Godzilla is the undisputed King of the Monsters, and a being of his station never travels without an entourage. Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah, Gigan, Anguirus, Megalon, Destoroyah, and many more kaiju leap into action across Godzilla's 33 Japanese films. His American outings have been less creative. Legendary's Monsterverse franchise primarily reimagines classic beasts, but they have invented a few of their own. Even those who only earned a moment or two in the spotlight deserve a look back.
The Monsterverse might be the most enduringly compelling cinematic universe at the moment. It draws its shared storyline and constant expansion from decades of earlier monster movies. Kaiju have the name recognition of comic book superheroes with a simple format and endless variability that can keep viewers engaged longer than any other franchise. However, Legendary will have to innovate to avoid stagnation.
The MUTOs
Godzilla's self-titled 2014 return to the American market featured a pair of antagonists. The MUTOs (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms) are insectoid parasites that feed on radiation. They developed in chrysalises in Japan. The male MUTO is smaller than its female counterpart but makes up for his size with a pair of semi-functional wings. Conversely, the female towers over her mate and fights with greater ferocity. Both MUTOs perished in a brutal battle against Godzilla. The MUTOs possess a few unique powers. They can project electromagnetic pulses that damage electronics. Their bodies emit positive radiation that causes plant life to grow. The MUTOs are, unfortunately, dull. Insectoid monsters can be frightening, but the MUTOs can't hold a candle to Megalon or even Shinomura. Though the original male and female MUTO died at Godzilla's hands, a third MUTO appears briefly in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. It's one of many beasts that bow to King Ghidorah, as are the following few Titans.
The Minor Titans From Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Brief clips in King of the Monsters depict a few Titans bowing to their new master. These Kaiju don't add much to the plot or action scenes. Their designs are striking, even if they don't get to do much with them.
Methuselah
The first minor Titan is a massive beast sleeping in a mountain range. Methuselah's name suggests an incredibly advanced age. He may be the oldest Titan on Earth. Its back carries a forest, forming high spires of his stone home. When he emerges, his form is draconic. He sports a pair of horns curving from the top of his head to his lower jaw. His front legs featured claws, while his rear limbs were hooved. The rocks coating his frame form natural armor that exposes only his short tail. He's a fantastic idea for a monster. Godzilla's ancient semiaquatic dinosaur appearance would clash beautifully against a being so old it's one with the land. He could have enjoyed a much greater spotlight.
Scylla
Scylla is considerably more terrifying than the MUTOs. She's a six-legged cephalopod covered in natural armor and long hairs. She resembles a flea or tick with the elongated dual-jointed legs of a spider. She lacks a face, but her mouth deploys nightmarish tentacles. From an aesthetic perspective, Scylla is the most unpleasant Titan. Many likely thanked Legendary for keeping her presence to a minimum. She's better suited to a horror film than a Kaiju action franchise.
Behemoth
Finally, King of the Monsters introduced a wooly mammoth. Its design combines elements from the classic mammoth with ancient ground sloths. Like Methuselah, it evokes its ancient heritage directly. The algae or plant life growing off of its tusks is a nice touch. It also features clawed hands similar to the digging appendages of an anteater. Something is fascinating about the Behemoth, but its design is perhaps too generic to stand above the pack.
Frost Vark
Finally, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has introduced new Titans. Frost Vark looks like a Monster Hunter enemy. It dwells beneath the tundra, armed with claws, sensory tentacles, and the ability to siphon nearby heat. Its body is covered in armor that resembles icicles. The appearance of the beast is instantly compelling. Though it doesn't fit comfortably among the Godzilla canon, it's a stellar monster design. Vark adds a fun elemental twist, manipulating ice as King Ghidorah uses lightning and Rodan uses fire. Frost Vark could be a fun monster of the week, but it can't stand alongside the long-lived threats of Godzilla's past.
The Monsterverse has created some fascinating new Kaiju, but its heavy hitters still come from the past. Reimagining old foes has worked for Legendary, but that strategy can't last forever. Maybe Desotroyah and Gigan will earn pops from the audience, but it's hard to imagine Orga drawing a crowd. Frost Vark, the latest newcomer, represents some promising new improvements to the franchise's design philosophy. Legendary's recent Kaiju feel like temporary threats, while the old Toho beasts stood the test of time. The Monsterverse model isn't broken, but the new Titans still have room to improve.