Dismissed as camp by critics but revered by fans, the kaiju or ""strange creature"" film has become an iconic element of both Japanese and American pop culture. From homage to parody to advertising, references to Godzilla-and to a lesser extent Gamera, Rodan, Ultraman and others-abound in entertainment media. Godzilla in particular is so ubiquitous, his name is synonymous with immensity and destruction. In this collection of new essays, contributors examine kaiju representations in a range of contexts and attempt to define this at times ambiguous genre.

The wandering survivor of a once-powerful alien civilization, Doctor Who possesses powers beyond human comprehension. He can bend the fabric of time and space with his TARDIS, alter the destiny of worlds, and drive entire species into extinction. Fifty years' worth of adventures make him the longest-lived hero in science-fiction television. In this richly developed fictional universe, the good doctor has appeared in many different guises, a result of regeneration. In The Language of Doctor Who: From Shakespeare to Alien Tongues, Jason Barr and Camille D. G. Mustachio present several essays that use language as an entry point into the character and his universe. Ranging from both the original and rebooted television series-and through the adventures of the first eleven Doctors-these essays explore how written and spoken language have been used to define the Doctor's ever-changing identities, shape his relationships with his many companions, and give him power over his enemies-even the implacable Daleks. Individual essays focus on fairy tales, myths, medical travel narratives, nursery rhymes, and of course, Shakespeare.Contributors consider how the Doctor's companions speak with him through graffiti, how the Doctor himself uses postmodern linguistics to communicate with alien species, and how language both unites and divides fans of Classic Who and New Who trying to converse with each other. Broad in scope, innovative in approach, and informed by a deep affection for the program, The Language of Doctor Who will appeal to scholars of science fiction, television, and language, as well as to fans looking for a new perspective on their favorite Time Lord.