Recently I watched the 1963 Japanese SF flick ATRAGON. I knew I was in true weirdo territory when the undersea empire of Mu turned out to be ruled by Cyndi Lauper.
Not really, but check out the gal in the pink wig in this trailer for the film.
Comments Listed in chronological order. Newest comments at the end.
Paul, you earn massive cool points just about every time you post!
I had completely forgotten about this movie. I had always wanted to read the books too, but I don't think they were ever translated into English, were they?
Hrm. Google, here I come!
Posted by MadCarlotta on 08/16 at 07:24 AM
MadCarlotta--indeed, you and I seem to be on the same groovy wavelength! Good luck tracking down the source material for ATRAGON.
Posted by Paul on 08/16 at 08:26 AM
Phred22--George Lucas stole from everywhere!
Posted by Paul on 08/16 at 08:26 AM
Well, I appear to be coming up bust
The book was called (in English) "The Undersea Battleship", and was written by Shunro Oshikawa in 1899. I don't see the book for sale anywhere, not even in Japanese.
What I did find out, however, was that a model kit for the sub Atragon was sold at one point! If you can find it, it will only set you back $50-$70 according to the 2008 Collectibles Price Guide.
What I wouldn't give...
Posted by MadCarlotta on 08/16 at 08:58 AM
John--good point! My mistake!
Posted by Paul on 08/16 at 09:06 AM
MadC--I still dream of my Superman model kit from childhood....
Posted by Paul on 08/16 at 09:07 AM
Big Gary--if only we could get Cyndi in the Obama Cabinet. Secretary of Fun!
Posted by Paul on 08/18 at 08:23 AM
Ywnitemare--the flying sub was built and run by renegade Japanese naval officers, and was the one weapon the empire of Mu feared!
Posted by Paul on 08/18 at 08:24 AM
If you ever have a chance, I recommend checking out the animated Super Atragon series. It was very cool.
Plus, like the movie trailed above, it continues the fine Japanese tradition of adding a giant drillbit to the front of a vehicle that would never realistically be able to use it. I plan on adding a giant drill to the front of my Camry some day. And maybe my bike.
Posted by kingmonkey in Athens, Ontario on 08/18 at 09:46 AM
Kingmoneky--thanks for the tip! Think I'll pimp my Camry ATRAGON-style too!
Posted by Paul on 08/18 at 10:15 AM
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