Graphic Novel Review: Godzilla Library Collection Vol. 4

 reviewed by Cord A. Scott, UMGC-Okinawa

Chris Howry (w), Matt Frank (a), and Jeff Zornow (a). Godzilla Library Collection Vol. 4. Sherman Oaks, CA:  IDW Publishing, 2025. 280 pp. US $29.99. ISBN:  979-8-8872-4265-1. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770074/godzilla-library-collection-vol-4-by-chris-mowry-matt-frank-jeff-zornow/

Godzilla is one of the most internationally recognized characters in popular culture today. Over the course of more than 40 films, countless toys, cartoons, and a variety of media, the character and the franchise show no signs of waning. To that end, it is a natural extension of the character to be in comic book form. As is noted, Volume Four of the Godzilla Library Collection is a collection of issues 1-12 of Godzilla:  Rulers of the Earth. As to whether this collection is to be read in succession with the other volumes is unclear, but as with any Kaiju series, there is a lot of action to absorb from reading the volume.

This series starts from multiple vantage points. The first is from the USS Wimbish, a U.S. submarine tracking an unknown kaiju. While it gives the appearance of Godzilla, it seemingly becomes a new kaiju, dubbed Zilla. Without any idea of how this new monster will act, it is tasked with tracking the monster in the water. The second vantage point is on the concept of Megazoology in Hawaii. One participant, Lucy Casprell, has hopes of joining a research team led by Dr. Kenji Ando. All of this culminates with the appearance and destruction of Honolulu by Godzilla. The last vantage point is that of Steven Woods, the hardnosed soldier tasked with the hunting of kaiju, and who has a grudge after several from his team were killed.

From this point, much of the volume centers on what we have come to expect from Godzilla films and comics:  kaiju fights and a lot of general destruction. We are introduced to many from the Godzilla gallery through the fights. In fact, some of the monsters are introduced so quickly, that it becomes difficult to follow them all in the book. The story also involves two alien races, the Devonians (a sea race) and the Travelers (a shapeshifting race) fighting over the Earth as an eventual home. To this end, they both use the kaiju to wipe out the human race or, at minimum, substantially cull the race.

Some of the kaiju become more prevalent than others. The two humanoids, Manda and Giara, are used in the story arc as a part of weapons (or in this case, kaijus) of mass destruction program (112). China becomes a part of the arc when they note that they have one of the kaiju contained and have kept him as a contingency.

Throughout the series, the regular characters, within the pantheon of kaiju, are brought in:  Gigan, Orga, Mechagodzilla, Mothra, Rodan, Manda, Varan, and Destroyah, to name, but some. The counter to some of these kaiju is the use of robotics, and this necessitates the introduction of another movie character and ally of Godzilla, Jet Jaguar. The readers are treated to Jet’s backstory as well.

By the end of the book, the battle of the titans has left the world damaged, some kaiju back under control or in containment, and scientists looking to study their new subjects for weaknesses.  In this regard, the series is similar to two Showa era Godzilla movies, “Destroy All Monsters” (1968) and “All Monsters Attack” (1969).

The volume shifts back to the intergalactic war on Earth, as the Devonians are revealed to be shape shifters, who have, in fact, utilized the kaiju and humans to eliminate their alien enemy, and humanity. In all, the series is left on a cliff-hanger as the war has escalated, and the Travelers seem to have the upper hand.

The volume has all the hallmarks of Godzilla media:  massive fights, massive destruction, and a storyline that fills the gaps. One problem that does occur is that the monsters are brought in so quickly, and not always with “introductions,” to the extent that it gets confusing. If one has not memorized the catalogue of monsters, it can be overwhelming. Additionally, the characters seem a bit one dimensional. This issue might not be as problematic if one was reading all the volumes, but if a reader just looks at this volume, it may give the characters a limited emotional connection to their plight.

There are also some nods to the movies. Mothra is brought in as a character, as are the twins, who serve as a conduit for communications with humans. Not all the monsters from the entire series are used, either. These characters might be introduced in a later volume.

In all, it is what one has come to expect of Godzilla stories:  action, some interaction between people and monsters, misconceptions and biases towards other races or species, and even commentary on how some groups might be used as unwitting pawns in a wider war. For those who grew up with the movies, or were introduced to Godzilla later, it is still a form of simple fun. It is just missing a rubber suit and model cities to destroy.

 A version of this review will appear in IJOCA 27-1

Graphic Novel Review: Godzilla: Skate or Die!

reviewed by Cord A. Scott, UMGC-Okinawa 

Louie Joyce (w, a). Godzilla: Skate or Die! Sherman Oaks, CA: IDW Publishing, 2025. 128 pp. US $17.99. ISBN: 979-8-8872-4186-9. https://godzilla.com/products/godzilla-skate-or-die

 

      Godzilla is now a worldwide cultural phenomenon. This is no surprise to IJOCA's readers, but the idea that a movie from 1954 on the dangers of atomic weapons could inspire a variety of media decades later speaks to the longevity of the character. Godzilla:  Skate or Die is one such book in this wider pantheon.

Louie Joyce, who wrote and illustrated the graphic novel, has his additional influences. The culture of skating and urban life shows in the style of illustration that is presented. Set in Australia, it is an additional homage to the Japanese Kaiju.

The premise of the story is simple at its core:  four friends, who share the common bond of skating, have set up a secret skate park named “coin toss” in an abandoned office above a coal mine. While doing this, they witness a meteorite in the sky, and wish. After spending considerable time setting the park up, it is a prized goal that will not be easily surrendered, if it is threatened. The characters Egg, Sushi, Jules, and Rolly are spirited in their desire to try new ideas, even if it means “bending” the law concerning trespassing. As the four are gearing up for a day of skating, they are literally shaken by various tremors. Soon, it dawns on them that the area of Broken Hill, where the skating area is located, will become the epicenter of the tremors:  the Kaiju Varan, and the King of the Monsters, Godzilla.

When it becomes obvious that the two titans are heading to a conflict with each other at their hidden park, the four evade the police and a mandatory evacuation by authorities. From this point, they play a cat and mouse game with the police, all while trying to prevent the destruction.

As the carnage of the area continues, the four fall into a fissure in the earth, only to find that it leads to a series of tunnels below the admin buildings. As another quake hits, the floor collapses to reveal yet another subterranean level, this time much newer in appearance.

Amid this chaos and searching, the general in charge of the facility is trying to determine what the threats are, and how the facility may be saved from destruction. It is then revealed that many of the incidents are connected because of a meteorite that arrived on Earth on the day the skate park was built. This is also a power source for mechas on which this lab is working.

The meteorite seems to be both a power source, as well as a beacon, which will wake others. As things seem bleak, Rolly hits the meteorite, disrupting its pulse.

Towards the end of the battle, when it seems all is lost, the skaters are given assistance from a security guard at the base, who has admired their skating (to the point of having compiled security camera footage/montage).

When they get to the surface, it looks as though Godzilla will be defeated by Varan. Rolly, the most daring of the four, determines that it is important to save Godzilla, as he has a connection with him. Following a diversionary attack on Varan, Godzilla gains the upper hand and sends Varan into outer space.

The story is fast-paced, and stylistically interesting, but tends to be somewhat confusing at times. For example, there seems to be a connection between the general in charge of Sushi, but this is never really determined. There is sentimentality, with a skateboard deck that was given to Sushi by a dying mother. This board becomes a talisman of sorts, as it represents a connection to her mother. Finally, there is the requisite large-scale fighting that we have come to love and expect with anything related to Godzilla.

There is also the bigger connection between Godzilla, the skaters, and the location of their park. Was there something further that drew them all to the same location? There are some circumstances, but nothing determinate. Overall, it is an interesting crossover, but it may not appeal to many.