Minilla

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Minilla was born on Sollgel Island when a group of mutant giant mantises called Kamacuras prematurely cracked open his egg. Upon arrival, Godzilla killed two Kamacuras and rescued the hatchling. The father then trained Minilla and defended him against further attacks from the remaining Kamacuras and the giant spider Kumonga. Their time together ended when scientists completed a weather experiment that froze their island, placing both monsters in hibernation. They were revived only after the snow melted, eventually relocating to Monster Island as seen via stock footage in Godzilla vs. Gigan. In Destroy All Monsters, Minilla lived on Monsterland with other Earth monsters, battling King Ghidorah summoned by Kilaaks at Mount Fuji before returning home. During his appearance in All Monsters Attack within Ichiro's dream, he was bullied by the mutant amphibian Gabara but defeated him through teamwork with Godzilla.

In Their Own Story

After a 34-year absence, Minilla returned in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). Found by Kenta and Samon Taguchi in Aokigahara during an Xillien invasion, he accompanied them on an adventure around Japan. While Godzilla battled Xillien-controlled Rodan, Anguirus, and King Caesar, Minilla grew to about half the size of his father. He arrived at ruined Tokyo after Godzilla defeated Keizer Ghidorah and convinced his father to forgive mankind for their sins. The film concluded with Minilla bidding farewell to Kenta, Samon, and the Gotengo's crew before leaving into the ocean with Godzilla. In other media, the children's web-series Godziban depicts Minilla and Little Godzilla co-existing as Godzilla's kid brothers. Additionally, Chibi Godzilla Raids Again features a genderbend version of Minilla as Chibi Godzilla's younger sister.

Reader's Guide

Minilla is often regarded by most of the Godzilla fandom as one of the most hated monsters, with some describing him as "ugly," "annoying," and "useless." Despite this reception, he plays a pivotal role in specific narratives. In video games like Godzilla Generations (1998), Minilla appears as a secret character unlocked after completing the game with Godzilla-USA; he is the shortest playable character and the weakest in defense, possessing average speed and an atomic smoke ring breath weapon that requires several uses to defeat even the Super X. In Godzilla / Godzilla-Kun: Kaijuu Daikessen (1990), he is trapped in a large maze during the Game Boy release, appearing only in the ending sequence awaiting rescue. His appearances in films are limited to Son of Godzilla (1967), Destroy All Monsters (1968), All Monsters Attack (1969), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). He also appears in television series such as Ike! Greenman (1973–1974), Godziban, and Chibi Godzilla Raids Again.

Did You Know?

• Minilla is sometimes referenced as 'Minya' in American dubbed versions.
• Director Jun Fukuda stated Minilla's creation was not an attempt to appeal to child audiences, but merely a new approach for the series.
• In Godzilla Generations, Minilla's breath weapon consists of atomic smoke rings that are not very powerful.
• Minilla grew to about half the size of his father during the battle in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004).
• In Chibi Godzilla Raids Again, a genderbend version of Minilla is depicted as Chibi Godzilla's younger sister.