Kevin Guan ktg246 ANT302 Siu 3/16/12 From Ashes to Cyborgs (Allison) Critical Reading Questions 1.

1. To the Japanese, Gojira is a representation of the destruction and nuclear fallout that was the result of Americas presence in their country following World War II. According to Allison, many Japanese citizens are upset that spinoffs in America have tainted the value that Gojira provides to their culture and rebuilding history. Is this concern reasonable in light of the fact that Japan has ravaged and caused similar military destruction in China and Korea? 2. The fact that Japan produced a movie of Gojiras scale and of superior qualitybecame a source of national pride. This was due in most part by Tsuburarya Eijis breakthrough use of suitmation, and even Steven Spielberg was a fan of the work. However, the film industry values movies quality, not quantity; despite this, there were a total of 28 Gojira movies. From an economic standpoint, is it feasible to pump out so many sequels or associated works? I feel like the revenues generated would not justify the dilution to the franchise by putting so many films in market. 3. It seems that Tetsuwan Atomu would have been a much better-received series if Dr. Tenma had been a favorable character instead of a cold, disappointed father. Is the negative portrayal of the scientists and engineers in Atomu and other works targeted at Japanese politicians and workers, or at a larger concept of world political leaders and American occupation or hostility?