NationStates Jolt Archive


Best Monster?

NERVUN
22-03-2009, 02:25
I'm feeling in a monster mood today. So for those of you who like all things that go bump in the night (Or tear apart whole cities), what's the best monster? Who is king of them all? General category or specific is fine.

I'm going to go with Godzilla. There's just something about him, and besides, Tokyo really does need to be stomped flat.

Discuss.
Fartsniffage
22-03-2009, 02:28
Alien.

They have acid for blood and can survive pretty much anywhere.
Ifreann
22-03-2009, 02:28
Seaking.
http://www.zetzio.com/wp-content/uploads/seaking.gif
Londim
22-03-2009, 02:28
http://yliniemi.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/where-the-wild-things-are_476x3571.jpg
Dododecapod
22-03-2009, 02:39
That is not dead which may sleeping lie,
And with strange aeons even death may die.
Frozen River
22-03-2009, 02:41
http://yliniemi.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/where-the-wild-things-are_476x3571.jpg

I've read this book when I was like seven! Ah, the memories...

But I go with Cthulhu, who is just bad ass, although he suffered one of the lamest monster defeats ever.
Londim
22-03-2009, 02:45
I've read this book when I was like seven! Ah, the memories...

But I go with Cthulhu, who is just bad ass, although he suffered one of the lamest monster defeats ever.

Movie to be released! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386117/)

Also Cthulhu is bad ass but according to one song he can be defeated by Narwhals.

They Are Narwhals! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykwqXuMPsoc)
Ifreann
22-03-2009, 02:53
Also Cthulhu is bad ass but according to one song he can be defeated by Narwhals.

They Are Narwhals! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykwqXuMPsoc)

Damn that is awesome.
Lord Tothe
22-03-2009, 03:00
Also Cthulhu is bad ass but according to one song he can be defeated by Narwhals.

They Are Narwhals! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykwqXuMPsoc)

Narwhals FTW!

The scariest monsters would have to be the Deathclaws and Feral Ghouls of Fallout 3. I know the feral ghouls are easy to kill, but you can hear them coming yet they attack from out of nowhere.

For general mythology, vampires probably win. Unless it's "Twilight" vampires.

Oh, and in before anyone mentions political or religious figures!
Ifreann
22-03-2009, 03:06
Narwhals FTW!

The scariest monsters would have to be the Deathclaws and Feral Ghouls of Fallout 3. I know the feral ghouls are easy to kill, but you can hear them coming yet they attack from out of nowhere.

http://www.cbwgaming.com/games/l4d/hunter-pounce.jpg
CthulhuFhtagn
22-03-2009, 03:14
While my username may lead people to think they know what I'm going to say, I'm going to go with the monster with the best goddamn theme music ever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYb88dfJVp8).
The Romulan Republic
22-03-2009, 03:18
Other: Nazgul, Gollum, Terminators, Aliens (if all of these even count).

Of those one the list, Vampires and wear-animals. Got to give the classics their due. And with Vampires at least, their is a great deal of variety.
Lacadaemon
22-03-2009, 03:29
In before GWB.

But I would say Jesus is the best monster. If you don't really love him he sends you to an eternity of firey torment. So love Jesus, or else.
The Fanboyists
22-03-2009, 03:40
...the Cockroach that Ate Cincinnatti...? WTF...? I dunno, I like anything that will eat Cininnatti...

I'd have to say my favorite monster is...
I dunno...
well...Alien is close...especially the facehuggers...*shudder*
mythology...the Kraken, Cerberus or Fenrir.
the Posleen from the Aldenata series of books by John Ringo? I think they're a little too stupid to be any good.
Werewolves?

But...
I'm most scared of this. (http://historyaddict.com/2008.03.10Chuck.jpg)
Wilgrove
22-03-2009, 04:13
Poltergeists! Nothing you can do to stop them!
NERVUN
22-03-2009, 05:31
...the Cockroach that Ate Cincinnatti...? WTF...? I dunno, I like anything that will eat Cininnatti...You mean You've never head of the Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati?
Pope Joan
22-03-2009, 06:22
Alien.

They have acid for blood and can survive pretty much anywhere.

Right you are!

And out of that lot, the best are the chest-busters.
Linker Niederrhein
22-03-2009, 10:08
Nobody has mentioned tentaclemonsters yet?

Vanillas.
H N Fiddlebottoms VIII
22-03-2009, 12:10
Poltergeists! Nothing you can do to stop them!
Sell all your cutlery and furniture. "What will you juggle and throw across the room now, the restless spirit of Mississippi Dave? I think there's a dust bunny in one of the upstairs closets, why don't you try and stab me with it?"

For the record, although the option said "Were-animals," I voted for "Werewolves." Just wolves. Straight-ahead, curse/contagion spreading killing machines that operate either alone or in packs. The thought of werebears (http://www.lsaccounting.com/werebears/) fills me with a nearly irrepressible rage, and then the thought of some of the stupid shit that was in 2nd edition D&D (Werebats? Werefoxes? Wereravens? Goddamn wereseals. WERE-FUCKING-SEALS! And they were chaotic neutral!)
SaintB
22-03-2009, 12:18
Narwhals FTW!

The scariest monsters would have to be the Deathclaws and Feral Ghouls of Fallout 3. I know the feral ghouls are easy to kill, but you can hear them coming yet they attack from out of nowhere.


Feral Ghouls... turn off the lights, turn off the music, set the volume really high, turn on the surround sound; and prepare to be absolutly terrified. That's how I train my nerves for the eventual Zombie Apacolypse.

I think Godzilla is by far the coolest of monsters.
HC Eredivisie
22-03-2009, 13:11
WYTYG, so I voted for the great old ones.

Should I run now?:p
Lunatic Goofballs
22-03-2009, 13:14
Sell all your cutlery and furniture. "What will you juggle and throw across the room now, the restless spirit of Mississippi Dave? I think there's a dust bunny in one of the upstairs closets, why don't you try and stab me with it?"

For the record, although the option said "Were-animals," I voted for "Werewolves." Just wolves. Straight-ahead, curse/contagion spreading killing machines that operate either alone or in packs. The thought of werebears (http://www.lsaccounting.com/werebears/) fills me with a nearly irrepressible rage, and then the thought of some of the stupid shit that was in 2nd edition D&D (Werebats? Werefoxes? Wereravens? Goddamn wereseals. WERE-FUCKING-SEALS! And they were chaotic neutral!)

Wereboars, Wererats, yes. Those were good times. :)
Ferrous Oxide
22-03-2009, 13:24
The answer is clearly Ro-Man.

http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr154/Raffine/robotmonster.jpg
greed and death
22-03-2009, 13:26
For the record, although the option said "Were-animals," I voted for "Werewolves." Just wolves. Straight-ahead, curse/contagion spreading killing machines that operate either alone or in packs. The thought of werebears (http://www.lsaccounting.com/werebears/) fills me with a nearly irrepressible rage, and then the thought of some of the stupid shit that was in 2nd edition D&D (Werebats? Werefoxes? Wereravens? Goddamn wereseals. WERE-FUCKING-SEALS! And they were chaotic neutral!)
This is 3.5 but...
I preferred were Owl monks. Were owls get a large bonus to their wisdom when they transformed increasing AC and will saves on monks. What more I found a feat that lets me add wisdom to damage. Of course this all came to an end when it came to light I had twice the AC of the paladin and each hit of mine averaged more then a back stab from a rouge.
SaintB
22-03-2009, 13:44
This is 3.5 but...
I preferred were Owl monks. Were owls get a large bonus to their wisdom when they transformed increasing AC and will saves on monks. What more I found a feat that lets me add wisdom to damage. Of course this all came to an end when it came to light I had twice the AC of the paladin and each hit of mine averaged more then a back stab from a rouge.

My Paladins usually have a shitty AC, dex is the most logical dump stat for them.
Ordo Drakul
22-03-2009, 13:54
I think you're all forgetting the greatest monster of all-countless kills to it's credit and endless atrocities clocked up-Man.
Londim
22-03-2009, 14:03
I think you're all forgetting the greatest monster of all-countless kills to it's credit and endless atrocities clocked up-Man.

We're only 1000000000000 XP from getting wings!
Yootopia
22-03-2009, 15:43
Has to be Fast Zombies.
SaintB
22-03-2009, 16:12
Has to be Fast Zombies.

Why does it have to be fast ones? I like them slower... if they are too fast then the whole encounter is over in an instant and not at all exciting.

I don't think I'm talking about zombies.
Conserative Morality
22-03-2009, 18:15
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh C'thulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Cthulhu_and_R%27lyeh.jpg
Lunatic Goofballs
22-03-2009, 18:20
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh C'thulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.

-image snip-

Ph'nglui mglw'nafh C'thulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn. Honk Honk.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3240898720_5b4e3c7029_m.jpg
Yootopia
22-03-2009, 18:21
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh C'thulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn. Honk Honk
Cannot believe you stole my line :tongue:
Lunatic Goofballs
22-03-2009, 18:22
Cannot believe you stole my line :tongue:

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. :)
DrunkenDove
22-03-2009, 18:23
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh C'thulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn.

From my many years of research, I believe this translates as "I taste like catfood".
Yootopia
22-03-2009, 19:12
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. :)
Well in that case, cheers :)
Jello Biafra
22-03-2009, 19:42
Witches/warlocks.

What are the Great Old Ones? Is that from Lovecraft?
Call to power
22-03-2009, 22:09
Marmite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlsBem2JOl0)

Image

C'thulhu ate all the pies.
Yootopia
22-03-2009, 22:11
Marmite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlsBem2JOl0)
I lol'd.
Truly Blessed
22-03-2009, 22:46
Godzilla, Kong.

i answered were wolf. American Werewolf in London, got to be one of the better monster movies. Vampires are pretty cool but most of the time you get Dracula. You know a guy in nice suit that is really smooth with the ladies.

Lost Boys was pretty good for vampires.

Zombies have kind of been over done. Recent favorite Shaun of the Dead.
Truly Blessed
22-03-2009, 22:48
Witches/warlocks.

What are the Great Old Ones? Is that from Lovecraft?

They need to make a movie. I vote the Dunwich Horror first. Seems like it would be a good starting movie to start the ball rolling.
Trostia
22-03-2009, 22:51
Jennifer Jason Leigh in Single White Female.
Gauthier
22-03-2009, 22:59
The answer is clearly Ro-Man.

http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr154/Raffine/robotmonster.jpg

They grow up so fast...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r37/thexboxdomain/bioshock_01.jpg?t=1237758938
Dododecapod
22-03-2009, 23:18
Witches/warlocks.

What are the Great Old Ones? Is that from Lovecraft?

Yep. My comment was a quote from the Necronomicon regarding them, and Conservative Morality's was a prayer to Great Cthulhu, High Priest of the Great Old Ones.
Gauthier
22-03-2009, 23:39
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh C'thulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn. Honk Honk.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3240898720_5b4e3c7029_m.jpg

"That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even Death may get pied."
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 00:51
Although I have an absolute passion for vampires (except the Mormon ones), I'm gonna have to go with Godzilla. I mean, fuck, people, it's Godzilla!

And although I consider King Kong to be one of, if not the most perfect monster movie ever made, I think Godzilla edges out Kong himself by the depth of his career.
SaintB
23-03-2009, 00:59
Although I have an absolute passion for vampires (except the Mormon ones), I'm gonna have to go with Godzilla. I mean, fuck, people, it's Godzilla!

And although I consider King Kong to be one of, if not the most perfect monster movie ever made, I think Godzilla edges out Kong himself by the depth of his career.

Go go Godzilla! Not even Dracula has had as many movies made featuring him (Dracula vs Godzilla might be fun)
Galloism
23-03-2009, 01:02
Go go Godzilla! Not even Dracula has had as many movies made featuring him (Dracula vs Godzilla might be fun)

Which iteration of Dracula?

I would think Dracula would win, or it would be fought to a standstill (depending on the iterations).
The Romulan Republic
23-03-2009, 01:03
To elaborate on my last post, I love some aspects of the great classics that are wearwolves and vampires, but my favorites tend to be original or lesser-known creations. Take The Lord of the Rings: it has a whole host of monsters and creatures that, while drawing on various mythologies and legends no doubt, are much more original than, say, Vampires. I particularily like the Nazgul or Ringwraiths. Their purpose is basically to be cold, fear, death, and despair personified. I actually found them more imposing in the book than in the films.
Der Teutoniker
23-03-2009, 01:05
I'm feeling in a monster mood today. So for those of you who like all things that go bump in the night (Or tear apart whole cities), what's the best monster? Who is king of them all? General category or specific is fine.

I'm going to go with Godzilla. There's just something about him, and besides, Tokyo really does need to be stomped flat.

Discuss.

The Tarrasque.

Tarrasque > Godzilla.

Math proves it.
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:08
The Tarrasque.

Tarrasque > Godzilla.

Math proves it.

You've never seen the DnD Statistics for Godzilla have you? Its the difference between a CR 24 and a CR 39 my friend... Godilla is far tougher than the Tarrasque.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 01:09
Go go Godzilla! Not even Dracula has had as many movies made featuring him (Dracula vs Godzilla might be fun)
According to this site: http://www.lavasurfer.com/godzilla/topher-zilla-movies.html
Godzilla starred in 29 movies.

As for Dracula, there are so many, I couldn't find a definitive list. I believe Hammer Studios made a total of 21 Dracula movies, plus ...um... I can think of at least 7 Dracula movies made in the 1930s/40s, plus Bram Stoker's Dracula and Dracula 2000, plus some crazy Mexican Dracula movies, that 80s comedy with Arte Johnson... not to mention tv appearances... (and this is just Dracula, not other vampires).

I think Dracula beats Godzilla on his filmography, but I think Godzilla still knocks it out for sheer kick-ass-ity.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 01:12
To elaborate on my last post, I love some aspects of the great classics that are wearwolves and vampires, but my favorites tend to be original or lesser-known creations. Take The Lord of the Rings: it has a whole host of monsters and creatures that, while drawing on various mythologies and legends no doubt, are much more original than, say, Vampires. I particularily like the Nazgul or Ringwraiths. Their purpose is basically to be cold, fear, death, and despair personified. I actually found them more imposing in the book than in the films.
Except that the Nazgul, Ring Wraiths, and other LotR critters were not fully fledged characters that audiences/readers could identify with, like, say, Frankenstein's creature. Nor would you want to date them, like Dracula. Nor did they stomp whole cities, fight other monsters, and have the cool theme music of Godzilla.
Der Teutoniker
23-03-2009, 01:12
Feral Ghouls... turn off the lights, turn off the music, set the volume really high, turn on the surround sound; and prepare to be absolutly terrified. That's how I train my nerves for the eventual Zombie Apacolypse.

I've noticed that Feral Ghouls are so easy to kill... it actually defeats any terror they would otherwise have. My most recent character is only moderately proficient with small guns... yet the hunting rifle is a pretty sure one-shot kill.

Deathclaws... they're pretty BAMF.
Der Teutoniker
23-03-2009, 01:14
You've never seen the DnD Statistics for Godzilla have you? Its the difference between a CR 24 and a CR 39 my friend... Godilla is far tougher than the Tarrasque.

Who published Godzillas stats for D&D? It's an open source game... I mean, I could just creat a CR 10,000,000 creature... and who's to stop me?

To answer you're question... no I have not seen the stats for Crapzilla :tongue:
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:17
According to this site: http://www.lavasurfer.com/godzilla/topher-zilla-movies.html
Godzilla starred in 29 movies.

As for Dracula, there are so many, I couldn't find a definitive list. I believe Hammer Studios made a total of 21 Dracula movies, plus ...um... I can think of at least 7 Dracula movies made in the 1930s/40s, plus Bram Stoker's Dracula and Dracula 2000, plus some crazy Mexican Dracula movies, that 80s comedy with Arte Johnson... not to mention tv appearances... (and this is just Dracula, not other vampires).

I think Dracula beats Godzilla on his filmography, but I think Godzilla still knocks it out for sheer kick-ass-ity.

Murv, I am not all uncertain Rod Stewart didn't write the song Maggie about you and just changed the name so you wouldn't sue him or something. I mean when I think about it:

The morning sun when its in your face really shows your age
But that dont worry me none in my eyes youre everything
I laughed at all of your jokes my love you didnt need to coax
Oh, Muravyets I couldnt have tried any more

It fits way too well!


And yeah, I remembered that the Vampire Encyclopedia said Dracula had been in over 200 movies since they were invented, and that Sherlock Holmes had been in more than him; but it was after I said that about Godzilla. But Godzilla kicks way more ass.
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:19
Except that the Nazgul, Ring Wraiths, and other LotR critters were not fully fledged characters that audiences/readers could identify with, like, say, Frankenstein's creature. Nor would you want to date them, like Dracula. Nor did they stomp whole cities, fight other monsters, and have the cool theme music of Godzilla.

Quoted for truth
Militibus
23-03-2009, 01:21
I voted for the Great Old Ones.

Hell, Cthulhu kills several sailors with the sheer horror they feel seeing him.
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:22
I've noticed that Feral Ghouls are so easy to kill... it actually defeats any terror they would otherwise have. My most recent character is only moderately proficient with small guns... yet the hunting rifle is a pretty sure one-shot kill.

Deathclaws... they're pretty BAMF.

Its that sound the Ghouls make.. Deathclaws aren't all that bad either if you are vigilant and not afraid to use VATS at every oppurtunity. But the sound that the ghouls make is enough to stand up the hairs on the back of your neck, tell me you wouldn't want to wet yourself and run for cover if you heard that noise in the dark somewhere with nobody but yourself for company.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 01:23
Murv, I am not all uncertain Rod Stewart didn't write the song Maggie about you and just changed the name so you wouldn't sue him or something. I mean when I think about it:

It fits way too well!


And yeah, I remembered that the Vampire Encyclopedia said Dracula had been in over 200 movies since they were invented, and that Sherlock Holmes had been in more than him; but it was after I said that about Godzilla. But Godzilla kicks way more ass.
Ahem. Yeah, songs about things that really show my age...that's so...romantic... :p
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:26
Ahem. Yeah, songs about things that really show my age...that's so...romantic... :p

I've been on creative lockdown... at least I put forth thee effort right?
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 01:29
I've been on creative lockdown... at least I put forth thee effort right?
Sure, it's the thought that counts, Mr. Smooth.
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:30
Sure, it's the thought that counts, Mr. Smooth.

*gains +1 ego*

Next time I'll try to use something like "The Young Folks" since I now know you're conscienscious about your age.
The Romulan Republic
23-03-2009, 01:30
Except that the Nazgul, Ring Wraiths, and other LotR critters were not fully fledged characters that audiences/readers could identify with, like, say, Frankenstein's creature. Nor would you want to date them, like Dracula. Nor did they stomp whole cities, fight other monsters, and have the cool theme music of Godzilla.

The Nazgul didn't stomp whole cities, but they could make an army flee their posts in terror.

Granted, they weren't complex characters. However, that wasn't the point. They were more or less fear personified. Sure, they don't have much beyond that, but its enough.

Their are different kinds of villains: fallen heros, obssessed villains, Force of Nature villains. The Nazgul fall squarely in the last catagory. That doesn't mean they aren't good.
Galloism
23-03-2009, 01:31
*gains +1 ego*

*stomps SaintB into the ground*
Big Jim P
23-03-2009, 01:34
"That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even Death may get pied."

Almost siggable.:D

I voted Great Old Ones (out of kindred I suppose), although I prefer Nyarlathotep or Azathoth to Cthulhu.
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:34
*stomps SaintB into the ground*

*Dodges* Your internet connection is too slow old man!
Galloism
23-03-2009, 01:36
*Dodges* Your internet connection is too slow old man!

You can't win SaintB. If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 01:36
The Nazgul didn't stomp whole cities, but they could make an army flee their posts in terror.
Feh. So could Barbara Streisand, if she was pissed off.

Granted, they weren't complex characters. However, that wasn't the point. They were more or less fear personified. Sure, they don't have much beyond that, but its enough.
Only if you are afraid of them. To me, they are meh.

Their are different kinds of villains: fallen heros, obssessed villains, Force of Nature villains. The Nazgul fall squarely in the last catagory. That doesn't mean they aren't good.
Guess what category Godzilla falls into -- and tops -- too?

Of course, the best can sometimes be those that combine catagories. Heath Ledger's Joker, for example (a "human monster," if you will), combines strong elements of all three of those listed above.
I hate "human monsters" in contexts like this because, to me, monsters are entertaining, and human villainy is too real to be entertainment.

EDIT: By the way, I noticed how you dodged the whole date-ability question. ;)
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:40
You can't win SaintB. If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.

Eat my shorts! (mix and match pop culture references)
SaintB
23-03-2009, 01:41
EDIT: By the way, I noticed how you dodged the whole date-ability question. ;)

Thats because nobody can refute that, the only guy more suave the Count Dracula is Don Jaun.
The Romulan Republic
23-03-2009, 01:43
Feh. So could Barbara Streisand, if she was pissed off.

I barely even know who Miss Streisand is, outside of South Park. Besides, your pop culture mud slinging proves nothing.;)


Only if you are afraid of them. To me, they are meh.

Have you read the books, or just watched the movies? I ask because I found them decidedly more impressive in the books. Especially the Witch King's final confrontation with Gandalf at the gate of Minis Tirith, which was cut from the theatre version, and shown in badly mangled form in the Extended Edition.


Guess what category Godzilla falls into -- and tops -- too?

I've actually never liked the giant creature type of monster. They seem so crude, almost laughable.


I hate "human monsters" in contexts like this because, to me, monsters are entertaining, and human villainy is too real to be entertainment.

And I actually hate the term "human monsters," despite having used it.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 02:07
I barely even know who Miss Streisand is, outside of South Park. Besides, your pop culture mud slinging proves nothing.;)
Well, take my word for it, she is scary.

Have you read the books, or just watched the movies? I ask because I found them decidedly more impressive in the books. Especially the Witch King's final confrontation with Gandalf at the gate of Minis Tirith, which was cut from the theatre version, and shown in badly mangled form in the Extended Edition.
I tried to read the books, but my eyes fell out of my head before chapter 3 of The Fellowship. I had to scramble blind to catch them before they escaped out a window. The mere mention of an Extended Version of the movies made them want to claw their way out again.

I am not a fan of Tolkein. I have made many attempts to get into him, but what it boils down to is, I think he was a shitty writer who wrote boring stories. Sorry.

And no, the Nazgul are not scary to me.

I've actually never liked the giant creature type of monster. They seem so crude, almost laughable.
You may be abnormal.

See, I have this theory about giant monsters. I have often been struck by the incredible popularity of Godzilla, which is ridiculous when you think about it. I mean, look at the thing -- it's a guy in a puffy lizard suit. And yet, billiions of people the world over, from all cultures, can't get enough of Godzilla and his ilk.

And have you ever seen the original movie, before they spliced in Raymond Burr? It was supposed to be depressing. It was supposed to be this nihilistic post-war indictment of nuclear environmental contamination. It was supposed to be about the horrible price nature would exact upon humankind for our transgressions.

But that's not effect it had, is it? Nope. People got one look at that fat-assed rubber dinosaur, and it has been "GO GO GODZILLA!" ever since.

So I asked myself, "What Godzilla-shaped hole was there in the human psyche that this movie suddenly filled for so many people?" And I realized that mythology has been full of giant monsters for all of human history. Thunderbirds, frost giants, earthquake-causing giant crocodiles -- and let's not even talk about the Greeks. I have this suspicion that when the ancient bards went around the tavernas reciting the Oddyssey (sp?), the audiences may well have wanted to hear more about the Cyclops and Scylla and Charybdis than they did about the heroes.

Before thinking deeply and seriously about Godzilla, I had read many academic papers that went on and on about the giant monsters of myth representing the vast forces of nature that oppressed the minds of ancient humans with fear of the unknown. That never made much sense to me. Why would people fill their entertainments with something that was so negative? Now I think it is likely we have always related to giant monsters the way we relate to Godzilla. Whatever dark, heavy, fearful thing they might represent, their coolness overcomes it.

Crude? Yep. Laughable? Often. But also endless hours of fun for the whole family. For whatever reason, humans just love them some giant monster action. Yeah, baby.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 02:10
Thats because nobody can refute that, the only guy more suave the Count Dracula is Don Jaun.
Actually, Don Juan was a hound, a cad, and a date rapist. Casanova was the really suave love-dude. ;)
SaintB
23-03-2009, 02:13
Actually, Don Juan was a hound, a cad, and a date rapist. Casanova was the really suave love-dude. ;)

I hate Sundays, I can't win at all.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 02:17
I hate Sundays, I can't win at all.
It's a common error, dear. ;)
SaintB
23-03-2009, 02:19
It's a common error, dear. ;)

Not a comforting thought to a person who spends a lot of time consciously trying to avoid making common errors.

Regardless, I was upset when I found out Casanova and Dracula don't give lessons.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 02:31
Not a comforting thought to a person who spends a lot of time consciously trying to avoid making common errors.

Regardless, I was upset when I found out Casanova and Dracula don't give lessons.
Ah, but Casanova left a how-to manual!!

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=safari&rls=en&q=casanova+book&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16015187212347153582&ei=RuTGSdfzHOOwtgeNrfzHCg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&resnum=1&ct=result#ps-sellers
SaintB
23-03-2009, 02:33
Ah, but Casanova left a how-to manual!!

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=safari&rls=en&q=casanova+book&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16015187212347153582&ei=RuTGSdfzHOOwtgeNrfzHCg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&resnum=1&ct=result#ps-sellers

Yeah but reading about the master and seeing him in action are two different things, and I can't help but get that nagging sensation Casanova didn't go for the kind of women I do.
Getbrett
23-03-2009, 02:37
I have an affinity for modern-era representations of vampires: smooth, sauve, elegant, intelligent, ruthless.
H N Fiddlebottoms VIII
23-03-2009, 03:03
EDIT: By the way, I noticed how you dodged the whole date-ability question. ;)
I understand that there are some people who might be interested in dating the tentacle monster that lived by Moria's backdoor.

I have an affinity for modern-era representations of vampires: smooth, sauve, elegant, intelligent, ruthless.
You're a metaphor for AIDS? :confused:
Getbrett
23-03-2009, 03:07
You're a metaphor for AIDS? :confused:

What?
Pope Lando II
23-03-2009, 03:10
Gotta go with my man Dracula. Romanians are creepy enough as it is, but Dracula is the king of monster kings. You can see Godzilla coming from ten miles away, but Dracula's a charmer - you don't know you're sunk until you're sunk, and they you're one of them. Neat.
The Romulan Republic
23-03-2009, 03:43
Well, take my word for it, she is scary.

She is but a mortal woman.;)


I tried to read the books, but my eyes fell out of my head before chapter 3 of The Fellowship. I had to scramble blind to catch them before they escaped out a window. The mere mention of an Extended Version of the movies made them want to claw their way out again.

I am not a fan of Tolkein. I have made many attempts to get into him, but what it boils down to is, I think he was a shitty writer who wrote boring stories. Sorry.

The first two thirds or so of Fellowship of the Ring are very slow, yes. That doesn't mean they're bad. It does mean that if you go in expecting a fast read, you're likely to be disappointed.

Its worth it if you keep reading though, unless you just hate fantasy or medieval settings or something or the (arguably) racist/sexist undertones bother you too much (in which case you probably dislike most literature ever written).

For me, the best sections of the books are probably the Siege of Gondor, the last third or so of Fellowship as a whole, and the opening parts of The Two Towers.

And no, the Nazgul are not scary to me.

They don't really scare me either. But the concept is cool.

You may be abnormal.

Obviously, thank God.

See, I have this theory about giant monsters. I have often been struck by the incredible popularity of Godzilla, which is ridiculous when you think about it. I mean, look at the thing -- it's a guy in a puffy lizard suit. And yet, billiions of people the world over, from all cultures, can't get enough of Godzilla and his ilk.

And have you ever seen the original movie, before they spliced in Raymond Burr? It was supposed to be depressing. It was supposed to be this nihilistic post-war indictment of nuclear environmental contamination. It was supposed to be about the horrible price nature would exact upon humankind for our transgressions.

But that's not effect it had, is it? Nope. People got one look at that fat-assed rubber dinosaur, and it has been "GO GO GODZILLA!" ever since.

So I asked myself, "What Godzilla-shaped hole was there in the human psyche that this movie suddenly filled for so many people?" And I realized that mythology has been full of giant monsters for all of human history. Thunderbirds, frost giants, earthquake-causing giant crocodiles -- and let's not even talk about the Greeks. I have this suspicion that when the ancient bards went around the tavernas reciting the Oddyssey (sp?), the audiences may well have wanted to hear more about the Cyclops and Scylla and Charybdis than they did about the heroes.

Before thinking deeply and seriously about Godzilla, I had read many academic papers that went on and on about the giant monsters of myth representing the vast forces of nature that oppressed the minds of ancient humans with fear of the unknown. That never made much sense to me. Why would people fill their entertainments with something that was so negative? Now I think it is likely we have always related to giant monsters the way we relate to Godzilla. Whatever dark, heavy, fearful thing they might represent, their coolness overcomes it.

Crude? Yep. Laughable? Often. But also endless hours of fun for the whole family. For whatever reason, humans just love them some giant monster action. Yeah, baby.

You've explained nothing I'm afraid. All you've said is that a lot of people find them cool. Which says nothing about what makes them so cool.

If you think they're cool, fine. I'm inclined to disagree.
Muravyets
23-03-2009, 04:05
She is but a mortal woman.;)

Not according to her plastic surgeon (allegedly).

The first two thirds or so of Fellowship of the Ring are very slow, yes. That doesn't mean they're bad. It does mean that if you go in expecting a fast read, you're likely to be disappointed.

Its worth it if you keep reading though, unless you just hate fantasy or medieval settings or something or the (arguably) racist/sexist undertones bother you.

For me, the best sections of the books are probably the Siege of Gondor, the last third or so of Fellowship as a whole, and the opening parts of The Two Towers.
Did I complain that the start of the book was slow? Why, no, I complained that it sucked -- in my opinion. I have also skipped to the other books in the trilogy and found them just as bad. I enjoy the fantasy genre. What I don't like is Tolkien's writing. By the way, I also enjoy the horror genre, very much, but I hate a lot of horror writers that other people think define the genre, too.

They don't really scare me either. But the concept is cool.
I don't dig it. I find it a bit shallow, but meh.

Obviously, thank God.

You've explained nothing I'm afraid. All you've said is that a lot of people find them cool. Which says nothing about what makes them so cool.
I failed to make myself clear. What I was trying to say is that giant monsters are fun. Contrary to the speculations of mythologists and academics, they are not scary or deep or especially symbolic. They are just fun because they are big and they kick ass, and when a story about them is told well, it brings a mild and enjoyable little energy rush to an audience that is caught up in the telling. It is similar to the kick we get from action movies with lots of explosions or from riding rollercoasters or even just dancing a lot or doing exciting sports.

Also, they feed common and fleeting power fantasies. Audiences don't fear Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra, or King Kong. They dream of being them, of being able to just blow away anything that is annoying them at the moment. They cheer those giant beasts on. That's why, over the course of several movies, Godzilla morphed from a destroyer to a protector of Japan. The catharsis offered by giant monsters is a quick shot of liberating satisfaction, as opposed to the therapeutic emotional extremes of the catharsis of tragedy, or the fear-catharsis of horror stories.

I think of monster movies as their own genre, distinct from horror movies. And giant monsters are a sub-genre within monster movies, having a quite specific set of effects on an audience. They are not about playing with fear emotions, the way horror is.

If you think they're cool, fine. I'm inclined to disagree.
Disagreeing is fine. I'm not trying to convince you to like them. If I'm allowed to dislike Tolkein, you're allowed to dislike giant monsters. It's not like they're important for anything.
Sirocco
23-03-2009, 04:08
http://s5.tinypic.com/jt734p.jpg
Knights of Liberty
23-03-2009, 04:46
Vampires. True vampires. Following that, demons and occult related stuff. Then ghosts.
Gauthier
23-03-2009, 04:57
http://s5.tinypic.com/jt734p.jpg

Chinese knockoff. :tongue:

http://www.herbalinfusions.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/mike-wazowski.jpg
Knights of Liberty
23-03-2009, 05:20
Suprised no one said Barrack Obama yet.
Gauthier
23-03-2009, 05:28
Suprised no one said Barrack Obama yet.

That's because the thread is "Best Monster," not "Best Evil Overlord".
The Romulan Republic
23-03-2009, 05:41
That's because the thread is "Best Monster," not "Best Evil Overlord".

Palpatine would win anyway.;)
Knights of Liberty
23-03-2009, 05:51
Palpatine would win anyway.;)

I dunno, Palpatine isnt a socialist or Muslim...;)
The Romulan Republic
23-03-2009, 05:55
Not according to her plastic surgeon (allegedly).


Did I complain that the start of the book was slow? Why, no, I complained that it sucked -- in my opinion.

Maybe I got the wrong impression. You wouldn't have been the first to be put off by the slow beginning though.

I have also skipped to the other books in the trilogy and found them just as bad. I enjoy the fantasy genre. What I don't like is Tolkien's writing. By the way, I also enjoy the horror genre, very much, but I hate a lot of horror writers that other people think define the genre, too.

Out of curiosity, what fantasy do you prefer? Tolkien did so much to define the genre that it seems hard to find anything that isn't to some extent a Tolkien imitator.

I don't dig it. I find it a bit shallow, but meh.

You may be confusing "good monster," with "well-developed character."

I failed to make myself clear. What I was trying to say is that giant monsters are fun. Contrary to the speculations of mythologists and academics, they are not scary or deep or especially symbolic. They are just fun because they are big and they kick ass, and when a story about them is told well, it brings a mild and enjoyable little energy rush to an audience that is caught up in the telling. It is similar to the kick we get from action movies with lots of explosions or from riding rollercoasters or even just dancing a lot or doing exciting sports.

Also, they feed common and fleeting power fantasies. Audiences don't fear Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra, or King Kong. They dream of being them, of being able to just blow away anything that is annoying them at the moment. They cheer those giant beasts on. That's why, over the course of several movies, Godzilla morphed from a destroyer to a protector of Japan. The catharsis offered by giant monsters is a quick shot of liberating satisfaction, as opposed to the therapeutic emotional extremes of the catharsis of tragedy, or the fear-catharsis of horror stories.

Not a terrible theory really. Of course, that's not always the case. I'd say it probably holds true to some extent where the monster is the hero. In other cases, though, the monster might be their just to serve as an impressive antagonist, as a challenge for the heros to overcome.

I think of monster movies as their own genre, distinct from horror movies. And giant monsters are a sub-genre within monster movies, having a quite specific set of effects on an audience. They are not about playing with fear emotions, the way horror is.

I've found that a lot of horror seems to go for disgust, not just fear. Either way, I don't like much horror. I don't love giant monster movies in general, but I'll take one over most horror any day.
Lunatic Goofballs
23-03-2009, 07:48
Suprised no one said Barrack Obama yet.

I'm surprised no one said Clowns yet.
Pope Lando II
23-03-2009, 07:51
I'm surprised no one said Clowns yet.

Or Micheal Jackson.
Delator
23-03-2009, 07:52
I'm feeling in a monster mood today. So for those of you who like all things that go bump in the night (Or tear apart whole cities), what's the best monster? Who is king of them all? General category or specific is fine.

I'm going to go with Godzilla. There's just something about him, and besides, Tokyo really does need to be stomped flat.

Discuss.

I'm in complete agreement...been watching Godzilla movies since I was six, and I'll never stop. :)

*steps on a tank...doesn't notice* :tongue:
Elves Security Forces
23-03-2009, 08:32
Vampires hands down.
Rhursbourg
23-03-2009, 12:12
Rust Monsters
Rambhutan
23-03-2009, 12:46
Giant mecha Ayn Rand
Non Aligned States
23-03-2009, 13:49
I'm surprised no one said Clowns yet.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/Mashadarof402/shrek_gingerman.jpg

Satisfied?
Lunatic Goofballs
23-03-2009, 14:00
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll269/Mashadarof402/shrek_gingerman.jpg

Satisfied?

Yep. :)

*munches the cookie*
Truly Blessed
23-03-2009, 14:43
I think most of the Kong movies are way better than Godzilla but for excess of movies you have to go with Godzilla.

Just the scene where he first breaks through the trees to find Fay Wray.

The new one was even better.
Heinleinites
24-03-2009, 06:48
I see the Internet's love-affair with Lovecraft continues. I voted for the Great Old Ones myself. According to Lovecraft, they don't even have to grab people, or even be around, sometimes just reading about them makes people nuts. That's definitely bang for your buck, terrifying monster-wise.

Otherwise, I'm going to agree with Murayvets about the giant monsters.
Muravyets
24-03-2009, 20:15
Maybe I got the wrong impression. You wouldn't have been the first to be put off by the slow beginning though.



Out of curiosity, what fantasy do you prefer? Tolkien did so much to define the genre that it seems hard to find anything that isn't to some extent a Tolkien imitator.
I'm too lazy to go look up a lot of titles and authors, so I can only give a fleeting outline:

Neil Gaiman, Stardust as well as his modern fantasies.

Fantasy written when Medieval/Renaissance was not the past, i.e. Beowulf, Orlando Furioso (and other Orlando epics).

Likewise, non-fantasy adventure writers such as Dumas pere et fils.

Those last two sets are writers who were definitely NOT immitating Tolkien but rather were immitated by him.

There are others I enjoy between those two extremes. But not Tolkien.


You may be confusing "good monster," with "well-developed character."
Neither is worth a damn if the writer is not up to snuff.

Not a terrible theory really. Of course, that's not always the case. I'd say it probably holds true to some extent where the monster is the hero. In other cases, though, the monster might be their just to serve as an impressive antagonist, as a challenge for the heros to overcome.
I believe there is always a piece of the reader/listener that is rooting for the monster. Whether they are good or evil (and Godzilla has been both), the bigger the monster, the bigger the fun.

I've found that a lot of horror seems to go for disgust, not just fear. Either way, I don't like much horror. I don't love giant monster movies in general, but I'll take one over most horror any day.
You perhaps are not familiar with good horror. I would recommend the short stories of Joseph Sheridan LeFanu, M.R. James, E.F. Benson, and Algernon Blackwood, for starters, if you are ever curious to give the genre another chance.

I agree that bad horror -- of which I count most modern books and movies -- only prove that watching blood congeal is as boring as watching paint dry.
Muravyets
24-03-2009, 20:19
I think most of the Kong movies are way better than Godzilla but for excess of movies you have to go with Godzilla.

Just the scene where he first breaks through the trees to find Fay Wray.

The new one was even better.
The new one? You mean the one from Peter Jackson, starring poor Adrien Brody? Gods, that was hands down one of the top 5 (maybe top 3) WORST movies I've ever seen. I wanted to sue them for the time I lost watching it.
Knights of Liberty
24-03-2009, 20:20
The new one? You mean the one from Peter Jackson, starring poor Adrien Brody? Gods, that was hands down one of the top 5 (maybe top 3) WORST movies I've ever seen. I wanted to sue them for the time I lost watching it.

Make sure you get a lot of money out of said lawsuit. Gods that was a loooooooooooooooooong movie.
Hydesland
24-03-2009, 20:22
The Blob, definitely. Hands down.
The Fanboyists
25-03-2009, 00:34
You mean You've never head of the Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati?

Can't say I have. I have heard about the giant locusts that ate Chicago, though (Beginning of the End, introduced by MST3K)

Right you are!

And out of that lot, the best are the chest-busters.

This is totally off topic with the rest of the thread, but the darkroom at my school (for photography) has a hole in the ceiling, and so its totally freaking me out remembering the part in Aliens where the Aliens attack from the ceiling....I'm scared! :O
Grave_n_idle
25-03-2009, 00:53
Dark Judges. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Judges
JuNii
25-03-2009, 00:56
hmmm... to go by class/Weight...

Planetary scale: the Great Old Ones.

Monstrous scale: I would give it to Hedorah (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedorah). The one Monster that Godzilla needed Human Help to defeat.

Humanoid: hmm... while people argue between the Vampires and Werewolves. the Golem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golem) is tougher... the Mythological version of the 'Tank'.

Note: Best does not mean 'Favorite'.
Lord Tothe
25-03-2009, 05:09
The Blob, definitely. Hands down.

That movie sucked, definitely. Hands down.

Has it been MST3K'd yet? *checks*
Hydesland
25-03-2009, 05:11
That movie sucked, definitely. Hands down.


It sucked in a way that was awesome.


Has it been MST3K'd yet? *checks*

waaaa?
Cameroi
25-03-2009, 09:02
attack of the fifty foot zombie were-cat women from planet x. or near it.

or for that matter, how about the mutant space goat that ate the b-arc?
(in hitch hiker's, of course)
another entry in 'the guide', several actually, see cross reference "towel", also intestine,
is the bugbladder beast of krawl. or some such place. i can never remember all those names
and how they're spellt