Rodan in Godzilla: King of the Monsters - A New Kaiju Powerhouse

Rodan, also known as Radon in Japanese, is a fearsome Kaiju who has captivated audiences since his first appearance in the 1956 film. In this article, we explore the character of Rodan, from his origins to his latest incarnation in 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters.'

Origin and Development

The inspiration for Rodan lies in the prehistoric animal the pteranodon. This colossal creature was first depicted in the 1956Toho film 'Rodan,' marking the beginning of a formidable character in the Kaiju world. Rodan was initially conceived as a symbol of the American nuclear threat, mirroring the societal fears of the era. In the original film, he was given a chestnut color, a menacing face with a jagged fanged beak, and was portrayed with a combination of model and wire-operated puppets. Over the years, his appearance has evolved, with modifications in the 1960s and 1990s reflecting changes in the audience's perception of the character.

The Showa Series

In the Showa series, Rodan became more heroic, with a more streamlined and sleeker face. While the creatures won critical praise for their designs, the special effects in the 1964 'Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster' did not fare well in comparison. The 1965 film 'Invasion of Astro-Monster' brought a new suit with rounded wings and a more detailed design, but the later 'Destroy All Monsters' featured a simpler, cruder design. In the 1993 'Godzilla versus Mechagodzilla II,' Rodan was redesigned to look more like a pteranodon, emphasizing his battle sequences and introducing beam weapons, which challenged the physicality of the confrontation with Godzilla.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

The most recent and highly anticipated incarnation of Rodan appears in 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).' In this film, directed by Michael Dougherty and starring Meg Jova, Rodan emerges from a volcanic eruption, marking a significant evolution in the character. According to Dougherty, the new Rodan is expected to be more powerful than Godzilla, capable of withstanding Godzilla's atomic breath without being affected. This version of Rodan is supposedly more powerful, with a supersonic speed, supersonic boom, and an almost impervious volcanic skin structure. The wingspan is rumored to be approximately 841 feet wide, making him a formidable force in the Kaiju world.

The trailer shows glimpses of Rodan's destructive power, with a supersonic boom capable of wiping out entire cities. It is also rumored that there might be two Rodans in this film, one male and one female, similar to Rodan's appearance in the original 1956 film. However, both of them would not face a volcanic death like their predecessors, as they are made of volcanic materials.

Impact and Reception

The evolution of Rodan in the 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' film has been both praised and criticized. On one hand, the new design is seen as an homage to both the 1956 and 1993 versions, while on the other hand, some critics argue that it overpowers Godzilla, which might not be in line with traditional storytelling in the franchise. The film's approach to Rodan's power and structure challenges the traditional narrative, making viewers question the balance between powerful and balanced Kaiju confrontations.

Despite the controversies and changes, the new Rodan continues to captivate fans with his raw strength and unique design. The character's journey from a menacing symbol of nuclear fear to a powerful, almost impervious Kaiju reflects the evolving themes and storytelling in the Godzilla franchise.