A First-Time Monster Con Experience

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" during our February photo shoot.

As a veteran of many different conventions over the years, I've accumulated a lot of photos of myself with celebrities. This year I decided to take a different approach at Monsterpalooza.

I asked my The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan model Miki Hayashi to assist me at the sales table during my presentation, "Scene To Seen" at this year's Monsterpalooza. My daughter was originally going to help, but a three-week bought with the flu made that an impossibility. Miki agreed to do so.

She is originally from Kyoto, Japan (her parents now live in Osaka) and she never attended a monster convention before. So this was a new experience for her.

She attends college in Orange County and it took her about two hours to get to my house in Tarzana Friday evening. Once she arrived and after freshening up, we headed to Monsterpalooza in Burbank (about 15 miles away).

Once we got there, we stood in line to get in. While doing so, we spotted Haruo Nakajima and his daughter Sonoe on the walkway between the convention center and the main Marriott Hotel building. Sonoe and I spotted each other and gave big waves and she motioned to her dad of my presence. He smiled and waved also.



After getting our wristbands, Miki and I went over to the Nakajima table. I introduced Miki to Sonoe Nakajima. I asked Miki if she'd like an autographed photo of Mr. Nakajima (my treat), she said yes. She picked out the beautifully colorized photo of Mr. Nakajima in a Godzilla suit (with the proceeds going to Japan earthquake relief). She had Mr. Nakajima sign it and then we had her pose for a couple of pictures with The Man (above).

Miki, by this point, was beaming. She said that Mr. Nakajima is "very famous" in Japan and it was a thrill to meet him. She can't wait to email the photos I took to her parents in Japan.

During the time we were at Monsterpalooza, I introduced Miki to a number of prominent G-fans including Richard Pusateri, Steve Ryfle, Peter H. Brothers, Bob Johnson and others.



We then wandered around the convention, first taking in the museum exhibits. Miki appeared to be awe-struck by the figures on display. I asked her if she'd like a photo of her (above) with one and she agreed. She wants to send that one to her parents as well.

After the museum, we wandered around the vendors area. She and Julie Adams (Creature From The Black Lagoon) talked about Miss Adams' USO visit to Tokyo during the Korean War.

After seeing the vendors area, we went back into the lobby and bumped into Godzilla (and other monsters) suit-maker Shinichi Wakasa, who was buying himself a beer at a small bar set up in the lobby. I introduced Miki to him and they had a brief conversation in Japanese. I then took a picture of Miki with Wakasa (below).



At this point, I had to get my things for the "Scene To Seen" presentation at the theater in the main building of the Marriott from the car. After doing so we headed over to the presentation room and met up with Peter H. Brothers and his friend Gordon.

Following our presentations, Miki and I headed for Kabuki Japanese Restaurant in the media center area of Burbank, but once we got there, we found that the waiting list was long and we's have at least a 25 minute wait before being seated. So we went instead a few doors away to Fuddrucker's for dinner. We didn't care what we ate, we were both starved.

After dinner, we headed back to my residence and Miki headed back home in the Long Beach area.

The next day, I received this very nice note from Miki:

Hi Armand,

Thank you so much for last night. I had a great time, the event was very interesting.

And thanks for pictures. I was so happy to see the Godzilla guy and take pictures with him.

And I'm glad that your presentation went very well.

Thanks again
Miki

It was fun photographing Miki at the convention and enjoyed watching her experience a monster convention for the first time. I think it comes through in the pictures.

Godzilla Takes Burbank: NBC Interviews Haruo Nakajima At Monsterpalooza

Above, Haruo Nakajima with Miki Hayashi at Monsterpalooza Friday night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Veteran Godzilla suit-actor Haruo Nakajima was interviewed by the Los Angeles affiliate of NBC News at Monsterpalooza.

To view the interview video, go here.

Monsterpalooza: Day One Report

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Carla Laemmle, 101 (born October 20, 1909), the last surviving actress of the 1931 "Dracula" and the niece of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle, enjoyed talking with fans.

Here's my report on the first day at Monsterpalooza.

The convention itself was loaded to the Gill Man's gills with things to see and people to meet. I was able to meet Bela Lugosi, Jr. and we talked about how I came upon his Inglewood telephone book listing when I lived in nearby Hawthorne.

Above, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello meet Frankenstein again in Monsterpalooza's museum.

Miki Hayashi discussed Japan with actress Julie Adams (Creature From The Black Lagoon). Adams said she was in Japan once for a USO show in the 1950s when the Korean War broke out.

Miki got Haruo Nakajima's autograph and posed for a photo with him. Earlier, she said that he is very famous in Japan. She is from Kyoto, Japan.

Above, the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima with Miki Hayashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Later, I introduced Miki to kaiju suitmaker Shinichi Wakasa (below). Wakasa was the primary Godzilla suit maker for the Millennium Series of G-films.



Monsterpalooza's museum again was loaded with some great wax figures that didn't disappoint attendees.

Above, Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Wolf Man prowled Monsterpalooza's museum.

At 7:00, I headed over to catch Peter H. Brothers's talk (below) on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda and prepared the table for sales of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. At 8:00, my presentation on Japanese monster locations began. Pete and I shared the table out side of the ballroom for book sales.



Although both of our presentations were well-received, unfortunately, the room for the presentations was away from the convention center and in the main hotel. (This was to make room for more vendors.) This resulted in a sparse attendance for our presentations. We each had about 35-45 attendees. Additionally, the people of the next presentation, "Zombies From The Supermarket" (John Naulin) sabotaged our book sales by grabbing the table immediately following my presentation. We were promised a table before and after our presentations. What gave them the right to grab our table?

Above, Miki in the Monsterpalooza museum.

The Monsterpalooza staff tried to get people over for the presentations by making announcements over a p.a. system, but we were told that the noise in the convention center drowned out the announcements. At past Monsterpaloozas, the presentations took place in the convention center, which was easily accessed. Having the room for presentations away from the convention center is like being out in the boonies. The Monsterpalooza planners need to address this problem for future shows.

Above, my "Scene To Seen" presentation in progress. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

Following my presentation (and table fiasco), Miki and I left for dinner at Fuddrucker's in the media center area of Burbank. We were both starved. We both enjoyed our meals.

Above, following my "Scene To Seen" presentation. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

Despite the aforementioned glitches, Monsterpalooza was fun. I'll be heading back today to take more of it in.

MONSTERPALOOZA THIS WEEKEND!

by Armand Vaquer


Monsterpalooza is only two days away in "beautiful downtown Burbank!" Actually, it is at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, just across the street from Bob Hope Airport at 2500 Hollywood Way.

Monsterpalooza will be held April 8-10.

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will be making his first appearance in Southern California since 2000 and it will likely be his last appearance in North America. So don't miss this chance to meet the original Godzilla!

He will be signing books and posters and will gladly pose with fans for photographs. Nakajima will also be taking part in the following panels (click on images to view larger):





Along with Haruo Nakajima, there's plenty more for Japanese science-fiction fans!

Peter H. Brothers will kick-off opening day at Monsterpalooza with his presentation of Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda, which is based on his book of the same name.



Following Brothers Friday night, I will be presenting "Scene To Seen," a look at locations and landmarks used in your favorite giant Japanese monster movies based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.



Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda and The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available for purchase before and after the sessions.

Additionally, there will be dealers with Japanese monster toys including Clawmark Toys and Toyfreak.

Don't miss out on a great weekend of monsters!

For additional information, go here.

1950s Sci-Fi Presentation Added To Monsterpalooza

by Armand Vaquer

A presentation on 1950s science-fiction movies has been added to the opening day (April 8) Friday night line-up of Monsterpalooza:


(Click on image to view larger.)

The presentation features Bill Warren, Ted Newsom and "Mr. Dino" himself, Donald F. Glut.

Above, Don Glut and Armand in 2007.

It will take place following my presentation on Japanese monster locations, but in the AFM room at 9:00 PM at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

Monsterpalooza Two Weeks From Now

by Armand Vaquer

(Click on image to view larger.)



The presentation of Japanese monster movie locations, "Scene To Seen" for Monsterpalooza is taking shape. I've assembled about 90% of the photographs I plan to use during the one-hour presentation on Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM (exactly two weeks from tonight). Mark your calendars!

I was stuck at home waiting for a phone call on an insurance claim matter the other day, so I put the time to excellent use working on the presentation.

The presentation is based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, which will be available before and after the presentation. I will be assisted by model Miki Hayashi (below). I will be following Peter H. Brothers' presentation on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda.



Monsterpalooza will be held on April 8-10 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, which is located across the street from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank at 2500 Hollywood Way.

There will be plenty of things for kaiju fans and non-kaiju fans at Monsterpalooza this year. The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will be in attendance and will have his autobiography available. Also, giclees poster prints celebrating Nakajima's career will be available. The full amount of these giclees will be going directly to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund.

It is shaping up to be a great show just like the first two previous Monsterpaloozas. It is the best monster and horror show I've ever been to. Do yourself a great favor and attend!

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go to their official website.

Monsterpalooza's Kaiju Kick-Off

Left, Peter H. Brothers. Right, below, Armand Vaquer.




Monsterpalooza's official website now has the events of the show arranged by date and time.

Monsterpalooza will be held April 8-10, 2011 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center (across from Bob Hope Airport).



Monsterpalooza kicks off with Peter H. Brothers' presentation (above) on Godzilla director Ishiro Honda at 7:00 PM Friday, April 8. My presentation on Japanese monster movie locations immediately follows at 8:00 PM.



Pete's book, Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fanstastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda and my Japan travel guide, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available before and after our presentations. We both will be happy to autograph them for you!

Remember, also, "Mr. Godzilla" himself, Haruo Nakajima will be at Monsterpalooza!

Above, Haruo Nakajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To view the events page, go here.

Monsterpalooza Presentation Change

by Armand Vaquer

(Click on image to view larger.)

This morning, I received word from Eliot Brodsky, the head honcho of Monsterpalooza, that he's re-titled my presentation and he also sent me the new promo artwork with the change (above).

He expects to have the change posted on the official Monsterpalooza website on Monday.

The presentation is based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Japanese Science-Fiction At Monsterpalooza

by Armand Vaquer



(Click on images to view larger.)

The upcoming Monsterpalooza on April 8-10 is the third show.

The inaugural show came in 2009 at the Burbank Marriott and Convention Center (across the street from Bob Hope Airport) and it was very impressive. The show was loaded with guests, exhibits, actors, vendors, directors, producers, screenwriters, authors, make-up artists and many other frightful things for the monster fan.

As good as the previous shows were, Japanese science-fiction and fantasy movies were not well represented. There was one kaiju toy dealer and not much else.

This year's show will greatly rectify this. Presentations include:

Haruo Nakajima, who was the man-in-the-suit for Godzilla and many other Japanese monsters, will be attending along with his daughter Sonoe. He will take part in the Men In Suits Presentation. Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 PM.

and...

Haruo Nakajima will also have his own presentation at Monsterpalooza that will be moderated by August Ragone and Jason Varney. The session will include rare photos and film clips. Saturday, April 9 at 3:00 PM.

Peter H. Brothers, author of Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda, will give a presentation on the greatest Japanese monster director. Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM.

Following Brothers, I will give a presentation on kaiju movie locations based on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM.

There will also be kaiju toy dealers present, including Clawmark Toys from Japan and Anime Jungle and Toyfreak from California.

As you can see, fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films have several reasons to attend this year's Monsterpalooza.

Monsterpalooza will be held again at the Burbank Marriott and Convention Center.

For additional information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

Hope to see you there!

Monsterpalooza Presentation Promo

by Armand Vaquer

The Events page over at the official Monsterpalooza website now includes this promo for my presentation at the show in April (click the image to see it full size):



The images are of the Wako Department Store in the Ginza section of Tokyo. The image on the left is from Godzilla (1954) and the one on the right was taken during my trip to Japan last December. The building was formerly known as the K. Hattori Building.

This and other locations are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Kudos to Eliot Brodsky for an excellent job!

To see the full Events page, go here.

Kaiju Location Presentation At Monsterpalooza

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand Vaquer at the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

My presentation at Monsterpalooza will be Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM, following Peter H. Brothers. If there are any changes, they will be posted at this blog.

My presentation will consist of:

Ever wanted to travel to Japan to see the landmarks Godzilla and friends demolished? Armand Vaquer, author of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan," will give a one-hour presentation on giant monster (kaiju) locations fans can visit in Japan. He will discuss what movie(s) the locations appeared in and what attractions are nearby. A slide show of the locations will be shown during his presentation. Attendees of the presentation will be given the opportunity to ask questions.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available for sale before and after the presentation.




For more information on Monsterpalooza, go to www.rubberroom101.com.

Haruo Nakajima At 2011 Monsterpalooza

by Armand Vaquer

Left, Haruo Nakajima (right) taking a break during the filming of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" with Kenpachiro Satsuma

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will appear at next year's Monsterpalooza in Burbank, California.

Nakajima was "the man in the rubber suit" from the first Godzilla movie in 1954 to 1972's Godzilla vs. Gigan. He will turn 82 on January 1.

Monsterpalooza will be held at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center April 8-10. I've attended the first two Monsterpaloozas and they were very enjoyable.




Monsterpalooza has many celebrities from the world of science-fiction and horror in attendance and exhibits featuring everyone's favorite monsters.

Above, Armand with Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima in 2008.

Nakajima's daughter Sonoe told me a few nights ago that they will be attending Monsterpalooza next year.

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go here.