.

AMON L'ISA

'Ring any bells?' he asked
'Mona Lisa...holy crap,' somebody gasped.
Langdon nodded. Gentleman, not only does the face of Mona Lisa look androgynous, but her name is an anagram of the divine union of male and female. And that, my friend, is Da Vinci's little secret, and the reason for Mona Lisa's knowing smile.'


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I don't try to make you people believe on this one..
I just....share what I like..
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