“Invasion of Astro-Monster” / “Monster Zero” (怪獣大戦争), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1965 — Rare, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q189
Sale price$1,575.00
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1965 for the first release of Toho’s kaiju classic Invasion of Astro-Monster, released in Japan as 怪獣大戦争 and also widely known to collectors as Monster Zero. Released in Japan on 19 December 1965, it is the 6th film in the Godzilla series, directed by Ishirō Honda with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya—a pivotal early Showa-era entry that brings together Godzilla, Rodan and King Ghidorah in Toho’s first major Godzilla alien-invasion spectacle.
Offered here in unrestored, excellent condition, this example was previously folded but subsequently stored flat. It presents beautifully, with strong colour, no pinholes, no tears, and no restoration. For a serious kaiju collector, this is a highly desirable first-release Toho B2—one of the great 1960s Godzilla space-age posters and a superb display piece.
Film background A cornerstone of the Showa-era Godzilla cycle, Invasion of Astro-Monster sends Godzilla and Rodan to the mysterious Planet X, where the alien Xiliens claim they need Earth’s monsters to defeat King Ghidorah. What follows is one of Toho’s most memorable science-fiction kaiju plots, combining space travel, flying saucers, mind control, alien diplomacy, and large-scale monster combat.
The film is particularly significant for expanding the Godzilla series beyond Earthbound destruction into a broader cosmic setting. It also cemented King Ghidorah as Godzilla’s great recurring rival and remains one of the most iconic mid-1960s Toho monster films.
Poster design This is peak mid-60s Toho science-fiction spectacle design—bold, dramatic, and unmistakably space-age.
Key visual highlights include:
Godzilla and Rodan confronting King Ghidorah against the orange glow of outer space, giving the poster immediate scale and theatrical impact.
King Ghidorah dominating the upper-right composition, with all three heads visible and wings spread in battle.
Godzilla placed in profile beneath Ghidorah, atomic breath firing across the scene.
Rodan looming in silhouette at upper left, adding depth and balance to the composition.
The dramatic central spacecraft imagery, including the Planet X rocket and flying saucers, anchoring the poster firmly in Toho’s 1960s science-fiction visual language.
The huge vertical red title 怪獣大戦争, one of the strongest and most graphic title treatments in the early Godzilla poster cycle.
総天然色 (“Full Colour”) printed prominently at the top—a classic period selling point for Toho’s colour monster spectacle.
The Toho mark 東宝 at the top corner, confirming its studio theatrical issue.
A striking period detail: the musical-staff motif running along the borders, a distinctive Toho graphic flourish seen across several major 1960s kaiju B2 posters.
The unusual English-title detail INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER printed at lower right, a particularly attractive collector feature on the Japanese first-release artwork.
Rarity and release clarification This is the 1965 first-release Japanese theatrical B2 for 怪獣大戦争, not a later reissue, video poster, commercial print, or reproduction. Early Toho kaiju paper is heavily reproduced and frequently misrepresented—especially for top Godzilla titles—so correct first-release examples in premium, unrestored condition are especially sought after.
Authenticity There are many reproductions and later copies of Toho kaiju imagery in circulation. Rest assured: this is 100% original, vintage Japanese theatrical print on correct period paper—not a modern reproduction. Certificate of Authenticity included.
Rarity and condition A genuinely scarce first-release Toho B2 for a major Showa-era Godzilla title—made even more appealing by the fact it is unrestored and presents in excellent display condition. The poster was previously folded, as visible in the photographs, but has since been stored flat. The colours remain strong and the sheet has no pinholes, no tears, and no restoration. We have provided multiple high-resolution photos so you can assess every detail with confidence.
Condition Excellent. Previously folded, subsequently stored flat. No pinholes, no tears, no restoration. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale. Many of our items are sourced from across Japan, often privately, as our owner is Japanese and has an extensive network across Japan of dealers and collectors developed over almost ten years.
It is over 60 years old! It is not a reproduction or a reprint. Certificate of Authenticity included.
