GODZILLA: Hanna-Barbera Godzilla TAS

Godzilla in the Media

Godzilla (ゴジラ?, Gojira) is an irradiated Godzillasaurus kaiju co-created by Hanna-Barbera and Toho Studios that appeared in the 1978 television series, The Godzilla Power Hour.

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The series follows the adventures of a team of scientists on the Calico, a hydrofoil research vessel, headed by Captain Carl Majors. The rest of the crew include scientist Dr. Quinn Darien, her nephew Pete, her research assistant Brock, and the ship's first mate, Carl. Also along for the ride is Godzooky, the "cowardly cousin" of Godzilla and Pete's best friend, who has a lighthearted role in the show. Godzooky can attempt to fly using the small wings under his arms. Whenever Godzooky tries to breathe fire, he usually just coughs up smoke.XXXThe group often call upon Godzilla by using a special communicator when in peril, such as attacks by other giant monsters. Godzooky is also able to howl to summon Godzilla. Godzilla's size in the animated series shifts radically, sometimes within a single episode or even one scene. For instance, Godzilla's claw can wrap around a large ship, and only minutes later the team of scientists fit rather neatly on Godzilla's palm. In addition, Godzilla's trademark atomic breath is altered so he breathes simple fire. He can also shoot laser beams from his eyes much like Superman's heat vision.XXXHanna-Barbera was unable to use Godzilla's trademark roar[why?], so they cast Ted Cassidy to voice the character, similar to his role in the live-action series The Incredible Hulk.XXXThe basic formula of a scientific team and research vessel in league with Godzilla investigating strange phenomena was revived in another cartoon, Godzilla: The Series, which served as an animated continuation of the 1998 Godzilla film.XXXEach episode would include a brief exposition on a scientific instrument or phenomenon, thus providing an educational segment for the show.