After 15 Years...GODZILLA returns to Comics

It's been over 15 years since the Big G has been in comics form, and thanks to IDW Publishing, he's back--and if the 2nd issue is any indication--better than ever.

The first issue (penned by THE GOON's Eric Powell and Tracy Marsh) is a decent introduction: Godzilla emerges from the ocean and wipes out a small Japanese island before heading to Tokyo.  The Japanese military even use a nuke on him, which (they claim) only gives him the ability to spit fire (whether or not this is part of the new Godzilla re-telling has yet to be confirmed).  Not a great issue, but a decent kick off into this long-awaited new series.


Issue 2: Now THIS is what I'm talking about; as Godzilla's Tokyo assault rages on, Anguirus appears out of the ground in Mexico, and a young teenager steals something during an earthquake in Russia during a trip to a museum: it turns out to be a large egg, which hatches and gives birth to Rodan, who grows to full size in a few hours.  IDW is taking no prisoners here: The first issue saw the death of thousands, including two young children, and this issue features Rodan eating the young teen who freed him (spitting out his hockey stick in the process).  Hence, although both issues feature some campy material, (so far) this IDW series is way more intense tha the classic 1977-79 Marvel Comics saga, and there's already much more of a story than the Dark Horse versions.  There's a hint of an attack on America as a president (resembling Obama) beins to address America's involvement with the monster attacks in Japan, Mexico, and now Russia, and a radical right-wing Texas governor attempts to build a steel wall to keep Anguirus out.

Phil Hester's artwork is quite good, and the first issue's cover (see top of this blog) comes in 4 designs, the one pictured here on a heavy card stock 3-page fold out (yes, I have my full geek on for this!).  Issue 2 also has 3 variant covers.

The Big G is back and all's right with the (monster) world...