The Mysterians
For "The Mysterians", producer Tomoyuki Tanaka recruited Jojiro Okami, a science fiction writer, to develop the story. Honda later elaborated that he wanted the film to differ from both "Godzilla" and "Rodan" and to make it more of a "true science fiction film," one to promote peace and understanding between cultures. The film was popular upon its release in Japan, where it was among the top ten grossing domestic productions of the year. Contemporary reviews from Western critics in the "Monthly Film Bulletin" and "Variety" praised the special effect work but criticized the plot as confusing and juvenile, respectively.