“King Kong Escapes” (キングコングの逆襲), 1967 Japanese B2 Poster (First Release), Ultra Rare, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73.5 cm) P118
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster issued in Japan for Ishirô Honda’s exuberant Toho kaiju adventure King Kong Escapes (Japanese title: Kingu Kongu no Gyakushū). With its blazing red-orange sky, monumental yellow title typography, and sensational image of King Kong grappling Gorosaurus beneath the looming Mechani-Kong, it is one of the most visually explosive Toho monster poster designs of the 1960s—and an ultra-rare example to find in such excellent unrestored original condition.
It is the first time we have had this poster in our gallery.
While the later re-release is relatively common, the true first-release B2 is exceptionally scarce.
Film background
Directed by Ishirô Honda and released in 1967, King Kong Escapes is one of Toho’s most imaginative late-60s fantasy adventures—a vivid collision of spy serial, science-fiction spectacle, and giant-monster action. Produced by Toho and inspired by The King Kong Show, the film brings Kong into a distinctly Japanese world of submarines, secret bases, eye-beam robots, and Tokyo Tower spectacle.
The story follows the villainous Dr. Who, who creates the robot Mechani-Kong to mine the radioactive Element X at the North Pole. When the machine proves inadequate, the real King Kong is captured and drawn into the scheme—leading to escalating confrontations with Madame Piranha, the UN submarine crew, Gorosaurus, and finally Kong’s mechanical double in one of the era’s most memorable climaxes. Starring Rhodes Reason, Linda Miller, Mie Hama, Akira Takarada, and Hideyo Amamoto. Directed by Ishirô Honda.
Cult status and influence
The film has attained major cult status among both Toho and King Kong collectors, celebrated for its delirious mix of international pulp adventure and peak-era Japanese practical effects. Mechani-Kong in particular has become one of the most iconic non-Godzilla Toho creations, and first-release paper for the film is now especially sought after.
For collectors, this title occupies a special place as one of the most desirable non-Godzilla Toho crossover posters of the period, and it is particularly difficult to find as a genuine 1967 first release in high-grade original condition.
Poster design
A masterclass in late-60s Toho impact: the composition is dominated by enormous, distressed yellow katakana title lettering, set against a blazing battle tableau in which King Kong restrains a snarling Gorosaurus while the towering Mechani-Kong attacks above with piercing eye-beams. Helicopters sweep across the sky, the cast montage anchors the lower left, and the blue Toho 35th anniversary seal adds a wonderful period detail.
One of the most striking graphic flourishes is the sheet-music border motif running along the edges—an unusual and highly memorable touch that gives the whole design even more visual character. The overall palette—scarlet / yellow / steel grey / reptilian green—is pure Toho spectacle, and the printing remains bold, saturated, and immensely displayable today.
Rarity and condition
Japanese B2 posters were working cinema paper—printed to be displayed, handled, and discarded—making high-grade survivors genuinely difficult to find today, especially for the most desirable Toho titles. This is an extremely rare first-release example and a striking survivor in excellent unrestored original condition.
Condition
Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale. There is a very small tear on the verso that has been repaired with archival tape - please see additional imagery provided,
It is over 55 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
A singular opportunity to acquire one of Toho’s most spectacular and elusive late-60s monster posters—an important first-release example with outstanding visual impact, ready to anchor a serious collection.
