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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Gigan (''GvG'')}}{{Tab|Showa}}
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Gigan is a [[Kaiju|daikaiju]] from the [[Godzilla]] series, introduced in the 1972 film ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]''. Gigan is a cybernetic monster sporting a buzzsaw weapon in its frontal abdominal region and large steel hooks for hands. Gigan is sometimes considered Godzilla's most brutal and violent opponent, and has a large fan following (including ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'' director Ryuhei Kitamura) despite the generally perceived low quality of its first two films. It's new designs for the Millenium series was praised by many and ranked among fans as the best improvements to a [[daikaiju]].
  
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{{Infobox Kaiju
  +
|era = Showa
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|name = Gigan
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|image =
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<gallery>
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Gogogigan.jpg|1972
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GVM - Gigan.jpg|1973
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ZF - Gigan.jpg|Zone Fighter
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</gallery>
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|species = Cybernetic Space Dinosaur<ref name="Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works">''[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]''. Godzilla vs. Gigan; Page 155</ref>
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|nicknames = Borodan<br>{{tt|Galien|Spanish release of Godzilla vs. Gigan}}<br>Geigan<br>Cyborg of the Century<br>Cybernetic Slasher
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|height = 65 meters<ref name="GodzillaCompendium">''[[The Official Godzilla Compendium]]''. Profiles of the Monsters; Page 123.</ref>
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|length = 120 meters
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|weight = 25,000 metric tons<ref name="GodzillaCompendium"/>
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|forms =
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|controlledby = [[M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens]]<br>{{sup|[[Godzilla vs. Gigan|GvG]] - [[Godzilla vs. Megalon|GvM]]}}<br>[[Garogas]]<br>{{sup|[[Zone Fighter (TV series)|ZF]]}}
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|relationships = [[M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens]]<br>{{Sup|(Creators)}}
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|allies = [[King Ghidorah (GtTHM)|King Ghidorah]]<br>[[Megalon (GvM)|Megalon]]
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|enemies = [[Godzilla (GRA)|Godzilla]]<br>[[Anguirus (GRA)|Anguirus]]<br>[[Jet Jaguar (GvM)|Jet Jaguar]]<br>[[Zone Fighter]]
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|createdby =[[Jun Fukuda]]<br>[[Tomoyuki Tanaka]]<br>[[Shinichi Sekizawa]]
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|portrayedby =[[Kenpachiro Satsuma]]
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|firstappearance =''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]''
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|roar ={{YoutubePlayer
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|id = LEBzWvNbvTU
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|width = 150
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|height = 25
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}}
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|status = Deceased
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|lastappearance=[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973 film)|Godzilla vs. Megalon]]
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}}
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'''Gigan''' {{Nihongo|ガイガン|Gaigan}} is an alien cyborg {{kaiju}} created by [[Toho Company Ltd.|Toho]] that first appeared in the [[1972]] [[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'']] film, ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]''.
   
  +
==Name==
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==Film and TV appearances==
  
  +
Gigan's name is a combination of ''naisu '''gai''''' (ナイス'''ガイ'''), the Japanese words for "nice guy", which was a nickname for actor [[Wikipedia:Yujiro Ishihara|Yujiro Ishihara]], and the word for "goose" {{Nihongo|雁|gan}}.<ref>{{Cite book|title=All Toho Monsters Pictorial Book (4th Edition)|publisher=Yosensha|date=4 September 2016|isbn=978-4-8003-0362-2}}</ref>
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Summoned to Earth by the [[Alien races from the Godzilla films#M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens |Nebula M Spacehunters]], Gigan was paired with [[King Ghidorah]] to destroy [[Tokyo]]. They were challenged by [[Godzilla]] and [[Angilas]], and after a long fight the two space monsters were driven away.
 
   
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==Design==
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A year later, in ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]'', Gigan was sent by the Nebulans to assist the people of [[Fictional locations in the Godzilla films#Seatopia|Seatopia]] in their assault on humanity by aiding [[Megalon]] in a battle against Godzilla and [[Jet Jaguar]]. Gigan abandoned Megalon when the fight turned against them, and flew back to space.
 
  +
===Appearance===
  +
Gigan stands out among Godzilla's enemies, sporting a circular saw weapon located in his frontal abdominal region, large steel hooks for hands with smaller ones for toes, spikes running down his tail, three, large fin-like spines on his back and a red cybernetic visor for an eye.
   
  +
He also bears various avian characteristics, such as a "crest" made of metal spines and a metal beak, but with a set of pincer-like mandibles. In the Showa series, Gigan's skin was a dark green color, and he possessed golden scales over several parts of his body.
−
That same year, Gigan made an appearance on Toho's television series ''[[Zone Fighter]]''. Gigan was pummelled by Godzilla once again, then battled the giant superhero Zone Fighter. Gigan finally met its match in Zone Fighter, and was destroyed by his explosive Meteor Missile Mite attack.
  
   
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The names for the Gigan suits are referred to as "ShodaiGigan" {{Nihongo|初代ガイガン|ShodaiGaigan}} and "MegaroGigan" {{Nihongo|メガロガイガン|MegaroGaigan}}, respectively.
−
Gigan reappeared in ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'' as a giant mummified cyborg, having been defeated 12,000 years previous by [[Mothra]]. Revived by the Xilians to commence their global invasion, Gigan traveled to the South Pole to destroy the [[Gotengo]] but wound up battling the newly-awakened Godzilla. Gigan ensnared Godzilla with grappling cables from its blade hands, but had its head destroyed by Godzilla's atomic beam.
 
   
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===Roar===
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Later, when Mothra arrived to assist Godzilla against [[Monster X]], a repaired and upgraded Gigan arrived to battle the ancient opponent. Gigan had its scythes replaced with dual-chainsaws and been enabled to fire razor-discs from its chest. Using these chainsaw hands to slice off part of Mothra's wing, Gigan apparently triumphed against its foe, and double-teamed with Monster X against Godzilla. When Mothra attacked again, Gigan fired two discs at her, whose targeting systems were disorientated via Mothra's golden energy scales; when they missed, Gigan fired its eye beam, setting Mothra ablaze and apparently killing her. As Gigan struck a victory pose, ironically the razor discs boomeranged back, decapitating the cyborg. Gigan remained alive, but the flaming Mothra dove down, body-slamming it and engulfing them both in a large explosion. In the credits it shows that Mothra had survived somehow.
  
  +
Gigan's roar is a brief, electronically styled chirp.
   
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==Personality==
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== Powers and Abilities ==
  
  +
Gigan is arguably one of [[Godzilla (GRA)|Godzilla's]] most brutal and violent opponent, Gigan is shown to be very vicious and sadistic in combat, preferring to shred his opponents up close with his hook hands and buzzsaw.
   
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However, at least in the Showa series, despite the brutal arsenal Gigan appears to be a bit of a coward, retreating and leaving his ally at the mercy of his enemies as soon as the tide of battle turns against him. During his battle against Godzilla and Jet Jaguar, he displays visible agitation when the former enters the fight for the first time, seeming to remember their last encounter.
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'''Hooked Appendages'''
  
   
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==Origins==
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Gigan's forelimbs sport a pair of large metal hooks in place of hands. Gigan can use these to batter an opponent, and to stab. In his appearance on the television series ''[[Zone Fighter]]'', the tips of the hooks can release an explosive charge on contact with an enemy. In ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'', they are large blades instead of hooks, and said blades are later on replaced with chainsaws.
  
  +
Gigan is a type of space dinosaur whose role on his home planet was analogous to that of Godzilla's on [[Earth]]. He was eventually killed and revitalized into a cyborg by the [[M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens]] in order to be used in their attempted invasion of Earth.<ref name="Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works" />
   
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==History==
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'''Antigravity Flight'''
  
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===''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]''===
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[[File:GVG - Gigan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'']]Gigan first appeared in the film ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'' where he was controlled by the [[M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens]]. He was sent to earth to destroy it with [[King Ghidorah (GtTHM)|King Ghidorah]]. They attacked a city, primarily the seaport and industrial regions, but they were interrupted by Godzilla and [[Anguirus (GRA)|Anguirus]]. They eventually battled at the World Children's Land amusement park nearly killing the two monsters. After the destruction of the [[Godzilla Tower]], Gigan and King Ghidorah were released from their mind control, and they drove them back into space.
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===''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973 film)|Godzilla vs. Megalon]]''===
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[[File:GVM - Gigan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973 film)|Godzilla vs. Megalon]]'']]Gigan returned in ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973 film)|Godzilla vs. Megalon]]'', as he was called by the [[Seatopians]] to help them conquer Earth. He arrived to help [[Megalon (GvM)|Megalon]] battle Godzilla, and they nearly killed him. [[Jet Jaguar (GvM)|Jet Jaguar]] attacked Gigan, but he was also defeated. The two monsters regained their strength, and they fought Gigan and Megalon off again. Gigan retreated back to space, and Megalon returned to Seatopia.
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===''[[Zone Fighter (TV series)|Zone Fighter]]''===
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[[File:ZF - Gigan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gigan in ''[[Zone Fighter (TV series)|Zone Fighter]]'']]Gigan later reappeared as one of the [[Garogas]]' Terror Beasts in ''[[Zone Fighter (TV series)|Zone Fighter]]''. It is revealed that after he was driven into space once more by the combined efforts of Godzilla and Jet Jaguar, he was captured by the Garogas. During his last battle, his cybernetics had been heavily damaged, so the Garogas repaired him. Most notably, Gigan had trouble slowing down when in flight, and had to deploy a set of parachutes like a spacecraft.
   
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However, the Garogas outfitted Gigan's claws with a special ability that made objects explode when he hit them with the weapons. Gigan was sent to Earth, where he battled [[Zone Fighter]], and nearly overpowered him. However, Godzilla, who had became close friends with the Sakimori Family, and, remembering Gigan confronted the cyborg, beating down Gigan and forcing him to retreat yet again. However, the Garogan control over Gigan remained, and they sent him into battle once again.
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Gigan is capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 3. This normally assists in interstellar travel and is utilized very little, if at all, during battle situations. When it is used in battle, however, Gigan will often use it to engage in aerial slams to continuously topple his opponents without giving them a chance to counter, or even get up. Oddly enough, Gigan lacks his flying ability in the ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]'' and ''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]'' video games, though he is clearly seen flying in the opening cinema sequence of ''Save the Earth''.
  
   
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However, the damage Gigan sustained while fighting Godzilla hadn't been repaired, and Gigan was beaten badly by Zone. After a short battle, Zone Fighter used his Meteor Missile Might on Gigan and the alien monster wandered around whilst gushing black smoke before falling over onto his side. His visor turned off as he began uncontrollably foaming at the mouth before exploding into a massive fireball.
−
'''Buzzsaw'''
  
   
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==Abilities==
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Gigan has a buzzsaw built into his abdominal area. The unknown alien alloy is of considerable durability and effectiveness as it was strong enough and sharp enough to cause severe epidermal damage and cause Godzilla to spurt blood.
  
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===Antigravity flight===
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Gigan is capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 3 while in Earth's atmosphere. However, in the realm of space, the cybernetic assassin Gigan is capable of flight at millions of times faster than light by encasing himself in a diamond. This normally assists in interstellar travel and is utilized very little, if at all, during battle situations. The Self Defense Force detected him and King Ghidorah flying at Mach 400 while approaching Earth. When it is used in battle, however, Gigan will often use it to engage in aerial slams to continuously topple his opponents without giving them a chance to counter, or even get up. Oddly enough, Gigan lacks his flying ability in the ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]'' and ''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]'' video games, though he is clearly seen flying in the opening cinematic sequence of ''Godzilla: Save the Earth''. Another mode of movement that Gigan utilizes is his teleportation ability, only seen in the video games.
   
  +
===Buzzsaw===
−
'''Laser'''
  
  +
[[File:Anguirus Bleeding.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gigan uses his buzzsaw to slice Anguirus' face in ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'']]
  +
Gigan has a buzzsaw built into his abdominal area made of an unknown alien alloy; granting it considerable durability and sharpness. In his first appearance, Gigan's saw was able to draw blood from both Godzilla and Anguirus.
   
  +
===Hooked appendages===
−
In Gigan's numerous Showa appearances in TV shows and films, he had a laser gun device located in his forehead. Official box art for his film appearances illustrated a laser beam being fired from his forehead, though the ability was never seen on screen for reasons not entirely known (though possibly it was a result of budget limits/cutbacks and/or lack of time; the illustrations could also have been done for effect). However, Gigan's eye laser is used in the games ''Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee'' and ''Godzilla: Save the Earth''.
 
  +
Gigan's forelimbs sport a pair of large metal hooks in place of hands which he can use these to batter and stab an opponent. In his appearance on the television series ''[[Zone Fighter (TV series)|Zone Fighter]]'', the tips of the hooks can release an explosive charge on contact with an enemy. Gigan also possessed a comparatively smaller hook for each foot that were ideal for kicking.
   
  +
===Scorpion-like tail===
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In ''Godzilla: Final Wars'' (2004), Gigan's laser blast was finally revealed on screen, though it had been heavily altered from the original version. The new one no longer fired from a forehead laser device (the laser device had been replaced with a non-faceted ruby gem), but instead fired from Gigan's eye itself. It also was no longer a traditional laser, but a large beam that separated into multiple lasers like a shotgun blast and were highly-explosive upon impact. The eye beam has been officially titled the "Cluster Light Beam".
  
  +
Gigan was also able to use his scorpion-like tail to aid him in melee combat.
   
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==Trivia==
 +
=== Laser ===
  +
In addition to his melee weapons, Gigan was depicted as having an beam aperture set into his forehead just above his visor. Official art would frequently depict him as firing a laser from this device although he was never shown to actually do so on film (because special effects director Teruyoshi Nakano felt this ability doesn't fit with Gigan's character<ref>Romero, Anthony. [https://www.tohokingdom.com/kaiju/analysis/gigan_showa.html Gigan Showa Analysis] (September 30, 2013). ''Toho Kingdom''.</ref>). However, in a battle sequence for Godzilla vs. Gigan, after Godzilla heaves a rock at Gigan's face, the laser device in Gigan's forehead gives off a quick flash of light, possibly short-circuiting. In video games, Gigan's laser was featured in ''[[Godzilla: Monster of Monsters]]'' for the NES as well as later being used in ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]'' and ''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]''. According to the info located on the back of Gigan's [[Trendmasters collectible card]], Gigan's forehead laser is actually an atomic energy weapon, similar to Godzilla's own atomic breath.
−
*Gigan was the first monster to cause Godzilla to visibly bleed. In ''Godzilla vs. Gigan'' it had flown over Godzilla and slashed Godzilla's shoulder with its buzzsaw and later stabbed Godzilla in the head with its hammer-claw hands, causing blood to run down his face. Godzilla bled again in ''Gigan'' stock footage used in ''Godzilla vs. Megalon''. Through Eiji Tsuburaya's tenure as head of Toho's [[special effects]] department (which lasted until his death in 1969), he had purposely avoided visible bloodshed during monster clashes; Godzilla's injuries at the hands of Gigan, directed by [[Teruyoshi Nakano]], were a significant and controversial break from Tsuburaya's techniques.
  
   
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=== Flamethrower ===
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*Gigan's eye laser, though prominently depicted on posters for ''Godzilla vs. Gigan'', was never used on screen until ''Godzilla: Final Wars''. However, in a battle sequence in ''Godzilla vs. Gigan'', after Godzilla heaves a rock at Gigan's face, the laser gun device in Gigan's forehead gives off a quick flash of light, possibly short-circuiting. Stock footage of this scene was used in ''Godzilla vs. Megalon''. (Footage was shot for the original film but was later cut out.) It was, however, featured in the video games ''[[Godzilla: Monster of Monsters]]'', ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]'', and ''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]''.
  
  +
In the video game ''[[Godzilla: Battle Legends]]'' and the [[Godzilla (Arcade)|''Godzilla'' arcade game]], Gigan has the ability to spew flames from his mouth. Although this ability has never been used in a film, ''[[Godzilla Movie Studio Tour]]'' confirmed that it is a normal ability Gigan has always had.
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==Video games==
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{{SectionStub}}
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===''[[Godzilla: Monster of Monsters]]''===
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Gigan appears as a villain in the [[1988]] Nintendo game ''[[Godzilla: Monster of Monsters]]''.
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<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120" position="center" spacing="small">
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Gigan.gif|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla: Monster of Monsters]]''
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</gallery>
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===''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]''===
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Gigan appeared within the [[2002]] title ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]''.
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<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120" position="center" spacing="small">
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GDAMM Artwork - Gigan.png|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]''
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GDAMM Artwork - Gigan (2).png|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]''
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</gallery>
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===''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]''===
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Gigan appeared later on within the 2004 video game ''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]''.
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<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120" position="center" spacing="small">
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Godzilla_Save_The_Earth_GIGAN.png|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]''
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</gallery>
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===''[[Godzilla: Unleashed]]''===
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{{Quote|Gigan is the vanguard of the Alien Invaders. He is the finest fighting monster the Vortaak have at their command. Gigan is a cyborg infused with Vortaak technology designed to augment his powerful natural combat abilities. This latest upgrade makes him faster, stronger, and more ferocious than ever.<br><Br>Gigan projects powerful alien energy from his single eye to engage opponents at range, though with quick footwork and lightning-fast edged attacks he is clearly designed with close combat in mind.<br><br>In addition, Gigan has the ability to teleport short distances to confuse and outflank his opponents.|Gigan ''Godzilla: Unleashed'' bio}}While represented as Modified Gigan in the game, Gigan's Showa version is mentioned in his ''Godzilla: Unleashed'' bio, although it differs slightly in the Wii and PS2 versions in the sense that the latter contains a different closing sentence.
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===''[[Godzilla_On_Monster_Island_(game)|Godzilla On Monster Island]]''===
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Gigan was featured within the game ''Godzilla On Monster Island''.
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<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120" position="center" spacing="small">
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Godzilla_on_Monster_Island_-_Gigan_Slot.jpg|Gigan's slot in ''[[Godzilla_On_Monster_Island_(game)|Godzilla On Monster Island]]''
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Godzilla_on_Monster_Island_-_Gigan.jpg|Gigan in ''[[Godzilla_On_Monster_Island_(game)|Godzilla On Monster Island]]''
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</gallery>
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====Moveset====
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{| class="article-table"
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|-
  +
|Square
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| One tap: Right Bloody Chainsaw<br />Two taps: Left Bloody Chainsaw<br />Three Taps: Middle Kick
  +
|-
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|X
  +
|Tap: Chainsaw Tackle
  +
|-
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|Triangle
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|Tap: Somersault Kick
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|-
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|Circle
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|Tap: Giganume Cluster<br />Forward + Tap: Blooded Slicer<br />Roar + Tap: Surging Wave Blooded Slicer
  +
|-
  +
|R2
  +
|Tap: Revolving Chainsaw Slice
  +
|}
  +
===''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]''===
  +
Gigan appeared within the mobile title ''Godzilla: Kaiju Collection''.
  +
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120" position="center" spacing="small">
  +
GKC Gigan 1972.jpg|Gigan 1972 in ''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]''
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
===''[[Godzilla Battle Line]]''===
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Gigan appears in Battle Line as a 3 Star Unit, both a normal unit and a Leader Unit, as a normal unit he will ignore most enemies and head straight for the enemy leader to attack them unless a facility type unit gets in the way, he also does not get slowed by moving through water.
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  +
  +
As a Leader he has the ability to utilize his Buzzsaw dealing big damage very fast to anything that gets caught in the attack and causes other land units to move at Gigans unit speed, this buff also makes them immune to the water slow debuff.
  +
  +
=== Gigabash ===
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Godzilla appears as a playable character in Gigabash's DLC alongside [[Godzilla (TRoG)|Heisei Godzilla,]] [[Destoroyah (GvD)|Destoroyah,]] and [[Mechagodzilla (GXMG)|Kiryu.]] His design is exactly the same as his design in the Showa era of films. Being one of the more cocky monsters of the franchise, his taunts reflect that. He is often seen cackling as he sharpens his claws in each taunt.
  +
[[File:Gigan from gigabash.png|thumb|306x306px|Gigan's default appearance from Gigabash]]
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{| class="fandom-table"
  +
|+Moveset (to be added)
  +
!Attack type
  +
!Function
  +
!
  +
!
  +
|-
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|Light attack
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|3 quick claw slashes.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
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|Light attack (charged)
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|slashes forward with both claws, hold for more damage.
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|-
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|Heavy attack
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|dashes forward with extreme speed, slicing everything in his path.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
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|Heavy attack (charged)
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|Fires Gigan's Giganume Cluster from his [[Godzilla: Final Wars]] incarnation. Charging decreases range, but makes the explosions spread out more.
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|
  +
|
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|-
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|Air attack
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|Gigan spins in the air, slashing everything around him.
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|
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|
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|-
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|Air grab
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|Gigan rapidly slices an opponent before throwing them down into the ground.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
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|Block attack
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|Gigan revs up his signature buzz saw to devastate everything in front of him. Applies bleed damage and destroys projectiles.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
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|Block special
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|Teleports behind an opponent and slashes down their back.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Grab special
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|Gigan uses his Buzz Saw to deal heavy damage to an opponent. Applies bleed.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
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|Dash attack
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|Slices forward with both claws.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Ultimate attack
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|For Gigan's ultimate, he flies across the entire map at incredible speeds, catching everything caught in his path. Applies bleed.
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|
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|Bleed Statues
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|Gigan can make opponents bleed, as signified by a red aura surrounding an opponent. It does damage over time.
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|}
  +
  +
==Comics==
  +
===[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (Comic)|''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' (comic adaptation)]]===
  +
In this promotional comic by [[Cinema Shares International]], Gigan (named as ''Borodan'') is said to have been 'acquired' by Megalon, rather than being recruited by the [[Seatopians]]. Borodan fights both Godzilla and '[[Jet Jaguar|Robotman]]', but is defeated after he gets dropped from a great height by Robotman.
  +
===''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansya Manga Series)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]''===
  +
In this short manga series, Gigan is featured as an enemy of Godzilla that is under the control of [[Doctor Oniyama]]. This Gigan was called Neo Gigan, and was sent to Earth from space with [[King Ghidorah]] at the end of Volume 1. Neo Gigan fought Godzilla after [[Flying Ebirah]] was defeated, and used a variety of abilities to overpower the heroic {{Kaiju}}, including firing his hooks off on cables to ensnare Godzilla, using his Optic Laser, and using his Buzzsaw.
  +
  +
Godzilla managed to pull off one of Neo Gigan's arms when the latter attempted to use his Buzzaw again, exposing the cybernetics inside his chest. In a bid to turn the battle in Oniyama's favour, Neo Gigan tried to attack Godzilla by launching his head off his body and firing his Optic Laser again. This failed, and Godzilla destroyed Gigan's head using his Atomic Breath, shutting the cyborg down for good.
  +
<gallery captionalign="center" widths="120" position="center" spacing="small">
  +
Kodansya_Neo_Gigan.jpg
  +
Nope.jpg
  +
</gallery>
  +
===''[[Godzilla: Legends]]''===
  +
Gigan makes a small cameo in [[Godzilla: Legends Issue 1|''Godzilla: Legends'' #1]]. When Dr. Anders is commenting on how Anguirus has lost every time he has fought another {{kaiju}}, Gigan's arm can be seen in one of the flash back panels, slicing Anguirus across the face.
  +
==In other languages==
  +
*Russian: Гайган
  +
*Chinese: 盖刚 (Gài gāng), 吉岡 (Jígāng),
  +
*Spanish: Galien (1972-1973)
  +
  +
==Trivia==
  +
*Gigan was the first monster to cause Godzilla and Anguirus to visibly bleed. In ''Godzilla vs. Gigan'' he had flown over Godzilla and slashed Godzilla's shoulder with his buzzsaw and later bashed his head in with his hammer-claw hands, causing blood to run down his face. [[Mechagodzilla (GvMG)|Mechagodzilla]] in ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]'' would later continue this.
  +
*Gigan was portrayed, both in ''Godzilla vs. Gigan'' and ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'', by [[Kenpachiro Satsuma]], who had previously played [[Hedorah (GvH)|Hedorah]], and would go on to play Godzilla himself for all seven Heisei films.
  +
*In the ''Ultraman Mebius'' series, there is a monster called [[w:c:ultra:Dinozaur|Dinozaur]] who uses Gigan's roar.
  +
* Gigan's design is similar to that of the ''[[w:c:ultra:Ultraman (series)|Ultraman]]'' monster, [[w:c:ultra:Dorako|Dorako]].
  +
*Gigan is referenced in the game ''[[w:c:sonic:Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity|Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''. His name appears in two racing tracks, [[w:c:sonic:Gigan Rocks|Gigan Rocks]] and [[w:c:sonic:Gigan Device|Gigan Device]].
  +
*The ''Ultraman Ace'' choju, [[w:c:ultra:Chameleking|Chameleking]], has a saw in his stomach like Gigan, but it is never used in combat.
  +
*The sound of Gigan was used for Tri-Condor, RinChameleon, and Ultra Hades Beast Living Sword.
   
  +
==List of appearances==
−
*The character [onygon from Zatch Bell has a toy that is similar in appearance to Gigan.
  
  +
===Films===
  +
*''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'' {{1st}}
  +
*''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973 film)|Godzilla vs. Megalon]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla Fest 3: Gigan Attacks]]''
   
  +
===Television series===
−
==Filmography==
  
  +
*''[[Zone Fighter (TV series)|Zone Fighter]]'' {{C|Episode 11: ''In the Twinkling of an Eye: The Roar of Godzilla!''}}
−
* ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'' (1972)
  
−
* ''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]'' (1973)
  
−
* ''[[Zone Fighter]]'' (1973) (Episode 11: ''In the Twinkling of an Eye: The Roar of Godzilla!'')
  
−
* ''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]'' (2004)
  
   
  +
===Video games===
−
==Appearances in other media==
  
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Monster of Monsters]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Gameboy)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]''
  +
*''[[Battle Soccer: Champion of the Field]]''
  +
*[[Godzilla (Arcade)|''Godzilla'' (Arcade)]]
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Great Monster Battle]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Giant Monster March]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Archipelago Shock]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Battle Legends]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Heart-Pounding Monster Island!!]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla Movie Studio Tour]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla Generations]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Domination!]]'' {{C|Scrapped}}
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Save the Earth]]''
  +
*''[[CR Godzilla 3S-T Battle]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Unleashed]]'' {{C|Wii and PlayStation 2}}
  +
*''[[Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash]]''
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*''[[CR Godzilla: Descent of the Destruction God]]''
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*''[[Godzilla_On_Monster_Island_(game)|Godzilla On Monster Island]]''
  +
*[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|''Godzilla'' (2014 video game)]]
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]''
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*[[Godzilla Battle Line]]
   
  +
===Comics===
−
*Gigan appears as a villain in the [[1988]] [[Nintendo]] game Godzilla: Monster of Monsters!
  
  +
*[[Godzilla vs. Megalon (Comic)|''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' (comic adaptation)]]
  +
*[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansya Manga Series)|''Godzilla, King of the Monsters'' (Kodansya)]]
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Legends]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: The Half-Century War]]''
  +
*''[[Godzilla: Rage Across Time]]''
   
  +
==References==
−
*Gigan once fought Toho's televised superhero [[Zone Fighter]].
  
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{{reflist}}
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{{Navbox - FilmKaiju}}
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[[de:Gigan]]
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[[pl:Gigan]]
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[[Category:Showa era - Kaiju]]

Latest revision as of 20:51, 14 April 2024

Overview
Gallery

Gigan (ガイガン,   Gaigan?) is an alien cyborg kaiju created by Toho that first appeared in the 1972 Godzilla film, Godzilla vs. Gigan.

Name

Gigan's name is a combination of naisu gai (ナイスガイ), the Japanese words for "nice guy", which was a nickname for actor Yujiro Ishihara, and the word for "goose" (雁,   gan?).[3]

Design

Appearance

Gigan stands out among Godzilla's enemies, sporting a circular saw weapon located in his frontal abdominal region, large steel hooks for hands with smaller ones for toes, spikes running down his tail, three, large fin-like spines on his back and a red cybernetic visor for an eye.

He also bears various avian characteristics, such as a "crest" made of metal spines and a metal beak, but with a set of pincer-like mandibles. In the Showa series, Gigan's skin was a dark green color, and he possessed golden scales over several parts of his body.

The names for the Gigan suits are referred to as "ShodaiGigan" (初代ガイガン,   ShodaiGaigan?) and "MegaroGigan" (メガロガイガン,   MegaroGaigan?), respectively.

Roar

Gigan's roar is a brief, electronically styled chirp.

Personality

Gigan is arguably one of Godzilla's most brutal and violent opponent, Gigan is shown to be very vicious and sadistic in combat, preferring to shred his opponents up close with his hook hands and buzzsaw.

However, at least in the Showa series, despite the brutal arsenal Gigan appears to be a bit of a coward, retreating and leaving his ally at the mercy of his enemies as soon as the tide of battle turns against him. During his battle against Godzilla and Jet Jaguar, he displays visible agitation when the former enters the fight for the first time, seeming to remember their last encounter.

Origins

Gigan is a type of space dinosaur whose role on his home planet was analogous to that of Godzilla's on Earth. He was eventually killed and revitalized into a cyborg by the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens in order to be used in their attempted invasion of Earth.[1]

History

Godzilla vs. Gigan

GVG - Gigan

Gigan in Godzilla vs. Gigan

Gigan first appeared in the film Godzilla vs. Gigan where he was controlled by the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens. He was sent to earth to destroy it with King Ghidorah. They attacked a city, primarily the seaport and industrial regions, but they were interrupted by Godzilla and Anguirus. They eventually battled at the World Children's Land amusement park nearly killing the two monsters. After the destruction of the Godzilla Tower, Gigan and King Ghidorah were released from their mind control, and they drove them back into space.

Godzilla vs. Megalon

GVM - Gigan

Gigan in Godzilla vs. Megalon

Gigan returned in Godzilla vs. Megalon, as he was called by the Seatopians to help them conquer Earth. He arrived to help Megalon battle Godzilla, and they nearly killed him. Jet Jaguar attacked Gigan, but he was also defeated. The two monsters regained their strength, and they fought Gigan and Megalon off again. Gigan retreated back to space, and Megalon returned to Seatopia.

Zone Fighter

ZF - Gigan

Gigan in Zone Fighter

Gigan later reappeared as one of the Garogas' Terror Beasts in Zone Fighter. It is revealed that after he was driven into space once more by the combined efforts of Godzilla and Jet Jaguar, he was captured by the Garogas. During his last battle, his cybernetics had been heavily damaged, so the Garogas repaired him. Most notably, Gigan had trouble slowing down when in flight, and had to deploy a set of parachutes like a spacecraft.

However, the Garogas outfitted Gigan's claws with a special ability that made objects explode when he hit them with the weapons. Gigan was sent to Earth, where he battled Zone Fighter, and nearly overpowered him. However, Godzilla, who had became close friends with the Sakimori Family, and, remembering Gigan confronted the cyborg, beating down Gigan and forcing him to retreat yet again. However, the Garogan control over Gigan remained, and they sent him into battle once again.

However, the damage Gigan sustained while fighting Godzilla hadn't been repaired, and Gigan was beaten badly by Zone. After a short battle, Zone Fighter used his Meteor Missile Might on Gigan and the alien monster wandered around whilst gushing black smoke before falling over onto his side. His visor turned off as he began uncontrollably foaming at the mouth before exploding into a massive fireball.

Abilities

Antigravity flight

Gigan is capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 3 while in Earth's atmosphere. However, in the realm of space, the cybernetic assassin Gigan is capable of flight at millions of times faster than light by encasing himself in a diamond. This normally assists in interstellar travel and is utilized very little, if at all, during battle situations. The Self Defense Force detected him and King Ghidorah flying at Mach 400 while approaching Earth. When it is used in battle, however, Gigan will often use it to engage in aerial slams to continuously topple his opponents without giving them a chance to counter, or even get up. Oddly enough, Gigan lacks his flying ability in the Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee and Godzilla: Save the Earth video games, though he is clearly seen flying in the opening cinematic sequence of Godzilla: Save the Earth. Another mode of movement that Gigan utilizes is his teleportation ability, only seen in the video games.

Buzzsaw

Anguirus Bleeding

Gigan uses his buzzsaw to slice Anguirus' face in Godzilla vs. Gigan

Gigan has a buzzsaw built into his abdominal area made of an unknown alien alloy; granting it considerable durability and sharpness. In his first appearance, Gigan's saw was able to draw blood from both Godzilla and Anguirus.

Hooked appendages

Gigan's forelimbs sport a pair of large metal hooks in place of hands which he can use these to batter and stab an opponent. In his appearance on the television series Zone Fighter, the tips of the hooks can release an explosive charge on contact with an enemy. Gigan also possessed a comparatively smaller hook for each foot that were ideal for kicking.

Scorpion-like tail

Gigan was also able to use his scorpion-like tail to aid him in melee combat.

Laser

In addition to his melee weapons, Gigan was depicted as having an beam aperture set into his forehead just above his visor. Official art would frequently depict him as firing a laser from this device although he was never shown to actually do so on film (because special effects director Teruyoshi Nakano felt this ability doesn't fit with Gigan's character[4]). However, in a battle sequence for Godzilla vs. Gigan, after Godzilla heaves a rock at Gigan's face, the laser device in Gigan's forehead gives off a quick flash of light, possibly short-circuiting. In video games, Gigan's laser was featured in Godzilla: Monster of Monsters for the NES as well as later being used in Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee and Godzilla: Save the Earth. According to the info located on the back of Gigan's Trendmasters collectible card, Gigan's forehead laser is actually an atomic energy weapon, similar to Godzilla's own atomic breath.

Flamethrower

In the video game Godzilla: Battle Legends and the Godzilla arcade game, Gigan has the ability to spew flames from his mouth. Although this ability has never been used in a film, Godzilla Movie Studio Tour confirmed that it is a normal ability Gigan has always had.

Video games

This section is a stub. You can help expand this section by adding some information.

Godzilla: Monster of Monsters

Gigan appears as a villain in the 1988 Nintendo game Godzilla: Monster of Monsters.

Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee

Gigan appeared within the 2002 title Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee.

Godzilla: Save the Earth

Gigan appeared later on within the 2004 video game Godzilla: Save the Earth.

Godzilla: Unleashed

Gigan is the vanguard of the Alien Invaders. He is the finest fighting monster the Vortaak have at their command. Gigan is a cyborg infused with Vortaak technology designed to augment his powerful natural combat abilities. This latest upgrade makes him faster, stronger, and more ferocious than ever.

Gigan projects powerful alien energy from his single eye to engage opponents at range, though with quick footwork and lightning-fast edged attacks he is clearly designed with close combat in mind.

In addition, Gigan has the ability to teleport short distances to confuse and outflank his opponents.
― Gigan Godzilla: Unleashed bio

While represented as Modified Gigan in the game, Gigan's Showa version is mentioned in his Godzilla: Unleashed bio, although it differs slightly in the Wii and PS2 versions in the sense that the latter contains a different closing sentence.

Godzilla On Monster Island

Gigan was featured within the game Godzilla On Monster Island.

Moveset

Square One tap: Right Bloody Chainsaw
Two taps: Left Bloody Chainsaw
Three Taps: Middle Kick
X Tap: Chainsaw Tackle
Triangle Tap: Somersault Kick
Circle Tap: Giganume Cluster
Forward + Tap: Blooded Slicer
Roar + Tap: Surging Wave Blooded Slicer
R2 Tap: Revolving Chainsaw Slice

Godzilla: Kaiju Collection

Gigan appeared within the mobile title Godzilla: Kaiju Collection.

Godzilla Battle Line

Gigan appears in Battle Line as a 3 Star Unit, both a normal unit and a Leader Unit, as a normal unit he will ignore most enemies and head straight for the enemy leader to attack them unless a facility type unit gets in the way, he also does not get slowed by moving through water.


As a Leader he has the ability to utilize his Buzzsaw dealing big damage very fast to anything that gets caught in the attack and causes other land units to move at Gigans unit speed, this buff also makes them immune to the water slow debuff.

Gigabash

Godzilla appears as a playable character in Gigabash's DLC alongside Heisei Godzilla, Destoroyah, and Kiryu. His design is exactly the same as his design in the Showa era of films. Being one of the more cocky monsters of the franchise, his taunts reflect that. He is often seen cackling as he sharpens his claws in each taunt.

Gigan from gigabash

Gigan's default appearance from Gigabash

Moveset (to be added)
Attack type Function
Light attack 3 quick claw slashes.
Light attack (charged) slashes forward with both claws, hold for more damage.
Heavy attack dashes forward with extreme speed, slicing everything in his path.
Heavy attack (charged) Fires Gigan's Giganume Cluster from his Godzilla: Final Wars incarnation. Charging decreases range, but makes the explosions spread out more.
Air attack Gigan spins in the air, slashing everything around him.
Air grab Gigan rapidly slices an opponent before throwing them down into the ground.
Block attack Gigan revs up his signature buzz saw to devastate everything in front of him. Applies bleed damage and destroys projectiles.
Block special Teleports behind an opponent and slashes down their back.
Grab special Gigan uses his Buzz Saw to deal heavy damage to an opponent. Applies bleed.
Dash attack Slices forward with both claws.
Ultimate attack For Gigan's ultimate, he flies across the entire map at incredible speeds, catching everything caught in his path. Applies bleed.
Bleed Statues Gigan can make opponents bleed, as signified by a red aura surrounding an opponent. It does damage over time.

Comics

Godzilla vs. Megalon (comic adaptation)

In this promotional comic by Cinema Shares International, Gigan (named as Borodan) is said to have been 'acquired' by Megalon, rather than being recruited by the Seatopians. Borodan fights both Godzilla and 'Robotman', but is defeated after he gets dropped from a great height by Robotman.

Godzilla, King of the Monsters

In this short manga series, Gigan is featured as an enemy of Godzilla that is under the control of Doctor Oniyama. This Gigan was called Neo Gigan, and was sent to Earth from space with King Ghidorah at the end of Volume 1. Neo Gigan fought Godzilla after Flying Ebirah was defeated, and used a variety of abilities to overpower the heroic kaiju, including firing his hooks off on cables to ensnare Godzilla, using his Optic Laser, and using his Buzzsaw.

Godzilla managed to pull off one of Neo Gigan's arms when the latter attempted to use his Buzzaw again, exposing the cybernetics inside his chest. In a bid to turn the battle in Oniyama's favour, Neo Gigan tried to attack Godzilla by launching his head off his body and firing his Optic Laser again. This failed, and Godzilla destroyed Gigan's head using his Atomic Breath, shutting the cyborg down for good.

Godzilla: Legends

Gigan makes a small cameo in Godzilla: Legends #1. When Dr. Anders is commenting on how Anguirus has lost every time he has fought another kaiju, Gigan's arm can be seen in one of the flash back panels, slicing Anguirus across the face.

In other languages

  • Russian: Гайган
  • Chinese: 盖刚 (Gài gāng), 吉岡 (Jígāng),
  • Spanish: Galien (1972-1973)

Trivia

  • Gigan was the first monster to cause Godzilla and Anguirus to visibly bleed. In Godzilla vs. Gigan he had flown over Godzilla and slashed Godzilla's shoulder with his buzzsaw and later bashed his head in with his hammer-claw hands, causing blood to run down his face. Mechagodzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla would later continue this.
  • Gigan was portrayed, both in Godzilla vs. Gigan and Godzilla vs. Megalon, by Kenpachiro Satsuma, who had previously played Hedorah, and would go on to play Godzilla himself for all seven Heisei films.
  • In the Ultraman Mebius series, there is a monster called Dinozaur who uses Gigan's roar.
  • Gigan's design is similar to that of the Ultraman monster, Dorako.
  • Gigan is referenced in the game Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. His name appears in two racing tracks, Gigan Rocks and Gigan Device.
  • The Ultraman Ace choju, Chameleking, has a saw in his stomach like Gigan, but it is never used in combat.
  • The sound of Gigan was used for Tri-Condor, RinChameleon, and Ultra Hades Beast Living Sword.

List of appearances

Films

Television series

  • Zone Fighter (Episode 11: In the Twinkling of an Eye: The Roar of Godzilla!)

Video games

Comics

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works. Godzilla vs. Gigan; Page 155
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Official Godzilla Compendium. Profiles of the Monsters; Page 123.
  3. ↑ All Toho Monsters Pictorial Book (4th Edition). Yosensha. 4 September 2016. ISBN: 978-4-8003-0362-2.
  4. ↑ Romero, Anthony. Gigan Showa Analysis (September 30, 2013). Toho Kingdom.
Film-based kaiju
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