Day two of G-FEST XXI began with me snoozing soundly in the comfy hotel bed before getting the distinct impression I was being stared at. I cracked open an eyeball to see my ten year old son, Luke, looking at me intently. “Shouldn’t we be getting downstairs to the convention?” he asked. I checked my phone and it was 5:30am. “Um…go back to sleep!” But at that point it was too late…we were up. Thank God the room had a coffee machine.
We ate breakfast which I’d packed along and then I got ready (Luke was already dressed of course) and, by 9am, I’m pretty sure he’d asked me “is it time to go down yet?” somewhere in the double digits. Patience is definitely not his strong suit. Finally we headed downstairs so we could get him signed up for the Godzilla video game tournament before the big competition began later that morning. This gave me time to check out the Art room (which you saw in the last post) and then, my favorite G-FEST feature of them all, the model room!
The room was set up the same as last year and at the same location Svengoolie signed autographs during Flashback Weekend last September. This time it was divided into two sections; one where modeling maverick, Stan Hyde, could oversee forums and discussions on monster crafting and the other showcasing this years’ contestants. In another room nearby was a spot where kids could pick up their own model kits ($10 each with a limited number available) and create their own monster. I believe the featured kaiju was Megalon but I never got to see it as Luke wasn’t in the least bit interested interest in participating; remaining solely focused on the video tournament. Now had this been me, it would have been the other way around…these darn Godzilla kids today!
Okay, I’m gonna shut-up now so you can enjoy this year’s entries. Let me just mention that I really loved the “60th Anniversary of Godzilla” set which had models representing all the differing Godzilla suits/designs from the last three decades (with the exception of the Tri-Star Godzilla 98’…go figure?). Even the latest 2014 US Godzilla was in attendance…albeit as a toy. With the success of the film, I’m curious what great models it will inspire at future events.
As we were early, some entries were still making their way in. This young and extremely talented guy named Krys Baoia created a Godzilla carved from foam rubber. It was about four feet tall and really fantastic!
Another homemade creation that I loved was the super-sized vulture (turkey) monster from 1957’s The Giant Claw. This low-budget film is a something I like watching on Thanksgiving (and was mentioned in my list of films appropriate for the holiday seen HERE) and I was so happy to see him make an appearance at G-FEST!
There was another non-Japanese monster I like seeing at G-FEST too – 1953’s The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. Ray Harryhausen’s stop motion monster was said to have inspired Godzilla and has always been one of my all-time favorite vintage movies.
More great models…
Dave Fuentes~
Terror from Beyond the Dave 
Very impressive!
Have you seen the Hallmark Godzilla Christmas ornament? It’s a tie in to the recent movie. They also have a very nice Frankenstein ornament this year.
Thanks for the comment, Tygercat! Yes, I did see that new ornament and I think it looks great! I always seem to miss those Godzilla ornaments so thanks for reminding me to get on that.