Godzilla fans are some of the most passionate fans out there and the social team at Legendary have had the opportunity to get to know the organizers and moderators of several self-organized Godzilla fan groups and communities. To give some insight into these fan groups and pay tribute to their enthusiasm and support, we asked the individuals who help run their respective fan groups a few questions about Godzilla and their fans.

We caught up with the three moderators behind the /r/GODZILLA subreddit Ben (Benjammin1391), Todd (Cheezyspam) and Ian (KongzillaRex) and dove into the story behind their Godzilla fan page.

Legendary: When and how did the Godzilla subreddit get started?

Benjammin1391: I took over the subreddit three years ago. It had been defunct for a while, the original creator was gone and nobody was subscribed to it. So, I took over and started trying to build it up as best I could. It finally gained traction when the first announcement at the 2012 Comic-Con went up.

Legendary: How are the rest of you involved in r/GODZILLA?

Cheezyspam: I was brought in as a mod simply because I offered to buy Ben beer & donuts, it took a lot less convincing than I thought! No, about a year ago the subscriptions started increasing and Ben was looking for extra support. I happily volunteered my time and services and helped revamp the entire look and feel of the sub itself. I guess you could say I’m the “tech”.

KongzillaRex: I’m mod #3 so I’m the peacekeeper (although I rarely have to worry about that) and the keeper of the spoilers. I also orchestrated the r/GODZILLA kaiju bios section, and wrote up a great percentage of them.

Legendary: What makes the community on r/GODZILLA unique?

Benjammin1391: I think the diversity of the group makes it unique. We have readers from all over the world, and ranging in age from 14 to 50. Both old fans and new gather at /r/godzilla and I think that diversity is a great thing.

Cheezyspam: There is an underlining sense of respect between everyone who comments. It makes our jobs as mods incredibly easy and we owe it all to them! I’m just happy to be part of it!

Legendary: What are your plans for opening night?

KongzillaRex: Me and just about all my friends are going to the midnight premiere of course! All day beforehand we’re having our own little “Godzillathon”, and I’m going hunting for any merchandise I can get my hands on lol.

Cheezyspam: Not too much pomp and circumstance on my end, I’m afraid. There’s an IMAX theater with D-Box about an hour away from where I live that I’ve always wanted to check out. No other movie has motivated me to travel the extra distance…until now!

Legendary: What does Godzilla mean to you?

Benjammin1391: Godzilla was a staple of my childhood, and I never outgrew it. I had toys, tapes, everything I could get my hands on. Today Godzilla isn’t just about nostalgia though, its a long running franchise with a lot to offer. I want to make sure that people always have a place to go to learn about, discover, and discuss the greatest kaiju of all time.

KongzillaRex: Oh man, Godzilla means a lot to me. As a kid I always admired Big-G’s denial to give up, no matter how hard the challenge, and all these years later that hasn’t changed. I’m also into how Godzilla is a metaphor for the follies of man (nuclear weaponry, pollution, etc). Godzilla was even my first tattoo. I just can’t get enough of the big guy!

Cheezyspam: Godzilla is my hero and I’m thankful he’s finally finding a new generation of fans who will hopefully get as excited to see him as I was and still am.