Color Cuties

An experiment, Sharpie markers on card stock...

Smoothed out a bit by digital colorist Jim Ludwig

A Quick Look: WAR OF THE MONSTERS (1966/67 - color)

   WAR OF THE MONSTERS was the second film to star Gamera the giant, fire-eating, flying, prehistoric turtle. It's also one of the best Japanese giant monster movies of the boom kicked off by the runaway success of Godzilla. In the previous film, GAMMERA THE INVINCIBLE, an atomic explosion released from the ice the monster Gammera, who naturally hit Tokyo while on his world tour. Scientists finally stopped Gammera by trapping him in the nosecone of a tremendous rocket and blasting him into space. As WAR OF THE MONSTERS picks up, a meteor smashes into Gammera's orbiting prison and releases the terror. (Actually, for the rest of the series, his name is spelled with only one M, as they were handled by a different company than the one that released the first film.) While Gamera searches the globe for sources of intense heat to feed on, some explorers trek into a forbidden jungle to recover what one fella thinks is a rare gem. Turns out the gem is actually the egg of a generational dinosaur called Barugon. In times past, the natives would use a big diamond to lure Barugon into the sea where he would dissolve. Unfortunately, this new Barugon is mutated and loose in Japan. Gamera shows up and gives battle, but is quickly outmatched by the new guy. Will he win the rematch? While GAMMERA THE INVINCIBLE had been a successful theatrical release, AIP-TV scooped up the sequel and released it directly to the small screen. It played for decades, until more or less replaced by a new dub issued on video by Sandy Frank, under the title "Gamera vs Barugon" in the 80's. In more recent years, a scope transfer of the Japanese print hit the market, but the release lacked either dub track. The old AIP dub was vastly superior to the later Frank dub, which was the "international dub" if I recall correctly, but AIP's version was also edited for time constraints (which means you can't simply lay the superior dub onto the scope Japanese version). Despite those complications, though, the film was a very well-made, moody, and rather adult drama. Way back in the original Japanese release, it was noticed this more adult take failed to keep the kiddies in their seats, and the following films would get increasingly goofy in their efforts to entertain children.

A Quick Look: THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE (1962)

   THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE predates the disaster cycle of the 70's by nearly a decade, although it captures a lot of the same elements. In it, a divorced newspaperman strikes up a relationship with a pretty secretary as the world starts to suffer bizarre and increasingly destructive happenings. It seems a pair of atom bomb tests have caused a chain reaction that's thrown the planet off her axis and is pushing her nearer and nearer the sun. British film is written for adults (in fact Janet Munro filmed a small nude scene for the film, although it was cut before the film was released). Even so, the story is gripping and it becomes increasingly so as civilization deteriorates in the face of growing cataclysm. Although technically a science fiction picture, it remains serious drama throughout, and actually makes for a pretty good look at newspaper production back when the format was still the main outlet for news on breaking events. Cynicism and earnestness are balanced nicely, with some very natural performances from all. A shame the film is so obscure.

A Quick Look: CRITTERS (1984 - color)

   This film was a major hit, spawning three sequels. This first film is the best one, though, sporting the firmest script and best dialog. CRITTERS told the story of a rural family that finds their house infested with intelligent, flesh-eating creatures that have escaped from an inter-galactic prison. A pair of alien bounty hunters hit town in pursuit. The film is a perfect example of how screenwriters in the 80's had a much better feel for Small Town USA than have the writers come since. The second film is pretty good, too, although a bit bigger in presentation. It lacks the intimacy and overall meat of the first film, no pun intended. The third entry has it's moments, but the fourth one killed the franchise. Those looking for a decent 80's monster movie will find the original film delivers in full.

A Quick Look: VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS (1965 - color)

   Believe it or not, the H.G. Wells novel The Food Of The Gods wasn't adapted to the screen until 1965, at which time it formed a very loose basis for Bert Gordon's JD monster flick, VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS. In the film, a gang of rowdy (and quite possibly stoned, if their early behavior is any indication) teenagers crash their car near an isolated, idyllic all-American small town. In this town lives scientific prodigy Genius, played by Ronny Howard. Genius accidentally creates an edible substance dubbed Goo. Goo causes fantastic growth which turns a housecat into a cattle-sized beast, thus presenting some intriguing economic possibilities. Tommy Kirk feeds some Goo to a pair of ducks, which soon make the scene at the local go-go joint. While the town enjoys a massive barbecue, the rowdy gang plots to steal the Goo. Somewhat short-sighted, considering what the substance is worth, the group consumes the Goo and balloon to massive size. They quickly take over the town and declare martial law on adults. Now Kirk, Howard, and the rest of the kids in town must mount an effort to win back their hamlet from the giant fingers of Beau Bridges and his toughs. Partly a traditional B science fiction picture, VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS also tries to play to the audiences of the then-popular beach cycle. Though not an out and out comedy like those pictures, our subject is rather wild and light in tone for much of it's runtime. Conversely, the giant delinquents are truly frightening menaces gone mad with power. Their overthrow of town is presented in a straight-forward and disturbingly believable fashion. Kirk's near death in battling a giant tarantula is fairly suspenseful stuff, too. Ultimately, the film seems unsure as to which tone it should embrace. Still, 60's pop is all over this movie, and it remains delightful fun. Girl watchers will in particular dig this one. I will note that the giant body part props (with the exception of Joy Harmon's massive bust) are patently goofy-looking. Bert Gordon would later do a straighter adaptation of THE FOOD OF THE GODS, though that star-studded epic fell victim to 70's relevancy. It's a fairly intriguing picture in it's own right, but it's hardly Gordon's best work. Neither is VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS, but it's such breezy fun it's hard to take much issue with it!

My favorite gag from Cartoon Cuties...

This is a panel detail from a story which will appear in the second issue of Cartoon Cuties. The first issue is coming soon...

Never....