Godzilla #1 Sets the Stage for ‘Zillaverse Comics
Over the last few years, I feel like I have watched everyone fight Godzilla. From the Power Rangers to the Ninja Turtles to the Justice League, and Jay Gatsby (yes, green light pew pew pool boy Great Gatsby) have all gone against the King of Monsters. But none of these comics have had their own identity that revolved around Godzilla and the Kaiju of the Toho catalog. The king is always an afterthought rather than the focus. With Tim Seeley and Nikola Čižmešija’s Godzilla #1, we are introduced to IDW Comics Kai-Sei universe, which finally builds comics around the atomic nightmare rather than making him the gimmick. With a writer and artist who bring their own unique, distinct styles to kick off this universe, the book sets a precise tone for the universe that has been crafted specifically for comics. It’s a strong showing that sets off the geiger counters that this line is going to be radioactively kick ass.
With FOC closing this Monday, June 9th, I am going to avoid spoilers as best I can, so make sure you preorder this book if you love Godzilla or giant monsters. It’s an extremely fun and beautiful romp to set the stage for what is to come from the new universe. Where other shared universes popping up recently have been focused on major themes and meaning, I didn’t want that from Godzilla, to be honest. What I was hoping for when I saw this line announced was something that felt like it was made for comics. What I mean by that is that the spirit of the universe and reimagination of the Godzilla mythos incorporated the big money makers of what makes comics such a special medium. This book has that in droves.
Starting with the Kai-Sei power of it all, which is a “strange beast energy” which one character refers to as ‘big lizard juice’ as an Americanism. Everything about that statement screams comics to me. This energy is a key to the universe, and it empowers people, too… and by empowers I mean there are people with abilities via machines, weapons, or radioactive means. There is a specific punch towards the end of the prologue that made me go “wow, now that’s badass.” It is all very comic book-y in the best way. There is a lot of the DNA of what people love about superhero books in this issue, with some of the banter and character design. It never reads like a comic that is trying to capture the tone set by any of the films or media before it, but strikes out on its own unique path for comics, which makes it a massive success in my eyes. There are things in the films that wouldn’t work on the page, and that’s okay. But there are elements in this book that would only work in a comic, and that is why it is a home run opening for a Godzilla comic universe.
I have been following Nikola Čižmešija’s art for a long time now for a particular reason. I believe that they are one of the best character designers out there. Their approach to costumes, character design, and overall universe-building aesthetic is something I find fascinating. Over the years, Čižmešija has created numerous fan redesigns of full suites of comic characters that have captivated me like a moth to a flame. Each design has sharp design features that make them stand out amongst the others, but aesthetically, they all feel like pieces of the same puzzle. It’s a level of artistry that I admire, and now they bring that to Godzilla #1. Čižmešija draws Godzilla pretty thick, which I love, although I’m biased on that. I find a much larger and more massive Godzilla to be a stronger design than something sleek. I don’t want a Godzilla who can make a turn easily because I don’t see any fear in that.
However, I don’t want to focus on Godzilla, because that would overlook the incredible main cast that Tim Seeley and Nikola Čižmešija have created, along with Francesco Segala’s colors. The design scheme of the main cast of G-Force is so good. Jet Jaguar is on the team and has a very familiar look but can only speak through his theme song. The lyrics are wonderfully lettered by Nathan Widick with comedic effect every time. But every other member stands out on the page in a book with Godzilla, which is a heavy task. My favorites of the crew are Dr. Rumi Chiba and Riveria. Dr. Chiba is a recent transfer from Japan with a sleek bodysuit with red gloves that stand out from the rest of the costume. Her standout feature that drew me into the character was the grey streaks in her hair over her temple. I am a sucker for that on any character since Hal Jordan had them, it’s such a cool comic look. Riveria on the other hand, is very much a ‘mericuh design with a gruff face and giant metal arms.
I am very much in love with the design choices on this book and those alone could keep me coming back month after month. But I love Tim Seeley’s snarky but heartfelt approach to character writing, which is also on full tilt here as well, but I can’t highlight because of spoilers.
Godzilla #1 isn’t a comic where my king is a tacked-on presence for a group of people to fight. It’s a comic setting a stage for an entire line of comics and a world to grow from. Godzilla #1 is the atomic blast to start the races for a new age of Godzilla. Make sure to call your comic store to preorder before Monday!
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