Godzilla #1 - Review of the Comic Book

      Andrew Newton reviews Godzilla #1 from IDW Publishing…

      Over the years, Godzilla has taken on various roles: a metaphor, a monster, a reluctant hero, and sometimes a punching bag for Mothra. In IDW's Godzilla #1, writer Tim Seeley and artist Nikola Čižmešija launch a new continuity with ambition and intensity. Marking the start of the “Kai-Sei Era,” this series aims to establish a comprehensive Godzilla universe from scratch instead of simply delivering a monster-of-the-week narrative.

      The story begins after the kaiju awakening, where previously dormant monsters have become part of everyday life. Governments are scrambling to manage the chaos as cities burn and public perception shifts from awe and fear to weary acceptance. Enter G-Force, a covert U.S. operation attempting to get a handle on the situation. Their newest asset? A young boy who may hold the key to controlling, or becoming, something akin to Godzilla himself.

      The issue doesn’t solely center on Godzilla, as Tim Seeley cleverly introduces Anguirus as a significant threat to G-Force early on. This classic kaiju returns with ferocity, providing a formidable opponent that heightens the stakes. It’s exciting to see Anguirus back in action, offering that relentless, spiky ally to Godzilla (at times) that longtime fans will appreciate, while anchoring the conflict in real monster-versus-human tension.

      Seeley, recognized for his ability to merge sharp character development with genre excitement, carefully weaves in enough mystery and world-building to draw you in without drowning you in exposition. The story carries a certain grit; it’s not the sanitized monster fiction of the past. It’s messy, politically intricate, and strangely intimate.

      Nikola Čižmešija’s artwork elevates the entire experience. His depiction of Godzilla is immense, but the creature's design is also brilliant. His version of the iconic kaiju feels primal, radiating an aura of radioactive menace while also appearing oddly majestic. Čižmešija skillfully conveys scale, giving battles substance and the cities a sense of delicate, lived-in tension.

      The artwork is enhanced by a color palette that feels both grounded and natural, with moody blues and grays reflecting the tense, uneasy atmosphere of a world on edge. The colors complement the story’s serious tone without overstating any dramatic shades, keeping the spotlight on the characters and the looming threat of the kaiju.

      Godzilla #1 offers monster mayhem, compelling storytelling, and a fresh interpretation of a legendary character. It’s a promising beginning that sets the tone for an exciting new chapter in the Godzilla narrative, and both fans and newcomers are sure to find much to enjoy.

      Rating: 8/10 – Godzilla #1 is a powerful debut filled with intelligence, strength, and a new viewpoint. The Kai-Sei Era starts off impressively.

      Andrew Newton