The premise of Godzilla vs America is that each problem features Godzilla stories in and around beloved American cities, providing the opportunity for a welcoming storyteller from that city to tell their unique stories. This first issue is different from the others, already fulfilling the promise that this will become the Godzilla series, as each creator instills a fresh perspective into the King of Kings. Let’s take a look at each one.
Mike Costa and Ryan Brown’s “Godzilla de Chicago” was first, and that was what gave me the biggest laughs. Following the misguided plan of the proud “Funman” flying through sporting events, we are suddenly sucked into the battle against death between Godzilla and Mechagodzilla. This is a great story about fan culture (in one or more ways), showing how quickly this guy (cheerfully named Fangolie) changes against the length of madness that takes place to regain city love.
The story is full of great visual gags (like Fangolie’s bagged fans and newspaper headlines “Lalapaloser!!!”), but the action is also elegant. We narrow down our little fights to short pages, but the hilarious narration shows how desperate this guy is. All that brings it together is a few lovely colors of Brown and Kevin Nipstein, carrying out the battle against the gorgeous sunset background.
The “Blue Line Sign” is then written and drawn by Tim Sealy in the colours of Helen Breckel. This requires a much more personal and human approach to Godzilla-level events, and introduces us to a young woman trying to think nervously to talk to her crash. Jesse is quick to be likable and approachable, and she fails to motivate her to speak up. The acting and body language in this story is very strong, and my favorite example is Jesse’s next man who is gradually distorted by the news on his phone. Before you know it, a bloody Godzilla attack occurs and the love bird must find a way to survive. It was a horrifying scenario drawn through a heartfelt lens, and it really made me feel good (even with all the destruction around our two heroes).
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Ezra C. Daniels’ “Chi Godzilla” is a socially conscious view of Godzilla’s attacks, introducing us to politicians who are essentially hoping to benefit from the tragedy that follows, and those who live directly in his ward. As in the previous story, Godzilla’s existence is undoubtedly the background that hangs a lovely story about the community. It is an insightful criticism of metropolitan politics, and somehow stuns me the line between being a dark moral story and conveying a pleasant message of fellowship and survival.
Finally, Caroline Cash’s “Godzilla vs. Chicago” was the stupidest thing, and I enjoyed it a lot. In short stories that employ great cartoon logic, women find energy drinks that will increase her size. With Godzilla arrived, there are only a few moments to praise her new height! The solution to this problem is something I would expect from talking about a widely available growth serum energy drink, but I still had a big laugh from it. The change in perspective has been used for a greater comedic effect and I really enjoyed narrating the main character.
Overall, this first issue is a very strong start to this miniseries and is like a mission statement. One of my favorites about IDW’s Godzilla output is the company’s willingness to allow writers to place their stamps on characters and his traps. Each story here has a deep, personal feel and is formed from the background and self-consciousness of each writer. I feel that in some of the stories I could have used a slightly longer page count to really explore my themes and characters, but they all feel exciting and new in different ways. This is definitely a love letter to the town and Chicago people, and secondly, a wild celebration of Godzilla’s diversity as a character.
“Godzilla vs. America: Chicago” is a fun and strange first destination on Godzilla tour
Godzilla vs. America: Chicago
This first issue of “Godzilla vs. America” reminds us that life can be beautiful and strange, even before the arrival of a giant lizard. Can’t wait to meet Godzilla at our next stop on the tour!
Each story feels unique to the creative team that frames it.
Both are funny and incredibly emotionally affecting
Godzilla looks great in every artist’s style and is perfectly suited to the story told
Fans looking for a lot of action may not be completely satisfied, but that’s really not the point of this book
Some of the stories felt that a bit longer page count was needed to lock the landing completely
