A Nostalgic Comparison of Godzilla Designs: 2014 vs 2019-2021

When it comes to comparing the design of Godzilla, many fans will have strong opinions. For me, the nostalgia for the 2014 design is particularly strong, as it was the first official Godzilla I was introduced to and the first version I truly fell in love with. This is not just a simple comparison of design, but also a reflection of my journey as a Godzilla fan.

The 2014 Godzilla: A Nostalgic First Encounter

The first time I encountered the 2014 design as Godzilla, it was like stepping into a familiar campground before entering a vast, mysterious world full of exploration. This magnificent drawing by Noger Chen not only reignited my nostalgia but also captured the essence of what made the 2014 Godzilla so iconic.

Compare this to the 2019-2021 Godzilla. By the time I discovered this design, I was already an experienced Godzilla fan, having familiarized myself with every Godzilla adversary. The 2019 Godzilla felt less like an exploration of the unknown and more like a confirmation of a fan's pre-existing preferences. This isn't to say that the 2019-2021 design is bad, only that it lacked the initial intrigue and newness of the 2014 version.

Subjective Opinions and Design Choices

While the recent Godzilla designs might be highly detailed and technically impressive, they are not without flaws. The design choices in 2019-2021 are subjective and largely influenced by stylistic trends. Toho, the producers, approved the recent designs, and there is a general belief in the West that bigger is always better. However, I personally believe that balance is key, and that the 2019-2021 Godzilla is too much of a "sprayer" like the Heisei era Godzilla, and not balanced enough like the current Reiwa Godzilla.

Personal Preferences: Scaling, Dorsal Fins, and the Tail

When it comes to the Godzilla 2014 design, I have a strong personal preference for it. Although the scaling was a bit off, seeing the monster towering over the buildings created a powerful and immersive experience. The dorsal fins on the 2014 Godzilla also added to its sense of danger and ferocity, making it stand out from the usual designs seen in other films. The tail, on the other hand, was significantly longer in the 2014 version. While the shorter tail in the 2019-2021 design is aesthetically pleasing, the longer tail in 2014 was just cooler and more dynamic.

In my opinion, the 2014 design was the best. The scaling issues, while present, did not detract from the overall ambiance. The tail and the dorsal fins together created a design that felt more dangerous and more grounded in the world of Godzilla.

Conclusion

While both the 2014 and 2019-2021 designs have their merits, my heart is still with the 2014 version. It represents the initial spark of excitement and the beginning of my Godzilla fandom. The 2019-2021 design, while visually impressive, lacked the novelty and personal significance that the 2014 design holds for me.