Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles #1 - Reseña de Cómic

      Andrew Newton reviews Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles #1…

      The King of the Monsters charges through the West Coast in Godzilla vs. Los Angeles, the latest installment in IDW’s Godzilla Rivals – Godzilla vs. America series. This special anthology features four wildly different stories, all tied together by the chaos of a kaiju assault on Los Angeles, delivered with style, humor, and humanity.

      The first story, Eye in the Sky by Gabriel Hardman, is a tense and grounded narrative that follows two news reporters as they hover above the devastation in a helicopter. Hardman’s gritty artwork complements the journalistic urgency of the plot, capturing the turmoil from a distinctive viewpoint that is both exhilarating and visually stunning.

      In The Big Break by Jordan Morris, a theme park tour guide views Godzilla's rampage as her opportunity for Hollywood fame. This is a satirical twist on the classic "dreamer in L.A." motif, featuring sharp dialogue and a nod to the city's fascination with spectacle and its occasional tackiness.

      How to Use the L.A. Metro to Survive a Godzilla Attack by Dave Baker shifts from the typical monster mayhem to an underground adventure. Two locals try to escape the city’s obliteration using public transport, but the emphasis soon turns to a humorous take on L.A.'s notoriously inadequate Metro system. It’s part survival guide and part civic comedy, suggesting that while Godzilla wreaks havoc above, the real monster might be the transit planners.

      Lastly, Godzil-LA by J. Gonzo presents a more traditional kaiju confrontation, as ordinary citizens unite with the military to deploy a last-ditch weapon against the creature. The colorful, stylized art and community-centered narrative evoke a strong sense of spirit and solidarity, concluding the issue on a hopeful, albeit charred, note.

      Each story showcases a unique art style and tone, making it seamless to switch between narratives without losing your place, even if you randomly open the issue. The variety contributes to the enjoyment, and none of the stories outstay their welcome.

      What enhances the impact of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles is its real-world purpose. IDW is donating all proceeds from this issue to the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation, aiding independent bookstores and comic shops affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This is a significant gesture and a reminder that while Godzilla is fictional, the aftermath of disaster is all too real.

      Whether you're drawn to monster chaos, satire, or an unexpected civic lesson, Godzilla vs. L.A. is a captivating, fast-paced read with genuine heart, all while supporting a worthy cause.

      Rating – Godzilla vs. Los Angeles stands strong enough to survive a kaiju attack, earning an 8/10.

      Andrew Newton