Kaiju Big Battel

Last updated

Kaiju Big Battel
Founded1994
StyleProfessional wrestling parody of tokusatsu kaiju eiga films
Headquarters New York City, New York, United States
Founder(s)Rand Borden
Website Official website
Metal Wing Black vs Yarsminko, in 2009 Metal Wing Black vs Yarsminko (Kaiju Big Battel) @ MTAC '10 (4576117843).jpg
Metal Wing Black vs Yarsminko, in 2009

Kaiju Big Battel is a performance by the New York City based performance entertainment troupe created by Rand Borden. The performances are parodies of both professional wrestling and the tokusatsu kaiju eiga films of Japan. These Battels are presented in the style of professional wrestling events, with the costumed performers playing the roles of giant, city-crushing monsters similar to Godzilla and Gamera. The odd spelling of battel originates in a mistake Borden made on a T-shirt design, which became an inside joke. [1] The performances include many in-jokes aimed towards fans of professional wrestling (especially Mexican wrestling), superhero comic books and Japanese popular culture. Many of the names of the characters are in mock Spanish or mock Japanese, and Engrish is used liberally for comedic effect.

Contents

History of Studio Kaiju

While a student at School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Rand Borden and peers who grew up watching Ultraman decided to make kaiju suits for a short film. [2] The first character created was Midori no Kaiju (Japanese for "Big Green Monster"), which Borden assembled from upholstery foam coated with latex. [1] After about a year, he finished this first kaiju suit. The other students did not make anything, but Borden enjoyed making the costume decided to make more. [2]

On Halloween night in 1994, the first live competition, or Big Battel, occurred at the Revolving Museum in Boston. The Battel featured Midori No Kaiju, as well as Atomic Cannon, Powa Ranjuru, Force Trooper Robo, Taro "The Mouth" Fuji's commentary, and Anthony Salbino's construction. The first full-scale Kaiju Big Battel event was held in March 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. [3] The earliest performances in other cities included matches with other troupes of costumed wrestlers at venues such as Fort Thunder in Providence, Rhode Island. Borden has created more than 120 monster costumes, which he keeps in storage. [1]

In 2000, Borden formed Studio Kaiju and hired his brother, David, as manager. [1] Kaiju Big Battel: Terebi Sento was the studio's first DVD release, showcasing four matches from 2001 and several bonus features. [4] Kaiju Big Battel: A Practical Guide to Giant City-Crushing Monsters, a comedic history of the first 8 years of Kaiju Big Battel, was published in 2004 by Hyperion Press. [5]

Studio Kaiju was dissolved in 2011 and Rand Borden returned to producing Kaiju on his own. [6]

Kaiju Big Battel performed at TwitchCon 2017 in Long Beach, California at an event that was simultaneously broadcast on Twitch. [7] On May 4, 2019 Kaiju Big Battel held their first European event at Alexandra Palace in London, England. [8]

Notable characters

Dr Cube Dr. Cube.jpg
Dr Cube

Kickstarter projects

Studio Kaiju has run two Kickstarter campaigns. The first, 20 Years of Kaiju Big Battel Posters, was launched in June 2016 and was to be a hardcover art book featuring posters from Kaiju shows. The campaign failed to meet its stated goal of $20,000. [10] A second Kickstarter for Kaiju Big Battel figurines was launched in August 2018 and successfully raised $21,396. [11]

Kaiju Big Battel: Fighto Fantasy

On October 31, 2018 a Kaiju Big Battel video game was released on PC and mobile platforms. [12] The game was developed by Super Walrus Games and is a satire of Final Fantasy style RPGs from the '90s. [13]

Political themes

Story lines for events are inspired by the American political atmosphere at the time. During the time when Obamacare was being legislated, the character of American Beetle switched from a Republican to a Democrat because he needed insurance for surgery. Quotes from American president Donald Trump were sometimes used in speeches made by the main villain, Dr. Cube. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Hamblin, Haley (May 27, 2017). "Welcome to the mythical world of monster wrestling". Mashable. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Fisher, Kieran (July 7, 2016). "Kaiju Big Battel: Rand Borden Talks Monsters, Aliens, and Pro Wrestling". Dread Central. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Kaiju FAQs". 2001–2007. The first full scale Kaiju Big Battel event occurred in February 1995 at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.
  4. ↑ "411MANIA". In The Downtime: Kaiju Big Battle: Terebi Sento. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  5. ↑ Kaiju, Studio (February 11, 2004). Kaiju Big Battel: A Practical Guide to Giant City-Crushing Monsters. Hyperion Books. ISBN   9780786888979.
  6. ↑ "About kaiju".
  7. ↑ Albert, Brian (October 17, 2017). "Kaiju Big Battel is… well, just take a look". Twitch Blog. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Kaiju Big Battel comes to London!". Progress Wrestling. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  9. ↑ Miller, Jared T. (April 21, 2017). "This Underground Live-Action Monster Battle Is Like Nothing You've Ever Seen". Vulture. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  10. ↑ ""20 Years of Kaiju Big Battel Posters" book". Kickstarter. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Kaikeshi, Kaiju Big Battel mini figures". Kickstarter. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Kaiju Big Battel: Fighto Fantasy on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Giant Monsters Battle Across Time in RPG 'Kaiju Big Battel: Fighto Fantasy'". Indie Games Plus. November 8, 2018. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
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