lead=yes is a giant monster, or kaiju, that appeared in the 1972 film, Godzilla vs. Gigan. In Showa era, Gigan is a giant extraterrestrial monster, resembling a species of reptile, who was turned into a cyborg by the alien race known as the Nebulans. In Millennium era, Gigan is a Biological agent created by the Xilliens and fought Mothra millennia ago before he was defeated by her and later awaken by the Xilliens in the present time. Gigan sports a huge Circular saw in his frontal abdominal region, large metallic hooks for hands, and a bird-like beak. Gigan is considered one of Godzilla's most brutal and violent opponents, and the first kaiju in the Toho sci-fi series to make him noticeably bleed. Complex listed the character as No. 2 on its "The 15 Most Badass Kaiju Monsters of All Time" list.Josh Robertson, "The 15 Most Badass Kaiju Monsters of All Time", Complex (May 18, 2014)
The character was first conceived by Takeshi Kimura in his script Godzilla vs. the Space Monsters – Earth Defense Directive, which contained elements that would later be incorporated into Godzilla vs. Gigan, including having a mind-controlled Gigan teaming up with King Ghidorah, though the script also included Megalon and the mastermind behind the space monsters' actions was a living brain called Miko.
The first Gigan suit was designed by illustrator Takayoshi Mizuki, modeled by suitmaker Noboyuki Yasamaru, and was worn by Kenpachiro Satsuma, who had starred as Hedorah's suit actor in Godzilla vs. Hedorah the year previously. The two initially did not get on well during filming, as Yasamaru focused more on the suit's appearance than on its practicality, at one point making the character's hand-hooks out of pure fiberglass, which made lifting them almost impossible. The Art of Suit Acting (2006) - Classic Media Godzilla Raids Again DVD featurette In portraying Gigan, Satsuma deliberately emphasized the character's destructive personality. For Gigan's appearance in Zone Fighter, Satsuma did not reprise the role.David Milner, "Kenpachiro Satsuma Interview I" , Kaiju Conversations (December 1993) Special effects director Teruyoshi Nakano had initially wanted to give Gigan the ability to fire a laser beam from its forehead in homage to Buddhist art depicting the Buddha sporting a halo around his head, but the idea was scrapped, as Nakano felt that the character was already powerful enough. The beam was nevertheless included in some promotional stills, along with various Godzilla video games.David Milner, "Teruyoshi Nakano Interview" , Kaiju Conversations (July 1994)
In Zone Fighter, the tips of the hooks were able to release an explosive charge on contact with an enemy.
The Godzilla: Final Wars version has grappling hooks in his arms, a plier at the end of his tail, and can shoot boomerang circular saw blades from his neck and a laser from his eyes. Later the Xiliens replaced his hooks with double-bladed chainsaws.
In the 1973 film, Godzilla vs. Megalon, Gigan is sent by the Nebulans to assist the Seatopian in their assault on humanity by aiding their god, Megalon, in a battle against Godzilla and Jet Jaguar. After having his arm broken by Jet Jaguar however, Gigan retreats into outer space, leaving Megalon to face Godzilla and Jet Jaguar alone. Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973). Directed by Jun Fukuda. Toho
In the same year, Gigan also makes an appearance in Toho's television series Zone Fighter, after his battle with Godzilla and Jet Jaguar, Gigan is captured by alien race called the Garogans and sent back to Earth to prevent Godzilla from rescuing Zone Fighter. He was temporarily defeated by the former, but revived once Godzilla left and faced Zone Fighter, who eventually killed Gigan."By a Thread - The Roar of Godzilla!". Zone Fighter. Directed by Jun Fukuda. June 11, 1973
The chibi version of Gigan appears in Chibi Godzilla Raids Again is depicted as the cyborg who attempts to retrieve Chibi Mechagodzilla to destroy Monster Island. However, Chibi Gigan is always easily refuted and persuaded so he never achieves his goal.
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