Hedorah, also known as The Smog Monster, is a creature which appears in Toho Company’s Godzilla franchise.
Description[]
Hedorah has displayed several forms of “evolution” since its first appearance, reaching the next stage once it has consumed enough pollution to power the transformation. It’s initial form was similar to that of a miniscule fish or tadpole which then evolved into a large quadrupedal beast. This in turn metamorphosed into a creature which vaguely resembled a flying saucer before reaching its final form, a colossal humanoid sludge-creature. Each form has, however, displayed the same large eyes and seaweed-like skin.
Hedorah is an alien who landed on Earth after being transported aboard a comet from its home in the Dark Gas Nebula in the constellation of Orion. It thrives upon the pollution emitted by the industrial activities of humans.
History[]
After Hedorah reached planet Earth and began to feed from the pollution given off by several factories - destroying them in the process - the creatures’ activities drew the attention of Earth’s protector, Godzilla. After a series of battles, between which Hedorah continued to feed and evolve, Godzilla was able to trap the alien between a pair of enormous electrodes, drying it out and defeating it. This was not without cost however; Godzilla lost an eye in the battle and had the flesh on one of his hands burned down to the the bone.
In a later encounter, Hedorah appeared once again and attacked the insect-kaiju Mothra, but was soon beaten off once again by Godzilla.
When the alien Xiliens attempted to use their mind-controlled kaiju to take over the Earth, Hedorah was one of the monsters used in their plan, being sent to destroy Tokyo alongside lobster-kaiju Ebirah. However, the pair were vanquished by Godzilla yet again.
Powers and Weaknesses[]
Acid Spray[]
- Hedorah could fire a jet of sulphuric acid at its opponents in all forms. In addition, its saucer evolution was capable of spraying this acid in a fine mist, similar to the way a crop duster sprays plants.
Optic Blast[]
- The alien could emit a powerful blast of energy from its eyes. This beam was strong enough to strip the flesh from bones and set its targets alight.
Sludge Emission[]
- It was capable of releasing enormous amounts of sludge in order to smother its opponents. Interestingly, no matter how much sludge Hedorah released in this manner, its size was unaffected.
Incredible Durability[]
- Hedorah was capable of absorbing enormous amounts of punishment with little to no effect. Conventional weapons simply passed through its toxic form, and even Godzilla’s atomic breath caused it no harm.
Shapeshifting[]
- Once achieving its final form, Hedorah was capable of transforming between that and its flying form at will.