Conan
Plunder
Kull Triumphant
Nelson Shin And Ken Siu To Direct FUTURE FIGHTERS
Written By: Ken HulseySource: Undead Backbrain
As expected Hong Kong based Agog Films Productions to advantage of all the media attention of the San Diego Comic Con to announce that they had chosen two directors for their giant robot epic, "Future Fighters". The multi-national production will now be under the direction of Korean film maker Nelson Shin, who served as director/producer of the 1986 animated "Transformers" movie, and Hong Kong director Ken Siu, who is best known for his work on "The Forbidden Kingdom", "Fearless" and "Rush Hour".
Here is some background info on Nelson Shin from Wikipedia:
Nelson Shin (b. 1939; Korean name: Shin Neung-kyun(신능균)) is the founder and president of Akom Production Co., Ltd., in Seoul, South Korea. He founded Akom in 1985.
In the 1970s, Shin worked as an animator at the DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, where he worked on the Pink Panther films. He is also credited with creating the glowing lightsaber blade used by Jedi Knights in the first Star Wars movie released and other subsequent Star Wars films.
Much of the animation Shin's studio has produced has been for American television series. Some of Akom's credits are: The Simpsons, Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, Invasion America and Arthur. Shin's most well-known accomplishment is his direction of the television series The Transformers and Transformers: The Movie. Akom's lead animator is Kim Jun-bok.
Beginning in 1999, Shin worked on the animated feature film Empress Chung. The film was largely animated in North Korea, and in August 2005 became the first movie ever to open simultaneously in North and South Korea.
In 2009 he was elected president of the International Animated Film Association, a post he is to hold until 2012.
It was also announced that Japanese action star Rina Takeda has joined the international cast along with Ray Park (The Phantom Menace), Eriko Satô (Cutie Honey), Lisa Sa (Lisa Cheng)(Chinese model, athlete and gymnast) and Yasaki “David” Kurata (Blood: The Last Vampire).
The 3D effects for "Future Fighters" will be handled by New Zealand based WETA Digital, who also handled the effects for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "King Kong", "District 9", the Korean monster film "The Host", "Avatar" and the upcoming "Planet of the Apes" reboot "Rise of the Apes".
The film is heavily inspired by the two Japanese animated series "Macross" (Robotech) and "Patlabor" as producer Guy Orlebar explains, "This Macross story is basically a love‐triangle between the main three characters set against a war between humans and big green aliens who battle in these fantastic robotic fighters. The robots, or mecha — the Japanese word for mechanical designs — are treated as little more than part of the background, and instead it’s the human drama between the three characters that takes centre stage — something which is also very similar to the Japanese TV show, and two of Mamoru Oshii’s animated feature films, Patlabor, where the robots in that show are really nothing more than fancy police patrol cars but still looked so cool and made the show so distinctive."
Sounds like my kind of movie!
You can view a copy of the press release that Agog Films Productions let fly at Comic Con - Here
And here are a few stills along with some concept art from "Future Fighters":
DISNEYLAND TONIGHT!
Tonight is DATE NITE at DISNEYLAND for Leslie and I! We'll also be checking out our favorite attractions in NEW ORLEANS SQUARE...Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
MORE BOZO's CIRCUS CLASSIC PHOTOS!
Here's a couple of more classic photos from WGN-TV Chicago's BOZO's CIRCUS! Both photos are from the late 1960s and feature BOZO (Bob Bell) and OLIVER O. OLIVER (Ray Rayner).
Ensorcelled
I can never get enough of Krenkel drawings. They are timeless, they are ensorcelled. Even when you look closely and see that some parts aren't drawn all that well, it doesn't matter. Their spell is binding.
The First Look At Road Runner And Wile E Coyote In 3D!
Trouble ahead for Wile E. Coyote as his chase of the Road Runner has led to a tunnel of oncoming doom in "Coyote Falls," an all-new 3-D animated short produced by Warner Bros. Animation which will accompany the Warner Bros. theatrical release of "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore."LOONEY TUNES FAVORITES ROAD RUNNER AND WILE E. COYOTE RESUME THE CHASE IN 3D SHORTS
Source: Warner Bros
Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, two of the most popular Looney Tunes characters of all time, are returning to the big screen in three all-new animated 3D shorts. The studio will attach the cartoon shorts to three of its upcoming family features--all three features to be released this year in 3D. The first short will be seen with "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore," on July 30th; the second with "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," on September 24th; and the third with "Yogi Bear," on December 17th. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution.
In the new cartoon shorts, each three minutes in length, Wile E. Coyote is as determined as ever to catch the elusive Road Runner, who continues to leave his hapless nemesis in the dust with a taunting "beep-beep." However, bringing the classic characters into the 21st century, the resourceful Wile E. will now be employing an arsenal of state-of-the-art ACME gadgets to snag his quarry--with all of the action in stereographic 3D.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, "Audiences have always delighted in Wile E. Coyote's dogged pursuit of the Road Runner, with hilarious, albeit predictable, results. We are thrilled to be presenting these characters for the first time in 3D, which will heighten the excitement and humor of the chase, not to mention the impact--at least for Wile E. We're sure these three new adventures will entertain a new generation of fans while reminding us all why these two characters have been beloved for so long."
"Coyote Falls "
Release with "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore": 07/30/10
Wile E. Coyote orders an ACME bungee cord in his eternal quest to capture the Road Runner, a "foolproof" plan that takes everything into consideration...except oncoming traffic.
"Fur of Flying"
Release with "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole": 09/24/10
With an assortment of mail order products, Wile E. Coyote fashions himself a homemade helicopter helmet. Soaring through the sky and over the cliffs, it's a surefire way to catch the Road Runner...assuming he stays out of the military testing grounds.
"Rabid Rider"
Release with "Yogi Bear": 12/17/10
Wile E. Coyote 's latest plan involves a state-of-the-art, two-wheeled, self-balancing, electric scooter. With the Road Runner in his sights, what could go wrong? Famous last words.
Wile E. Coyote plunges towards the always elusive Road Runner in "Coyote Falls," an all-new 3-D animated short produced by Warner Bros. Animation which will accompany the Warner Bros. theatrical release of "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore."
The Road Runner is always just a little out of reach for Wile E. Coyote in "Coyote Falls," an all-new 3-D animated short produced by Warner Bros. Animation which will accompany the Warner Bros. theatrical release of "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.""Coyote Falls" © 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. "Road Runner & Coyote" and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and copyrighted by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
One of Thousands
There are thousands of artistic interpretations of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Here's one by Edwin Landseer from 1848.
Mid-Season's Dream
This may not be the traditional time to celebrate midsummer, but by the calendar it's going to be actual mid-season before we know it.
What a lovely poster and graphics for a lovely film.
Do Dinosaurs Inhabit The Waters Off The UK Coast?
Written By: Ken HulseySource: The Sun
For centuries, strange creatures that resemble aquatic dinosaurs have, allegedly, been washing ashore in the UK. One of the most famous of these was the infamous "Gurock Beast" whose body washed shore during the second world war. Several eyewitnesses described the creature as having a long neck, wide body, short tail, and flippers, a description that strongly resembles a Plesiosaur, a species of aquatic dinosaur which went extinct millions of years ago.
Unfortunately, the carcass of the "Gurock Beast" was quickly chopped up and disposed of by the British military, who were, rightfully so, more concerned about defending the island nation from the Nazis than proving that dinosaurs were still with us.
Amazingly, it is a creature with a long neck, wide body, short tail, and flippers, that was reportedly seen by several witnesses off the coast of Devon just yesterday.
Reportedly the mysterious creature was 'fishing' some 30-yards off the coast when it was spotted by some local residents. At first, the group believed the animal to be a very large sea turtle, that was, until a long neck with a reptilian head came out of the water snapping at a school of fish.
Reportedly, when this happened, the fish scattered like mad, with some even trying to escape the creature by trying to come onto the sandy beach.
One of the witnesses, Gill Pearce, had the forethought to snap a quick photo of the animal before it swam away, and to file a report with the Marine Conservation Society.
Clare Fischer from the MCS describes what Ms. Gill saw:
"Gill Pearce spotted the creature about 20 metres from the bay at Saltern Cove, near Goodrington.
"It was observed at about 15.30 on 27 July but by the time she had got her camera it had moved further out.
"She spotted it following a shoal of fish which beached themselves in Saltern Cove.
"The creature remained in the sea, then went out again and followed the shoal - this indicates it's not a turtle as they only eat jellyfish.
"We would love to know if other people have seen anything like this in the same area and can help clear up the mystery."
Experts at the MCS are baffled by the reports coming out of Saltern Cove. The creature being described by witnesses doesn't match any marine life that is known to inhabit the waters off the British isles.
Did these witnesses see a young Plesiosaur?
See Also: Russian Lake Monster 'Nesski' Feasting On Fisherman / Is There A Need To Be Worried About The Loch Ness Monster? / The Loch Ness Monster - The Death Of A Monster Hunter - Italians Take Over The Search / UK Stage Cast Spots The Loch Ness Monster / Has The Montauk Monster Been Spotted Again? / Russian Soldiers Discover A Harry Monster On The Beach / A Mysterious Creature Washes Ashore In New London Connecticut / Things To Talk About Over The Weekend - The Discovery Of Atlantis And A Giant Snake / Are Dinosaurs Still Living Among Us? / Nessie Spoils A Couples Romatic Evening / Sci Fi Orders Another Season Of Destination Truth / Cryptozoological Figure Set / Has The Loch Ness Monster Become A Victim Of Global Warming? / Nessie Celebrates Her 75th Birthday / Has Monster Quest Found A Baby Ogopogo? / The Sci Fi Channel Travels Into The Unknown With Unexplained With George Noory This Month
StarCrash Coming To DVD And Blu-Ray From Shout! Factory
Source: Shout! Factory (Press Release)A couple of weeks back I broke the story that Shout! Factory was going to be releasing "StarCrash" on DVD and Blu-Ray as part of their "Roger Corman's Cult Classics" line.
From the press release below, it really looks as if the video distributor has gone all-out on this one, which shout make the fans of this cult-classic, and the ultra-sexy Caroline Monro, absolutely ecstatic.
STARCRASH
Starring Caroline Munro, David Hasselhoff, Christopher Plummer,
Joe Spinell and Marjoe Gortner
2-DISC SPECIAL-EDITION BLU-RAY™ AND DVD
Digitally Remastered and Presented in Widescreen for the First Time with a Galaxy’s Worth of Special Features!
Crashing Home Entertainment Shelves Nationwide September 14, 2010 From Shout! Factory
One of the most eagerly awaited inter-galactic science-fiction adventures, released by Roger Corman’s New World Pictures, will finally be made available for the first time to the home entertainment shelves as StarCrash, directed by Luigi Cozzi, will debut September 14, 2010 on 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD from Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation. An adventure like no other, the StarCrash 2-Disc Special Edition contains anamorphic widescreen presentation of the movie with DTS HD 5.1 surround sound (Blu-ray), a reversible cover featuring vintage art for original movie posters and a payload of bonus content including all-new interviews and commentaries with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more! A must-have for loyal fans of Roger Corman and Luigi Cozzi, science fiction enthusiasts and collectors, StarCrash 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD mark the latest installments from the popular ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS home entertainment series from Shout! Factory. Each Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD is sold separately. Blu-ray is priced to own at $26.97; and DVD is available at $19.93.
Produced in Italy in the wake of Star Wars’ phenomenal success, StarCrash (also known as The Adventures of Stella Star in overseas territories) became an international blockbuster in its own right. This 1979 film became one of New World Pictures’ biggest box-office hits. Critics might have laughed, by so did audiences, who grooved to its campy humor, wildly imaginative special effects (some of them quite good!) and non-stop adventure. Where Star Wars dared not go, StarCrash went -- at warp speed!
The lasting peace of the galaxy is threatened by the diabolical and relentless Count Zarth Arn (cult icon Joe Spinell, Rocky, The Godfather and The Godfather - Part II), who is determined to take the universe for himself and make each planet his plaything, each inhabitant his slave. There is no question that the Count is evil, given his propensity for cackling at every opportunity.
Can anyone save the universe from this megalomaniacal madman? Indeed there is, and she’s quite a beauty.
Brave, bikini-clad star warrior Stella Star (Caroline Munro, The Spy Who Loved Me, At the Earth’s Core) and her co-pilot Akton (child evangelist-turned-actor Marjoe Gortner, Food of the Gods, Mausoleum) are pressed into service to thwart the evil Zarth Arn’s plot. If they succeed, galactic peace will be achieved. If they fail, the universe will fall into decay and destruction at the hands of its sadistic new overlord.
Have no fear, because Stella Star is here!
The film’s zesty, star-studded cast also includes People’s Choice Award winner David Hasselhoff (Knight Rider, Baywatch) in one of his first big-screen roles, noted screen tough guy Robert Tessier (The Longest Yard, The Cannonball Run) and legendary two-time Emmy® and Tony® Award winner, and Academy Award® nominee Christopher Plummer (The Last Station, Murder by Decree, The Sound of Music) as The Emperor.
StarCrash was written and directed by fan favorite Luigi Cozzi (AKA Lewis Coates), whose other cult masterworks include Alien Contamination (an “homage” to Alien) and the unforgettable Lou Ferrigno vehicle Hercules (an “homage” to Conan the Barbarian). The film also boasts a rousing score by five-time Academy Award® winner John Barry (Dances With Wolves, Out of Africa, 10 James Bond films).
Alas, StarCrash would prove to be the only big-screen Stella Star adventure ... but as its worldwide legion of fans will attest, it was one to remember!
STARCRASH 2-DISC SPECIAL EDITION BLU-RAY and DVD BONUS CONTENTNew Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer (1.85:1) and DTS HD 5.1 Surround Sound (Blu-ray), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (DVD)
Disc One:
• Interview with writer/director Luigi Cozzi
• StarCrash: the music of John Barry, a detailed analysis of the score by
Mars of Deadhouse Music
• 2 feature-length commentaries by StarCrash historian Stephen Romano:
Commentary 1: the history of StarCrash, the making of the film and its importance in 1970s fantastic cinema.
Commentary 2: StarCrash scene-by-scene: production trivia, anecdotes and critical analysis.
• Behind-the-scenes image gallery, featuring storyboards, art, and rare, never-before-seen photos!
• Promotional art gallery, featuring photos, posters, lobby cards and early poster designs by Drew Struzan
• Fan art gallery, featuring an exclusive look at the all-new, sexy Stella Star art from fantasy illustrator Robin Greenville Evans
• Theatrical trailer with commentary by Eli Roth from Trailersfromhell.com and an all-new exclusive trailer commentary by filmmaker/editor Joe Dante!
• TV spots and radio Spots
DISC TWO
• Interview with actress Caroline Munro (60 min.)
• 17 Deleted and alternate scenes
• The complete, original StarCrash screenplay, illustrated with original storyboards and early, full-color concept art
• Exclusive 20-minute behind-the-scenes footage reel, with commentary
• The making of the special effects of StarCrash by Armando Valcauda with exclusive, never-before-seen special-effects footage
Shout! Factory will continue to present ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include The Slumber Party Massacre collection, The Evil, Twice Dead, The Warrior and The Sorceress, Barbarian Queen, Not of This Earth, Terror Within, Streets, Angel in Red, Lady in Red, Crazy Mama, Big Bad Mama, among others.
Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s storied career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. In 2009 he was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the medium of film.
Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, William Shatner, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Carl Franklin, Jonathan Kaplan, Bill Paxton, Dennis Hopper, Curtis Hanson, Peter Bogdanovich, John Sayles, David Carradine and Sally Kirkland.
Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. With its fingers on the pulse of pop culture, Shout! Factory continues to impact the entertainment media landscape through acquisition of top quality programming for home entertainment releases. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit http://www.shoutfactory.com/
See Also: Starcrash And Gamera DVD News / B Movie Queen Caroline Monro To Make A Special UK Appearance / Starcrash (1979)
Voltron Vehicle Robot Vinyl Collection Action Figure
Source: Entertainment EarthVoltron Vehicle Robot Vinyl Collection Action Figure:
Classic Voltron, in ultra-bright color!
Articulated action figure from the Robot Vinyl Series.
A must-have for the collection!
This very cool and definitely colorful Voltron Vehicle comes from Toynami's Robot Vinyl Series. It stands an impressive 9-inches tall and features articulation. So, if you're a fan of Voltron, you're sure to be a fan of this! Please note that this figure does not transform.
Coming In August 2010! Order Yours Today For Only $34.99!
See Also: New Toy Tuesday! - Retro Frankenstein And Wolfman, The Fly, Classic Voltron, A Sexy Anime Girl And The Scent Of Captain Kirk / Privateer Press Announces Voltron: Defender of the Universe Game Contents / Privateer Press To Release "Voltron" Game This Summer / Privateer Press Adds Voltron To Monsterpocalypse / The Giant Monster Game Monsterpocalypse Sells Out! / Monsterpocalypse Set To Ravage The World October 10th! / Monsterpocalypse: Cataclysm Event And CMG Launch At Gen Con Indy / Privateer Press Launches Special Monsterpocalypse Preview Site / What Is Privateer Press Shipping To GAMA In Las Vegas? / Monsterpocalypse Goes A Bloggin / Monsterpocalypse- Games And Comics For Giant Monster Fans
LINDA KAYE HENNING
I saw LINDA KAYE HENNING today at her Studio City, CA boutique. We chatted for a while and I told her how much I really enjoyed her work and her father's work! Her father is PAUL HENNING...legendary TV producer of PETTICOAT JUNCTION, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES and GREEN ACRES. Linda Kaye played red-headed daughter Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction and provided the voice for Jethrine Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies. Linda Kaye was very nice and a pleasure to meet! From my collection...below is PETTICOAT JUNCTION #2 from 1965.
A Limited Number Of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #251 Still Available!
Source: Famous Monsters of Filmland (Press Release)Last Chance To Get The FM Convention Cover
While Supplies Last
After 2 successful (but ghouling) conventions, we have a limited supply of the Predator FM Convention cover by Vince Evans available at Captain Company. Only 3500 were printed and these collectible covers will sell out fast. Get yours now!
IT'S ALIVE! Famous Monsters of Filmland Issue #251 is the triumphant return of fandom's #1 monster magazine.
Go behind the scenes of this summer's upcoming Twentieth Century Fox release Predators and Resident Evil: Afterlife. Look inside the third season of HBO's fang-tastic hit show True Blood. Chat with science fiction author and legend Ray Bradbury in our exclusive interview... and enjoy a new, never-before-published Bradbury short story! Enjoy a unique retrospective look at the career of genre pioneer, cinematographer Karl Freund and celebrate the life of FM's beloved Forrest J Ackerman in a very special memorial.
See Also: Only One Week Until The Dead Walk In Indianapolis! / IN 11 DAYS, MONSTERS WILL ROAM INDIANAPOLIS / Halcyon International Pictures Teams Up With Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Reboot Classic Universal Horrors / Famous Monsters To Bring Back The Creature, The Mummy, Frankenstein And Others To The Silver Screen? / FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND ISSUE #251 COVER UNVEILED / The First Look At Famous Monsters Of Filmland #251 / Famous Monsters of Filmland Convention News /Famous Monsters Of Filmland Brings 'Downstream' To The Egyptian Theatre / Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Invade Indianapolis This Summer / Famous Monsters Of Filmland Magazine Returns! / Famous Monsters Of Filmland - Editor To Be Announced Soon - Magazine Being Pushed Back / Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Give Carla Laemmle A Grand 100th Birthday Bash / Famous Monsters Of Filmland Is Reborn On The World Wide Web / Dracula (1931) / "Famous Monsters" Trademark Injunction Won By Philip Kim / Forrest J. Ackerman, 1916 - 2008 / RIP Forrest J Ackerman (1916-2008) / Forrest Ackerman's Health Is Failing Now Is The Time For Fans To Contact Him / Mad Monster Party (1969)
Scare The Crap Out Of Your Kids With Illustrations Of Creatures From Japanese Mythology
Written By: Ken HulseySource: Pink Tentacle
The Japanese have always loved monsters, and why not, their pop culture has been littered with them for decades and their mythology for centuries.
Today Japanese comic books, television series and movies are filled with all sorts of mysterious spectres and creatures.
It is easy to see where this fascination with strange and mysterious beasts comes from, once you dig deep into Japan's rich folklore. It too is filled with tales of demons, monsters and even visitors from other worlds.
These tales that have been passed down from generation to generation have had a profound effect on the Japanese, which today manifests itself in modern media and fuels the countries fascination with the strange and macabre.
Japanese art also reflects this fascination as well, ancient clay statues called, "Dogu" (Dogoo) are said to represent alien visitors to the island nation (see photo above) around 14,000 BC. Likewise, ancient drawings and paintings depict such unearthly visitors along with dragons, demons, and strange beasts of every size and shape imaginable.
In the early 1970s, Japanese illustrator Gojin Ishihara did some wonderful artwork for series of children's books entitled, “Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters” (1972), "Illustrated Book of Hell" (1975), "The Complete Book of Demons" (1974), "Illustrated Book of World Monsters" (1973), and "Mysteries of the World" (1970). These images, which range from the macabre to disturbingly graphic, would have never been deemed suitable for children in the western world.
Ishihara also did work on other various sci fi and fantasy books aimed at young audiences before he made a name for himself in the field of Bara, which is a slang term for homosexual comics and art books made for men.
Here are few examples of Ishihara's eerily beautiful monster and sci fi artwork, along with some background info on the creatures from Wikipedia:
Kappa - Most depictions show kappa as child-sized humanoids, though their bodies are often more like those of monkeys or frogs than human beings. Some descriptions say their faces are apelike, while others show them with beaked visages more like those of tortoises or with duck beaks. Pictures usually show kappa with thick shells and scaly skin that ranges in color from green to yellow or blueKappa supposedly inhabit the ponds and rivers of Japan and have various features to aid them in this environment, such as webbed hands and feet. They are sometimes even said to smell like fish, and they can certainly swim like them. The expression kappa-no-kawa-nagare ("a kappa drowning in a river") conveys the idea that even experts make mistakes.
Kappa are usually seen as mischievous troublemakers. Their pranks range from the relatively innocent, such as loudly passing gas or looking up women's kimonos, to the more troublesome, such as stealing crops or kidnapping children. In fact, small children are one of the gluttonous kappa's favorite meals, though they will eat adults as well. They feed on these victims by sucking out their shirikodama (尻子玉?), a mythical ball inside the anus. Even today, signs warning about kappa appear by bodies of water in some Japanese towns and villages. Kappa are also said to be afraid of fire, and some villages hold fireworks festivals each year to scare the spirits away
Jorōgumo (Japanese Kanji: 絡新婦, Hiragana: じょろうぐも) is a type of Yōkai, a creature of Japanese folklore. According to stories, a Jorōgumo is a spider that can change its appearance into that of a seductive woman.
In Japanese Kanji, Jorōgumo is written as "絡新婦" (literally meaning: binding lady) or "女郎蜘蛛" (literally meaning: whore spider). Jorōgumo can also refer to some species of spiders. In casual use, it can refer to spiders of the genera Nephila and Argiope, while among Japanese-speaking entomologists, Jorōgumo is always written in katakana (as ジョロウグモ) and specifically refers to the species, Nephila clavata.
In the Edo period, a beautiful woman enticed a man into a quiet shack and began to play a Biwa. While the man was distracted by the sound of the instrument, she bound him in silk spider threads and ate him.
Tenjō-sagari (ceiling dweller) - The traditional Japanese spirit world is layered, with Yomi on one extreme, and the physical world on the other. In-between is a sort of purgatory, an uncertain and ambiguous waiting area where spirits languish before moving on. Ghosts in this in-between state who are very powerful from love, jealousy, hatred or sorrow can bridge the gap back to the physical plane where they can haunt and wreak havoc on their earthly tormentors
The Ogre of Rashomon - Long, long ago in Kyoto, the people of the city were terrified by accounts of a dreadful ogre, who, it was said, haunted the Gate of Rashomon at twilight and seized whoever passed by. The missing victims were never seen again, so it was whispered that the ogre was a horrible cannibal, who not only killed the unhappy victims but ate them also. Now everybody in the town and neighborhood was in great fear, and no one durst venture out after sunset near the Gate of Rashomon.
A nure-onna (濡女?, lit. "wet woman") is an amphibious creature with the head of a woman and the body of a snake. While the description of her appearance varies slightly from story to story, she has been described as being 300 m in length and has snake-like eyes, long claws, fangs and long, beautiful hair. She is typically spotted on a shore, washing her hair.
A nure-onna's intention are unknown. In some stories, she is a monstrous being who is powerful enough to crush trees with her tail and feeds on humans. She carries with her a small, child-like bundle, which she uses to attract potential victims. If a well-intentioned person offers to hold the baby for her, the nure-onna will let them. If they attempt to discard the bundle, however, it is revealed that it is not a child at all. Instead, the bundle becomes incredibly heavy and prevents the victim from fleeing. She then uses her long, snake-like tongue to suck all the blood from her victim’s body. In other stories, a nure-onna is simply seeking solitude as she washes her hair and reacts violently to those who bother her.
In Japanese mythology, Amatsu-Mikaboshi (ja:天津甕星, "August Star of Heaven"), also called Ame-no-kagaseo(ja:天香香背男, "Brilliant Male"), is the god of evil and of the stars, specifically the pole star.
A monster, that looks kinda like Yog, and the living fungus from "Green Slime", attacks a helpless victem in "Emergency Command" (1972)
The prophecies of Nostradamus come to life in this illustration from "Psychics of the World" 1974)For more of these great works of art, go to Pink Tenticle.
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