Dogora (ドゴラ?) is a gaseous jellyfish-like alien kaiju created by Toho that first appeared in the 1964 film of the same name.
Origin
Professor Kirino theorized that Dogora originated from a species of extraterrestrial, protoplasmic entities that lived within the Earth's upper atmosphere. These creatures survived by feeding on carbon produced by the planet's biogeochemical cycle. After being exposed to a cloud of strontium and cobalt created by a destroyed television satellite in the skies above Japan, the creatures started to evolve into gigantic, jellyfish-like forms that soon became large and hardy enough to leave the atmosphere, descending upon Japan to seek out larger sources of carbon for consumption.
History
Dogora
Dogora in Dogora
Dogora first appeared in space, feeding on radiation. It destroyed a television satellite, causing it to mutate. It came to Earth and began eating diamonds and other jewels. A professor created a synthetic diamond, and Dogora was attracted to it. It melted the safe doors and ate the diamonds. It attacked a coal plant, and it was discovered that it feeds on carbon. Defense forces detected Dogora, but it was a swarm of bees. The bees flew into a cloud, and dozens of multiple-colored rocks fell out. Dogora was detected again as he attacked Fukuoka. He began to feed on coal and diamonds, but was confronted by the J.S.D.F., where he was blown to bits by missiles, but not before hurling a bridge at the humans in an attempt to ward them off. The pieces of Dogora regrew into their own cells, and attacked again. It was discovered that Dogora was weak to wasp and bee venom, as it's cells turn hard from it. Helicopters released venom on top of the Dogoras, causing them to harden and die.
Abilities
- Dogora can fly, even when carrying objects of extreme mass.
- Dogora has tentacles which it can use to attack or grasp objects, which it can then use to attack.
- Dogora's body has a corrosive effect.
- Dogora is able to work like a vacuum and suck up needed minerals if their body is divided.
- Each piece of Dogora will take on a life of its own and can grow into a mature Dogora.
Weakness
Bee and wasp venom is lethal to the Dogora and will cause their bodies to solidify.
Video games
Godzilla: Monster of Monsters
Dogora appears in three different ways in this popular Godzilla game for the NES. It appears in its own hyperspace type, and can first be encountered on Earth. Dogora first appears in its classic, large form in the stage's background, and doesn't attack.
Dogora's other two versions appear as smaller enemies in the stage. One version is dark purple while the other is a bright orange/yellow. The differences between the two colours dwell upon the damage they deal and the items they drop. Purple Dogora deal no damage and drop health power ups when they are destroyed. Orange Dogora deal a small amount of damage and drop energy power ups when destroyed. This is also the only time in the game that the energy power ups can be found.
Trivia
- Dogora's name comes from ドラゴン doragon "dragon". It probably also references the word 怒号 dogō "angry roar".
- Historically, Dogora is the first of Toho's kaiju to be extraterrestrial in origin.
- Dogora's roar was reused for Ultraman's 4th dimensional enemy, Bullton.
- For scenes of it in its full form, the Dogora prop was placed in a small vat of water and puppeteered by people holding wires. This gave it the impression of it floating like an airborne squid.
- Dogora makes an appearance on one episode of Godzilla Island being an evil spawn of the Xiliens.
- Dogora appeared briefly in the prologue of Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters.
List of appearances
Films
Video games
- Godzilla: Monster of Monsters
- Godzilla: Heart-Pounding Monster Island!!
- Godzilla: Trading Battle
- Godzilla Generations
