Understanding Godzilla's Resurgence: How He Survives in Multiple Continuities

Gold star question: If Godzilla died in the 1954 original film, how is he alive in the sequels? This age-old perplexity rings true, and the answers can be found in the various continuities and mythologies of the Godzilla franchise. Let's dive into the complex web of explanations, origins, and interwoven timelines that allow this iconic monster to persist through different iterations.

Different Continuities and How They Explain Godzilla's Resurgence

The fan base of Godzilla continuity consists of countless fans who follow the character through different eras and continuities. Each timeline has its unique narrative and explanation for how Godzilla survives, often enabling the franchise to thrive without the need for a detailed reboot or a highly complex retcon.

Showa Era Continuity

1954 Goji is widely considered the first Godzilla, laying the foundation for the entire franchise. However, the Showa Era introduces the idea that the subsequent Godzillas are new and distinct creatures. In this continuity:

1954 Goji is the first Godzilla, a completely different creature from the 2nd and subsequent ones. Each new Godzilla is a new being with its own story and abilities, growing stronger with each iteration, and often surviving through battles against other kaiju (an enormous monster: giant lizard, giant insect, etc.).

Heisei Era Continuity

In the Heisei Era, the Godzilla sequence is equally complex:

1954 Gojira is again the first Godzilla, establishing a timeline of new Godzillas. Each Godzilla in the Heisei timeline has its own story, such as Godzilla Jr., the third Godzilla in the series. This continuity explores the idea that these new Godzillas are simply different manifestations of the same creature, each bearing the name Godzilla in honor of the original.

Godzilla 2000 Continuity

chuy?n này còn m? h? h?n. khác v?i k? 1954, GodzillaOriginal trong n?m 2000 có th? là m?t phiên b?n m?i ho?c có th? khác, nh?ng kh?ng có th?ng tin c? th? v? dòng th?i gian.

Godzilla vs Megaguirus Continuity

In the Godzilla vs Megaguirus continuity, the original Godzilla never died. This means the Godzilla that fights Megaguirus is the Godzillas of the Netflix series, representing an alternate history where the original Godzilla survives.

GMK Continuity

Lighting the torch of the original Godzilla's fate is the GMK (Godzilla: King of the Monsters) continuity, which presents a deeply romantic and meaningful concept. In this universe, the original Godzilla does die and decades later, a new Godzilla is manifested by the enraged souls of those killed during Japan's war crimes. The resurrected Godzilla serves as a memorial to the past, ensuring that Japan never forgets its past atrocities. In this scenario, either a new Godzilla is created from the residual energy, or the original Godzilla is resurrected to signify regeneration and memory.

Kiryu Saga Continuity

In the Kiryu saga continuity, the original Godzilla dies, and after a series of kaiju attacks on Japan, a second Godzilla emerges in 2002. The Japanese military builds Mechagodzilla around the skeleton of the original Godzilla to combat the second wave of kaiju attacks. This elaborate narrative ties the two Godzillas together, with the 2nd Godzilla serving as a symbol of continuity, rebirth, and resilience.

Final Wars Continuity

In the Final Wars continuity, the original Godzilla was never killed, and the Godzilla depicted in the movie is the unbroken lineage from the original 1954 film. This continuity is known for its consistent and definitive portrayal of the original Godzilla's survival.

Shin Godzilla Continuity

The most contemporary continuity, the Shin Godzilla series, presents the character anew but within the context of modern-day Japan. In this continuity, the first depiction of Godzilla is a present-day iteration, rooted in the 1954 original but reimagined for the modern era with a new purpose and challenges.

Macroverse (MV) Continuity

In the Macroverse (MV) continuity, the showa era Gojiras are long extinct, and the present-day Godzilla is the last of his kind. This continuity entails a rich exploration of dinosaur evolution, where Godzilla and his kin have been hunted by mega-ursae (MUTOS). This narrative provides a sweeping inter-species conflict and a deep dive into the origins and past of the Godzillas.

In essence, the myriad continuities of the Godzilla franchise exist to support a continuous and dynamic representation of the iconic creature. Whether through new manifestations, resurrections, or alternate histories, Godzilla’s survival is a key element in the enduring appeal of this monster. Each continuity offers a new perspective and explanation, allowing audiences to appreciate the character anew in every iteration.