KAIJUOLOGY: DAGAHRA

Subject: Dagahra

Documentation: Mothra 2 a.k.a. Rebirth of Mothra II (1997)

History: Thousands of years ago before the continents had changed to what we know now, when the shape of the world was very different, there existed an advanced civilization known as the Mu Empire. The most powerful empires of the world at that time were Atlantis, Seatopia, and Mu. Within the Mu empire near what is now modern day Okinawa existed the city of Ninai Kanai, a city existing within an incredible pyramid.

Mothra and the temple of Ninai Kanai

The scientists of Ninai Kanai searched for a solution to the world's pollution problems. They genetically engineered a new organic being, a monstrous creature called Dagahra. This kaiju was controlled by the people of Ninai Kanai. Dagahra could fly through the air or swim the deepest oceans. Within the oceans Dagahra would secrete thousands of tiny organisms called "Barem" (red starfish like creatures that consume pollution).

Barem

The Mu Empire was guarded by the kaiju deity Manda and the creature Dagahra, the creation of the super science. When the world underwent the great change, when Mu, Atlantis, and Seatopia were swallowed by the oceans, much of their civilizations were destroyed including the people of Ninai Kanai. Dagahra's controllers were no more. The kaiju itself was buried deep beneath the waves.

Many millennium later near a small island off the coast of Okinawa a trio of children discovered the lost pyramid of Ninai Kanai. For the first time in thousands of years the power of Ninai Kanai was reawakened and manifested in the tiny shape of a furry creature known as the Gorgo. With the reawakening of Ninai Kanai, the pyramid rose out of the sea and Dagahra was revived. Without the scientists control Dagahra went mad.

It released thousands of Barem into the seas killing all life in the oceans. The kaiju then came ashore wreaking destruction. Only through the power of Mothra was Dagahra's threat ended. Mothra was forced to absorb the powers of Ninai Kanai to defeat the kaiju, transforming herself in an ultra power marine form with an array of new more powerful energy weapons, including the ability to divide herself into thousands of miniature forms.

Dagahra Concept Art

Dagahra possess a wide array of powers and abilities, all of which originally designed to eradicate the various pollutants of the world. When used as weapons these abilities proved incredibly deadly. In addition to secreting the Barem it can fire a red energy beam from its mouth, explosive shells from organic shoulder cannons. These shoulder cannons can also emit the same energy beam as its mouth. It can swim through the oceans like a stingray and just as easily fly through the air like a bird. It even possesses arm-like appendages enabling it to walk on land.

Review: Dagahra is a very unique kaiju design, one unlike any other I have seen. That in itself is impressive. It's just a cool looking monster, one of the best sea monster designs I've ever seen. I love the stingray design. The battle between Mothra and Dagahra is epic too!

There's something about the designs of the kaiju from the 1990's that just look amazing. Dagahra is not exception to this. As much as I like seeing old kaiju return with new redesigns, I do enjoy seeing new kaiju, especially designs reminiscent of real life animals. I doubt we'll ever see a battle between Dagahra and Godzilla but it would be a battle I'd love to see. Hell, Gamera vs Dagahra would be an incredible sight too! Right now I'd be happy just to see Dagahra return at all.

Threat Level: 7 out of 10
Planet wide destruction.