“The War of the Gargantuas” (フランケンシュタインの怪獣 サンダ対ガイラ / サンダ対ガイラ), Framed Original Ultra Rare Japanese first‑release pamphlet‑poster for Honda’s 1966 Toho kaijū classic — Size: c. 21 × 30 cm (A4‑type) GA14

Original Japanese first‑release era (1966) pamphlet‑poster / promotional paper for Toho’s cult kaijū favorite The War of the Gargantuas—released in Japan under the striking title 「サンダ対ガイラ」 (“Sanda vs. Gaira”) with the header 「フランケンシュタインの怪獣」 (“Frankenstein’s Monsters”). The front is an explosive, full‑color battle image: two towering humanoid kaijū trading blows amid lightning, helicopters, and a blazing cityscape, with the bold yellow title locked across the center.

This has been professionally mounted and framed as shown, presented in a dark wood frame with an off‑white mount and clear glazing. Sold framed as photographed—ready to hang and a perfect gift for a Toho, Godzilla‑era, or Japanese‑cinema fan.

Why this matters
The War of the Gargantuas is peak mid‑’60s Toho monster cinema: grim, energetic, and packed with spectacle. Directed by Ishirō Honda with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya, it’s a companion/follow‑up to Toho’s earlier Frankenstein‑themed kaijū film, expanding the concept into a full‑scale “monster‑vs‑monster” disaster that tears through Tokyo. Over decades it’s become a true cult classic—beloved for its ferocity, its unforgettable creature work, and the uniquely Toho blend of horror, science‑fiction, and city‑crushing mayhem. Original Japanese first‑release paper is one of the most immediate ways to connect with that era.

About this piece
Format: one original Japanese first‑release pamphlet‑poster (double‑sided).
Front / main side: サンダ対ガイラ key art with Toho branding (東宝 roundel), bold title typography, and cast portraits along the bottom edge.
Back side: Full‑color illustrated poster for ジャングル大帝 (Jungle Emperor / Kimba the White Lion), labeled 「カラー長篇漫画映画」 (“feature‑length color animated film”), with multiple vignettes and character art.
Presentation: Professionally mounted and framed in a dark wood frame with an off‑white mat (sold framed as shown).

Design & iconography
Gargantuas side (primary display)
A classic “event picture” composition—huge monsters, extreme color, and instant readability from across a room.

• Central battle image: The green, sea‑born Gargantua (Gaira) and the brown, mountain Gargantua (Sanda) collide mid‑frame, their fur textures and snarling faces rendered with dramatic lighting and scale.

• Lightning & aircraft: Jagged lightning bolts and circling helicopters amplify the sense of chaos and modern‑military panic.

• Burning city & expressway: A sweeping elevated roadway curves through the inferno below, giving the poster a strong graphic “S‑shape” and a very Japanese urban‑infrastructure feel.

• Title treatment: The big yellow 「サンダ対ガイラ」 title punches through the smoke like a warning sign, with the header 「フランケンシュタインの怪獣」 framing it as part of Toho’s Frankenstein‑monster lineage.

• Cast strip: A cropped row of actor portraits at the bottom anchors the spectacle with human stakes and star power.

Reverse side (bonus, historically fun)
A vibrant, hand‑drawn animation poster for ジャングル大帝, packed with color fields, action poses, and small story vignettes—an excellent snapshot of how Japanese cinemas and publishers paired kaijū spectacle with contemporary family/animation attractions.

Translations of the main captions
Front header: 「フランケンシュタインの怪獣」 — “Frankenstein’s Monsters” / “Frankenstein’s Creatures.”
Main title: 「サンダ対ガイラ」 — “Sanda vs. Gaira.”
Back header: 「カラー長篇漫画映画」 — “Feature‑length color animated film.”
Back title: 「ジャングル大帝」 — “Jungle Emperor” (commonly known in English as Kimba the White Lion).

Rarity & significance
Authentic 1960s Toho kaijū promotional paper—especially original first‑release Japanese items—is increasingly hard to find in display‑ready form. This piece stands out because it delivers pure kaijū action iconography (Sanda and Gaira locked in combat, lightning, fire, helicopters) while also preserving a period, double‑sided slice of Japanese cinema ephemera through the colorful ジャングル大帝 reverse. A highly collectible, conversation‑starting wall piece for any Showa‑era monster fan.

Condition
Excellent for age. Vintage paper with expected light wear consistent with mid‑1960s ephemera (minor surface marks/soft handling signs may be present). The front image remains bold, high‑impact, and richly colored, with strong title typography and clear Toho mark.

The piece has been professionally mounted and framed; frame, mount, and glazing present cleanly and are ready to display. Please review the photos—this is the exact item offered.

Details
Country: Japan
Year of issue: 1966 (first release)
Size: approx. 21 × 30 cm (about 8.27 × 11.81 in, A4‑type)
Printing: Original Japanese printing; not a reproduction
Format: Original double‑sided pamphlet‑poster / promotional print
Verso: Full‑color ジャングル大帝 (Jungle Emperor) artwork with multiple illustrated scenes
Authentication: COA included