When it comes to the world of giant monsters, few have left as big an impact as Godzilla. The King of the Monsters has been terrorizing cities and battling other kaiju for over six decades now, and shows no signs of slowing down. However, one of the most beloved and unique entries in the Godzilla franchise is undoubtedly the film that introduced Jet Jaguar.
Introducing Jet Jaguar
Jet Jaguar is a robot that was created by a young boy named Goro Ibuki in the 1973 Toho film, “Godzilla vs. Megalon”. After Megalon, a giant beetle kaiju, is unleashed by an underwater race of beings called the Seatopians, Goro activates Jet Jaguar to help stop the monster. However, things get even more complicated when Godzilla himself appears to help out.
Jet Jaguar is a unique character in the Godzilla franchise, as he was not a pre-existing kaiju like many of the other monsters that appear in the films. Instead, he was created specifically for “Godzilla vs. Megalon” by screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa.
Godzilla vs. Megalon
“Godzilla vs. Megalon” was released in 1973 and was the 13th film in the Godzilla franchise. The movie was directed by Jun Fukuda and featured a score by composer Riichiro Manabe. In addition to Jet Jaguar and Megalon, the film also introduced Gigan, another popular kaiju who would go on to appear in later films.
The movie was not initially well-received by critics or audiences, but has since gained a cult following due to its unique characters and over-the-top action sequences. The film is often praised for its use of practical effects and model work, which still hold up well today.
Jet Jaguar’s Legacy
Despite only appearing in one film, Jet Jaguar has remained a popular character in the Godzilla franchise. He has appeared in various video games, toys, and even inspired a spin-off comic book series. In 2018, it was announced that Jet Jaguar would be featured in the upcoming film, “Godzilla: Singular Point”, which is set to be released in 2021.
Overall, “Godzilla vs. Megalon” remains a unique and memorable entry in the Godzilla franchise, thanks in large part to the introduction of Jet Jaguar. While the movie may not be for everyone, it is certainly worth watching for fans of giant monster movies or those looking for a bit of cheesy 70s fun.
