Latest news with #Godzilla
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
POLLARD BANKNOTE UNLEASHES GODZILLA: A ROARING ADDITION TO ITS ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTION
WINNIPEG, MB, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Pollard Banknote Limited ("Pollard Banknote") (TSX: PBL) is thrilled to announce that Godzilla is stomping into its licensed games portfolio, marking the King of the Monsters' first-ever appearance in the lottery category. The new licensing agreement, secured through Toho International, Inc., includes rights for printed, pull-tab, and Fast Play tickets, as well as digital eInstants, offering exciting omnichannel opportunities to Pollard Banknote's lottery partners. As one of the longest-running and most recognizable film series in the world, Godzilla has generated more than $4.3 billion in global box office revenue and boasts 90% consumer recognition, along with a loyal, multigenerational fanbase. Recent movies and shows have fueled a resurgence in popularity, positioning Godzilla as a nostalgia-driven powerhouse with strong promotional appeal. Building on this renewed popularity, the brand offers many exclusive experiential prizing possibilities, providing lotteries with unique options to deepen player engagement. Opportunities include trips to the brand's birthplace, Japan, where winners can immerse themselves in the Godzilla universe through unforgettable experiences, such as stays at themed hotels and visits to branded attractions at amusement parks. U.S.-based travel options could include the new Godzilla-themed Alamo Drafthouse theater in Santa Clara or a visit to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. Paired with bold ticket designs, exciting merchandising options, and striking in-store displays, these offerings are designed to generate excitement and drive impulse purchases at retail. In addition to Godzilla, the licensing agreement also includes a roster of other iconic characters featured in the action-packed series of films produced by Toho Co., Ltd., such as Mothra, King Ghidorah, Rodan, Jet Jaguar, Hedorah, Biollante, and Mechagodzilla. With access to this deep library of assets, and supported by a highly collaborative licensor with a streamlined approval process, lotteries can bring colossal ticket concepts to life with ease. "Lottery players are drawn to brands that evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement, and Godzilla delivers on both fronts," said Brad Thompson, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Pollard Banknote. "Its global fanbase, timeless appeal, and bold visual identity make it an ideal choice for creating standout games that drive both engagement and sales. We're excited to help our clients bring this renowned franchise to life in compelling new ways." To support strong sales and engagement, Pollard Banknote's Licensed Games team offers lotteries a comprehensive turnkey program that includes the design, programming, and printing of themed tickets and eInstant games, as well as various optional enhancements such as marketing support, second chance campaigns, merchandise and experiential prizing, point of sale programs, and digital marketing. Godzilla Licensor: Toho International Inc. About GODZILLA Godzilla, the King of the Monsters. From a terrifying force of nature representing the horrors of war, to a parental figure primed for blockbuster kaiju team-ups, Godzilla continues to be the world's most famous monster. Along with many other kaiju characters from TOHO Co., Ltd., Godzilla has become a global icon and symbol that has transcended time and pop culture. About Pollard Banknote Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing high-quality instant ticket products, licensed games, in-lane ticket options, and sales-driving merchandising solutions from its Schafer Retail Solutions + portfolio. It also offers a full suite of digital offerings, ranging from world-class game apps to comprehensive player engagement and iLottery solutions, including strategic marketing and management services. The company is a proven innovator and has decades of experience helping lotteries to maximize player engagement, sales, and proceeds for good causes. Pollard Banknote also provides pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, ticket vending machines, and its Diamond Game and Compliant Gaming electronic games and devices to charitable and other gaming markets in North America. Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 64% by the Pollard family and 36% by public shareholders, and is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: PBL). For more information, please visit our website at Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements and information, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE Pollard Banknote Limited
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe, the King Of The Monsters returns to stomp us, again
Godzilla has had one hell of a run. His famed Japanese franchise has produced 38 movies over 70 years with a merchandise and media bonanza that continues to reap profits. The King Of The Monsters has also invaded the comics realm—there was a 12-year run from Dark Horse between 1987 and 1999, followed by IDW's consistent series and one-shots that have been released since 2011. It makes sense that Marvel Comics would want to get a piece of the action with their recent one-shot crossovers and new Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe five-issue event. This isn't the first time Marvel has tried to capitalize on Godzilla's popularity: The comics titan released the first American Godzilla comics series between 1977 and 1979. The kaiju king was tied into the Marvel Universe with the immediate appearance of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the debut issue, with some superhero teams (notably, the Champions, Fantastic Four, and Avengers) woven into the narrative after that. Additionally, the original series gave us the first appearances of Dr. Demonicus, Red Ronin, and Devil Dinosaur. The first issue of the new, five-part Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe series pits the gargantuan, nuclear-breathed lizard against many of Marvel's mightiest. It's clearly taking cues from his superhero battles at the end of the original '70s run. But whereas those kaiju clashes had a more dramatic tone, this latest incarnation—humorously scripted by Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Marauders) and dynamically drawn by Javier Garrón (X-Men, Avengers)—combines the sense of awe and wonder at Godzilla smashing up NYC while injecting tongue-in-cheek superhero banter. Right away, it's the Mole Man's fault. His minions mine a rare type of vibranium for use in a weapon whose powerful blasts unwittingly awaken a slumbering Celestial and Godzilla. The two titans tussle at the southern tip of Manhattan, and Godzilla comes out on top. After that, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers team up to try to stop the stomp—emphasis on 'try.' This is Godzilla we're talking about. The mighty, blustery Thor thinks it'll be a piece of cake until he gets tail-swatted into outer space. When The Thing sees a giant lizard foot looming over the FF, he surmises, 'Looks like it's getting clobbered time.' Even the usually steely Captain America is befuddled when an attempt to fatally wound Godzilla fails. 'Today's really gonna stink,' he sighs, before hightailing it with Quicksilver. If you're looking for a deeper human interest story like the one presented in the recent hit movie Godzilla Minus One, it isn't there. With so many characters crammed into this issue—including a total of 18 superheroes by the last panel— there isn't room to elaborate on much more than the imminent threat to mankind. So far, this saga is all about the chaos and carnage and occasional wisecracks, and it delivers on that front. If you're a casual comics fan who likes kaiju, it might feel discombobulating to be tossed into the fray right away. Knowing Marvel shorthand makes it easier to dive into this series and its six one-shot predecessors, which emerged in the half-year-long buildup to this spectacle. Clearly, Duggan and Garrón know their audience, its demands, and the comics history of their material, so they quite literally cut to the chase at the start. Duggan also summons similar quippy humor from the earlier Spider-Man crossover to keep things moving—there's even a goofy J. Jonah Jameson cameo that recalls a funnier one from way back in Godzilla #23—then turns the tables by delivering a tragic moment during the last three pages. The six separate one-shots released earlier this year acted as a prelude to this new series, although they were not interconnected, and you don't need to have read them to appreciate this. But they serve up some interesting ideas and take place during different periods along the Marvel timeline. In the '60s-era Godzilla Vs. The Fantastic Four, King Ghidorah becomes the new herald to Galactus, and the Big G needs an infusion of the Silver Surfer's Power Cosmic to take on the three-headed beast. In the late '70s-era Godzilla Vs. Hulk, the angry green giant's gamma-infused blood helps Godzilla battle a genetically engineered Hedorah. In the '80s-era Godzilla Vs. Spider-Man, Spidey's newly acquired symbiote suit infects Godzilla, who has to wage an inner battle with the alien parasite. Many revered Toho characters like Mothra, Jet Jaguar, and two Mechagodzillas also make appearances. These one-shots are relevant to Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe because the preview panel for the second issue presents an image of Godzilla's growling visage being consumed by Venom, and Spider-Man fans know that could reap disastrous consequences for the world if the symbiote succeeds this time. Thus, elements from these other stories, even the '70s run, may tie into the next four issues of this one. Perhaps Dr. Demonicus will return with another monster menagerie or Galactus will show up to wreak more havoc, tossing a cosmic monkey wrench into the mix. (Or perhaps a giant cosmic monkey?) In the '70s series, a young man named Rob Takaguchi was convinced of Godzilla's goodness and even managed to get him to stop rampaging in New York and peacefully disappear into the ocean. A narrative twist and different end game for our kaiju king might lie in the wings here. No matter how many times this colossal kaiju returns to decimate different urban landscapes, fans return for more. You can't keep an ornery kaiju down, and we really seem to like that. Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe #1 is available now. More from A.V. Club The first openly gay baseball player also invented the high five Whisper Of The Heart left a lo-fi legacy unique to Studio Ghibli John Oliver calls Colbert cancellation "terrible news for the world of comedy" Solve the daily Crossword
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Check Out This Stunning 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R For Sale on Exotic Car Trader
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Walmart is selling a 'quality' electric bike for $200 off, and shoppers say it's 'one of the best' Godzilla has arrived Few cars can truly claim the cross-media fame and dominance that the Nissan Skyline R34 can. Aptly nicknamed 'Godzilla,' the R34 made headlines anywhere it showed up, from Fast & Furious to Gran Turismo to your local cars & coffee show. Once the R34 became legal to import into the U.S., it was game on for anyone who grew up driving this car on their PS2 and now had enough disposable income to bring it to their driveway. This particular example on Exotic Car Trader with only 14,024 kilometers (8714.11 mi) is pretty much the ideal spec, and it can be yours if your wallet can swing it. 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec — Source: Exotic Car Trader A legend in the flesh (or metal) This 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R is a V-Spec (Victory Specification) model, which gave it the much lauded ATTESA (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain) E-TS Pro AWD system and an active rear LSD. While AWD is nothing new these days, the way Nissan did it in the 90s was pretty advanced. The ATTESA system used two accelerometers mounted under the center console, which sent lateral and longitudinal data to the ECU. The ECU then controlled power delivery to the front wheels via an electronic torque split converter. The 'Pro' version was introduced as an option on the R33 GT-R but became standard on the R34. While it kept the accelerometers, it added the aforementioned hydraulic active limited-slip rear differential. That AWD system was further complemented by Nissan's Super-HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) all-wheel steering system, which used a hydraulic or electric actuator to turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels when driving over 50 mph. It's finished in the quintessential Bayside Blue and sports a Nismo-style body kit, which includes a Nismo-style Carbon Fiber hood and front bumper. The rear has the just-as-classic adjustable 2-stage rear spoiler with a carbon lip, while the Advanced Aero System adds front & rear carbon fiber diffusers. This R34 sits on 18' Nismo wheels, as they all should, wrapped in Nitto NT05 and backed by Brembo 6-Piston front and 4-Piston rear brakes, with slotted brake rotors. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec — Source: Exotic Car Trader Under the hood is the RB26DETT 2.6L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 engine that has long been a JDM holy grail, mated to a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission. Aftermarket modifications are limited to an air intake, ARK performance exhaust, and Fwin radiator. As for horsepower output, Nissan claimed 276 hp but only to abide by the Japanese automakers' gentleman's agreement not to make a car faster than that. Independent tests carried out by automotive publications, however, showed that the power output was closer to 327 hp. The interior remains largely stock, thankfully, meaning you won't find a quick-disconnect NRG steering wheel here. The JDM gods smile upon us with bucket seats, mild carbon fiber interior trim, and that incredibly 90s 5.8″ multifunction LCD screen. The dashboard does, unfortunately, house an aftermarket Carrozzeria touchscreen radio head unit, but that's nothing that a quick eBay search can't fix. 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec — Source: Exotic Car Trader Final thoughts Of the 11,578 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34s produced, 4,193 of them were V-Spec models. Given its fame and relatively low production numbers, R34s command a hefty price, and this one is no different. The seller is asking $349,999, which, if you ask me, is questionable at best. Then again, this is an extremely low mileage example in the spec that most enthusiasts drool over, so perhaps I'm just not the target audience for an R34. If that's a good price for you, and you can pick up the car from Auburn Hills, Michigan, we would gladly accept your invitation for a ride. Thanks in advance! About the Author Gabriel Ionica View Profile
Geek Tyrant
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
GODZILLA MINUS ONE Sequel Could Stomp Into Theaters by 2026, and SHIN GODZILLA Might Return — GeekTyrant
Godzilla fans, brace yourselves. Toho has big plans for the King of the Monsters, and they might arrive sooner than expected. According to Toho International head Koji Ueda, a sequel to Godzilla Minus One could land as early as 2026. In a conversation with Bloomberg, Ueda revealed that the studio is actively working on multiple projects, including a possible follow-up to Shin Godzilla and another untitled film described as being 'Southeast Asia-focused.' On top of that, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV+ has also been renewed for a second season, so the Godzilla universe is showing no signs of slowing down. We already knew a Godzilla Minus One sequel was coming, but the timeline is surprising. Earlier this year, director Takashi Yamazaki confirmed he was deep into the screenplay and storyboards. He also teased that the follow-up would have a bigger budget, which is a thrilling prospect after the jaw-dropping visuals that earned the first film an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Set in post-war Japan, Godzilla Minus One follows a kamikaze pilot grappling with PTSD as he builds a new life, only to face an unimaginable threat as Godzilla rampage's through Tokyo. The film impressed Hollywood heavy hitters like Kevin Feige, James Gunn, and even drew praise from Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise. Meanwhile, Shin Godzilla, directed by Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno, last appeared in 2016, giving us a terrifying vision of a constantly evolving Godzilla that had fans clamoring for more. Neither sequel has an official release date yet, but if Toho's plans hold, we could see Godzilla Minus One 2 in 2026. Are you ready for another cinematic showdown with Godzilla? And what do you think a Shin Godzilla sequel could look like?
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
US Trade Partners Are Trying to Get Around Trump's Tariffs
Aug. 1 is fast approaching, the day when the window will close on countries hoping to negotiate with Washington over tariffs. Wes Kosova writes today about why dealmakers are looking elsewhere to open new markets. Plus: Job switching is hard to do, which hurts those new to the hunt, why people in the richest nation on Earth still lack water, and how the media company that brought us Godzilla wants to expand. If this email was forwarded to you, click here to sign up .
