Comic Book Review – Starship Godzilla #1

      Andrew Newton reviews IDW’s Starship Godzilla #1…

      IDW's new foray into the realm of Godzilla and kaiju narratives takes a cosmic twist with Starship Godzilla #1. This issue follows a mismatched crew of kaiju hunters navigating space in a modified Mechagodzilla. Penned by Chris Gooch and illustrated by Oliver Ono, this inaugural issue plunges readers directly into the action and maintains a relentless pace throughout.

      The story kicks off with an intense confrontation, where two humans, our supposed protagonists, find themselves encircled by aliens. With the aliens wielding weapons and our heroes defenseless, the situation appears grim. However, in a clever turn of events, the presumed heroes reveal themselves to be more resourceful than they seem, and not entirely virtuous either, as they are embroiled in a high-stakes heist involving a stash of sealed kaiju eggs. This thrilling introduction immediately captures our interest, compelling us to eagerly flip the page.

      The chaotic opening quickly evolves into a thrilling chase when one of the eggs hatches, leading to a frantic pursuit through the corridors of the starship, melted walls, and ghostly debris as the characters strive to recapture the escaped creature. Chris Gooch skillfully escalates the excitement with intermittent bursts of action, culminating in a shocking cliffhanger that hints at exciting developments ahead.

      Oliver Ono’s artwork perfectly complements the story's tone. His alien designs are delightfully strange, combining features that are both creative and suitable for a universe brimming with life. The pages are vibrant and visually captivating, filled with intricate details in the backgrounds—ranging from the ship's rugged technology to the animated expressions of the crew. It's evident that significant thought has been devoted to the visual storytelling.

      Although we are just beginning to explore the kaiju chaos, Starship Godzilla #1 establishes a strong groundwork. It's fast-paced, entertaining, visually striking, and serves as an exhilarating kickoff to what could become a truly distinct saga in Godzilla comic history.

      Rating: 8/10

      Andrew Newton