Castle Bravo: A Godzillaverse Retrospective

Episode 44 - Godzilla: Final Wars

It's not a sequel to Tokyo SOS! Or, for that matter, a sequel to Godzilla vs Destoroyah, so stop saying that! It's truly the end of an era as we come upon the infamous Godzilla: Final Wars, a movie that decided that whatever it was going to be, it was going to be a lot of it. Featuring the most kaiju we've seen in a movie so far, and almost as many references to modern American blockbusters, Final Wars hits the ground running and refuses to slow down long enough to think about how it's going to pull off this next part. We're joined this week by writer and journalist Ashley Schofield. You can look for her book "VA-11 Hall-A: Design Works" when it releases in 2026.Social MediaDerek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.socialCharlotte on Bluesky - @dollblood.garden (changed since recording)Ashley on Bluesky - @ashlikeadragon.bsky.social

Episode 43 - Godzilla: Tokyo SOS (2003)

It's... a sequel to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla! Toho's reimagining of Mechagodzilla was a hit, and for the sequel they decided to amp up the star factor with a fan favorite who Mechagodzilla had never had a chance to meet: Mothra! This movie takes full advantage of this setting's unusual take of "the Showa era but Godzilla was only around for the first movie" to give us a world where Mothra has not been seen since the events of her original film, and she's here to steal the show.We're joined this week by friend, writer, podcaster, and returning guest, Atma Phoenix! Atma stepped up to bat on short notice in a busy holiday season, and it was fantastic to pal around with her again.Social MediaDerek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.socialCharlotte on Bluesky - @dollblood.garden (changed since recording)Atma on Bluesky - @atmasweapon.com

Bonus Episode - A Retrospective of a Retrospective

It's been a long gap and a tumultuous summer. As we warm the machine back up for full production, we look back on the movies we've covered so far and casually chat about how many of them have stuck with us over time. It's a light episode, but it got electrons to start moving through brainmeats. We'll be back soon with the next full episode.Social MediaDerek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.socialCharlotte on Bluesky - @dollblood.garden

Episode 42 - Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)

It's not a sequel to GMK! The Millennium era of Godzilla sees yet another "fresh start" that only acknowledges the original film, but weirdly also a bunch of other connected non-Godzilla movies of the Showa era. Boot up your DNA computers, because the latest model of Mechagodzilla is here to grace the silver screen once again with a drastically different take that was immediately beloved by fans.We're joined this week by friend and journalist Samuel Tolbert. Sam is good folks, and this won't be the last time you hear from him on Castle Bravo. Hint hint.Social MediaDerek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.socialCharlotte on Bluesky - @dollblood.garden (changed since recording)Samuel on Bluesky - @samueltolbert.bsky.social

Episode 41 - Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack / GMK (2001)

It's not a sequel to Godzilla vs Megaguirus! Okay, that part's more obvious than last time. Today's movie is one of the most highly regarded in the franchise, and certainly the one with the longest title (just call it GMK). It's the darkest, most mean-spirited movie in the franchise so far, rocking a totally different creative crew from anything we've seen on a Godzilla movie before, and love it or hate it you certainly won't forget it.We're joined this week by returning guests and fellow cohosts of Super Deluxe GamesCast, John and Brittney. Everybody's mental health is bad, but the energy we're bringing to this recording is FROGGY.Social MediaDerek on Bluesky - @derekvandyke.bsky.socialCharlotte on Bluesky - @blood.doll.churchJohn on Bluesky - @magitekdad.bsky.socialBrit on Bluesky - @peachia.bsky.social