[LongsforReagan]

I used to think Varan too, but the fella I am thinking about fought with Gammera I believe.

Varans pretty cool though!

[Long Cut]

You might be thinking about Gyaos. That was Gamera's big nemesis.

I searched for your critter at Toho Kingdom...they've got a full list of all Toho monsters.

Only other "V" name I can think of are "VIRAS", which was a squid-like alien.

[Long Cut]

Here's a good drawing of the latest version of Gyaos. Is this something like what you recall?