Godzilla is one of the most iconic giant monsters in cinema history. First introduced in 1954, Godzilla has appeared in over 30 films produced by the Japanese studio Toho. While the original 1954 film portrayed Godzilla as a dangerous threat, later films started depicting him as a protagonist defending Earth from other monsters. This change led to Godzilla becoming a pop culture icon and beloved character.
One of the most memorable incarnations of Godzilla is the baby form nicknamed “Baby Godzilla.” Appearing for the first time in the 1993 film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Baby Godzilla quickly became a fan favorite. His cute appearance and bond with human characters contrasted sharply with Godzilla’s normally fearsome image. But does Baby Godzilla still exist in the current Godzilla franchise?
Background on Baby Godzilla
In Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Baby Godzilla hatches from an egg discovered by scientists on Adonoa Island. Genetic testing confirms the hatchling is Godzilla’s offspring. When Godzilla arrives on the island seeking his child, Baby Godzilla imprints on and forms a close bond with a human scientist named Azusa Gojo.
Baby Godzilla demonstrates some radioactive abilities akin to his father, such as an atomic ray fired from his mouth. But he is largely helpless and dependent on Azusa for care and protection. She ends up raising him after the film’s climactic battle.
The character next appeared in the 1995 film Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. Referred to as “Little Godzilla,” he has grown substantially but remains smaller and more docile than his father. When Godzilla is killed at the film’s conclusion, Little Godzilla absorbs his radiation and grows into a full-fledged adult Godzilla.
Baby Godzilla’s Absence in Recent Films
Baby Godzilla/Little Godzilla has not appeared in a Godzilla film since 1995’s Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. The subsequent films produced by Toho in the late 1990’s ignored his existence and featured only the regular Godzilla.
When Toho revived the franchise in the 2000’s for its Millennium series of films, each movie (with one exception) was set in its own self-contained continuity. So the various incarnations of Godzilla in these films had no connection to the Baby Godzilla character.
The MonsterVerse films produced by Legendary Pictures (Godzilla 2014, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) similarly presented rebooted standalone versions of Godzilla unrelated to past movies. The most recent Toho production, 2016’s Shin Godzilla, was also a standalone reboot that did not reference past continuities.
Could Baby Godzilla Return?
While Baby Godzilla’s absence spans over 25 years now, there are still possibilities for the character to return in future Godzilla movies:
- Toho could produce a direct sequel to 1995’s Godzilla vs. Destoroyah that picks up with the adult Godzilla who grew from Baby Godzilla.
- A Millennium series film could reuse the Baby Godzilla concept but present an alternate standalone version not tied to previous movies.
- The MonsterVerse could introduce its own version of Baby Godzilla that exists independently from the original.
- Baby Godzilla could be incorporated into future animated or comic book stories which are not bound to Godzilla film continuity.
So while Baby Godzilla’s days appearing in main Godzilla films may be over, the potential remains for him to be reintroduced in the right movie or spin-off project. His enduring popularity with fans makes his return plausible if the filmmakers see fit. Only time will tell if movie audiences will ever get to coo over the cute hatchling kaiju again.
The History and Origins of Baby Godzilla
Baby Godzilla, sometimes referred to as Little Godzilla, is a kaiju monster that first appeared alongside Godzilla in the 1993 Toho film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. He is the offspring of the iconic monster Godzilla and went on to make several memorable appearances in later Godzilla movies. Here is an overview of the character’s history and origins:
Conception and Design
Baby Godzilla was conceived during the development of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, the 20th anniversary film of the Heisei era Godzilla series. Screenwriter Wataru Mimura envisioned introducing Godzilla’s offspring to give the movie a familial theme and present a baby kaiju that would appeal to children. Baby Godzilla’s design aimed to make him cute but still resemble his father. Key features included large eyes, short limbs, a round body shape, and small dorsal fins on his back.
Debut in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II
Baby Godzilla first appears onscreen hatching from an egg on Adonoa Island. A team of scientists led by Azusa Gojo discover the egg with a fetal Godzilla inside. After hatching, Baby quickly imprints on Azusa and forms an emotional bond with his human caretaker. When Godzilla arrives on the island seeking his child, Azusa protects Baby from the ensuing carnage. At the film’s conclusion, Baby heads out to sea accompanied by Azusa, with whom he will remain.
Later Appearances
In Baby Godzilla’s next appearance in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, he has grown substantially and is called Little Godzilla. He helps revive the dying Godzilla and absorbs his radiation to grow into a full-sized Godzilla at the movie’s end. This marked the onscreen debut of Baby’s transformation into an adult Godzilla. Baby Godzilla also appeared in the TV show Godziban and the comic series Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, expanding the character’s stories beyond his film appearances.
Reception and Impact
Baby Godzilla quickly became one of the most popular characters in the Godzilla franchise, especially among young fans enamored with his cute appearance. Toys and other merchandise featuring Baby proved very successful. Elements of his design influenced later kaiju like Godzilla Junior and Minilla. Baby Godzilla also paved the way for introducing child and baby kaiju in movies like Gamera the Brave and Pacific Rim: Uprising that formed bonds with human characters. Overall, he remains one of Godzilla’s most beloved allies.
Baby Godzilla’s Powers and Abilities
As the offspring of Godzilla, Baby Godzilla possesses special powers and abilities that he uses to survive and fight alongside his father. Here is an overview of Baby Godzilla’s skills and attributes that make him a force to be reckoned with:
Atomic Breath
Baby Godzilla’s foremost ability is his atomic breath, a focused blue radioactive ray he fires from his mouth. While not as powerful as Godzilla’s version, it can still inflict damage and explosive impacts. He first uses it in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II to blast a robot copy of Godzilla called MechaGodzilla.
Durability
With skin and scales designed to withstand damage, Baby Godzilla exhibits a high degree of durability for a kaiju of his size. He can take fierce blows and blasts without incurring major injury. This aids his survival against the much larger kaiju he encounters.
Amphibiousness
Like Godzilla, Baby Godzilla can spend extended periods in and underwater. He demonstrates impressive swimming capabilities despite his short limbs. This amphibiousness affords tactical advantages in aquatic battles.
Nuclear Energy Absorption
Baby Godzilla’s cells can absorb and metabolize nuclear and atomic energy, fueling his growth. This manifests in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah when exposure to Godzilla’s radiation causes Baby to rapidly increase in size and maturity.
Regeneration
He can regenerate tissue and recover from wounds at an accelerated rate. When Baby Godzilla loses a hand battling Destoroyah, he quickly regrows it within minutes. This healing factor enhances his resilience.
Physical Strength
As Baby Godzilla grows, so does his physical strength and power. In his Little Godzilla form, he could hold his own battling Destoroyah and even lift and throw the massive kaiju. This makes him a formidable ally to Godzilla.
Baby Godzilla’s Allies and Enemies
Throughout his appearances in Godzilla films, Baby Godzilla has faced off against dangerous kaiju foes and fought alongside some powerful allies. Here are some of the notable friends and enemies of Baby Godzilla over the years:
Allies
- Godzilla – As his father, Godzilla shares a close bond with Baby and works to protect him from harm.
- Mothra – The massive moth kaiju assists Baby Godzilla in battle against Mechagodzilla.
- Rodan – Though initially hostile, Rodan later accepts Baby as an ally against Mechagodzilla.
- Azusa Gojo – The kindly scientist who raises Baby Godzilla and vows to always protect him.
Enemies
- Mechagodzilla – The robotic doppelganger created to destroy Godzilla is one of Baby’s earliest foes.
- Destoroyah – The crustacean beast battles fiercely with Little Godzilla during its rampage.
- Fire Rodan – A rage-filled version of Rodan confronts Baby before joining his side.
- Gigan – This hooked claw-handed kaiju menaced Baby Godzilla in the Godzilla: Rulers of Earth comic.
Baby Godzilla’s bonds with friendly kaiju and humans help counter the threat from his monstrous opponents. His allies offer protection and aid to the young kaiju.
Baby Godzilla’s Cultural Impact and Legacy
Despite limited film appearances, Baby Godzilla left a lasting impact on the Godzilla franchise and kaiju genre. Here are some of the notable ways he influenced pop culture:
Popularity in Japan
Baby Godzilla became immensely popular among children in Japan. Toys, books, school supplies, and other merchandise featuring the cute kaiju sold very well after his debut film. This demonstrated his strong appeal to young audiences.
Inspired Other Baby Kaiju
Seeing Baby Godzilla’s success, Toho introduced other baby versions of kaiju like Anguirus and Rodan. His impact also extended to kaiju from other studios, like infant kaiju in the Gamera and Pacific Rim films.
Softened Godzilla’s Image
Having a baby version of the King of the Monsters aided efforts to portray Godzilla in a more sympathetic, heroic light compared to his early villainous characterization.
Enduring Popularity
Even long after his last film role, Baby Godzilla remains a fan favorite for Godzilla devotees of all ages. His designs and films enjoy nostalgic appeal.
Merchandising Legacy
Toys featuring Baby Godzilla produced in the 1990’s remain sought-after collector’s items. Companies continue producing new Baby Godzilla products for modern fans.
Though brief, Baby Godzilla’s time on film left an endearing legacy. For introducing a nurturing side of the fearsome Godzilla, the character maintains a cherished place in kaiju history.
Notable Baby Godzilla Toys and Merchandise
As one of the most popular kaiju creations of the 1990’s, Baby Godzilla spawned a wide array of merchandise and collectibles sold in Japan. Here are some of the notable Baby Godzilla toys and products that allowed fans to bring home the lovable monster:
Bandai Japan Vinyl Figures
Bandai’s vinyl Godzilla figures ranked among the most coveted kaiju toys of the era. Their Baby Godzilla editions featured accurate sculpts capturing his cute essence in collectible form. Some included battle damage detail.
Y-MSF Baby Godzilla
The Y-MSF (Yuji Sakai Modeling Support Goods) series of kaiju garage kits made a Baby Godzilla that fans could assemble and paint. It included a full-color Baby Godzilla figure plus an unpainted “damaged version.”
Marmit Baby Godzilla Vinyl Models
Marmit produced PVC models of Baby Godzilla in both regular and wounded editions that included removable bandages. The figures replicated Baby’s onscreen battle damage.
Bandai Japan Talking Plush Dolls
Plush talking dolls of Baby Godzilla produced electronic roars when squeezed. Different models featured Baby standing, sitting, or popping out of an egg.
Trendmasters Baby Godzilla Action Figure
The American toy company Trendmasters released a 10-inch Baby Godzilla figure for the international market featuring poseable limbs and a fierce facial expression.
Baby Godzilla Storybooks
Japanese publishers put out numerous children’s books telling original tales of Baby Godzilla’s adventures. These often focused on his friendships with young kids.
Fans still seek out Baby Godzilla merchandise old and new to add to their collections. For kaiju toy collectors, few items have more appeal than those featuring Godzilla’s adorable baby boy.
Key Facts About Baby Godzilla
Baby Godzilla has a long legacy as one of the most endearing kaiju in the Godzilla franchise. Here are some key facts about this iconic monster character:
- First appeared in 1993’s Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II
- Stands approximately 30 meters tall
- Weighs around 20,000 metric tons
- Possesses trademark Godzilla abilities like atomic breath
- Exhibits uncanny learning capacity and intelligence
- Bonds closely with human scientist Azusa Gojo
- Evolves into Little Godzilla, then Full-Grown Godzilla
- Helped defeat monsters like Mechagodzilla and Destoroyah
- One of Toho’s biggest merchandise successes of the 1990’s
- Never appeared in American Godzilla films
- Nicknamed “Baby Zilla” by some Western fans
- Known for cute appearance despite kaiju origins
With his unique backstory and lovable personality, Baby Godzilla became ingrained in Godzilla lore despite limited film appearances. His cultural impact and whimsical charm earned him a special place in kaiju fandom. For monster historians and casual fans alike, looking back on Baby Godzilla’s origins and exploits never fails to bring a smile.