The Monster Island Film Vault - A Podcast Seeking Entertainment and Enlightenment through Tokusatsu.

Impromptu Episode: ‘Prophecy’ (1979) | Ft. Matt Walsh (But Not That Matt Walsh) | Patreon

Published May 1, 2026

Hello Kaiju Lovers! Because Matt Walsh (no, not that Matt Walsh) is a crazy man who just happened to be on the Island to play Super Mario at a kids party, he jumped to the joke tier on our Patreon called “Jimmy’s Intern” (again). This time, it’s to discuss a 1979 movie directed by John Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate, 1962) that has a pseudo-kaiju bear voiced by Megatron and played by the Predator and stars Rocky Balboa’s girlfriend. (For SEO purposes, that’s Frank Welker, Kevin Peter Hall, and Talia Shire). Jimmy has the day off for this one, which may or may not have been a good idea. Matt argues the movie is better than its reputation. Meanwhile, Nate adds three moments—including a cult status-worthy scene of “peak cinema”—to his “not on my bingo card” list. Also, John was drunk.

Additional Music: “End Credits” by Leonard Rosenman (from the Prophecy OST)

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

We’d like to give a shout-out to our free MIFV MAX patrons on Patreon: Cordell Stevens, John Pannozzi, Jacob Heron, Cool Cat Videos, Bransbow, Sean Sullivan, Frankie Wolf, Russel Hale, FRIEN Jadge, Bob Hard, ArtsieSteph, Robert O’Brien, DD Chief, Kaye, Nobody, The Indiscrite One, Clayton Warden, Enigma, Dave Blanken, Patrick Greenlaw, Mikki, Josh Baughan, Shane Cochran, and Francis Chopin.

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

Introduction: 0:00-7:18
Main Discussion (synopsis, background, analysis): 7:18-2:23:55
Culture Box Ad (Henshin Power V3): 2:23:55-2:26:16
Outro (listener feedback and housekeeping, etc.): 2:26:16-2:33:09
Credits: 2:33:09-end

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #classicfilm, #JohnFrankenheimer, #prophecy, #monstermovie, #horrormovie, #patreon

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Bowie, Stephen. “Frankenheimer, John.” Senses of Cinema, no. 41. Nov. 2006. https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2006/great-directors/frankenheimer/.
“John Frankenheimer.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Frankenheimer.
Kino Lorber 4K/blu-ray special features:
- Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
- “All of Our Sins”
- “Bearing Up”
- “Bear and Grin It”
- “Hard to Bear”
- “Prophecy Prodigy”
- “The Man Behind the Mask”
“Prophecy.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079758/.
“Prophecy (film).” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_(film).
Rhys, Timothy. “John Frankenheimer Survives Hollywood.” MovieMaker. Updated 31 Jan. 2023. https://www.moviemaker.com/john-frankenheimer-survives-hollywood-3152/.
Simerl, Brian. “Nature’s Wrath: Rediscovering ‘Prophecy’ (1979) and the Lost Art of Environmental Horror!” Severed Cinema. 11 Oct. 2024. https://severed-cinema.com/natures-wrath-rediscovering-prophecy-1979-and-the-lost-art-of-environmental-horror/.
Tarantino, Quentin. “Prophecy – 1979.” Beverly Cinema. 11 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200323150053/http:/thenewbev.com/tarantinos-reviews/prophecy/.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Ultraman Nu: An Unofficial Audiodrama, Episode 1 – “Tooth and Fire”

Published April 25, 2026

Nate, the secretly resentful host for Ultraman Nu, tries to get back into as normal a life as Monster Island will allow by visiting the Sekizawa Library to conduct research. There, he meets (and is smitten by) Jane, a lovely new librarian, who tells him a notorious T-rex is on display for the library’s “Dinosaur Day.” Nate goes outside to see it, meeting M.A.K.O.’s leader, Captain Darke, just in time for the beast break out of its cage and go on a rampage. Now it’s big dang hero time—even if Nate wishes it wasn’t!

Ryan “The Omni Viewer” Collins: https://www.youtube.com/@omniviewer2115.

Cover art by Jacob Heron: @LycanArtist.

Ultraman Nu theme song by SilvrSage (https://silvrsage.com/).

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #Ultraman, #UltramanNu, #audiodrama, #superhero

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Episode 111: ‘The Return of Godzilla’ | Ft. Neil Riebe and Andrew Wynja “The Ninja” | Godzilla Redux

Published April 10, 2026

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! Nate (technically) reaches the Heisei Era of “Godzilla Redux” with The Return of Godzilla (aka “Godzilla 1984”). He’s joined by kaiju author Neil Riebe (who saw it in the theatre!) and the “unapologetic apologist” for the Heisei series, Andrew Wynja “The Ninja.” They get into how this is the only true “Cold War” G-film and offers a uniquely Japanese perspective that was almost completely lost in Roger Corman’s heavily re-edited Americanized version, Godzilla 1985. If history isn’t your thing, they also discuss the amazing special effects by Teruyoshi Nakano, Kenpachiro Satsuma’s first performance as Big G, and the incredible score by Reijiro Koroku, among other things. Strap in!

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

Introduction: 0:00-16:48
Main Discussion (synopsis, background, analysis): 16:48-2:47:43
Culture Box Ad (Retro Rewind): 2:47:34-2:48:34
Outro (listener feedback and housekeeping): 2:48:34-3:04:10
Credits: 3:04:10-end

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #Godzilla, #GodzillaRedux, #ReturnOfGodzilla, #Godzilla1985

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Barr, Jason. The Kaiju Film: A Critical Study of Cinema’s Biggest Monsters. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 2016.
Kaijuvision Radio, Episode 21: The Return of Godzilla (1984) (The Cold War, KAL Flight 007, Three Mile Island Accident). YouTube. https://youtu.be/T4C9blbSdPY?si=IEtjaoEWkpyCionA.
Kalat, David. A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series (2^nd edition). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 2017.
Kennedy, Leslie. “Why Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ Defense Plan Remained Science Fiction.” History.com. 17 Feb. 2025. https://www.history.com/articles/reagan-star-wars-sdi-missile-defense.
Lees, J.D. and Marc Cerasini. The Official Godzilla Compendium. Random House. 1998.
LeMay, John. The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies, Volume 2: 1984-2017. Bicep Books, 2017.
LeMay, John with Ted Johnson. The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies: The Lost Films – Mutated Edition. Bicep Books. 2019.
LeMay, John. Writing Japanese Monsters. Bicep Books. 2020.
Lees, J.D. and Marc Cerasini. The Official Godzilla Compendium. Random House. 1998.
“Return of Godzilla, The.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9015178/.
“Return of Godzilla, The.” Toho Kingdon. https://www.tohokingdom.com/movies/return_of_godzilla.htm.
“Return of Godzilla, The.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Return_of_Godzilla.
“Return of Godzilla, The (1984).” Wikizilla. https://wikizilla.org/wiki/The_Return_of_Godzilla.
Skipper, Graham. Godzilla: The Official Guide to the King of the Monsters. Welbeck Publishing Group. 2022.
“Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).” Atomic Heritage Foundation. 18 July 2018. https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/ahf/history/strategic-defense-initiative-sdi/.
“Strategic Defense Initiative.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Defense_Initiative.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The Snarky Boneheads with Rito and Wade #3 | April Fool’s Day Special 2026

Published April 1, 2026

The infamous Rito Revolto (or Rito Bandora, depending on who you talk to) and some dude named Wade once again invade the MIFV podcast feed! They bicker and banter as they read all the important news stories from Monster Island, and then they get a phone from the Island’s resident Ultra Hero, Ultraman Nu. Rito hates it, because he’s had…an altercation with Mr. Nu. Is anyone surprised?

Starring:

Nathan Marchand as Rito, Wade, and Ultraman Nu

Written, directed, produced, and edited by Nathan Marchand

MUSIC:

“Game Over” by Jacob Lizotte
“Tenfold True (Instrumental)” by Breaker
“The Song of Ultraman Nu” by SilvrSage (https://silvrsage.com/)

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #ultraman

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

Episode 110: ‘Ultraman Zearth 1&2’ vs. Nick Hayden | The Ultra Journey

Published March 13, 2026

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! You’re not only getting a double feature in this episode of “The Ultra Journey” but also the long-awaited return of one of MIFV’s first guests, Nick Hayden. Nate also returns to one of MIFV’s original conceits: showing a kaiju/tokusatsu movie to someone who hasn’t seen it. This time, it’s the Ultraman Zearth duology. These quirky parodies feature an Ultraman trying to conquer his own trauma and phobias more than the deliciously evil alien supervillains. No, Zearth’s true archenemies are mud and a volleyball. Strap in for Nate having too much fun with his new equipment and for discussions of strangely “NSFW” scenes in kids’ superhero movies. The Toku Topics are mysophobia (aka “germophobia”) and hypochondria, because the former plagues poor Zearth in his first cinematic outing.

Check out Nick’s podcast, Let’s Finally Watch This: https://derailedtrainsofthought.com/index.php/show/lets-finally-watch-this/.

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

Introduction: 0:00-13:10
Entertaining Info Dump – ‘Ultraman Zearth’: 13:10-21:57
Toku Talk – ‘Ultraman Zearth’: 21:57-1:03:12
Entertaining Info Dump – ‘Ultraman Zearth 2’: 1:03:12-1:11:51
Toku Talk – ‘Ultraman Zearth 2’: 1:11:51-2:00:51
Culture Box Ad – The Rushmore Show: 2:00:51-2:02:15
Toku Topic – Mysophobia and Hypochondria: 2:02:15-2:24:25
Outro (listener feedback and housekeeping): 2:34:25-2:47:44
Credits: 2:47:44-end

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #ultraman, #theultrajourney, #tsuburayaproductions, #ultramanzearth

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Derendorf, Kevin. Kaiju for Hipsters: 101 “Alternative” Giant Monster Movies. Maser Press, 2018.
Fritscher, Lisa. “What Is Mysophobia?” Verywell Mind. 25 Aug. 2025. https://www.verywellmind.com/all-about-msyophobia-fear-of-germs-2671871.
Guo, Lily. “Mysophobia: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms, and More.” Osmosis. Modified 6 Jan. 2025. https://www.osmosis.org/answers/mysophobia.
Harvey, Ryan. “Ultraman Zearth (1996).” The Ultra Project. 16 Nov. 2024. https://the-ultra-project.com/2024/11/16/ultraman-zearth-1996/.
Harvey, Ryan. “Ultraman Zearth 2 (1997).” The Ultra Project. 19 April 2025. https://the-ultra-project.com/2025/04/19/ultraman-zearth-2-1997/.
“Hypochondria.” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/hypochondria.
“Hypochondriasis.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochondriasis.
LeMay, John. The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies, Volume 2: 1984-2017. Bicep Books, 2017.
Mobley D, Baum NH, Beattie A, Nemeroff C. “When Imagination Becomes a Disease: Dealing With Hypochondriacal Patients in Clinical Practice.” Ochsner J. 2019 Summer;19(2):70-73. doi: 10.31486/toj.18.0123. PMID: 31258417; PMCID: PMC6584190.
“Mysophobia.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysophobia.
Sanz, Elena. “Hypochondria and Nosophobia: Two Manifestations of the Fear of Illness.” Exploring Your Mind. 5 Aug. 2022. https://exploringyourmind.com/hypochondria-and-nosophobia-two-manifestations-of-the-fear-of-illness/.
Silberner, Joanne. “Hypochondria Is a Real and Dangerous Illness, New Research Shows.” Scientific American. 19 Nov. 2024. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-hypochondria-can-be-deadly-and-how-newer-treatments-help/.
“Ultraman Zearth.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0183933/.
“Ultraman Zearth.” Ultraman Wiki. https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Ultraman_Zearth_(film).
“Ultraman Zearth.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraman_Zearth.
“Ultraman Zearth 2.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0183934/?ref_=tt_mlt_i_1.
“Ultraman Zearth 2: Superhuman Big Battle – Light and Shadow.” Ultraman Wiki. https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Ultraman_Zearth_2:_Superhuman_Big_Battle_-_Light_and_Shadow.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

Ultraman Nu: An Unofficial Audio Drama ANNOUNCEMENT TRAILER

Published February 28, 2026

Coming soon from MIFV and Moonlighting Ninjas Media: Ultraman Nu: An Unofficial Audio Drama! A 12-episode saga coinciding with MIFV’s season five theme, “The Ultra Journey,” with episodes written by Nathan Marchand and special guest writers. Featuring the voice talents of Shane Cochrane, Jenessah Schlatter, Ryan “The Omni Viewer” Collins, and more! Coming soon to a podcatcher near you!

Ryan “The Omni Viewer” Collins as the announcer. (https://www.youtube.com/@omniviewer2115).

Ultraman Nu theme song by SilvrSage (https://silvrsage.com/).

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #Ultraman, #UltramanNu, #audiodrama, #superhero

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

Episode 109: ‘Terror of Mechagodzilla’ | Ft. Jack “GMan” Hudgens and Elijah Thomas | Godzilla Redux

Published February 25, 2026

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! “Godzilla Redux” kicks off with not one but two “gatekeepers” in the kaiju fandom: Jack “GMan” Hudgens and Elijah Thomas (Kaiju Conversation). They along with Nate spend nearly four hours(!) talking about why they effing love the final Showa series film, Terror of Mechagodzilla. It was Nate and Elijah’s first G-film and is one of Jack’s perennial favorites. While many regard it as Ishiro Honda’s weakest Godzilla film and barely give it more credit than the rest of the 1970s G-films, your hosts unpack a laundry list of deep themes and potent symbols. They sing the praises of the wonderful script by Yukiko Takayama (the only woman to write a full Godzilla screenplay), the exciting explosions of Teruyoshi Nakano (who considered this some of his best work), the grossly underrated kaiju Titanosaurus, and the nuanced performance of Akihiko Hirata as Dr. Mafune, among many other things. No stone is left unturned in this epic discussion! Then in the most entertaining Patreon shout-outs segment ever of all time, a certain Mr. Trump (by way of Elijah) appears….

Additional Music: “Main Title [Terror of Mechagodzilla]” by Akira Ifukube

“Meister Titano’s Counterattack”: https://www.tohokingdom.com/blog/2075-meister-titanos-counterattack-story-translation/

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

Introduction: 0:00-18:25
Main Discussion (synopsis, background, analysis): 18:25-3:44:22
Culture Box Ad (Geek Devotions): 3:44:22-3:45:29
Outro (listener feedback and housekeeping): 3:45:29-3:58:34
Credits: 3:58:34-end

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #Godzilla, #GodzillaRedux, #TerrorofMechagodzilla

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Barr, Jason. The Kaiju Film: A Critical Study of Cinema’s Biggest Monsters. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 2016.
Brothers, Peter H. Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda. AuthorHouse, 2009.
Commentary by Keith Aikan and Bob Thomas (Classic Media DVD).
Galbraith IV, Stuart. Japanese Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films: A Critical Analysis and Filmography of 103 Features Released in the United States, 1950-1992. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 1994.
Kalat, David. A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series (2^nd edition). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 2017.
Lees, J.D. and Marc Cerasini. The Official Godzilla Compendium. Random House. 1998.
LeMay, John. The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies, Volume 1: 1954-1982 (2nd edition). Bicep Books, 2017.
LeMay, John. Writing Japanese Monsters. Bicep Books. 2020.
Ryfle, Steve, and Ed Godziszewski. Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa. Wesleyan University Press, 2017.
Skipper, Graham. Godzilla: The Official Guide to the King of the Monsters. Welbeck Publishing Group. 2022.
“Terror of Mechagodzilla.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073373/.
“Terror of Mechagodzilla.” Toho Kingdom. https://www.tohokingdom.com/movies/terror_of_mechagodzilla.htm.
“Terror of Mechagodzilla.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terror_of_Mechagodzilla.
“Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975).” Wikizilla. https://wikizilla.org/wiki/Terror_of_Mechagodzilla.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

Episode 108 – ‘Ultraman: The Adventure Begins’ vs. The Cel Cast | The Ultra Journey

Published February 12, 2026

Hello, Kaiju Lovers, and welcome season five! It kicks off with the appropriately-titled Ultraman: The Adventure Begins, an animated movie produced in 1987 by Hanna-Barbera. Yes, the studio that brought you Superfriends and Scooby-Doo made the first all-original Ultraman movie! Nate could think of no better guests for this than Drew Dodgen and Jacob Heron (who also created the cover art for this episode) from The Cel Cast. Given that this episode officially marks MIFV’s induction into the Culture Box Network, it’s even more appropriate. While Nate battles weird headaches all episode, he and them Cel Cast boys dive deep into this failed TV pilot and discuss…“diabeetus.” Yeah, it confused Jimmy From NASA, too. To celebrate the Ultra Series’ 60^th anniversary and get the uninitiated up to speed, the Toku Topic is a crash course in the history of the Ultraman franchise. Take your first step on The Ultra Journey!

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors.

Timestamps:

Introduction: 0:00-15:20
Entertaining Info Dump: 15:20-26:40
Toku Talk: 26:40-2:06:03
Culture Box Ad (The Cel Cast): 2:06:03-2:07:12
Toku Topic (A Crash Course in the Ultra Series): 2:07:12-3:10:17
Outro (listener feedback and housekeeping): 3:10:17-3:22:50
Credits: 3:22:50-end

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #ultraman, #theultrajourney, #tsuburayaproductions

Bibliography/Further Reading:

Anderson, Kyle. “You Should Get into ULTRAMAN and Here’s How.” Nerdist. 28 Sept. 2020. https://nerdist.com/article/ultraman-what-you-need-to-know/.
Cayanan, Joanna. “1987 Ultraman: The Adventure Begins Animated Film Screens at G-Fest with New English Dub.” Anime News Network. 16 July 2024. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-07-16/1987-ultraman-the-adventure-begins-animated-film-screens-at-g-fest-with-new-english-dub/.213182.
Derendorf, Kevin. Kaiju for Hipsters: 101 “Alternative” Giant Monster Movies. Maser Press, 2018.
DiManna, Daniel. “M-78 Primer: A Beginner’s Guide to Ultraman.” Kaiju Ramen Magazine, no. 5, March 2022.
Harbor, Stephen. “The Complete History of Ultraman Part 1 (1966-1987).” Den of Geek. 8 Jan. 2017. https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/the-complete-history-of-ultraman-part-1-1966-1987/.
Henshin Men, 048 – A Beginner’s Guide to Ultraman | Ft. Daniel DiManna. https://redcircle.com/shows/a7408f31-6b6b-4832-ba33-c115689469a8/ep/19dc25f0-b403-434b-a255-fecfe31b155f.
LeMay, John. The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies, Volume 2: 1984-2017. Bicep Books, 2017.
LeMay, John with Ted Johnson. The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies: The Lost Films – Mutated Edition. Bicep Books. 2019.
LeMay, John. Writing Japanese Monsters. Bicep Books. 2020.
Matt. “Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.” A Scrapbook of Infinite Noise. 3 Aug. 2018. https://scrapbookinfinity.wordpress.com/2018/08/03/ultraman-the-adventure-begins/
O’Rourke, Ryan. “’Ultraman’ Comes to G-Fest With Screening of Lost Hanna-Barbera Film [Exclusive].” Collider. 9 July 2024. https://collider.com/ultraman-the-adventure-begins-screenings-g-fest/
Pryor, Shawn. Kaiju Unleashed: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Strange Beasts. Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. 2024.
Shiraishi, Masahiko. “Ultraman: A Modern-Day Folk Hero from Japan.” Nippon.com. 26 June 2023. https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/b02509/
“Ultra Series.” Ultraman Wiki. https://ultraseries.fandom.com/wiki/Ultra_Series
“Ultraman.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraman
“Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230915/.
“Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.” Ultraman Wiki. https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Ultraman:_The_Adventure_Begins.
“Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraman:_The_Adventure_Begins.
Ultraman: The Adventure Begins, Japanese blu-ray booklet. Published by Tsuburaya Productions, 2016.
“Ultraman: The Adventure Begins (movie).” Anime News Network. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3901.
“Ultraman Series.” Ultraman Wiki. https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Ultraman_Series.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

Episode 107.5: MIFV Season 5 – “The Ultra Journey” | PROMO TRAILER

Published February 11, 2026

The Ultra Series is celebrating its 60^th anniversary, and MIFV is throwing a year-long own party! Join Nate Marchand as he gives on friends new and old to discuss the greatest cinematic outings of Japan’s favorite superhero, Ultraman. Not only that, you get more “Godzilla Redux” and an amazing assortment of Patreon-sponsored episodes! Now, if only Nate can figure out what’s giving him such a headache….

Check out the full list of (tentative) season 5 episodes on the MIFV website: https://monsterislandfilmvault.com/index.php/episode-list/season-5-the-ultra-journey-coming-soon/.

This trailer’s music was “Ultraman Rap” (artist unknown).

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors…supposedly.

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #giantmonsters, #ultraman, #henshinheroes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

MIFV Season 5 Prelude: “I Should Be Dead” | Storyline Season Premiere

Published February 11, 2026

Nate finds himself floating in oblivion. Terror’s teeth tear into his very soul. A bright silhouette reaches for him, and he takes his hand—and wakes up surrounded by Uber-Moguera’s burning wreckage, unscathed. His rescuer, Jet Jaguar, takes him to the Island’s infirmary. Aside from piercing headaches, he has a clean bill of health. But something haunts him. Something that saved him…something that shares his body…something…or someone?

Ultraman Nu theme song by SilvrSage (https://silvrsage.com/).

Check out Nathan’s spinoff podcasts, The Henshin Men and The Power Trip, and Henshin Power V3!

You, too, can join MIFV MAX on Patreon to get this and other perks starting at only $3 a month! (https://www.patreon.com/monsterislandfilmvault)

Buy official MIFV merch on TeePublic! (https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-monster-island-gift-shop). NEW MERCH NOW AVAILABLE!

This episode is approved by the Monster Island Board of Directors…supposedly.

Podcast Social Media:

MIFV Linktree: https://linktr.ee/monsterislandfilmvault
Nate’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathan_marchand
MIFV is a member of PodNation (https://podnation.tv/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 10 tokusatsu podcasts! (https://blog.feedspot.com/tokusatsu_podcasts/)
MIFV is one of Feedspot’s top 20 monster podcasts! (https://podcasts.feedspot.com/monster_podcasts/)

www.MonsterIslandFilmVault.com

#JimmyFromNASALives, #MonsterIslandFilmVault, #Podcast, #kaiju, #MIFV, #giantmonsters, #ultraman, #henshinheroes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Comments closed

The Monster Island Film Vault Posts