8.28.19
This summer has been one of nostalgia and of a return to my childhood memories. The Godzilla fandom in the United States is small compared to others but strong and well connected. Growing up as a Godzilla fan in the 70s through the early 90s it was nearly impossible to meet anyone from Toho until the first G-Con (aka G-Fest). All we had were Saturday afternoon Godzilla movies broadcasted on our local TV channels and we were lucky if we found Japanese Godzilla books and collectibles. I was one of the lucky ones who had a handful of books that I never put down. One of my favorite books was「3D怪獣全集 (Complete Monster Collection) Monsters Catalogue in 3D ファンタスティックコレクション (Fantastic Collection) No.38」edited by Masahiro Oda (構成/小田雅弘) and published by 朝日ソノラマ (Asahi Sonorama). I bought this book from Rocketships & Accessories in 1984. The pages were full of many Godzilla and Ultraman garage kits and model. The pages are full of good information about each Showa Godzilla incarnation and more. The back cover was a full ad of the latest Bandai figures and toys.