Godzilla on My Mind: Fifty Years of the King of Monsters
Winner of the 2005 William Rockhill Nelson Award for Non-Fiction. This honor is granted byThe Writers PlaceandThe Kansas City Star, andcommends the best book by a Kansas or Missouri author published in 2004. "Godzilla On My Mindis a good read, well written, occasionally provocative and full of facts that show it to be well researched as well as a labour of love." -Dr. Dolores Martinez, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and author ofThe Worlds of Japanese Popular Culture"Bill Tsutsui blends impeccable scholarship with witty writing and an eye for fascinating detail as he follows the romping, stomping path of Godzilla across global popular culture: from Japanese film making in the 1950s, to rap lyrics in the present day; from issues of nuclear disarmament to the character of science fiction fandom; from wind-up toys to advertisements for Nike, Taco Bell, and Dr. Pepper. Inspired by his life-long affection -- passion? mania? -- for the monster, Tsutsui has written a stellar book; an entertaining and vivid look at Japanese pop culture, its globalization, and American encounters with Japan."--Ted Bestor, Harvard University and author ofTsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World"William Tsutsui'sGodzillatakes a fresh, original, and appealing look at one of our more intriguing pop culture icons. Although informed by careful scholarship, the book is highly accessible. It's funny, stimulating, and an overall pleasure to read. I'll never look at Godzilla the same way again!--Susan Napier, author ofAnime from Akira To Princess Mononoke: Experiencing Contemporary Japanese Animation