“Ebirah, Horror of the Deep” (南海の大決闘), Original Japanese Re-Release STB Tatekan Poster 1971, Ultra-Rare, STB Size (51 × 145 cm) P50

This is an original Japanese STB tatekan (two-panel standing) poster printed in 1971 for the Japanese theatrical re-release of Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (南海の大決闘). Issued in the dramatic STB format—two B2 sheets designed to display together as a tall vertical—this is exactly the kind of kaiju paper that almost never survives in this state: unused cinema dead-stock, preserved with the crispness and impact of a poster that was never pinned to a wall.

Film background
Ebirah, Horror of the Deep is the 7th entry in the Godzilla series, directed by Jun Fukuda with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya. The film pivots from urban destruction to a vivid South Pacific island setting—part monster movie, part pulp adventure—where shipwreck survivors stumble upon a shadowy terrorist base and find themselves forced into a desperate alliance with the one creature even worse than their human enemies. Godzilla is drawn into battle with Ebirah, the colossal clawed sea monster, while Mothra appears in a supporting role—an unmistakable fan-favourite presence that adds extra collector appeal to the film’s iconography.

Poster design
A gorgeous example of Toho’s late-Showa theatrical style: the vertical layout is pure action and motion, stacking the monsters like a cinematic crescendo. Godzilla dominates the lower section, unleashing his atomic breath in a diagonal slash of light, while Mothra hovers above with outstretched wings and Ebirah claws through the centre, framed by ocean spray, smoke, and volcanic menace.
The typography is equally strong: the bold red title 「南海の大決闘」 (“Great Decisive Battle of the South Seas”) runs vertically with commanding presence, while the blue vertical text block reads 「ゴジラ・エビラ・モスラ」—a clean, graphic roll-call of the starring kaiju. A lovely period flourish appears at the top: 《カラー作品》 (“Colour feature”), a classic era-specific selling point.

Rarity and condition
Japanese STB tatekan posters were produced in far smaller quantities than standard one-sheets and were intended for prominent theatre-front display, meaning most were used hard and discarded. Surviving complete sets are uncommon; unused dead-stock sets—especially for Godzilla titles—are another tier again.

This particular example is exceptional: unused cinema dead-stock, sourced directly from the remaining inventory of a theatre that has since closed. Because it was never displayed, the presentation is clean, crisp, and refined, with striking “gallery wall” impact—especially in a design that balances saturated colour with large areas of pale space.

Condition
Excellent, close to Near Mint (Unused “Dead Stock”). Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 50 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.